Scholars Programs
Saint Louis University's scholars programs encompass not only what you learn but how you go about learning it. They embrace academic rigor, cultivate passion for experiential learning and encourage intellectual curiosity.
You shouldn't have to wait until you finish your bachelor's degree to start working on your career goals. Scholars programs at SLU are designed to give motivated undergraduate students the chance to expedite their education and provide a clearer path to postgraduate success.
Applying to SLU Scholars Programs
Students may apply to as many programs for which they are eligible. Each of these programs requires a separate application which opens Sept. 1 and becomes available after a student fills out their application for admission. If you applied for admission via the Common App or Coalition app/Scoir, you do NOT need to start a SLU admission application to apply for honors, scholars and special programs. Applications cannot be altered once submitted.
- Did you apply to SLU through the Common Application or Coalition application/Scoir? Register with our application portal using the address at which you've been receiving our emails. You'll be prompted to create a password. Not sure which email to use? Contact your admission counselor.
- Did you apply to SLU through the SLU Application? Log back in to your Billiken Gateway portal and click on Competitive Scholarships and Programs.
- Have you not yet applied? No problem! Create your applicant portal login after you’ve finished your admission application, using the same email that will be on your application for admission.
Scholars Program Options
The Accounting Scholars Program is an exclusive opportunity available only to entering first-year students whose high school scholastic achievement or admission test scores, if submitted, demonstrate superior academic potential. Accounting Scholars who complete the program requirements are guaranteed a seat in the Integrated Accounting Program, receive priority consideration for accounting-only scholarship and one-on-one mentoring from SLU's Young Accounting Professionals Board. Accounting Scholars must formally submit application materials to the Integrated Accounting Program to complete their admission.
Minimum Requirements: Cumulative 3.6 GPA on a 4.0 scale, weighted or unweighted; with a high school math GPA of 3.6 after completing at least three years of coursework; transcripts will be accepted through the student's seventh semester.
Major: Accounting. All other applied majors (including Business - Still Deciding) may apply to the program, but admission to the Accounting Scholars program will be dependent on the student switching to the Accounting major.
Application Deadline: Dec. 1
Application essay prompt:
- A values-based business education goes beyond technical skills — it challenges students to think ethically, lead responsibly, and create solutions that serve both profit and purpose. Reflect on how your background, experiences, personal character and/or career goals align with the rigorous, values-based business education offered at a Jesuit university like SLU. How do you see SLU helping you grow as both an accounting professional and a person committed to making a meaningful impact?
The Business Scholars Program at Saint Louis University's Richard A. Chaifetz School of Business is an exciting opportunity that allows incoming freshmen to complete any undergraduate business degree in just three calendar years, including summer courses. Benefits of the program include guaranteed enrollment in business courses, specialized academic advising and mentoring and access to exclusive networking events. Scholars receive a $2,000 scholarship if they remain on track to graduate in a 3-year period.
Minimum Requirements: Cumulative 3.7 GPA on a 4.0 scale, weighted or unweighted; with emphasis placed on the student having earned A's and B's in math coursework; transcripts will be accepted through the student's seventh semester.
Majors: All majors in the Richard A. Chaifetz School of Business
Application Deadline: Dec. 1
Application essay prompts:
- A values-based business education goes beyond technical skills — it challenges students to think ethically, lead responsibly, and create solutions that serve both profit and purpose. Reflect on how your background, experiences, personal character and/or career goals align with the rigorous, values-based business education offered at a Jesuit university like SLU. How do you see SLU helping you grow as both a business professional and a person committed to making a meaningful impact?
- What excites you about the idea of completing college in three years, and in what ways do you see yourself as a strong match for this path? Think about how choosing a faster path might shape your college experience compared to the traditional four-year route. What are you hoping to gain, and what might you be choosing to give up by pursuing an accelerated timeline?
The Engineering Scholars Program is an exclusive opportunity that provides incoming freshmen and transfer students (less than 24 credit hours) guaranteed admission to SLU's accelerated engineering program, allowing them to earn a bachelor's and master's degree in five years.
Minimum Requirements: 3.75 GPA, weighted or unweighted; transcripts will be accepted through the student's seventh semester.
Majors: Engineering - Aerospace, Engineering - Biomedical, Engineering - Civil, Engineering - Computer, Engineering - Electrical or Engineering - Mechanical. All other applied majors (including Engineering - Still Deciding) may apply to the program, but admission will be dependent on the student switching to one of the six majors listed above.
Application Deadline: Dec. 1
Application essay prompts:
- The National Academy of Engineering's Grand Challenges Scholars Program emphasizes using engineering skills to address some of the world's most pressing issues. Describe a Grand Challenge you are passionate about and how you envision using your engineering education and experiences in the program to contribute to solving this challenge. (150-250 words)
- Guaranteed admission to the Accelerated Bachelor's to Master's program provides a unique opportunity to earn both degrees in just five years. Explain how this pathway aligns with your academic and career goals, and how you believe it will prepare you to make an impact in the engineering field. (150-250 words)
The Law Scholars Program is an exclusive opportunity for freshman applicants who are considering law school in the future. Students who are accepted into this highly selective program are guaranteed admission to the Saint Louis University School of Law.
Minimum Requirements: 3.70 GPA, weighted or unweighted, after junior year; or placement in the top 40% of the high school class.
Majors: all undergraduate majors
Application Deadline: Dec. 1
Application essay prompts:
- High school students make many choices about how to invest their time. Describe the extracurricular activities, jobs, family responsibilities, service commitments or other pursuits that occupied most of your time outside the classroom. What do these commitments collectively reveal about your interests, priorities and development? Please include dates of participation and approximate total hours devoted to each activity. (250-word limit)
- Choose one extracurricular activity that you listed. Rather than explaining your accomplishments, describe a single memorable day or experience from that activity and what it reveals about why you continued to participate. (250-word limit)
- A Jesuit education is grounded in the ideal of forming people for and with others. Please share a specific story from high school in which you were of service to others. Describe what you did, what you learned from the experience and how it has influenced your personal growth and future and professional aspiration. (250-word limit)
SLU's Medical Scholars Program is an exclusive opportunity for freshman applicants who plan to attend medical school. Students who are accepted into this highly selective program gain experience and connections with the SLU School of Medicine.
Minimum Requirements: Outstanding academic record with only As and Bs in math and science courses
Majors: The following majors are compatible with the Medical Scholars Program:
- College of Arts and Sciences: All
- Doisy College of Health Sciences: Health Sciences, Athletic Training and Medical Sciences
- School of Science and Engineering: Biomedical Engineering
- College for Public Health and Social Justice: Biostatistics, Public Health, Health Management
Application Deadline: Dec. 1
Application essay prompts:
- List three to five of your most meaningful extracurricular experiences from high school (e.g., employment, athletics, arts/music, community service, volunteering, research or other significant activities). For each experience, include the dates of participation and the total number of hours dedicated to the activity.
- Choose one of the extracurricular activities you listed above. Rather than focusing on your accomplishments, describe a single memorable experience or moment from that activity. What made it meaningful, and what does it reveal about your motivation for continuing to participate? (250-word limit)
- A Jesuit education is grounded in the ideal of forming people for and with others. Please share a specific story from high school in which you served others. Describe what you did, what you learned from the experience and how it has influenced your personal growth and future professional aspirations. (250-word limit)
SLU's Nutrition and Dietetics Scholars program is an exclusive opportunity for freshmen to be guaranteed a position in SLU's Master of Science/Dietetic Internship program after completing their undergraduate Nutrition and Dietetics degree at SLU.
Minimum Requirements: Cumulative GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale, four years of high school English and three years of high school math and science
Major: Nutrition and Dietetics
Application Deadline: Dec. 1
Application essay prompt: Why do you want to be a registered dietitian? (Limit 200 words)
Learn More About the Nutrition and Dietetics Scholars Program
The PA Scholars Program guarantees freshman applicants an interview in their senior year at SLU for a position in the University’s graduate-level Physician Assistant Program. To qualify for the interview, scholars must be on track to graduate with an undergraduate degree, be compliant with ongoing PA Scholars criteria, and meet PA Program admission requirements.
Minimum Requirements: 3.5 GPA, weighted or unweighted, after junior year
Majors: Any SLU major is acceptable; however, many PA scholars will earn a degree in biology, chemistry or a program offered by the Doisy College of Health Sciences.
Application Deadline: Dec. 1
Application essay prompts: Describe a path that led you to your interest in the PA profession; What do you know about yourself, and what have you learned, seen and done that confirms this choice?
Contact Us
Your admission counselor is your best resource throughout the admission process. Find your admission counselor, or contact the Office of Admission at admission@slu.edu, 314-977-2500 or 800-758-3678.