20 Great Religious Studies Scholarships

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Earning religious studies scholarships can help lower the college expenses for studying the role of religion in human life and culture.

Religious studies programs are available at every degree level to examine the worship traditions for various denominations. Religious studies can lay the foundation for faithful vocations whether you’re:

  • Methodist
  • Jewish
  • Muslim
  • Lutheran
  • Anglican.

Most churches require holding a Master of Divinity degree before you can become ordained. Those who pursue Catholic priesthood are particularly in-demand since the U.S. faces critical shortages with a priest-parishioner ratio of 1:652.

Other career options include:

  • pastoral counselor
  • Bible teacher
  • missionary
  • charity director
  • religion news-writer
  • youth minister
  • archivist

Answer God’s calling to serve His followers by applying for these scholarships in religious studies.

Ranking the Top Scholarships for Religious Studies Available

1. AGBU Religious Studies Fellowship

Deadline: May 31st

The Armenian General Benevolent Union awards a Religious Studies Fellowship for up to $5,000 to graduate students of Armenian heritage. They must be pursuing master’s or doctoral degrees in:

  • religious studies
  • theology
  • divinity
  • ministry

Eligible applicants must:

  • be enrolled full-time at selective universities or seminaries worldwide
  • live outside of Armenia
  • maintain a cumulative GPA above 3.0
  • exhibit financial need

Fellowships are renewable for a maximum of three years.

Contact

AGBU Religious Studies Fellowship
55 East 59th Street 7th Floor
New York, NY 10022
(212) 319-6383
scholarship@agbu.org
Scholarship Link

2. Bishop Lance Webb Scholarship

Deadline: March 15th

The Bishop Lance Webb Scholarship for $1,500 is presented by the Iowa United Methodist Foundation. Eligible are full-time college juniors or seniors. They must plan to attend an ATS-accredited theological school or seminary for graduate degrees in religious studies. Qualified recipients must:

  • be U.S. citizen
  • currently hold a B average or better
  • demonstrate financial need
  • have a vocational calling for United Methodist ministry

Submitting two recommendations from ordained pastors is required.

Contact

Bishop Lance Webb Scholarship
2301 Rittenhouse Street
Des Moines, IA 50321
(515) 974-8927
amy.foust@iumf.org
Scholarship Link

3. Charles B. Keesee Educational Scholarships

Deadline: April 1st

The Charles B. Keesee Educational Scholarships range from $2,000 to $8,000 per year. Eligible are members of the Baptist Church. Thy must be earning master’s or doctoral degrees in religious studies at participating seminaries. Acceptable majors include:

  • Christian education
  • church music
  • Islamic studies
  • missiology
  • youth ministry

Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens who reside in:

  • Virginia
  • North Carolina
  • South Carolina

They must plan to pursue Baptist religious work.

Contact

Charles B. Keesee Educational Scholarships
P.O. Box 431
Martinsville, VA 24114
(276) 632-2229
information@cbkeesee.com
Scholarship Link

4. David H.C. Read Preacher/Scholar Award

Deadline: January 31st

The David H.C. Read Preacher/Scholar Award  honors the late Chaplain to Her Majesty in Scotland. The gifts $20,000 are made from the Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church each year. To qualify, applicants must be entering their final year of a Master of Divinity program at an ATS-accredited theological school. They must be committed to entering Protestant parish ministry upon graduation. Three religious studies runners-up will receive $1,000.

Contact

David H.C. Read Preacher/Scholar Award
921 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10021
(212) 288-8920
amcchord@nyc.rr.com
Scholarship Link

5. Dr. Chester A. McPheeters Scholarship

Deadline: March 1st

The Dr. Chester A. McPheeters Scholarship was created by the United Methodist Higher Education Foundation. It awards $1,000 to graduating high school seniors. They must be pursuing post-secondary education to prepare for the ministry or full-time religious vocations. Eligible religious studies majors must:

  • be active United Methodist members for 12 months
  • have U.S. citizenship or permanent residency
  • have a minimum 2.5 GPA
  • enroll full-time in an accredited college
  • work part-time where possible.
Contact

Dr. Chester A. McPheeters Scholarship
P.O. Box 340005
Nashville, TN 37203
(615) 649-3990
umhef@umhef.org
Scholarship Link

6. Father McGivney Vocations Scholarships

Deadline: June 1st

Annually, the Knights of Columbus distributes 40 Father McGivney Vocations Scholarships for $2,500 each. Eligible are male students who are enrolled full-time in religious studies at an ATS-accredited theology school. They must be preparing for the Roman Catholic priesthood. Preference is given to financially needy students who are members or descents of the KofC. Applications must include:

  • academic transcripts
  • two letters of recommendation
  • a short essay
  • the diocesan vocations director’s signature.
Contact

Father McGivney Vocations Scholarships
1 Columbus Plaza
New Haven, CT 06510
(203) 752-4000
scholarships@kofc.org
Scholarship Link

7. GuideOne Foundation Scholarships

Deadline: April 15th

As America’s leading insurer of churches, the GuideOne Foundation provides four $2,500 religious studies scholarships. The annual awards benefit tomorrow’s those who are actively pursuing master’s or doctoral degrees for ministry. Qualified applicants must:

  • attend accredited seminaries in the United States or District of Columbia
  • carry a minimum overall GPA of 3.25
  • submit one letter of recommendation
  • write a 350-word essay explaining why they’ve chosen religious vocations.
Contact

GuideOne Foundation Scholarships
1111 Ashworth Road
West Des Moines, IA 50265
(877) 448-4331
espacek@guideone.com
Scholarship Link

8. Harvesters Scholarship Foundation

Deadline: May 31st

The Harvesters Scholarship Foundation offers need-based financial aid to undergraduate or graduate students in the United States and Canada. They must  have declared religious studies majors to serve the Evangelical Christian faith. Eligibility criteria requires:

  • being enrolled full-time
  • holding a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better
  • having combined family income below $60,000 per year
  • responding to one’s calling of becoming a missionary

Applications must include:

  • a 1,000-word personal statement
  • resume
  • transcript
  • three references.
Contact

Harvesters Scholarship Foundation
7252 Berry Creek Street
Eastvale, CA 92880
edithlo@harvestersscholarship.com
Scholarship Link

9. Hindu Temple Educational Scholarship

Deadline: May 31st

The Hindu Temple Educational Scholarship is funded by the International Geeta Gurukul Foundation. The $1,000 scholarship is awarded annually. It goes to a graduating high school senior planning to enroll full-time at an accredited U.S. four-year college. Interested religious studies majors must:

  • be active Hindu Temple members
  • exhibit academic merit with a minimum 3.0 GPA
  • have leadership potential
  • submit two recommendation letters
  • show career goals within the Hindu religion.
Contact

Hindu Temple Educational Scholarship
44955 Cherry Hill Road
Canton, MI 48188
(734) 981-8730
Scholarship Link

10. Irene Drinkall Franke Scholarship

Deadline: February 15th

The Evangelical Lutheran Church of America selects laywomen annually to receive the $1,000 Irene Drinkall Franke Scholarship. It goes to to financially support their religious studies and professional preparation for Christian service occupations. To apply, female students must:

  • hold ELCA membership
  • be U.S. citizens
  • attend accredited universities
  • be at least 21 years old
  • have experienced a two-year or longer interruption in education
  • submit a pastor reference form.
Contact

Irene Drinkall Franke Scholarship
8765 West Higgins Road
Chicago, IL 60631
(800) 638-3522 ext. 2741
valora.starr@elca.org
Scholarship Link

11. Juliette M. Atherton Scholarship

Deadline: February 22nd

The Juliette M. Atherton Scholarship is administered by the Hawaii Community Foundation. It presents $3,000 to $5,000 annually to students attending non-profit, accredited theological schools in the United States. They must major in religious studies leading to Protestant Christian careers. Eligible awardees mus:

  • t be Hawaii residents
  • enroll full-time
  • achieve a minimum overall GPA of 2.7
  • be active Protestant congregation members
  • have unmet financial need

Some funding is reserved for sons and daughters of ordained Protestant ministers.

Contact

Juliette M. Atherton Scholarship
827 Fort Street Mal
Honolulu, HI 96813
(808) 566-5524
foundations@hcf-hawaii.org
Scholarship Link

12. Justin Haruyama Scholarship Program

Deadline: May 31st

Since 1981, the Japanese American United Church in New York City has hosted the Justin Haruyama Scholarship Program annually. It supports students of Japanese heritage who pursue religious studies for a Master of Divinity. Studies must be at accredited Protestant seminaries in the U.S. Eligible applicants must:

  • be studying full-time
  • hold a minimum 3.0 GPA
  • intend to become ordained pastors or missionaries
  • be committed to serving Japanese-American congregations
  • write a 500-word essay about their spiritual journey.
Contact

Justin Haruyama Scholarship Program
255 7th Avenue
New York, NY 10001
(212) 242-9444
ministryjauc@gmail.com
Scholarship Link

13. Katherine J. Schutze Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: March 15th

The Katherine J. Schutze Memorial ScholarshipIn honors the passionate, ordained missionary who taught Hispanic children in Texas. It’s a $2,000 award by Disciples Home Missions yearly. Eligible women must:

  • be enrolled full-time at ATS-accredited seminaries
  • pursue a Master of Divinity or relevant religious studies
  • be active Disciples of Christ members
  • reside in the United States or Canada
  • have unmet financial need
  • prepare for ordained ministry in the Christian Church.
Contact

Katherine J. Schutze Memorial Scholarship
P.O. Box 1986
Indianapolis, IN 46206
(317) 713-2652
wlynn@dhm.disciples.org
Scholarship Link

14. Mary E. Bivins Religious Studies Scholarships

Deadline: January 29th

The Mary E. Bivins Religious Studies Scholarships are $2,500 for undergraduate juniors or seniors. They’re $3,500 for graduate students. Students must be seeking an accredited degree that leads to ministerial professions preaching the Christian religion. Interested applicants must:

  • reside in the Texas Panhandle’s 26 counties for 12 months
  • have U.S. citizenship
  • take at least 12 credits per semester
  • maintain a cumulative GPA above 2.75
  • participate in an in-person interview.
Contact

Mary E. Bivins Religious Studies Scholarships
2311 West 16th Avenue
Amarillo, TX 79102
(806) 379-9400
susan@bivinsfoundation.org
Scholarship Link

15. Nathan J. and Virginia H. Friedman Scholarship

Deadline: November 1st

The Nathan J. and Virginia H. Friedman Scholarship is funded by the Jewish Community Federation. It’s for $1,500 to $5,000 annually. Eligible are Jewish undergraduates undertaking religious studies, especially Judaic studies, at accredited, non-profit U.S. universities. Applicants must permanently reside in California counties of:

  • San Francisco
  • Marin
  • Sonoma
  • Alameda

They may study anywhere. Selection is based on:

  • academic merit
  • financial need
  • Jewish community involvement
  • leadership ability.
Contact

Nathan J. and Virginia H. Friedman Scholarship
121 Steuart Street
San Francisco, CA 94105
(415) 777-0411
info@sfjcf.org
Scholarship Link

16. Native American Seminary Scholarship

Deadline: March 1st

The Native American Seminary Scholarship is granted by the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry. The scholarship is up to $10,000 per year. It’s for tribal members of Native American or Alaska Native heritage who are completing religious studies at an approved U.S. seminary. Eligible candidates must:

  • be United Methodist Church members for 3+ years
  • maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA
  • plan a career in ordained ministry

Other funding includes the Richard S. Smith and Rosalie Bentzinger Scholarships.

Contact

Native American Seminary Scholarship
1001 19th Avenue South
Nashville, TN 37212
(615) 340-7342
umscholar@gbhem.org
Scholarship Link

17. Roy H. Pollack Scholarship Program

Deadline: April 15th

The Roy H. Pollack Scholarship Program is administered by the United Universalist Association. It awards $1,500 to second- or third-year graduate students. They must be earning a Master of Divinity degree to become Unitarian Universalist ministers. Promising candidates must:

  • enroll at least half-time
  • attend an ATS-accredited seminary
  • possess strong academic records
  • be U.S. or Canadian citizens
  • exhibit outstanding ministerial ability

Preference is given to racial minority students of color.

Contact

Roy H. Pollack Scholarship Program
24 Farnsworth Street
Boston, MA 02210
(617) 742-2100
mcoadministrator@uua.org
Scholarship Link

18. Russell Berrie Fellowships in Interreligious Studies

Deadline: March 11th

Through the Institute for International Education (IIE), the Russell Berrie Fellowships in Interreligious Studies cover full-tuition and provide modest living stipends. These go to 10 excellent fellows studying abroad at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome, Italy. Those who may apply are graduate students from:

  • Bangladesh
  • Canada
  • Hungary
  • Indonesia
  • Nigeria
  • Philippines
  • Ukraine
  • United States
  • Zimbabwe

Having at least a Bachelor of Arts and sufficient knowledge of Italian is mandatory.

Contact

Russell Berrie Fellowships in Interreligious Studies
25 East Washington Street
Chicago, IL 60602
(312) 346-0026
berrie@iie.eu
Scholarship Link

19. Stewards Ministries Graduate Scholarships

Deadline: Varies

Stewards Ministries offers $2,000 Graduate Scholarships for students enrolled full-time in master’s or doctoral religious studies. They must be at ATS-accredited theological schools in the United States or Canada. They must plan to become ministers of Christian Brethren assemblies. They are nominated by an Elder. Exceptional candidates must sign an agreement to devote two years full-time to assembly-related ministry upon graduation.

One annual scholarship is reserved for students attending Emmaus Bible College.

Contact

Stewards Ministries Graduate Scholarships
1101 Perimeter Drive Suite 600
Schaumburg, IL 60173
(847) 842-0227
info@stewardsministries.com
Scholarship Link

20. William R. Johnson Scholarship Fund

Deadline: March 1st

The William R. Johnson Scholarship Fund is supported by the United Church of Christ. It distributes $2,500 scholarships to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender students. They must be completing religious studies at ATS-accredited seminaries for ordained ministry. Recipients must:

  • be open about their sexual orientation
  • have belonged to UCC congregations for 12+ months
  • maintain a minimum B average
  • demonstrate church leadership
  • have completed their first seminary year
  • be members in discernment.
Contact

William R. Johnson Scholarship Fund
700 Prospect Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44115
(216) 736-2166
scholarships@ucc.org
Scholarship Link

Money likely isn’t a motivator for following your vocational calling into faith-based professions, but it’s important to consider. College tuition can be extremely difficult to afford on modest ministry salaries. According to the BLS, religious organizations pay clergy an average yearly income of $46,420. Minimizing your student loan debt post-graduation with free scholarships is essential to keep your Church-related endeavors afloat.

See also: 20 Best College Deals for Conservative Christians

Consider these 20 great religious studies scholarships to achieve your college goals.

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