Christian Scholarships for College (2025 - 2026)

Christian Scholarships for College Students

Christian scholarships support students who want to pursue higher education while staying grounded in their faith. Many churches, religious organizations, and Christian colleges offer scholarships for students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and a commitment to serving others through their faith. These awards are available to students of various denominations and may apply to a wide range of majors and degree programs.

Whether you plan to attend a Christian college or a secular university, the following Christian scholarships can help you reduce the cost of your education while encouraging spiritual growth, community service, and faith-based leadership.

Are There Scholarships for Christian Students?

Yes, there are many scholarships and grants available specifically for Christian students. These awards are provided by faith-based organizations, Christian colleges and universities, church communities, and private donors who value spiritual leadership, service, and academic achievement. Some scholarships are denomination-specific, while others are open to all practicing Christians.

Popular Christian scholarships include:

• The Christian Connector Scholarship: Offers a $2,500 scholarship drawing for students attending Christian colleges. Signing up also connects students with other faith-based scholarship opportunities.
• The Foundation for the Carolinas – Mary Doctor Fine Arts Scholarship: Awards up to $10,000 to students with strong Christian values and involvement in faith-based fine arts activities.
• The Lilly Scholarship Program (Indiana): Covers full tuition and fees for Indiana students who demonstrate Christian character, academic achievement, and community service.
• Institutional Scholarships: Christian universities such as Liberty University, Biola University, and Baylor University offer a variety of merit-based and need-based scholarships for students committed to living out their faith.

Eligibility criteria often include church involvement, community service, personal testimony, and academic performance.

How to Apply for Christian Scholarships?

Applying for Christian scholarships is similar to other forms of financial aid, but with an added emphasis on faith, service, and values. Strong applications often show how your beliefs have shaped your life, goals, and leadership journey.

Steps to apply:

• Connect with Your Church or Denomination: Many local churches, dioceses, and regional ministries offer scholarships to active members—especially those involved in youth ministry, missions, or church leadership.
• Research Faith-Based Organizations: Organizations like The Knights of Columbus, Baptist Foundation of America, or the Christian Community Credit Union offer targeted scholarships each year.
• Prepare a Faith-Focused Personal Statement: Share your testimony, how your faith influences your education and career goals, and your service to the church or community.
• Submit Strong Letters of Recommendation: Ask your pastor, youth leader, or a mentor from your church to write a reference that speaks to your character, leadership, and spiritual growth.
• Meet Deadlines and Requirements: Faith-based scholarships often have deadlines between January and May, and some may require proof of church membership or pastoral endorsement.

Tip: Combine Christian scholarships with general academic or community awards to maximize your total financial aid package.

Are There Scholarships for Christian Women?

Yes, there are several scholarships designed specifically for Christian women pursuing higher education. These scholarships aim to empower women in faith, leadership, ministry, and a variety of academic fields. Awards are typically offered by faith-based organizations, churches, and Christian women’s groups.

Notable scholarships for Christian women include:

• Baptist Women’s Missionary Union Scholarship: Offers financial assistance to women pursuing degrees in Christian ministry, missions, or religious education. Must be an active member of a Baptist church or WMU-affiliated group.
• Christian Women in Leadership Scholarship: Awarded to female students who have demonstrated leadership within their church, Christian school, or ministry. Amounts vary—some awards offer $1,000 to $5,000 annually.
• National Presbyterian Scholarship for Women: Supports women who are members of Presbyterian churches and attending accredited institutions. Emphasis is placed on community service and spiritual leadership.
• Educational Foundation for Women in Accounting – Women in Transition Scholarship: Offers up to $16,000 to Christian women returning to school, especially those with financial need or career interruptions. While not exclusive to Christians, faith-based applicants are encouraged.

Tip: Also explore scholarships from women’s ministries, denominational women’s groups, and Christian sororities or alumni organizations.

Are There Scholarships for Students Planning to Attend Christian Universities?

Yes, most Christian colleges and universities offer generous scholarships to incoming and current students. These awards may be based on academic achievement, financial need, church involvement, leadership, or spiritual development. Many are renewable each year.

Top scholarship programs at Christian universities include:

• Liberty University Scholarships: Offers dozens of merit-based, need-based, and mission-focused awards. Examples include the Champion Award and the Liberty Academic Scholarship, with awards ranging from $1,500 to full tuition.
• Baylor University Ministry Scholarships: Supports students enrolled in ministry, theology, or church leadership programs. Some awards are tied to Baptist affiliations or specific academic performance.
• Wheaton College Trustee Scholarship: A prestigious full-tuition scholarship awarded to students with exceptional academic achievement, Christian character, and demonstrated service or leadership in ministry. Highly competitive.
• Biola University’s President’s and Provost’s Scholarships: Merit-based scholarships for incoming Christian students, ranging from $8,000 to $20,000 per year.
• Abilene Christian University (ACU) Scholarships: Offers awards such as the Christian Leadership Scholarship, which recognizes high school seniors active in youth ministry, worship leadership, or church outreach.

How to apply:

• Submit your FAFSA or CSS Profile (as required)
• Apply to your chosen Christian university early—some scholarships are offered automatically with admission
• Check your school’s scholarship portal or financial aid page for separate applications

Bonus Tip: Many Christian universities also accept external Christian scholarships and may match them with institutional aid—be sure to ask your financial aid office!

Are There Scholarships for Students Pursuing Missions Work?

Yes, there are several scholarships and grants specifically designed for students who feel called to missions work. These scholarships are offered by churches, missionary organizations, and Christian foundations to support students preparing for full-time or short-term service in global or domestic missions.

Notable scholarships for future missionaries include:

• Assemblies of God World Missions Scholarship: Provides financial support to students enrolled in Assemblies of God-affiliated schools who are preparing for international missions. Awards are based on spiritual commitment, academic performance, and a demonstrated calling to missions.
• Evangelical Missionary Scholarship: Offers support to undergraduate or seminary students training for long-term missionary service through evangelical ministries. Award amounts vary and may include travel stipends or tuition assistance.
• Missionary Dependent Scholarship (via specific denominations): Some scholarships are available to children of missionaries serving overseas. Examples include awards from Baptist, Nazarene, or Presbyterian missions boards.
• Christian Missionary Scholarship Foundation (CMSF): Offers scholarships to children of missionaries who have served with evangelical organizations and are now studying at select Christian colleges. CMSF partners with over 30 institutions, including Wheaton, Biola, and Moody Bible Institute.
• YWAM Training Program Scholarships: Youth With A Mission (YWAM) locations may offer scholarships for students enrolled in Discipleship Training Schools (DTS) or preparing for long-term outreach.

How to apply:

• Be prepared to share your personal testimony and sense of calling to missions work
• Provide references from church or ministry leaders who can affirm your commitment to service
• Highlight any previous mission trips, outreach projects, or discipleship involvement

Tip: Many missionary scholarships are tied to specific denominations, missionary sending agencies, or Christian colleges—so check with your church or institution for opportunities tailored to your background and ministry path.