Obtaining a college degree is often the first step in pursuing a well-paying and rewarding career. However, making the choice to pursue an undergraduate or graduate degree can be an expensive decision to make. With the costs of college increasing each year, many students turn to scholarships and grants to help defray some of the costs. For Christian students, several scholarship options exist. The following 25 scholarships are available to students of various Christian denominations.
1. Allen Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church Scholarship
DEADLINE: May 1st of each year
Western Michigan University offers the Allen Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church Scholarship to full time undergraduate students. Applicants must be members of an African Methodist Episcopal Church with preference given to students who are members of Allen Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church. Applicants must be active in public service and volunteer work and demonstrate financial need. The scholarship amount varies each year with half of the award allocated to the fall semester and half to the spring semester.
Contact
Allen Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church Scholarship
Western Michigan University
Office of Student Financial Aid
1903 W. Michigan Avenue
Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5337
(269) 385-2934
finaid-info@wmich.edu
2. Baptist Life Scholarships
DEADLINE: May 31st each year
The Baptist Life Insurance Agency awards several annual $1,000 scholarships to full-time undergraduate and graduate students. All interested students must request an application between January 1st and May 1st each year and the application must be returned prior to May 31st. Applicants must have been insured through the company for at least two years prior to the application deadline. Academic achievement, financial need, and the student’s educational and career goals are considered.
Contact
Baptist Life Scholarships
Scholarship Committee
Baptist Life Association
8555 Main St.
Buffalo, NY 14221-7494
(800) 227-8543
3. Cannon Endowment Scholarship
DEADLINE: April 1st of each year
The Cannon Endowment Scholarship is an annual award that can be used at several different colleges and universities. The award averages $2,500 and is awarded on an annual basis. Applicants must be seminarians in the United Methodist Church, Presbyterian USA Church, Christian Church Disciples of Christ or the United Church of Christ. Applicants must also plan to pursue a career as a military chaplain.
Contact
Cannon Endowment Scholarship
Parish Life and Leadership Ministry Team
Grants, Scholarship and Resources
United Church of Christ
700 Prospect Avenue East
Cleveland, OH 44115-1100
(216) 736-3839
jeffersv@ucc.org
4. Catholic Knights College Scholarship
DEADLINE: March 31st of each year
The Catholic Knights Financial Company offers a limited number of scholarships to members. In order to be eligible to apply, the student and the parent or grandparent must be financial members of the organization for at least one year prior to applying for the scholarship. All applicants must have performed at least 10 hours of service at a Catholic Knights branch, St. Vincent de Paul or another non-profit organization.
Contact
Catholic Knights College Scholarship
Fraternal and Marketing Department
Catholic Knights
1100 W. Wells Street
P.O. Box 05990
(800) 927-2547
service@catholicfinanciallife.org
5. Chris Hernandez Memorial Scholarship
DEADLINE: April 27th of each year
Texas Tech University and the Chi Rho Fraternity offer a $1,000 scholarship to full-time undergraduate or graduate students attending Texas Tech University. The scholarship is offered in memory of Chi Rho Coed Service Fraternity member Chris Hernandez. Applicants must be practicing Catholics active in the local or college Catholic community. Students must also have a minimum of a 3.0 cumulative grade point average. Applicants must complete an application, essay and transcript in order to be considered for the scholarship.
Contact
Chris Hernandez Memorial Scholarship
Chi Rho Foundation
P.O. Box 831716
Richardson, Texas 75083-1716
scholarships@chirho.org
6. Clare Boothe Luce Program
DEADLINE: March 14 of each year
The Henry Luce Foundation offers the Clare Boothe Luce scholarships to undergraduate women attending specific Catholic universities across the United States. The scholarship criteria vary by university but applications are most often granted on an invitation-only basis. Those who were nominated for the scholarship may be asked to complete an application and obtain a letter of recommendation. Applicants must be female sophomore or juniors majoring in a physical science outside of the medical field.
Contact
Clare Boothe Luce Program
Henry Luce Foundation
51 Madison Avenue, 30th Floor
New York, NY 10010
(212) 489-7700
hlf1@hluce.org
7. Diamonds in the Rough Ministry International Scholarship
DEADLINE: April 20th of each year
Diamonds in the Rough Ministry International awards scholarships to a limited number of female high school seniors. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.5, active in community service and a resident of Texas. Students must submit a high school transcript and letters of recommendation from current teachers and ministers. Approximately 10 scholarships are awarded each year in the amount of $5,000 each.
Contact
Diamonds in the Rough Ministry International Scholarship
Diamonds in the Rough Ministry
Attn: Scholarship Fund
2414 E. Hwy 80, Suite 302
Mesquite, Texas 75149
(972) 288-0112
a.moses523@gmail.com
8. Faith & Education Scholarship
DEADLINE: April 12th of each year
The Faith & Education Scholarship Fund offers a limited number of scholarships to students who have been accepted to or are currently attending a four year colleges or universities. Applicants must be an active member of the Church of Christ. In addition, applicants must be attending a liberal arts college or university. The scholarship is worth $25,000. Applicants must submit an application and essay as well as obtain three letters of recommendation, including a letter from a church leader and a school faculty or staff member.
Contact
Faith & Education Scholarship
Faith & Education Scholarship Fun
P.O. Box 2832
Malibu, CA 90265
chris@faithandeducation.org
9. Foundation for College Christian Leaders Scholarships
DEADLINE: May 22 of each year
The Foundation for College Christian Leaders offers scholarships to residents of California, Oregon or Washington. Applicants must be practicing Christians with verified leadership in their church. Applicants must be undergraduate students with a 3.0 or better GPA. There must also be financial need with the combined income of the parents and student not exceeding $75,000 a year. Applicants must be planning on pursuing theology or religious vocations.
Contact
Foundation for College Christian Leaders Scholarships
Foundation for College Christian Leaders
2658 Del Mar Heights Road, PMB #266
Del Mar, CA 92014
(858) 481-0848
LMHays@aol.com
10. Hanson Quaker Leadership Scholarship
DEADLINE: Varies each year
The George Fox University offers $1,000 scholarships to undergraduate juniors or seniors. Applicants must be Quakers who are considering future ministry in the Friends Church. Qualified individuals do not necessarily have to pursue a career as a pastor. This scholarship is renewable each year.
Contact
Hanson Quaker Leadership Scholarship
George Fox University
Undergraduate Admissions
414 N. Meridian Street #6089
Newberg, Oregon 97132
(503) 554-2240
admissions@georgefox.edu
11. Ed E. Gladys Hurly Foundation Scholarship
DEADLINE: June 30th of each year.
The Ed E. Gladys Hurly Foundation offers limited $1,000 scholarships to students who are residents of Arkansas, Louisiana or Texas. Students must be pursuing an undergraduate degree in those states. Applicants must also demonstrate financial need. Students are required to submit an application, sealed transcript and a personal essay. Applicants must demonstrate good character, conduct and academic performance in order to be considered by the trustees of the foundation.
Contact
Ed E. Gladys Hurly Foundation Scholarship
JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.
ATTN: Cory Whitlock
P.O. Box 227237
Dallas, Tx 75222-7237
(214) 965-2874
12. Herbert W. & Corinne Chilstrom Scholarship
DEADLINE: February 15th of each year
The Herbert W. and Corinne Chilstrom Foundation offers scholarships for women preparing to be ordained as ministers. Applicants must be Lutheran women who are entering their final year at an ELCA seminary. In order to apply, applicants must be second-career students preparing to be ordained as a Lutheran minister. Average awards are between $600 and $1,000. Applicants must submit a pastor’s reference, an academic reference and a personal reference.
Contact
Herbert W. & Corinne Chilstrom Scholarship
Women of the ELCA Scholarship Program
ATTN: Valora Starr
8765 W. Higgins Rd.
Chicago, IL 60631-4101
(800) 638-3522 extension 2741
valora.starr@elca.org
13. Italian Catholic Federation Scholarships
DEADLINE: March 15th of each year
The scholarships offered by the Italian Catholic Federation are open to Roman Catholics in Arizona, California, Illinois and Nevada. Applicants must be of Italian descent or who are Roman Catholic with a parent or guardian with documented membership in the Italian Catholic Federation. Candidates must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.2. The initial scholarship for college freshmen is $400. Recipients are eligible to receive a $500 scholarship the second year, $600 the third year and $1000 the fourth year.
Contact
Italian Catholic Federation Scholarships
Italian Catholic Federation
8393 Capwell Drive, Suite 110
Oakland CA 94621
(888) ICF-1924
info@icf.org
14. Lett Scholarship Fund
DEADLINE: January 31st of each year
The Stephen R. Lett Scholarship is available to high school seniors for use at any college or university. Applicants should have experience with golf as well as involvement in other activities, clubs and employment while in high school. The candidate must include SAT scores, transcripts and three essays on topics provided by the scholarship committee. The initial award is $2,500 each year with an additional three years of funding possible.
Contact
Stephen R. Lett Scholarship Fund
c/o Head Golf Professional
Kings Creek Country Club
One Kings Creek Circle
Rehoboth Beach, Delaware 19971
(302) 227-7172
15. Lydia Scholarship
DEADLINE: March 1st of each year
The Network of Presbyterian Women in Leadership offers the Lydia scholarship to Presbyterian women. This $2,500 scholarship is available for those who have a calling to serve as an ordained pastoral minister in the PC(USA) and complete a Master of Divinity. Eligible candidates should also be involved in the Candidate Process of the PC(USA) or have firm plans to enroll. Women who are attending seminary are eligible to apply as well.
Contact
Lydia Scholarship Coordinator
Network of Presbyterian Women in Leadership
8134 New LaGrange Rd # 227
Louisville, KY 40222-4679
16. Make a Difference! Seminarian Scholarship
DEADLINE: Varies by award and year
The United Church of Christ offers several Make a Difference! Scholarships. The first is a seminarian scholarship that pays between $1,500 and $2,500 per year. Candidates must be nominated by the presidents of the seven seminaries of the UCC. The educational support award offers $500 to seminary students nominated by association committees. The doctoral study award offers $2,500 a year to members of the UCC who are pursuing a doctoral degree in order to teach courses at a UCC seminary.
Contact
Make a Difference! Seminarian Scholarship
Parish Life and Leadership Ministry Team
Grants, Scholarship and Resources
United Church of Christ
700 Prospect Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44115
(866) 822-8224, Ext. 3848
jeffersv@ucc.org
17. Mormon Tabernacle Choir Scholarships
DEADLINE Varies by year
Idaho State University offers the Mormon Tabernacle Choir scholarship to qualified students at the university. Applicants must be an undergraduate full-time music major studying voice. Candidates must also be an active participant in the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. This scholarship is for current students who have already declared their major and the student must have a least a 3.0 cumulative GPA in order to be considered for the Mormon Tabernacle Choir scholarship from ISU.
Contact
Mormon Tabernacle Choir Scholarships
921 South 8th Avenue
Pocatello, Idaho, 83209
(208) 282-2756
finaidem@isu.edu
18. Nairobi Pentecostal Bible College (NPBC) Scholarship
DEADLINE: July 1st for the fall award, November 1st for the spring award and April 1st for the summer award.
The Nairobi Pentecostal Bible College in Nairobi, Kenya offers a scholarship for undergraduate students. Students must attend Beulah Heights Bible College in Georgia with the goal of pursuing training in becoming a teacher in a Bible College. Applicants must be a member of the Pentecostal faith and an active member of their faith community to be considered for the award.
Contact
Nairobi Pentecostal Bible College (NPBC) Scholarship
Beulah Heights University
P.O. Box 18145
892 Berne St
S.E.Atlanta, GA 30316
(404) 627-2681
admissionsinfo@beulah.org
19. Mary Hill Davis Ethnic/Minority Student Scholarship Program
DEADLINE: April 15th of each year
The Baptist General Convention of Texas offers four year scholarships worth a total of $6,400 as part of the Mary Hill Davis Ethnic/Minority Student Scholarship Program. Candidates must be active members of a Texas Baptist Church that is affiliated and participating with the Baptist General Convention of Texas and represents the student’s ethnic heritage. The student must be an ethnic minority undergraduate student at one of the nine Texas Baptist Universities affiliated with the BGCOT.
Contact
Mary Hill Davis Ethnic/Minority Student Scholarship Program
Baptist General Convention of Texas
Theological Education, ATTN: Sondra Wallis
333 North Washington
Dallax, TX 75246-1798
(888) 244-9400
20. National Presbyterian College Scholarship
DEADLINE: March 1st of each year
The National Presbyterian College Scholarship Program provides between 25 and 35 scholarships each year to rising freshmen planning to attend a Presbyterian college or university. Students must demonstrate financial need and plan to attend college full-time. Candidates must submit an application, essay, resume, transcript, financial information form and endorsement from a pastor in order to be considered for the award. The student’s character, leadership experience, creativity and academic achievement are all important factors for consideration by the scholarship committee.
Contact
National Presbyterian College Scholarship
100 Witherspoon Street
Louisville, KY 40202
(888) 728-7228, ext. 5224
finaid@pcusa.org
21. Oakwood University Premier Scholarship
DEADLINE: Varies by year
Oakwood University awards the Premier Scholarship based on outstanding academic achievement in high school. Candidates must be first-time rising freshmen who have not attended another college or university prior to being admitted to Oakwood. The scholarship awards $13,000 in year one, $12,000 in year two, $8,000 in year three and $7,000 in year four. Candidates must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5, an ACT score of between 22 and 36 and a SAT score higher than 1030.
Contact
Oakwood University Premier Scholarship
Admissions Office
7000 Adventist Blvd NW
Huntsville, AL 35896
(256) 726-7356
admission@oakwood.edu
22. Reverend Ray Ley Scholarship Fund
DEADLINE: Varies by year
The Salem United Church of Christ offers scholarships to students who are active participating members of the Salem UCC and plan to further their education after high school. The scholarship is offered in memory of long-time pastor Ray Ley. High school seniors should contact the church secretary for the latest requirements and deadlines for the scholarship as they can vary by year.
Contact
Reverend Ray Ley Scholarship Fund
Salem United Church of Christ
202 E. Fourth St.
Huntingburg, IN 47542
(812) 683-2213
salemsecretary@insightbb.com
23. The Winston-Salem Foundation Emma Kapp Ogburn Memorial Fund
DEADLINE: June 15th of each year
The Emma Kapp Ogburn Memorial Fund provides scholarships to residents of Forsyth County, North Carolina. Eligible candidates must be active members of the Methodist denomination and plan to pursue careers in Christian education or Methodist ministry. Students must submit an application and essay to the Winston-Salem Foundation in order to be considered for the annual award. The amount of the scholarship and the number of available scholarships varies each year.
Contact
The Winston-Salem Foundation Emma Kapp Ogburn Memorial Fund
860 West Fifth Street
Winston-Salem, NC 27101-2506
(866) 227-1209
StudentAid@wsfoundation.org
24. YCL Young Christian Leaders Scholarship
DEADLINE: The 15th of each month
The YCL Young Christian Leaders Scholarship Program offers $1000 scholarships to qualified Christian students pursuing a college degree. Applicants must be high school seniors or college students who are permanent residents of New York, New Jersey or Connecticut. The students may attend college outside of this tri-state area. Applicants must be active members of their local church. Students must also earn an average cumulative GPA of at least 3.0.
Contact
YCL Young Christian Leaders Scholarship
Buttafuoco & Associates
Attn: Young Christian Leaders Scholarship
9 Broadman Parkway
Jersey City, NJ 07305
25. WMU Foundation Scholarships
DEADLINE: Varies by award type
The WMU Foundation offers over 20 different scholarship programs for Baptist students around the world. Candidates must have parents affiliated with a Southern Baptist entity. The students must also be active in their faith community. There are scholarships available for both undergraduate and graduate studies. Most of the awards focus on missionary work and some are location specific.
Contact
WMU Foundation Scholarships
Scholarship/Grant Application
WMU Foundation
100 Missionary Ridge
Birmingham, AL 35242
(877) 482-4483
llucas@wmu.org
While attending college can be expensive, there are many scholarships available to Christian students in order to help defray the costs of higher education. Some scholarships allow students to pursue missionary or pastoral careers and others support students pursuing other majors and education programs.
