Founders' Scholarship

Scholarships and Grants

Founders' ScholarshipA Distinguished Scholarship for Students from Archdiocese of Miami High Schools

The Founders' Scholarship honors outstanding incoming undergraduate students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, character and service. Created in honor of Barry University's founders, this competitive scholarship recognizes students who excel academically, lead with purpose, and make meaningful contributions to their communities.

Each year, up to 12 graduating seniors from participating Archdiocese of Miami high schools are selected for this honor. Recipients serve as ambassadors for the University's mission and may participate in Founders' Day activities and special university events.

The scholarship reflects our founders' belief that education should inspire intellectual growth, personal reflection, and meaningful action in service to others. Recipients embody the values and vision of our founders through leadership, service, and a commitment to creating positive change.

Scholarship Award

When combined with eligible Barry University institutional aid, state aid, and private awards, the scholarship may help cover up to the full cost of tuition. Award amounts vary based on each student's financial aid eligibility and overall aid package. Because the award is tailored to each recipient, it is not a fixed-dollar scholarship and does not independently provide full tuition coverage. Please note that the scholarship may be applied toward tuition only and does not cover fees, housing, meal plans, books, transportation, or other educational expenses.

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Scholarship Selection

Up to 12 students are selected annually through a competitive review process based on the strength of the applicant pool and are not allocated by school. As a result, multiple recipients may be selected from the same high school.

Eligible Schools

Graduating seniors from the following Archdiocese of Miami high schools are eligible to apply: 

  • Archbishop Coleman F. Carroll High School
  • Archbishop Edward A. McCarthy High School
  • Belen Jesuit Preparatory SchoolCardinal Gibbons High School
  • Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart
  • Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory
  • Christopher Columbus High School
  • Immaculata-LaSalle High School
  • Monsignor Edward Pace High School
  • St. Brendan High School
  • St. Thomas Aquinas High School

Students of all faith backgrounds are welcome and encouraged to apply.

Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for the Founders' Scholarship, students must:

1

Be admitted to Barry University prior to submitting the scholarship application

2

Graduate from a participating Archdiocese of Miami high school

3

Have a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA

4

Complete the Founders' Scholarship application through their myBarry account

5

Submit the required scholarship essay and transcript of co-curricular activities

Completing the FAFSA is encouraged but not required.

The Application

Eligible students will receive access to the Founders' Scholarship application through their myBarry account. The application includes:

  • Essay: How do you see yourself contributing to and engaging with the Barry community as an active learner?
  • Submit a record of co-curricular involvement, leadership, and community service.
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Deadline: March 15

The Decision

Completed applications are reviewed by a committee of Barry University administrators. Once a decision is made, you will be notified and will have until May 1 to accept the Founders' Scholarship.

Terms and Conditions

  • The Founders' Scholarship applies toward tuition only and does not cover fees, housing, meal plans, books, transportation, or other educational expenses.
  • The scholarship is renewable for up to four academic years provided recipients maintain a cumulative 3.0 GPA and meet satisfactory academic progress requirements toward degree completion.
  • Once the offer has been accepted, the enrollment deposit ($225) will be waived.
  • Recipients are expected to participate in Founders' Day activities and other selected university events.
  • Recipients whose GPA falls below 3.0 will be placed on scholarship probation for one semester. If GPA requirements are not restored, an internal review will be conducted.
  • Scholarship recipients seeking support beyond four academic years must submit an appeal for consideration.
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A Legacy of Leadership and Service

This scholarship was created in honor of Reverend Mother M. Gerald Barry, OP, Prioress General of the Dominican Sisters of Adrian, Michigan; her brothers Reverend Monsignor William Barry, and the Most Reverend Patrick Barry, Bishop of Saint Augustine, Florida; and John Graves Thompson, mayor of Miami Shores, Florida. The Founders' Scholarship celebrates the vision and values that inspired the creation of Barry University in 1940. The scholarship recognizes students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, character, and service while carrying forward the University's commitment to making a meaningful impact in the world.

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