Religion and Theology College Student Aid
Scholarship and Grant Options
Students intending to work in a church ministry or attend seminary after college graduation will likely plan to study religion and theology. Luckily, there are a variety of college scholarship resources available.
Foundations
The Mary E. Bivins Foundation offers the Religious Scholarship Program which serves students seeking an undergraduate or graduate degree who will go on to serve as a Christian minister. Graduate students must have a grade point average of at least 3.0 while undergrads should maintain a 2.75 or higher.
The scholarships available are offered to qualified residents within the counties in the panhandle of Texas. Graduate students must have already taken nine semester hours while undergrads need a minimum of twelve hours. Monetary awards are graduated with sophomores and freshmen possibly receiving $1,000 while juniors and seniors reap $2,000 and graduate degree students could possibly receive $3,000 per semester. Read more.
The Alpha Tau Omega (ATO) Foundation, a group which focuses on leadership development, does offer a scholarship for graduate students who are studying theology and other courses which will prepare them for the seminary or a role in the clergy. Eligibility is based on membership in the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity as well as enrollment in an accredited graduate school or seminary. This is a national ATO and is judged on academics, leadership within the ATO organization and leadership at the university.
Civic or Church Organizations
Each branch of religion has its share of organizations supporting that faith. Check into the branches in the area and see if they offer scholarships for religion or theology.
The Disciples Home Missions organization supports members of the Christian Church called the Disciples of Christ. This organization offers a number of scholarships aimed at religion or theology students.
- Disciple Chaplain's Scholarship offers a $2,000 monetary award to religion and theology students in their first year of the seminary. Students must attend full-time, have a C+ grade average, be U.S. citizens and be members of the Disciples of Christ Church.
- Asian-Americans studying religion or theology who apply for the David Tamotsu Kagiwada Memorial Scholarship could win a $2,000 award. Full-time students must be studying for a future in the ministry and have at least a C+ average, be U.S. citizens and members of the Disciples of Christ Church.
- Wives of ministers have educational options with the Edwin G. and Lauretta M. Michael Scholarship. This $2,000 monetary award is given to a full-time female student who is married to a minister and displays financial need.
- See more Christianity related scholarships.
- If you are into Jewish studies, go here.
- If you are into Islamic studies, go here.
Colleges and University Scholarships
Quite a few colleges have been established on the foundation of a certain religious faith. They will often offer scholarships to religion or theology students in addition to other major studies.
Westminster College in Pennsylvania is based on the Presbyterian faith and presents several scholarships to religion students who want to go on to serve in a ministry, Christian education or other callings within the church.
- The John Orr Scholarship Fund is awarded to a religion student who plans to enter the seminary. Eligible applicants must have taken at least four religion courses and be in their third year of schooling. The monetary award is based on the income accrued from the interest of the Fund.
- The James Corry Religion Scholarship Fund is typically awarded to a college senior with at least a grade point average of 3.0 whose emphasis is on religion or another major of study which will allow them to pursue a church career. Tuition is covered under this scholarship fund and is based on the student's financial need. Children of ordained ministers are given preference.
High Point University in North Carolina also offers scholarships to students majoring in religion or theology who have their eye on working within the church. Monetary awards differ from year to year.
- The Irvin B. and Marge P. Black Scholarship is awarded to a student who selects a major within the field of religion.
- The Reverend Chester Andrews Scholarship is for those students who study religion and likely will serve in a ministry.
- The John D. Idol Memorial Scholarship awards fund for those students who want to study religion.
