Scholarships for Theology and Religious Studies Majors
DISCLAIMER: The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute professional financial advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Readers of this website should contact a professional advisor before making decisions about financial issues.
Many students pursue theology or religious studies programs on the path toward becoming a church worker, minister, or member of the clergy.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects an increase of 2-3% in the employment of clergy, church educators, and religious workers between 2020 and 2030. Many faith-centered occupations require at least a bachelor’s degree and experience to enter the field. Therefore, many students rely on theology and religious studies scholarships and other financial aid to help fund their education and pursue their target careers.
The following guide covers many of the top theology and religious studies scholarships.
Financial Assistance for Theology and Religious Studies Students
Financial aid for theology and religious studies students includes scholarships, grants, fellowships, loans, and work-study programs.
Unlike other types of aid, scholarships and grants do not need to be repaid. Scholarships are often based on merit, although some may also require students to demonstrate financial need. Most grants are awarded based exclusively on need rather than merit.
Campus-based learners may pursue work-study jobs, which provide wages that can be used to cover any expenses. Students may also take out loans to help pay for their degree. However, these should be considered a last resort after exhausting other aid options. Loans may have high interest rates and fees.
Accredited colleges require students to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as the first step toward pursuing financial aid. By filling out this form, students determine their eligibility for federal financial aid. Their FAFSA results may also help determine whether a student qualifies for other funding sources, such as those offered by schools and private organizations.
Students seeking theology and religious studies scholarships, grants, and loans should begin their search by completing the FAFSA.
Theology and Religious Studies Grants
Grants can help students meet their financial aid goals. Many students with financial need apply for general awards, such as the Federal Pell Grant and/or the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant. Additionally, students who belong to a particular congregation or denomination, as well as those who are pursuing a theology or religious studies degree in a particular county or school, may qualify for other faith-based grants.
Theology and Religious Studies Scholarships
Scholarships for theology and religious studies students are often awarded by schools, churches, and other community organizations. The following sections include popular theology and religious studies scholarships.
Featured Theology and Religious Studies Scholarships
The following scholarships may be suitable for a variety of aspiring theologians and religious workers. Scholarship programs have different requirements, which may be related to variables like grades, community service, and religious affiliation.
Who’s eligible? American Baptist Home Mission Societies offers this scholarship to U.S. residents enrolled in a full-time undergraduate program at an accredited college or university. Applicants must be active in an American Baptist Church and maintain a GPA of at least 2.75. They must also submit a reference from their church pastor.
Award amount: Varies
Deadline: April
Who’s eligible? The Bethesda Auxiliary awards this scholarship to students in their junior or senior year of a program that is preparing them to serve and support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Applicants must be active members of the Lutheran Church and have a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Award amount: $3,000
Deadline: May
Who’s eligible? The Knights of Columbus awards this scholarship to men studying for the Catholic priesthood through a four-year program. Candidates are evaluated based in part on academic merit. Preference is given to applicants who are members of the Knights of Columbus or who are the sons of members.
Award amount: $2,500
Deadline: Varies
Theology and Religious Studies Scholarships for Minorities
Many organizations grant theology and religious studies scholarships to students from minority groups, including applicants who identify as African American, Latino/a, and Native American.
Who’s eligible? The Presbyterian Church awards this grant to racial-ethnic minority students. Applicants must be an active member of the church and demonstrate financial need.
Award amount: Varies
Deadline: Varies
Theology and Religious Studies Scholarships for Graduate Students
Many students need help to pay for their graduate degree in theology or religious studies. The following theology and religious studies scholarships target graduate students — especially seminary and master of divinity (M.Div.) candidates.
Who’s eligible? The Reformed Church in America (RCA) awards this scholarship to female seminarians in a full-time or part-time MA, M.Div., or master of theological studies program at an approved institution. Applicants must be active members of the RCA with intentions to pursue a career in missions and ministry. They must also have a minimum 3.0 GPA and a four-year degree.
Award amount: $500 (part time) or $1,000 (full time)
Deadline: April
Who’s eligible? The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship offers this scholarship to students who have demonstrated leadership skills in the Baptist Church. Applicants must be enrolled in an M.Div. or master’s in theology program at an accredited higher learning institution.
Award amount: $5,000
Deadline: April
Who’s eligible? American Baptist Home Mission Societies offers this scholarship to female graduate students with a minimum 2.75 GPA in a theological field (except M.Div. and doctor of ministry programs) who aspire to careers in human service. Applicants must reside in the U.S. and be active members of the Baptist Church.
Award amount: Varies
Deadline: April
Additional Financial Aid Resources
An Overview of Financial Aid
Our guide provides a variety of financial aid resources for theology and religious studies students. In addition to covering scholarships, grants, fellowships, and loan opportunities, our overview walks students through the FAFSA process and explores saving and budgeting for college.
Financial Aid for Online Students
Students increasingly choose online college programs for their convenience and affordability. Many schools and organizations offer theology and religious studies scholarships and other financial aid for distance learners.
Financial Aid for Students with Disabilities
Learners with disabilities often rely on financial aid to help pay for their degree. Our guide outlines the many unique financial aid resources for theology and religious studies students with disabilities.
Scholarships for Single Parents
Single mothers and fathers can research specific financial aid opportunities using our comprehensive guide.
Financial Aid for Veterans and Active Military
Veterans and active-duty military students can pursue several scholarships — including awards for theology and religious studies students — offered by schools, private organizations, and the federal government.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you pay for a degree in theology and religious studies?
Many college students use theology and religious studies scholarships and other financial aid to help pay for their degree. Students generally prefer scholarships and grants over other forms of aid because these do not require repayment.
Are there many scholarships available for theology and religious studies students?
Schools, churches, and private foundations offer scholarships for theology and religious studies students. Many scholarships are available, each with their own criteria.
Are there grants for theology and religious studies students?
Students who receive federal grants, such as the Pell Grant or the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, may apply the award to an accredited program in theology or religious studies. Additionally, many nonprofits, churches, and missionary programs offer grants to students with financial need.
How do I qualify for a theology and religious studies scholarship?
Theology and religious studies scholarships are available to undergraduate and graduate students in nearly every religious denomination. Additionally, certain awards may target minority students or individuals from other underserved populations.
Feature Image: Courtney Hale / E+ / Getty Images
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