10 Scholarships for Online Seminary Students 2025

Students pursuing a calling in ministry leadership must typically earn at least a bachelor's degree in theological studies; however, many denominations also require a pastor to hold appropriate graduate degrees. Earning a college degree from a seminary school can be expensive, but fortunately, online programs and scholarships can help lower the burden of tuition.

Scholarships for online students can be difficult to find, as many opportunities are only available for on-campus students. In this list, we narrow our focus to scholarships that may be used for online seminary programs, allowing students to earn their degrees as affordably as possible.

Top Scholarships for Seminary Students at Online Colleges

If you want to pursue your calling without breaking the bank, keep reading to learn about scholarship opportunities for seminary students. We break down eligibility criteria, award amounts, and more.

1. George & Lynna Gene Cook Scholarship

The George & Lynna Gene Cook Scholarship provides $1,500 to ministry or education students attending an accredited institution anywhere in the U.S. This scholarship, established in 1999 for Nebraska residents intending to pursue a full-time career in ministry, is given preference to applicants who are members of First Church of God affiliated with the Anderson, IN, church.

2. General Board of Higher Education and Ministry

Members of the United Methodist Church may apply for numerous GBHEB scholarships to be used toward an online seminary degree. Award amounts vary by scholarship but typically range from $1,000 to $10,000. Some of the scholarships they provide include:

• Allan J. Burry Scholarship
• Baltimore-Washington Scholarship Merit Fund
• East Ohio Conference Council on Youth Ministry (CCYM) Scholarship
• Elvina Jane Owen Scholarship
• The Rev. Dr. Karen Layman Gift of Hope Scholarship

3. Presbyterian Study Grant

Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) members pursuing a Master of Divinity (MDiv) can apply for this grant opportunity. Awards are up to $6,000 and are given to a maximum of 100 applicants yearly. If selected, students are also considered for supplemental grants, including those for diversity and financial need.

4. Wesley Biblical Seminary Scholarships

Wesley Biblical Seminary offers fully online ministry degrees. Graduate students pursuing these programs can apply for several institutional scholarships. The merit-based scholarships range from $550 to $1,650 per academic year. Additionally, active missionaries can utilize the Missionary Scholarship award for 33% off tuition.

5. Bethel University Student and Doctor of Ministry Scholarships

Bethel University offers several online programs for seminary students. Students with at least a 3.0 GPA and pursuing an MDiv can apply for the Returning Student and Doctor of Ministry Scholarships, which vary by amount. New and returning students must complete scholarship applications every year before the deadline to be considered for these opportunities.

6. Trinity Evangelical Divinity School Dean's Scholarship

At Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, students can earn degrees fully online. Seminary students can apply for several TEDS scholarships, including the merit-based Dean's Scholarship. This award acknowledges academic achievement based on GPA. The amount ranges from 20% off tuition for at least a 3.2 GPA to 40% off for students with a 3.8 GPA.

7. Bivins Scholars Program

The Mary E. Bivins Foundation offers the Bivins Scholars Program to those pursuing undergraduate, master's, and doctoral Christian ministry programs. The eligibility requirements include a location stipulation�students must be permanent residents in the north Texas Panhandle. The award ranges from $1,500 to $10,000 for part-time and full-time students.

8. Grace Theological Seminary Scholarship

Students pursuing an online degree program at Grace Theological Seminary can apply for various financial aid opportunities. The Grace Theological Seminary Scholarship ranges from $50 to $65 per credit hour and is available to any student seeking a master's degree.

9. Denver Seminary Kingdom Scholarship

Students pursuing online degrees at Denver Seminary can apply for the Kingdom Scholarship. This award is worth 50% of tuition costs and is generally for new students. To qualify, students must be enrolled full-time and seeking a career in ministry.

10. Lancaster Bible College Scholarships

Lancaster Bible College offers several master's and doctoral seminary degrees online. Students pursuing one of these programs may apply for several tuition scholarships, including the following:

• ABHE Academic Scholarship for Faculty & Administrative Leaders
• Calvary Bible Institute Scholarship
• Church Matching Scholarship
• LBC Alumni Scholarship
• Project Bridges Scholarship

Award amounts vary, but can be as much as 50% off tuition for qualified students.

Our Selection Criteria

Many scholarships are available to those pursuing a seminary degree. To narrow this list, we selected scholarship opportunities based on certain criteria, such as:

• Online availability: We chose scholarship opportunities that can be used toward an accredited online degree program.
• Program focus: These scholarship funds are dedicated specifically to seminary students.
• Tuition: All scholarships exclusively focus on covering tuition rather than living costs or other necessities that on-campus students may need.

Using Scholarships Funds and Financial Aid for Theological Education

Using scholarships and financial aid for affordable online theology programs is typically the same as any other academic program. Students need to accept the offer and inform the financial aid office if it's an outside scholarship.

If the total aid exceeds the cost of attendance, the school will not allow students to keep the excess funds. Instead, they adjust the aid package to ensure that students only receive aid up to the cost of attendance. This means that the institution may reduce its loans, grants, or institutional scholarships to accommodate the outside scholarship.

How To Apply for Seminary Scholarship Programs

Seminary students may apply to institutional and outside scholarship opportunities to receive the most aid. Students who apply for various institutional scholarships can often apply using a singular application.

For outside scholarships, carefully review the eligibility criteria and application requirements for each opportunity. You may need to submit transcripts, letters of recommendation from professors and pastors, a personal statement, and proof of church involvement or leadership experience. You should also complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility for federal financial aid, which can supplement scholarship funds.

Once you submit your applications, monitor their status and follow up with scholarship providers if needed. After receiving awards, you must meet the conditions of each scholarship or aid package to maintain eligibility throughout the term.

Many opportunities require that you hold a minimum GPA. Additionally, some programs listed above require writing a thank you letter upon award.

FAQs About Seminary Scholarships and Enrollment

Enrolling in seminary school is an important decision, and many prospective students have questions about finances. We answer the most common questions below.

Will FAFSA Pay for Seminary School?

Yes, FAFSA can be used to pay for seminary school, provided the institution is accredited and eligible for federal financial aid. When you complete the FAFSA, you can qualify for various types of financial aid, including federal grants and loans. Inexpensive online colleges that accept FAFSA offer low tuition rates and government aid to make your education low-cost.

Can You Get Scholarships for Online Schooling?

Yes, you can use scholarships for online degree programs. The programs listed above offer institutional or outside scholarships that may be used toward an online degree.

Can I Combine a Ministry Partnership Discount With a Scholarship?

Yes, in many cases, you can combine a ministry partnership discount with a scholarship to help reduce the overall cost of your seminary education. Ministry partnership discounts are often offered by seminaries to students who are actively involved in a church or ministry, while scholarships provide additional financial support based on academic criteria.

Explore Online Degree Programs Today

If you're ready to begin your calling in ministry, check out the opportunities here on Learn.org. From affordable online college programs to scholarships, students can pursue their vocation without financial burden. Contact each school or organization directly to learn more.