Finding scholarships can be intimidating. There are a lot of them out there, and they all have different requirements. It can be difficult even finding them, let alone figuring out which ones to apply for. A committed student could spend time equivalent to a full time job researching and applying to scholarships.
One of the reasons scholarships are so hard to find is that most, especially those offered by private trusts or nonprofit organizations, have no marketing budget. This is where articles like the one you are reading now come in handy.
In this article we spotlight 50 fantastic Christian scholarships. Now, there are a lot more scholarships out there for Christians than just the ones we feature in this article. Our goal here is to show you the different kinds of Christian scholarships you can expect to find. Our list ranges from full-tuition merit scholarships at Christian colleges and universities, to denomination and region-specific scholarships with such narrow eligibility requirements that you have a much better chance of being awarded the scholarship if you meet them all. So don’t despair if no denominational or regional scholarships that fit you are included in this article. Notice the kinds of organizations offering the scholarships, and check out what’s available in your region and denomination!
We divided this article into denominations for organizational reasons. For the purposes of this article, the term “nondenominational” refers to scholarships open to students of any denomination, while “multidenominational” refers to scholarships available to members of multiple specific denominations. All application deadlines listed reflect the most recent application deadline and may change in the future, so make sure you check with the organization to confirm the application period. In the cases of scholarships with applications that seemed like the deadline might move around more than most from year to year, we tried to note that in the description.
Reviewing Top Scholarships for Christian Students
Nondenominational
#1. Act Six Indianapolis
The Act Six Urban Leadership scholarship awards students with a full tuition scholarship to one of the partner colleges (Oakland City University and Taylor University). The scholarship can actually be for more than full tuition, covering costs like room and board and books. But full tuition is the minimum, representing a value of about $30,000-$40,000 per year. In order to be eligible, students must love their community and want to make a positive difference using their degree. Applicants must live in the Indianapolis area and attend weekly evening training sessions at Shepherd Community Center. Plan to attend Oakland City University or Taylor University. Students can’t already be enrolled in a four-year college (students in two-year colleges may apply for the scholarship)
- Scholarship Amount: Full Tuition
- Scholarship Deadline: November 5th
- Scholarship Denomination: nondenominational
#2. Thomas J. Madden Ministerial Scholarship-Belmont University
The Thomas J. Madden Ministerial Scholarship at Belmont is specifically for male students studying religion who intend to enter the full-time ministry as a career. The scholarship is awarded to one student every year who meets both merit and major/career requirements. The scholarship will be awarded after an offer of admission is made. Students who want to be included in priority consideration for the most competitive scholarships and who will be entering the school in the fall semester should apply to Belmont before December 1st.
- Scholarship Amount: Full Tuition
- Scholarship Deadline: Dec. 1st (priority consideration)
- Scholarship Denomination: nondenominational
#3. College of the Ozarks Scholarship
Most colleges have a work-study program. If you work 15-20 hours per week you get a few thousand dollars per semester toward your bill. College of the Ozarks takes that to a whole new level. Students work 15 hours per week, plus two 40-hour weeks. And for this they get the cost of their education completely covered, without using any student loans. The opportunity to attend and graduate from college debt-free is rare in the United States today, and is often dependent on maintaining extremely high academic scores. College of the Ozarks offers one of the top Christian college scholarships available.
- Scholarship Amount: Full Cost of Education
- Scholarship Deadline: Enrollment
- Scholarship Denomination: nondenominational
#4. Archer Presidential Scholarship-Belmont University
This is the university’s most competitive scholarship, as all students are eligible to receive it. The award is based primarily on merit, but in situations where students are similarly meritorious, financial need may be the deciding factor in who receives the award. In order to be considered students must have a minimum of 30 on the ACT or 1360 on the SAT. Twelve finalists are selected to interview for the award.
- Scholarship Amount: Full Tuition
- Scholarship Deadline: Dec. 1st (priority consideration)
- Scholarship Denomination: nondenominational
#5. Westminster College Merit Scholarships
Westminster College offers a number of significant merit scholarships. The Presidential Scholarship covers the full cost of tuition. Each student is eligible for merit scholarships when they apply, and will be awarded the merit scholarship that corresponds to their performance in high school and on ACT/SAT tests. The GPA and test score requirements for each tier are not mentioned on the website, so you will have to contact the admissions office for more information.
- Scholarship Amount: Full Tuition
- Scholarship Deadline: Enrollment Deadlines
- Scholarship Denomination: nondenominational
#6. Colorado Christian University World Changers Scholarship
Three winners of the World Changers Scholarship will receive full tuition scholarships and the remaining finalists will receive a $1,000 renewable scholarship in addition to their other merit scholarships. Students are considered for the full-tuition scholarship automatically if they are already eligible for the distinguished achievement scholarship, which requires a 3.8 GPA and 28 ACT or 1320 SAT score. Students who are selected as finalists will be invited to participate in a scholarship weekend where they will go through the final processes necessary to determine who will receive the scholarship. Students must apply to the school early. As of last year, they needed to have their applications submitted by Dec. 20th 2019, but this date might change, so check the schedule regularly if you are interested.
- Scholarship Amount: Full Tuition
- Scholarship Deadline: December 20th
- Scholarship Denomination: nondenominational
#7. William Randolph Hearst Endowed Scholarship-Belmont University
The William Randolph Hearst scholarship at Belmont is awarded to one freshman student of diverse background every year. Five finalists will be chosen from the applicants to the school. They will participate in an interview, which will decide who is awarded the scholarship. As with the other competitive scholarships at this university, students who want to be eligible for priority consideration must apply to the university no later than December 1st the year before the fall semester they intend to begin college.
- Scholarship Amount: Full Tuition
- Scholarship Deadline: Dec. 1st (priority consideration)
- Scholarship Denomination: nondenominational
#8. Servant Leader Scholarship-Belmont University
The Servant Leader Scholarship at Belmont is a full-tuition scholarship available to women majoring in religion who intend to enter a church-related career. One scholarship is awarded every year. The scholarship takes into consideration both career intent and merit. In order to qualify for priority consideration, students must submit their application to the university before December 1st of the year before the fall semester in which they plan to begin their university education.
- Scholarship Amount: Full Tuition
- Scholarship Deadline: Dec. 1st (priority consideration)
- Scholarship Denomination: nondenominational
#9. The Wischer Scholarship
This renewable scholarship award of up to $11,000 (based on financial need) is available to students who are living in Texas, have lived there for at least a year (12 consecutive months) and regularly attend church. The scholarship is only available to full-time students attending non-profit universities and technical/vocational/trade schools. Recipients of the scholarship must reapply each year and may not receive the scholarship for more than four years.
- Scholarship Amount: $11,000
- Scholarship Deadline: Feb. 20
- Scholarship Denomination: nondenominational
#10. Trinity Scholars Program
The Trinity Scholars Program is more than just a scholarship, though the scholarship is substantial. The program also strives to help students discover who they are and what they want to do with their lives. The scholarship is open to students who will be attending an accredited Christian college in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, or Montana. The program is looking for students who are searching for their life’s calling. The only academic requirement is a 2.5 GPA. Students will also need to include in their application their diploma or GED certificate, college acceptance letter, PDF of current financial aid awards, letter of recommendation regarding academic performance from a teacher or advisor, letter of recommendation from a leader associated with your volunteer or service work, or job, and a 350 essay describing your financial need. Application period opens January 1st.
- Scholarship Amount: $10,000
- Scholarship Deadline: March 31st
- Scholarship Denomination: nondenominational
#11. Cynthia H. Kuo Scholarship
The Cynthia H. Kuo scholarship provides need-based scholarships of up to $5,000 to Chinese students who are active Christians and/or involved in Christian youth groups. Students must be either born overseas or the first generation of their family born in the United States. Students must have maintained at least a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale to qualify for the scholarship. This is one of many scholarships managed by the Silicon Valley Community Foundation. Students should check out the other available scholarships while considering this one.
- Scholarship Amount: $5,000
- Scholarship Deadline: Varies
- Scholarship Denomination: nondenominational
#12. Mary E. Bivins Religious Scholarship Program
The undergraduate scholarship offered by the Bivins Religious Scholarship Program can be applied for in the spring of a student’s sophomore year and is available for the student’s junior and senior years. The scholarship is specifically for students who intend to become pastors and preach the Christian religion as the leader of a church. Universities must be nationally accredited at the very least. And theological schools must be accredited by The Association of Theological Schools. While residency exceptions may be made on a case by case basis, applicants should be a resident of the 26 counties of the Texas Panhandle and a member of a church there.
- Scholarship Amount: $5,000
- Scholarship Deadline: Opens January Each Year
- Scholarship Denomination: nondenominational
#13. Herman and Katherine Peters Foundation Scholarship
While this scholarship is $5,000 annually, you do not have to reapply for it every year. If you win the scholarship it will be distributed automatically every year you remain continuously enrolled in college until the four years is up. To be eligible for the scholarship, the applicant must plan to attend or be attending a Christian college located in Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, Arizona, or Colorado.
- Scholarship Amount: $5,000
- Scholarship Deadline: April 1st
- Scholarship Denomination: nondenominational
#14. Christian Connector Inc: Your Roadmap Scholarship
Christian Connector is a free resource program designed to help Christians find the right college and university, help with the application process, career planning, and finding scholarships and other financial aid. The service works with 75 Christian colleges and universities around the United States. They also offer a scholarship drawing to everyone who uses their service. You can be entered into the drawing simply by completing the information request form.
- Scholarship Amount: $2,500
- Scholarship Deadline: May 31, 2020
- Scholarship Denomination: nondenominational
#15. BJC Religious Liberty Essay Contest
While this scholarship is open to those not of the Christian faith, religious liberty is an issue near and dear to the hearts of many Christians. The organization was founded in 1936 and remains devoted to the historical Baptist perspective that viewed religious freedom as an essential component of a free society. Applicants will use their essay to express their point of view on religious freedom. The deadline for the 2020 contest has yet to be announced.
- Scholarship Amount: $2,500
- Scholarship Deadline: TBA this fall
- Scholarship Denomination: nondenominational/interfaith
#16. Christians in Journalism Scholarship
This scholarship is one of over 100 offered by the Austin Community Foundation. The good news is, in applying for this scholarship, students will also be considered for all other scholarships managed by the Austin Community Foundation for which they are eligible. Even if you don’t live in Austin, you should check out any community organizations like this in your area. They often offer a wide range of scholarships to local students.
- Scholarship Amount: $1,000
- Scholarship Deadline: April 13th
- Scholarship Denomination: nondenominational
#17. Love Your Neighbor Scholarship
The Amarillo Area Foundation operates in the Texas panhandle. This scholarship is for students who are local, active in church, and plan to attend West Texas A&M or Amarillo College. This is but one of many scholarships available through the foundation with varying criteria. This particular scholarship is good for one year. Applicants must have a 3.0 or higher high school GPA, and will need a letter of recommendation from their minister or youth pastor.
- Scholarship Amount: $1,000
- Scholarship Deadline: Contact Organization for Details
- Scholarship Denomination: nondenominational
#18. Young Christian Leaders
The Young Christian Leaders scholarships are awarded to two Christian students each year who are permanent residents of New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut, attending any accredited institution of higher learning. Students must be enrolled full-time and have a 3.0 GPA in the previous school semester. Students must be attending and active members of their local church. Students can apply for one scholarship per year. The application is due by the 15th of the month before the student wants to receive the award (15th of April for a May award, for example). The contest runs year round from September 1st through August 30th.
- Scholarship Amount: $1,000
- Scholarship Deadline: See Description Above
- Scholarship Denomination: nondenominational
Baptist
#19. Reverend James D. Parker Sr. Young Leader Scholarship
Unlike many full-tuition scholarships, students must intentionally apply to this scholarship after they have applied to Cedarville. It’s not automatically awarded. This is because the scholarship was created through a partnership between Cedarville and the BFA, and there are additional requirements, including essay questions that must be answered. This full-tuition Christian scholarship is available only to students attending Cedarville who regularly attend a Baptist Fellowship Association church.
- Scholarship Amount: Full tuition
- Scholarship Deadline: March 15th
- Scholarship Denomination: Baptist Fellowship Association
#20. North Carolina Baptist Foundation Scholarships
The North Carolina Baptist Foundation offers four different scholarships each awarding recipients between $500 and $2,500. Two of the scholarships are available to NC citizen/legal resident students affiliated with a church of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina. One scholarship is for students who plan to go into full times ministry, and a fourth scholarship is for students who plan to major in music.
- Scholarship Amount: $2,500
- Scholarship Deadline: Feb. 15
- Scholarship Denomination: Baptist State Convention of North Carolina
Churches of Christ
#21. Lipscomb University Trustee Full-Tuition Scholarship
To be eligible to be one of the ten students to receive this scholarship, you must have a score of 30 on the ACT or 1360 on the SAT. Recipients of this scholarship must live on campus and maintain a 3.25 GPA in order to receive it for four consecutive years. Students will go through an application and interview process that includes an essay. Students also must get a letter of reference from a leader in your high school, church, or community and is not a member of their family. While Lipscomb is a Churches of Christ university, the scholarship does not specify that students must be members of the Churches of Christ denomination.
- Scholarship Amount: Full-tuition
- Scholarship Deadline: Jan. 4th
- Scholarship Denomination: Churches of Christ
United Methodist
#22. Martin Methodist College Scholarship: Michael W. & Barbara B. Barton Scholarship Competition
While only two students in this scholarship competition will receive a full-tuition scholarship, all students who reach the essay/interview portion of the competition will receive an annually renewable scholarship. Students must have a registration for the competition, application for admission to the university, high school transcript and ACT/SAT score, and written letter of reference from a teacher, guidance counselor or high school principal on file in the admissions office before the application deadline. The deadline for 2020 was January 26th. Check back with the scholarship regularly to make sure you know the deadline for 2021. While Martin Methodist College is affiliated with and accredited by the United Methodist Church, nothing specifies that students must be of a Methodist denomination in order to be eligible for the institutional scholarships.
- Scholarship Amount: Full-Tuition
- Scholarship Deadline: Jan. 26th
- Scholarship Denomination: United Methodist
#23. Jeanette Travis Nursing Scholarship Competition-Martin Methodist College
One nursing student who shows particular promise in the field of nursing is awarded this full-tuition scholarship every year. Students must have a minimum ACT score of 21 and a GPA of 3.0 in order to qualify. Students must make sure to have a registration for the competition, application of admission to the university, high school transcript and ACT or SAT scores, and a reference letter from a teacher, guidance counselor, or high school principal on file with the admissions office by the competition deadline. The deadline for 2020 was January 26th. Please return to the scholarship page linked above regularly for updated information about the 2021 deadline.
- Scholarship Amount: Full-Tuition
- Scholarship Deadline: Jan. 26th
- Scholarship Denomination: United Methodist
#24. McMurry University: Honors Scholarships
Any student accepted to the honors program at McMurry University receives a scholarship for between $15,000 and the full cost of tuition. Transfer students entering the honors scholarship are eligible for $13,000 annually. In order to be accepted into the honors program, students must have a score of at least 27 on the ACT or 1290 on the SAT, or be in the top 5% of their high school class. Transfer students can apply to the honors program with a 3.5 GPA. Applicants are also required to write an essay and provide a letter of recommendation from an academic instructor.
- Scholarship Amount: $15,000-Full Tuition
- Scholarship Deadline: Apply to honors program when enrolling
- Scholarship Denomination: United Methodist
#25. Spartanburg Methodist College: Full-Tuition Scholarship Package
If you have an over 3.0 GPA in high school, are a South Carolina resident, and are accepted to SMC, your tuition at the very least will be fully covered. SMC covers the cost of tuition after the application of funds from the South Carolina Life Scholarship, South Carolina Tuition Grant, and other federal and state-funded grants and scholarships. Room and board must still be paid, though likely can be covered by other financial aid.
- Scholarship Amount: Full Tuition (after federal/state grants)
- Scholarship Deadline: Automatic with application to school
- Scholarship Denomination: United Methodist Church
#26. Greensboro College Scholarships
Greensboro College is committed to making college more affordable and dropped tuition 36% in 2019-2020. Students local to Greensboro College may be eligible for the “Stay Local Scholarship,” which provides full tuition to students who are eligible for federal pell grants and meet the residency requirements. In addition to this five students who go through the selection process of interviewing and writing an essay, who also have a GPA higher than 3.75 and an SAT/ACT of 1280/27 respectively will be selected for the presidential scholarship. Which covers full tuition at the university. Students competing for the presidential scholarship will want to contact the admissions office to make sure everything is in order fairly early in the application process. The scholarship competition day is Feb. 1st. While Greensboro is a United Methodist affiliated university, they welcome people of all faiths to study at the school.
- Scholarship Amount: Full Tuition
- Scholarship Deadline: Early Application Enrollment Deadlines
- Scholarship Denomination: United Methodist
#27. Leonard M. Perryman Communications Scholarship for Racial Ethnic Minority Students
Yet another incredibly specific scholarship: the Leonard M. Perryman Communications Scholarship for Racial Ethnic Minority Students is available to students who are an ethnic minority and intend to major in religion, journalism, or mass communications and to pursue a career in religious journalism. Students must be active in the United Methodist Church. Applicants must also demonstrate journalistic experience or evidence of journalistic talent, clarity of purpose, and, specifically, professional potential regarding a career in religious journalism.
- Scholarship Amount: $2,500
- Scholarship Deadline: Mar. 15th
- Scholarship Denomination: United Methodist
#28. General Board of Higher Education and Ministry
The General Board of Higher Education and Ministry of the United Methodist Church offers over 40 different scholarships to students meeting a variety of criteria. There are scholarships for every degree level. The general scholarship awards $500-$1,000 at the undergraduate level, and up to $2,000 at the graduate level. The general scholarship requires just a 2.5 GPA. Students may also apply for any other more specific scholarships for which they qualify.
- Scholarship Amount: $500-$1,000
- Scholarship Deadline: Opens January
- Scholarship Denomination: United Methodist
Roman Catholic
#29. Loyola University Dreamer Scholarship
Loyola University offers an incredible scholarship to five people every year who qualify as “Dreamers.” Dreamers, of course, refers to people who came to the United States as a minor and have lived here without official authorization. The scholarship covers all the major costs of attendance: tuition, room and board, and fees. It’s one of the most comprehensive institutional scholarships available in the United States. While Loyola is a Roman Catholic university, students do not need to be Roman Catholic in order to be eligible for this scholarship.
- Scholarship Amount: Full Tuition, Room and Board, and Fees
- Scholarship Deadline: Contact School
- Scholarship Denomination: Roman Catholic
#30. CCF Ralph M. Knight Chemistry and Engineering Scholarship
This one-time scholarship is meant to help Roman Catholic students studying chemistry or engineering with their first year’s tuition. The scholarship is available only for Freshman year. In order to apply students must be attending a Catholic high school within the Diocese of Phoenix. They must also be actively practicing Catholics, and a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
- Scholarship Amount: $5,000
- Scholarship Deadline: March 1st
- Scholarship Denomination: Roman Catholic
#31. Catholic Order of Foresters Fraternal Scholarship
The Catholic Order of Foresters is a fraternal organization that supports the Catholic community through outreach programs. Members and children of members can qualify for this scholarship. While scholarships like this may not seem like a lot compared to some in this article, they can play an important role in bridging caps in financial aid and helping with costs not covered by a student’s current financial aid. Scholarships like this are also less competitive in most cases, and more accessible to those who qualify.
- Scholarship Amount: $1,250
- Scholarship Deadline: October 31st, 2020
- Scholarship Denomination: Roman Catholic
Episcopal Church
#32. Raymond George Scholarship Fund
The Connecticut Community Foundation manages a large number of scholarships for students from different areas of Connecticut. This one is for students in Waterbury of the Episcopalian faith. Scholarships like this can often be easier to get because the geographic eligibility requirements are so narrow, but the scholarship itself only requires students to have a 2.75 GPA. The Connecticut Community Foundation provided students with over 300 scholarship awards last year. While this award doesn’t renew automatically, those who have received it can reapply every year.
- Scholarship Amount: $2,000
- Scholarship Deadline: March 15th (first time applicants)
- Scholarship Denomination: Episcopal
#33. Episcopales Anonimos Scholarship
This scholarship is offered through an organization that manages a wide variety of scholarships with varying criteria. As such, it’s actually possible to apply for multiple scholarships through HSC in one fell swoop, and be considered for all the scholarships managed by them for which you are eligible. The base requirements to be considered for any of the scholarships is a 2.5 GPA, be of Hispanic/Latino heritage, reside in Texas (do not need to be a U.S. citizen), and plan to enroll in an accredited two or four year college either part or full-time. And for this particular scholarship, applicants must be a member of the Episcopal Church.
- Scholarship Amount: $1,000
- Scholarship Deadline: April 30
- Scholarship Denomination: The Episcopal Church
Presbyterian Church (USA)
#34. Samuel Robinson Award
This scholarship is for students who are juniors and seniors at a Presbyterian college who choose to undertake the challenge of memorizing the Westminster Shorter Catechism. Students will need to both memorize the catechism and write a 2,000 word essay on a catechism-related topic chosen by the people who manage the scholarship. Students must also be members of a Presbyterian Church (USA) church.
- Scholarship Amount: $2,000-$7,500
- Scholarship Deadline: Jun. 1, Sept. 1, and Dec. 1
- Scholarship Denomination: Presbyterian Church (USA)
#35. PCUSA General Scholarship
In addition to the more specific scholarships, this scholarship is open to any student who is a member of the Presbyterian Church (USA) denomination. 120 students per year are awarded the $4,000 scholarship. Students must be attending a regionally accredited university in the United States. Supplemental awards are available for students who meet additional criteria. An additional $2,000 is added for each of the following: students of color, students who are the first in their family to attend college, students among the 10% neediest selected for the award.
- Scholarship Amount: $4,000+
- Scholarship Deadline: May 15th
- Scholarship Denomination: Presbyterian Church (USA)
#36. Ullery Charitable Trust Fund Scholarship
The UIlery Charitable Trust Fund was created to help students seeking to work full-time with the Presbyterian Church (USA) after graduation. It’s important to note that this scholarship is not open to students who work at J.P. Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. or affiliates, or who have family members who do. Students must have at least a C average in high school or college.
- Scholarship Amount: $1,250
- Scholarship Deadline: April 1st
- Scholarship Denomination: Presbyterian Church (USA)
Eastern Orthodox
#37. Malta Scholarship
This scholarship may be applied for by anyone who is a communicant of an Eastern Orthodox parish within the “Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of North and Central America.” Students must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, must have a 3.0 or B average GPA, and must demonstrate true financial need. At least one scholarship per year is awarded, but more may be awarded if there are enough qualifying applicants.
- Scholarship Amount: $1,000
- Scholarship Deadline: May 1st
- Scholarship Denomination: Eastern Orthodox
#38. Philip A. Haddad Scholarship
This is one of several scholarships offered by various churches of different denominations in West Virginia. Each has its own set of requirements and this scholarship serves as an example of what’s available generally through the Greater Kanawah Valley Foundation. For this particular scholarship, students must be a member of St. George Orthodox Cathedral, or a member of another Orthodox Church in West Virginia. The scholarship is need-based and renewable, and can be utilized by students attending any college or university.
- Scholarship Amount: $1,750
- Scholarship Deadline: Contact for Information
- Scholarship Denomination: Eastern Orthodox
United Church of Christ
Note: The scholarship amounts for these United Church of Christ scholarships are all listed as varies because the amounts are not disclosed on their website. Students interested in applying for these scholarships who want to know the award levels ahead of time can contact the organization.
#39. The Harold Wilke Scholarship
This scholarship was created to honor Rev. Dr. Harold Wilke, who played a large role in advocating for the disabled and particularly the Americans with Disabilities Act. The scholarship is for students with a disability or students who minister to those with disabilities and who exhibit leadership potential. Students must be pursuing a degree or educational certification. The scholarship is open to students from the United States and abroad. Applicants must be pursuing a course of study related in some way, culturally, to the applicant’s home country.
- Scholarship Amount: Varies
- Scholarship Deadline: March 1st
- Scholarship Denomination: United Church of Christ
#40. The Avery Arthington Fund
This scholarship offered by the United Church of Christ is specifically for students from the African continent studying in the United States. Preference is given to sophomores, juniors, and seniors who are attending colleges affiliated with the United Church of Christ, or are members of the UCC or partner churches. The scholarship also gives preference to students who intend to return to their country of origin to use what they have learned to make a difference in their communities. The scholarship can be renewed, but must be applied for each year.
- Scholarship Amount: Varies
- Scholarship Deadline: March 1st
- Scholarship Denomination: United Church of Christ
#41. Valerie Russell Scholarship for African American Lay Women
This scholarship is for African American women who are not officially party of the United Church of Christ clergy or leadership but who love the United Church of Christ. The ideal candidate is a woman who has a commitment to justice advocacy grounded in UCC theology, who affirms the values of the UCC, and who seeks to advance the justice commitments of the denomination through UCC justice and witness ministries. Applicants must already be professionally engaged in justice work, whether within the church or through a secular organization consistent with the perspective of the UCC. The scholarship can be used for professional development classes and workshops, or to pursue an undergraduate or graduate degree.
- Scholarship Amount: Varies
- Scholarship Deadline: March 1st
- Scholarship Denomination: United Church of Christ
#42. United Church of Christ Undergraduate Scholarship
Candidates for this scholarship must be a United Church of Christ member, under 25, in their sophomore, junior, or senior year, and attending an accredited four-year university within the United States. First-time applicants entering sophomore year must have at least a 2.0 GPA (C average), all other applicants must have a 3.0 GPA (B average). The scholarship is renewable, though it may require a new application every year.
- Scholarship Amount: Varies
- Scholarship Deadline: March 1st
- Scholarship Denomination: United Church of Christ
#43. UCC Pension Boards Scholarship for Children of Deceased or Disabled Ministers
The United Church of Christ offers these scholarships to a maximum of $10,000 over the student’s lifetime. Students in undergraduate and graduate programs can apply for the scholarships. Students must be children either of deceased ministers who were authorized ministers when they died, or of authorized ministers who served for at least ten years and are on long-term disability.
- Scholarship Amount: $2,000
- Scholarship Deadline: N/A
- Scholarship Denomination: United Church of Christ
Christian and Missionary Alliance
#44. Christian and Missionary Alliance New Undergraduate Student Scholarship
Students who are active members of a Christian and Missionary Alliance church, and plan to attend a Christian and Missionary Alliance university (Nyak College, Simpson University, Toccoa Falls College, or Crown College) are eligible to apply for the scholarship. Many denominations have their own schools, and special scholarships for students attending their own schools. So if you’re not a C&MA member, check out your own denomination’s scholarship resources. The past application deadline was July 31st; a new application deadline has not been announced.
- Scholarship Amount: $1,000
- Scholarship Deadline: July 31st
- Scholarship Denomination: Christian and Missionary Alliance
Disciples of Christ
#45. Disciples Home Missions African American Scholarship
The Disciples of Christ denomination offers this scholarship to African American students who intend to go into ministry and are pursuing a bachelor-level degree. Applicants need references from their pastor, the board chair or congregational leaders of their church, and a teacher or counselor at their current school. Students are not required to be taking any specific course or program. They simply must express the desire to earn an M.Div. or other theological graduate degree at a college or university accredited by the American Theological Society and eventually enter the ministry in the Disciples of Christ denomination. The scholarship can be applied for in consecutive years and does not renew automatically.
- Scholarship Amount: Contact Organization
- Scholarship Deadline: March 15th
- Scholarship Denomination: Disciples of Christ
Multidenominational
#46. Christian Missionary Scholarship Foundation
This scholarship is available to the children of missionaries who will attend Calvin University, Dordt University, Hope College, Kuyper College, Trinity Christian College, and Wheaton College. All of these colleges are in the protestant reformed tradition, except for Wheaton College, which is an evangelical protestant school. The size of awards vary, but the average size of the award in 2016-2017 was $3,675, awarded to 117 students representing over 40 countries.
- Scholarship Amount: $3,675
- Scholarship Deadline: February 1st
- Scholarship Denomination: Evangelical/Reformed
Assemblies of God
#47. Northcentral University Regent’s Scholarship
One first-time entering freshman is awarded the Regent’s scholarship each year. Students must have a GPA of 3.5 and ACT of 30 (or SAT of 1320) to meet the basic qualifications for consideration. The award is given based on superior academic performance, references, and a written essay. Additionally, in order to qualify, students must be an active member of and regular attendee of an Assemblies of God church. Students must maintain a GPA of 3.5 in order to renew the scholarship. The scholarship can be renewed for eight semesters. While any qualified student might be considered for this scholarship, it’s always a good idea to apply early when looking to score a competitive scholarship.
- Scholarship Amount: Up to Full Tuition
- Scholarship Deadline: See Description
- Scholarship Denomination: Assemblies of God
Seventh Day Adventist
#48. Union College Board of Trustees Scholarship
Any incoming freshman student with a 3.9 GPA and 33 ACT (1500 SAT) score gets free tuition! To be sure, it’s not easy to achieve those kinds of scores. And you still need to pay for room and board, books and fees. But if you can get the free tuition scholarship, it’s likely the rest of your financial aid will cover those costs with minimal reliance on student loans. Tuition at Union College is $24,240 per year, while room, board, and fees are only around $8,270. So getting free tuition is huge!
- Scholarship Amount: Free Tuition
- Scholarship Deadline: Enrollment Deadlines
- Scholarship Denomination: Seventh Day Adventist
Quaker
#49. Barclay College
Barclay gives a full-tuition scholarship to every single dorm resident student attending the university. Students who do not live in dorms still get a scholarship, but not for as much. Again, the scholarship is awarded simply for attending the university and living in the dorms. There are very few guaranteed ways to get a full-tuition scholarship these days and this stunning policy at Barclay makes it one of the most affordable Christian colleges in the country. Barclay is a Quaker college, but the scholarship is open to students of all denominations who attend.
- Scholarship Amount: Full Tuition
- Scholarship Deadline: Enrollment
- Scholarship Denomination: Quaker-provided, but not exclusive
Presbyterian Church in America
#50. Covenant College: Maclellan Scholars Program
The primary qualities Covenant is looking for in candidates for the Maclellan Scholars Program are Christian commitment, scholastic achievement, demonstration of leadership abilities, and participation in extracurricular activities. Applicants must have a minimum high school GPA of 3.5, and minimum SAT or ACT scores of 1320 or 28 respectively. Students chosen as a finalist must attend one of the school’s scholarship weekends early in the spring semester. The deadline for 2020 was November 15th 2019, so return regularly to the website linked above to ensure you meet the deadline for 2020.
- Scholarship Amount: Full Tuition
- Scholarship Deadline: Nov. 15th
- Scholarship Denomination: Presbyterian Church in America
FAQ
No scholarships from my denomination made it into your list! What do I do?
Fear not. Many denominations and even individual churches and religious community organizations offer scholarships! If your denomination isn’t featured here, that doesn’t mean there are no scholarships available to you. The first thing to do would be to talk with your pastor, priest, or other spiritual or church leader about what scholarships might exist for students from your church. You can also check out regional and national websites for your denomination and associated organizations for information about higher education funding resources they make available to members.
There are so many scholarships, and so little time. How do I choose the right ones to apply for?
Everyone dreams of scoring that big full-tuition scholarship. But in most cases, big scholarships distribute fewer awards than smaller ones. And they tend to be much more competitive, not just in their requirements, but because lots of people apply for them. One great strategy is to think small. Target scholarships that limit the number of potential people who meet the requirements.
Look for scholarships that are only available to students in your town, or county, or region. These tend to have many fewer applicants than nationally available scholarships. Even better if students have to be from a specific high school, or be a member of a specific church or denomination. Suddenly instead of competing with hundreds or thousands of students who might be eligible, you end up competing with just a few others. Prioritizing scholarships that give awards to multiple students, with narrow requirements that you fit is one of the best ways to get some extra funding for college.
Of course, another great way to score scholarships is to make sure you are an ideal candidate. Strive for academic excellence in high school. You don’t have to be valedictorian to get a good scholarship, but it doesn’t hurt to be at the top of your class.
Another great strategy is to find volunteer opportunities you are passionate about, especially if it is with local community organizations. Many such organizations have scholarships to help students who have spent their time making other peoples’ lives better.
Yet another strategy is to join a youth organization like the Boy Scouts (note that the Boy Scouts of America have opened up membership to girls) or Girl Scouts. Some colleges and universities have scholarships available specifically to members of these organizations. And often, anyone who reaches the level of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts can find incredibly generous scholarships.
Don’t pin your college hopes on just one or two scholarships. Instead, make sure you apply to as many scholarships as you can find for which you meet the requirements. And definitely don’t ignore scholarships in the $1,000-$5,000 range. They may seem small compared to a $20,000 scholarship, but they are often enough to bridge the gap and help you reduce your student loans.
One-time scholarships can be useful if you find you have a shortfall in a given year. But renewable scholarships are incredible. Remember that a $1,000 renewable scholarship will take $4,000 off your bill over four years. Even if it takes 100 hours to apply for the scholarship (most take much less time) that’s still $40/hr spent.
Are scholarship apps and search engines worth it?
They can be great in some cases! But remember that these resources aren’t comprehensive. The more local a scholarship is, or the more specific, the less likely you will find it on one of these websites. There are plenty of scholarships in this article that aren’t on any of those scholarship search engines.
Also remember that scholarship search engines etc. are the most accessible way to find scholarships, which means the scholarships featured on them will be applied to by more people on average. They can be a powerful tool to find great scholarships, but they aren’t the only resource you should use.
GCD Staff
Related:
- 10 Best Deals in Online Theology and Christian Studies Degrees
- 20 Best Conservative Christian Colleges
- 20 Great Religious Studies Scholarships
This concludes our ranking of 50 great Christian scholarships.