Your Resource for Financial Aid at Christian Colleges: Compare the different types of federal student aid available at Christian Universities and Christian Colleges, if you qualify.
Types of Financial Aid at Christian Colleges
Perhaps one of your biggest concerns about pursuing higher education - whether online or on-campus - is how you will pay for it. However, if you qualify, there may be various options available to you for Financial Aid at Christian Colleges and Universities.
Typically most students may be eligible to receive some form of financial aid at Christian Colleges to help pay for school. Financial aid may consist of scholarships, grants, loans, and participation in work-study programs. If you qualify, Tax credits and benefits for military personnel may also aid in offsetting the cost of higher education. Additionally, private loans may be available to help make pursuing your degree a reality. Loan consolidation may be able to help ease the burden of multiple loan payments and simplify the payment process.
Scholarships
Scholarship programs as financial aid at Christian Colleges are merit or need-based prizes for academic achievement that usually include awarding a student with a monetary gift. Scholarships may be available through a variety of sources, including companies, organizations, and clubs. Scholarships may be based on a variety of factors. Academic performance, financial need, religious affiliation, minority status, heritage, and other specific sets of criteria that are important to the organization providing funds or community affiliations are all examples of what could make you eligible for a particular scholarship, if you qualify.
Many individuals mistakenly assume that they will not be eligible for scholarships, but this is not necessarily the case. In addition to the scholarships offered by faith-based colleges, numerous organizations affiliated with the church and other spiritual groups offer Christian scholarships to students.
Examples of Christian Scholarships
The list of Christian scholarships below is far from exhaustive, but may provide students with a place to begin their inquiries.
Diamonds in the Rough Ministry International Scholarship: This award, which is offered by the Diamonds in the Rough Ministry, is aimed at female high school seniors in Texas with demonstrated abilities in academics, athletics and certain extracurricular activities. The deadline to apply for this scholarship is May 3 annually, and the amount available varies on a case-by-case basis. To qualify, students must achieve a minimum GPA of 2.5, and have an official high school transcript in addition to at least one letter of recommendation.
Dora Maclellan Brown Seminary Scholarship: Men and women from the Chattanooga, Tenn., area who wish to pursue a master's degree in theology or divinity may be eligible for this award. Granted to individuals who are serious about their spiritual education, this scholarship can be applied toward the cost of an advanced credential at a school approved by The Generosity Trust. According to the scholarship's official website, applicants are advised to contact the Dora Maclellan Brown Scholarship Coordinator Henry Henegar before applying.
Foundation for College Christian Leaders Scholarship: Individuals with a strong desire to serve and advance the cause of the church may be eligible for this scholarship. To qualify, applicants must have a verifiable history of Christian leadership and intend to enroll in and complete an undergraduate religious studies degree. Annual deadlines for applications vary, but students must have a GPA of at least 3.0, and a familial income of less than $60,000 per year. Only students whose primary residence is in California, Oregon or Washington will be considered.
Leonard M. Perryman Communications Scholarship for Ethnic Minority Students: Aimed at students from ethnic minority backgrounds with a desire to enter the field of Christian journalism or communications, this scholarship awards up to $2,500 toward the cost of undergraduate degrees in these areas. The annual application deadline is March 15, and applicants must submit a personal statement of intent, at least one letter of recommendation, and three samples of journalism work. Handled by the United Methodist Church, this scholarship is awarded twice yearly - once to the most qualified Methodist applicant, and again to an individual affiliated with another church.
Grants as Finacial Aid at Christian Colleges
Unlike a loan, grants may not require repayment. Grants may be available from the federal government, state government, schools, and private organizations. Federal and state grant funds are typically paid directly to your school to cover tuition and other eligible education costs.*
*studentaid.ed.gov/students/publications/student_guide/2009-2010/english/typesofFSA_grants.htm
Federal Pell Grants
Federal Pell Grants are one of the largest sources of "gift aid" awarded to undergraduate students who have not received a bachelors' degree, and are based on financial need.* How much you may be awarded depends on your Expected Family Contribution, your cost of attendance, whether you're a full-time or part-time student, and whether you attend school for a full academic year or less. You may receive only one Pell Grant in an award year, and you may not receive Pell Grant funds from more than one school at a time. Students may apply for the Pell Grant by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). It is important to note that if you have used federal financial aid to fund previous college study, that may limit the amount of aid you are eligible to receive in the future.**
*http://studentaid.ed.gov/PORTALSWebApp/students/english/aboutus
**studentaid.ed.gov/students/publications/student_guide/2009-2010/english/typesofFSA_grants.htm
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG)
FSEOG awards are given to undergraduate students demonstrating exceptional financial need. FSEOG awards can be used as Financial Aid at Christian Colleges. The grant is made available to those earning their first associate or bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. The maximum about you may be eligible to receive between $100 and $4,000 a year, depending on when you apply, your financial need, the funding level of the school you are attending, and the policies of your school's financial aid office.* Students may apply for the FSEOG program by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). For more information about applying for federal grants, speak to your school's financial aid office or visit the U.S. Department of Education's Student Aid Web site.
*studentaid.ed.gov/PORTALSWebApp/students/english/FSEOG.jsp
Work-Study Programs
Federal Work-Study (FWS) is a financial aid program funded by the US government and may be available to undergraduate as well as graduate students. You may be eligible to participate in a work-study program if you are awarded Federal Work-Study with your financial aid package and the individual school has a work-study program in place. The program encourages community service work and may offer work related to your course of study. Qualified work-study recipients are able to work in part-time roles assisting their college or local community. (Occasionally FWS recipients may work for for-profit employers.) Since a school that offers work-study programs may have requirements specific to that particular school, details regarding eligibility and other program requirements is best answered by the individual school.*
*studentaid.ed.gov/PORTALSWebApp/students/english/campusaid.jsp
