Faith-Based Scholarships

Scholarships can help bridge the gap between the cost of college and a family’s own resources. Many scholarships are created to support students based on how they identify. Awards are available through professional associations, companies, nonprofits, religious organizations, political groups, and the colleges themselves. The criteria may consider factors such as race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or disability. Since funding avenues come from a wide variety of sponsors, there is not a comprehensive list that captures every single opportunity. To make the search a little easier, Bright Horizons College Coach regularly publishes information on scholarships to ensure that students from all backgrounds have access to the resources they need to pursue higher education.  Check out the resources below, along with the other posts in the series, and you may discover funding sources that will make covering that college bill a little (or a lot!) more manageable.  For students whose faith is central to their identity, exploring scholarships connected to their religious or spiritual community can be a meaningful way to help pay for college. These awards are often funded by congregations, denominational organizations, faith-based nonprofits, or private donors who want to support students living their values through service, academics, and leadership.  Faith-based scholarships may consider factors such as community involvement, leadership in youth or campus ministries, or an interest in career fields such as counseling, ministry, healthcare, or education. Students of all backgrounds can also find scholarships rooted in values such as compassion, integrity, and service—principles commonly shared across many faith traditions.  Where to Start  Students are encouraged to explore opportunities offered locally, regionally, and nationally. Start with your own house of worship, local congregation, or denominational headquarters. Many churches, synagogues, and mosques offer scholarships to active members. High school counseling offices, community-based organizations, and scholarship databases, such as Scholarships.com or BigFuture.org, can help students identify awards connected to religious affiliation or community service. National organizations and foundations may also offer awards to students of a particular faith or those committed to interfaith leadership and engagement.  Examples of Faith-Based Funding Sources  (Note: This list is not exhaustive. Always verify eligibility, deadlines, and award details on each organization’s website.) 

• Hillel International: Provides more than 600 awards through the Hillel Scholarships Portal for Jewish students pursuing higher education and community engagement. 
• A Continuous Charity Foundation: Offers riba-free (interest-free) educational loans and support for Muslim students who demonstrate academic potential and financial need. 
• Islamic Scholarship Fund: Supports Muslim students pursuing degrees in media, policy, law, and public service to advance representation and civic engagement. 
• Knights of Columbus: National and local councils offer awards for Catholic students and children of members, including the Pro Deo et Pro Patria program. 
• United Methodist Higher Education Foundation and General Board of Higher Education and Ministry: Methodist students can apply for multiple scholarships supporting undergraduate and graduate studies. 
• GC Women’s Ministries: Provides support to women engaged in service and outreach within the Seventh-day Adventist Church, based on academic merit and need. 
• Theology and ministry scholarships: Many seminaries and religiously affiliated universities, such as Franciscan School of Theology and Andrews University, offer scholarships for students pursuing studies in theology, ethics, or ministry. 

Important Reminders  Students are expected to report any outside scholarships to their college’s financial aid office, as these awards can sometimes affect other portions of their aid package. Most colleges outline how to report external funding on their financial aid website. Before making a commitment to enroll at a college or university, reach out to the school’s financial aid office to learn how outside scholarships will be applied. With clear communication and a bit of planning, faith-based scholarships can serve as both a meaningful and practical part of your overall college funding strategy.  Final Thoughts  Faith-based scholarships reflect the generosity and shared values of the communities that sponsor them. Whether your faith inspires your studies, service, or sense of purpose, these incentives can help you flourish both intellectually and spiritually. Our Bright Horizons College Coach experts wish you all the best in your search!