2025-26 MOU guarantees admission and a scholarship to eligible Catholic high school students in the Philadelphia area; expands access to affordable,
quality Catholic education
EMMITSBURG, Md., March 5, 2026 — Mount St. Mary’s University has partnered with the Secondary School System of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia in a new memorandum of understanding (MOU) that guarantees admission and a renewable four-year scholarship to Archdiocesan high school graduates who meet specific criteria. This collaboration enhances access to high quality Catholic education at the university level.
“I’m proud to be able to offer a pathway to a Mount education to Philadelphia-area Catholic school students. As a native of Philadelphia myself, whose parents worked hard to send me to an Archdiocese of Philadelphia Catholic high school, I know OCE Schools students will find spiritual development, academic growth, and a home away from home at the Mount,” said President of Mount St. Mary’s University Gerard “Jerry” Joyce, Ph.D.
The high schools included in the MOU are: Archbishop Carroll High School in Radnor, PA; Archbishop Ryan High School in Philadelphia; Archbishop Wood High School in Warminster, PA; Bishop Shanahan High School in Downingtown, PA; Cardinal O’Hara High School in Springfield, PA; Conwell-Egan Catholic High School in Fairless Hills, PA; Father Judge High School in Philadelphia; Lansdale Catholic High School in Lansdale, PA; Little Flower Catholic High School for Girls in Philadelphia; Monsignor Bonner & Archbishop Prendergast High School in Drexel Hill, PA; Pope John Paul II High School in Royersford, PA; Roman Catholic High School in Philadelphia; Saints John Neumann & Maria Goretti High School in Philadelphia; Saint Hubert Catholic High School for Girls in Philadelphia; and West Catholic Preparatory High School in Philadelphia.
The agreement, signed by Mount President Jerry Joyce, Ph.D., and William Brannick, Superintendent of Secondary Schools and Schools of Special Education for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, guarantees admission to the Mount for Archdiocesan high school graduates with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Admitted students will receive scholarships ranging from $27,000 to $35,000 per year, with a total value of $108,000 to $140,000 over four years.
Mr. William E. Brannick, Superintendent of Secondary Schools and Schools of Special Education, for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s Office of Catholic Education said, “This exciting new partnership between our 15 Archdiocesan secondary schools and Mount St. Mary’s University will provide our students with an incredible opportunity to further their educational journey in a faith filled environment. I look forward to the success of this initiative and for our young people to continue to benefit from the gift of Catholic education.”
In addition, all students who apply by May 1 will be eligible for an additional $5,000 per year Catholic High School Scholarship. High schools included in the agreement will have the opportunity to schedule campus admission visits exclusively for their school. The application fee will be waived for qualifying Archdiocesan students, and they will have the opportunity to receive instant admission decisions during some counselor visits.
How to use the benefit
High School families from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia can learn more about benefits and eligibility by contacting the Mount St. Mary’s University admissions team at [email protected].
About Mount St. Mary’s University
Mount St. Mary’s University is a private, liberal arts, Catholic university located near the Catoctin Mountain in historic Emmitsburg, Maryland, with a satellite campus in Frederick, Maryland’s second-largest city. The university offers more than 70 majors, minors, concentrations and special programs for traditional undergraduate students, and more than 20 adult undergraduate and graduate programs.
Contact:Contact: Kenneth A. Gavin
Chief Communications Officer
215-587-3747 (office)