Scholarships for pastors’ kids are a great way for youth who’ve grown up in the church to afford the price tag of college education.
Given a pastor’s salary, church families often must stretch already tight budgets to make attending post-secondary school a reality. It’s certainly the case for “PKs” seeking enrollment at four-year Christian universities where the average annual tuition rate is a whopping $31,231, according to collegeboard.org.
Luckily, several church associations across various denominations of faith have created scholarship awards for pastors sending kids to college. With God’s help and some of the following pastors’ kids scholarships, aspiring college students can discover the funds for their vocational calling.
1. Anne Bates Leach Scholarship
Deadline: March 1st
At Wesleyan College, the Anne Bates Leach Scholarship is presented annually for $1,000 to incoming freshmen who are the daughters of ministers working full-time in the United Methodist Church. Eligible female applicants must be active Methodists, have U.S. citizenship or permanent residency, be admitted to an undergraduate degree program, maintain a minimum overall GPA of 2.0, enroll at least half-time, possess youth church leadership experience. and demonstrate financial need.
Contact
Anne Bates Leach Scholarship
4760 Forsyth Road
Macon, GA 31210
(478) 757-5205
pgibbs@wesleyancollege.edu
2. Augsburg Legacy Scholarship
Deadline: May 1st
For a minimum of $12,000 each year, the Augsburg Legacy Scholarship is granted to deserving first-year students who are the children or spouses of current Lutheran pastors, especially those that graduated from Augsburg College. Qualified candidates should be pursuing their first bachelor’s degree, be actively involved in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), enroll as full-time day students, carry a minimum overall GPA of 2.0, be committed to spiritual life, and meet all admissions criteria.
Contact
Augsburg Legacy Scholarship
2211 Riverside Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55454
(612) 330-1001
admissions@augsburg.edu
3. Baptist Minister’s Dependent Scholarship
Deadline: Varies
Annually, the Baptist Minister’s Dependent Scholarship is awarded for up to $5,000 based on financial need to students enrolled at Baylor University who are the single children of pastors, ministers of music, ministers of education, and other full-time ministers actively serving a Baptist congregation. To qualify, applicants enroll full-time in undergraduate studies, maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5, exhibit financial need on the FAFSA form, and provide proof of their parent’s ministerial capacities.
Contact
Baptist Minister’s Dependent Scholarship
700 South University Parks Drive
Waco, TX 76706
(254) 710-2611
Financial_Aid@baylor.edu
Scholarship Link
4. Barbara H. Sommerville Scholarship
Deadline: March 15th
Through the New York-Washington Region (NY-WA) Ministers’ Spouses, Widows & Widowers Department, the Barbara H. Sommerville Scholarship has been gifted for $1,000 annually to high school graduates who are the children of ministers’ spouses. The scholarship is granted on a rotation between the New York-Washington Region and Carolina Region. Applicants must be active members of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church (CME), be accepted at an accredited higher learning institution, and be U.S. citizens.
Contact
Barbara H. Sommerville Scholarship
3022 East Main Street
Bridgeport, CT 06610
(203) 384-0397
fredbelcher@sbcglobal.net
5. Blanche L. King Scholarship
Deadline: July 1st
Funded by the Women’s Ministries of the International Pentecostal Holiness Church (IPHC), the Blanche L. King Scholarship is bestowed annually for $2,500 to honor the first teacher hired for Franklin Springs Institute who devoted her career in educating the children of missionaries. For consideration, qualified applicants must be the sons or daughters of IPHC missionaries, be furthering their education at a denominational college, maintain good academic standing, and write a brief personal statement on their ministry involvement.
Contact
Blanche L. King Scholarship
P.O. Box 12609
Oklahoma City, OK 73157
(405) 787-7110
women@iphc.org
6. Christian Service Dependent Scholarship
Deadline: March 1st
Greenville College offers the Christian Service Dependent Scholarship for up to $2,500 per academic year for the children of active or retired ministers and missionaries who are full-time employees of the church. Eligible candidates must be entering one of Greenville’s traditional on-campus programs, carry 12 or more credits per semester, possess a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0, demonstrate leadership potential, file the FAFSA form, and have a parent whose primary income is derived from the church.
Contact
Christian Service Dependent Scholarship
315 East College Avenue
Greenville, IL 62246
(618) 664-7108
financialaid@greenville.edu
7. Deborah Kay Davis Curry Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: March 31st
Established by classmates and friends in the Class of 1972, the Deborah Kay Davis Curry Memorial Scholarship is available at Southern Nazarene University to present up to $2,000 for children of full-time pastors in the South Central Education Region. Qualified candidates must have significant unmet need, come from families that have experienced extreme financial duress, show evidence of Christian commitment, enroll full-time at SNU, and demonstrate exemplary service to others.
Contact
Deborah Kay Davis Curry Memorial Scholarship
6729 NW 39th Expressway
Bethany, OK 73008
(405) 491-6310
finaid@mail.snu.edu
8. Elizabeth Lowndes Scholarship
Deadline: March 1st
Sponsored by the WMU Foundation, the Elizabeth Lowndes Scholarship is awarded every June for children of North American or international missionaries who have distinguished themselves through academic achievement, community leadership, and strong moral character. To apply, candidates must submit an official transcript, two non-family reference letters, and a one-page personal essay describing their involvement in missions activities. Applicants’ parents must be affiliated with a Southern Baptist-related entity.
Contact
Elizabeth Lowndes Scholarship
100 Missionary Ridge
Birmingham, AL 35242
(205) 408-5508
llucas@wmu.org
Scholarship Link
9. Emily Kingsbury Rittenhouse Fund
Deadline: April 30th
As one of over 60 pastors’ kids scholarships offered through the Episcopal Church, the Emily Kingsbury Rittenhouse Fund provides up to $5,000 annually to children of white missionaries who are working under the auspices of the Association at Rosebud Agency in South Dakota. Qualified applicants must be baptized or confirmed Episcopalians, be enrolled full-time or part-time at an accredited U.S. college, be supported by an ecclesiastical authority, and exhibit financial need for assistance.
Contact
Emily Kingsbury Rittenhouse Fund
815 Second Avenue
New York, NY 10017
(800) 334-7676
ahercules@episcopalchurch.org
10. Emma Kapp Ogburn Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: April 1st
Administered by the Winston-Salem Foundation (WSF), the Emma Kapp Ogburn Memorial Scholarship has been awarded annually for $1,000 since 1946 to provide financial support to Forsyth County residents of the Methodist denomination. Eligible minister’s children must also be pursuing an accredited degree for the Methodist ministry and showcase a commitment to service in Christian education field. Scholarship funding can be applied to tuition, fees, room and board, textbooks, and other college expenses.
Contact
Emma Kapp Ogburn Memorial Scholarship
751 West Fourth Street Suite 200
Winston-Salem, NC 27101
(336) 725-2381
StudentAid@wsfoundation.org
11. Gladden Johnson Scholarship
Deadline: June 1st
Each year, the International Association of Ministers’ Wives and Ministers’ Widows (IAMWMW) offers the Gladden Johnson Scholarship for $2,500 to children of ministers who are enrolling full-time in college undergraduate studies with a major related to theology. Eligible candidates must be high school graduates, possess good academic standing, be accepted at an accredited college or seminary, display active involvement in church activities, and write a 300-word aspirations essay. Any religious affiliation will be acceptable.
Contact
Gladden Johnson Scholarship
105 River Knoll
Macon, GA 31211
(478) 743-5126
bevglove@bellsouth.net
12. Inez R. Irons Scholarship
Deadline: March 31st
Within the Greater New Jersey Conference of the United Methodist Church, the Inez R. Irons Scholarship is presented annually for up to $2,000 to daughters or sons of clergy members who are enrolling full-time in undergraduate or graduate studies in any field. Qualified recipients must be attending an accredited U.S. institution, maintain active membership with the United Methodist Church, be nominated by a New Jersey church, demonstrate financial need, and show academic merit.
Contact
Inez R. Irons Scholarship
1001 Wickapecko Drive
Ocean, NJ 07712
(732) 359-1000
info@gnjumc.org
13. Hyles-Anderson Pastor’s Child Scholarship
Deadline: Varies
At Hyles-Anderson College in Indiana, the Pastor’s Child Scholarship is granted to cover 100 percent of normal tuition costs for undergraduate students carrying up to 18 credits for a maximum of eight total semesters. Eligible students must be the children of senior pastors in or outside the United States, be accepted for full-time enrollment, be incoming freshmen or transfers, plan to reside in the dorms, maintain a minimum overall GPA of 2.0, and have active membership in a Bible-believing church.
Contact
Hyles-Anderson Pastor’s Child Scholarship
8400 Burr Street
Crown Point, IN 46307
(219) 365-4031
contact@hylesanderson.edu
Scholarship Link
14. Jarman Family Scholarship
Deadline: March 1st
As part of the Community Foundation of Gaston County, the Jarman Family Scholarship is bestowed annually for $5,000 upon the deserving children of full-time religious ministers residing in North Carolina or South Carolina. Eligible recipients must be officially registered for classes full-time at an accredited college or university in the United States. Applicants are judged based on their moral character, financial need, church involvement, academic record, and letters of recommendation.
Contact
Jarman Family Scholarship
1201 East Garrison Blvd.
Gastonia, NC 28054
(704) 864-0927
epatton@cfgaston.org
15. JRLC Pastor’s Kid Scholarship
Deadline: March 1st
Given in $500 increments for a total of $2,000 over two academic years, the JRLC Pastor’s Kid Scholarship is designed for children of pastors currently serving the Assemblies of God. For consideration by James River Church, candidates must profess faith in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, possess a high school diploma, maintain a minimum overall GPA of 2.0 in college-prep classes, acquire satisfactory ACT or SAT scores, and provide proof of pastor’s credentials to verify parents are active religious leaders.
Contact
JRLC Pastor’s Kid Scholarship
6100 North 19th Street
Ozark, MO 65721
(417) 581-5433
jrlc@jamesriver.org
16. Juliette M. Atherton Scholarship
Deadline: February 20th
In collaboration with the Hawaii Community Foundation (HCF), the Juliette M. Atherton Scholarship is distributed for varying amounts annually to full-time undergraduate students who are the dependent sons or daughters of ordained and active Protestant ministers. Qualified applicants must reside in Hawaii, be accepted at a two-year or four-year accredited institution, carry a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7, demonstrate financial need, and write a one-page personal statement including their parent’s current ministerial position.
Contact
Juliette M. Atherton Scholarship
827 Fort Street Mall
Honolulu, HI 96813
(888) 731-3863
info@hcf-hawaii.org
17. Margaret Fund Assistance Program
Deadline: July 7th
Sponsored by the North American Mission Board (NAMB), the Margaret Fund Assistance Program is hosted annually to grant $5,000 to single dependent children of active, jointly appointed missionaries currently serving under the NAMB. Eligible applicants must be enrolled full-time at an accredited college, be pursuing an undergraduate degree, possess a minimum overall GPA of 2.5, have started undergraduate work within five years of high school graduation, and attach an official transcript of grades.
Contact
Margaret Fund Assistance Program
4200 North Point Parkway
Alpharetta, GA 30022
(800) 472-2243
margaretfund@namb.net
18. Mary B. Rhodes Medical Scholarship
Deadline: March 1st
Also created by the Woman’s Missionary Union (WMU) Foundation, the Mary B. Rhodes Medical Scholarship is awarded each spring for medical students who are the children of international missionaries affiliated with Southern Baptist-related entities. Applicants must be pursuing a degree in medicine, nursing, dentistry, or pharmacy at an accredited higher learning institution with plans to go into international missions. Submitting official transcripts, two reference letters, and a long-term career goals essay is required.
Contact
Mary B. Rhodes Medical Scholarship
100 Missionary Ridge
Birmingham, AL 35242
(205) 408-5508
llucas@wmu.org
19. Missionary Emergency Fund Scholarship
Deadline: April 15th
In partnership with the Association of Presbyterian Colleges & Universities, the Missionary Emergency Fund Scholarship is awarded by Lees-McRae College annually for $2,000 to newly matriculated children of missionaries or ministers who are preparing to enter Christian service. To qualify, applicants must have a high school diploma or recognized equivalent, maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 overall, be pursuing a bachelor’s degree, maintain full-time enrollment, and demonstrate significant unmet financial need.
Contact
Missionary Emergency Fund Scholarship
191 Main Street West
Banner Elk, NC 28604
(828) 898-8793
shirahk@lmc.edu
Scholarship Link
20. Missionary Kid Scholarship
Deadline: April 1st
At Liberty University, the Missionary Kid Scholarship is granted for up to $20,000 each academic year to college-age children of missionaries who are enrolling full-time as new undergraduate resident students for a bachelor’s degree. Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens, have a parent serving foreign missions outside America through a Liberty-approved institution, and demonstrate academic merit. The scholarship can be renewed over four consecutive years to fill financial need unmet by federal or state assistance.
Contact
Missionary Kid Scholarship
1971 University Boulevard
Lynchburg, VA 24515
(434) 582-2270
mkscholarship@liberty.edu
21. Nazarene Grant for Children of Pastors
Deadline: March 1st and August 2nd
Eastern Nazarene College gifts the Nazarene Grant for Children of Pastors for $5,000 each semester to dependent children of assigned senior pastors, staff pastors, evangelists, chaplains, and missionaries commissioned by the Church of Nazarene. Qualified students must enroll full-time with at least 12 credits per term, pursue on-campus study options, carry a minimum overall GPA of 2.0, and exhibit financial need. Annual grants of $1,500 may be given to children of full-time pastors serving other denominations too.
Contact
Nazarene Grant for Children of Pastors
23 East Elm Avenue
Quincy, MA 02170
(617) 745-3712
Michelle.Widrick@enc.edu
22. Preachers’ Kids Scholarship Award
Deadline: July 23rd
Through the Church of the Living God C.W.F.F., the Preachers’ Kids Scholarship Award is given for $500 annually to children or grandchildren of temple ministers who are graduating from high school and pursuing further higher educational endeavors. Eligible applicants must be in good standing with the Church of the Living God, be between 16 and 21 years old, carry a minimum high school GPA of 3.0, demonstrate leadership in their temple, have active involvement in a youth auxiliary, and present one letter of recommendation.
Contact
Preachers’ Kids Scholarship Award
430 Forest Avenue
Cincinnati, OH 45229
(513) 569-5663
national@ctlgcwff.org
23. Roy H. and Louise S. Anderson Scholarship
Deadline: March 1st
Along with its tuition-paid model, Moody Bible Institute in Chicago provides several pastors’ kid scholarships, including the Roy H. and Louise S. Anderson Scholarship. Annually, this award is presented for $1,500 to the children of foreign missionaries who have served Jesus Christ and his disciples overseas. Qualified candidates must be enrolling full-time, be preparing for Christian service, have financial need, maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0, showcase exemplary spiritual lives, and be devoted to the Lord’s work.
Contact
Roy H. and Louise S. Anderson Scholarship
820 North LaSalle Boulevard
Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 329-4184
financialaid@moody.edu
24. Valerie Russell Scholarship Fund
Deadline: May 1st
In honor of the former Executive Director of the United Church of Christ, the Valerie Russell Scholarship Fund was devised to provide $1,500 to $2,000 annually to African American laywomen who are the daughters of licensed, commissioned, or ordained church members. To qualify, applicants must be pursuing formal higher education as undergraduate or graduate students, attend an accredited U.S. college, have a deep love for the United Church of Christ, be committed to social justice, and embrace the church’s values.
Contact
Valerie Russell Scholarship Fund
700 Prospect Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44115
(216) 736-2166
scholarships@ucc.org
Scholarship Link
25. W. David and Patricia Warren Pastors Scholarship
Deadline: March 2nd
Established in 2009 by alumni of Cedarville University, the W. David and Patricia Warren Pastors Scholarship is granted for $1,000 each year to dependent children of full-time pastors, especially those affiliated with the Ohio Association of Regular Baptist Churches (OARBC). Qualified students must be pursuing a bachelor’s degree, demonstrate financial need, and maintain good standing. Priority will be given to applicants who show a heart for ministry through involvement in the Christian church.
Contact
W. David and Patricia Warren Pastors Scholarship
251 North Main Street
Cedarville, OH 45314
(937) 766-7866
admissions@cedarville.edu
Whether you’re looking to follow in your parent’s footsteps in Christian ministry or forge your own pathway towards unique career ambitions, one thing’s for sure. You’ll have to find the funding to afford your journey through post-secondary education thanks to today’s steep tuition costs. Scholarships are the best financial aid option because they won’t need to be repaid or accumulate interest like student loans. Transform your parent’s selfless service to the church into tuition dollars when applying for these 25 great scholarships for pastors’ kids.
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