Additional Funding Resources

Scholarships are gift aid, a type of financial aid that does not need to be repaid. Different sources provide grants and scholarships, including federal and state government programs, institutional programs, and private sources. Some are based upon financial need and others are merit-based. Students should strive to obtain as many grants and scholarships as possible to fund their college education. 

Learn more about Principia’s Merit Scholarship opportunities.

Principia’s many donors and alumni make it possible for the institution to provide exceedingly generous grants to eligible students. Principia grants are awarded based on demonstrated financial need. 

Private Grants and Scholarships 

Principia College provides information about online scholarship searches as a service to our students. Principia does not endorse any of the individual sites listed. Students who use these scholarship search services do so at their own risk. However, as general advice to avoid scholarship scams, we recommend you do not pay for scholarship search services.  

Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis  

This interest-free loan program for undergraduates awards loans of up to $4,500 annually. Loans are available to students who are permanent residents of the St. Louis metropolitan area or who live in specific counties in Missouri and Illinois. For further information, visit www.sfstl.org.

Private Grants and Scholarships  

Many firms and unions provide scholarships to employees and their children. Local philanthropic organizations also provide aid to residents. In addition, some churches may also have specific funding to help students with college expenses. Contact your guidance counselor, church, union office, or company personnel office for information. 

Learn more about Principia’s Christian Science scholarship opportunities.  

External Scholarships  

These funds are awarded directly to the student from sources outside of Principia College (community, company, private agency, tuition reimbursement, etc.). These scholarships may require the completion of separate applications. Many firms and agencies extend educational benefits to their employees. Contact the personnel office of your parents’ place of employment to find out if the employer(s) will help finance your education. Don’t forget to contact businesses and organizations within your community for possible scholarship funds.  

More information on national and local scholarships can be found here:  

• Peterson's 

• Scholar’s App 

• fastweb 

• Hispanic Scholarship Fund 

• Gates Millennium Scholars 

Educational loans are available from a variety of sources, allowing students and/or parents to borrow funds that can pay for some or all college costs. If a student decides to fund part of their education with an educational loan, it is important they understand who is making the loan (the loaner), whose name the loan is in (the borrower), and the terms and conditions of the loan.  

Educational loans may come from the federal government or from private sources such as a bank or financial institution. Free or lower-cost Title IV federal, state, or school student financial aid may be available in place of, or in addition to, a private education loan.  

It is important to remember that loans must be repaid, with interest, usually after graduation. First time borrowers will also need to complete the necessary promissory notes and entrance counseling for loans.   

Part-time jobs are available to students to help offset their expenses. Our Student Employment Office is here to help you find and apply for positions in departments and offices at the College. The hiring process for all students is the responsibility of the student. Availability of student work is not guaranteed by the institution.