Exclusive Christian Scholarships in 2024

There are many college scholarship opportunities available for Christian college and high school students, both generally and for those belonging to specific denominations. Followers of the Christian faith are eligible for a variety of scholarship programs, depending on their passions and identities.

There are scholarships available for students pursuing theology, students attending Christian schools, college Christian leaders, students involved in church music ministry, and students who simply identify as Christian.

About Scholarships for Christians

There are many financial aid resources available for Christian students pursuing a college degree.

Undergraduate and graduate students who identify as Christian can apply for many exclusive scholarships on Bold.org. In addition to Christian-specific scholarships, Christian students are also eligible for broader scholarships available for religious students of any affiliation. There are also scholarships available for any student — Christian or not — who attends a Christian college or university.

Though federal financial aid often does not cover the entirety of student college expenses, it's still important to apply for federal aid via FAFSA. Students should also visit their university's financial aid office for more information. Private Christian scholarships, like those listed below, are a helpful resource to make up the difference.

What Is a Christian Scholarship?

A Christian scholarship is a form of financial aid available to students of the Christian faith, or those who attend a Christian school or pursue a faith-based course of study.

Some of these scholarships are geared toward Christians in certain courses of study, like those in theological schools or who are studying the Christian religion. Others may require demonstrated financial need, a minimum GPA, or high academic achievement.

Some Christian scholarship programs may be exclusively offered at particular colleges and universities. There are general scholarships for any students who practice the Christian religion, while others are specific to particular denominations like the Presbyterian Church, the United Methodist Church, and the Catholic Church, among many others.

Christian scholarships are a helpful financial resource to support students pursuing higher education, and there are many available here on Bold.org.

Can You Get Scholarships for Being Christian?

Yes, you can get a scholarship for being a Christian student. There are also faith-based scholarships available for students of any religious tradition, which Christian students can also apply for.

How to Get a Christian Scholarship

Always reference the application and eligibility requirements of the Christian scholarships in which you are interested to make sure you are a good fit and better your chances of success. Make sure to check before beginning your essay or application so that you don't waste any time on opportunities you don't qualify for.

There are scholarships specific to Christian students who wish to enter a faith-related field like biblical studies or theology, while others are available to anyone who identifies as a Christian. There are also scholarships for students intending to attend a Christian college. Some Christian Scholarships are only available to applicants who have demonstrated financial need or who also have a particular identity, like race or gender.

Narrow, specific scholarships will likely have smaller application pools than scholarships for all Christians. Consider scholarships that are geared to other intersections of your identity, skills, or interests. There are also scholarships for Christian individuals of particular denominations or for members of a local church. The fewer eligible applicants there are, the more likely you'll be to win!

Since there's less competition for narrow scholarships, students should consider scholarships with many criteria, such as scholarships specifically for people with particular identities, financial and educational backgrounds, or fields of interest. There are also scholarships exclusively available to students who attend a particular college or university or who live in a certain state.

Though many Christian scholarships are only awarded one time, there are also many opportunities that are awarded annually. Students can apply for these scholarships each year for additional chances to earn financial support. Many scholarships review applications on a rolling basis, so apply early to better your chances!

Best Christian Scholarships

There are many exclusive scholarships on Bold.org for Christian students seeking financial aid. These scholarships are great for Christian students pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree, and for students enrolled in Christian colleges.

Christian Scholarships for High School Students

High school students should begin applying for Christian scholarships early to maximize the amount of aid they can apply for and potentially win. Students can begin to apply for scholarships as early as 14 years old.

1. Scholarships for High School Freshmen
2. Scholarships for High School Sophomores
3. Scholarships for High School Juniors
4. Scholarships for High School Seniors
5. Scholarships for High School Students

Christian Scholarships for College Students

1. Undergraduate Scholarships
2. Scholarships for College Freshmen
3. Scholarships for College Sophomores
4. Scholarships for Community College
5. Scholarships for Graduate Students
6. Master's Degree Scholarships
7. PhD Scholarships

There are also scholarships for graduate student majoring in faith based fields like biblical studies, Christian ministry, and theology. Be sure to use the Bold.org scholarship search tool to find scholarships for you!

How to Find Christian Scholarships

Students can find Christian Scholarships by searching the Bold.org scholarship search tool and browsing categories related to Christianity and faith.

All Christians are eligible for scholarships in the "Religion" category, as Christianity is encompassed in this category. You can also search the scholarship database for keywords like "Church" or "Faith."

Beyond the "Religion" category, there are even more scholarships available for Christians. Christians with a passion for community care can apply for community service-based scholarship awards. These can be found under the "Community" or "Community Service" categories of the Bold.org scholarship database. Additionally, Christian students can search for academic scholarships or scholarships for high school seniors.

Some Christian colleges and universities offer exclusive scholarships for their students, so remember to check your school's financial aid office for more information.

What Do I Have to Do to Apply?

Each Christian scholarship will have different a application process, so always follow the specific instructions in the description of that scholarship.

Some scholarships may require an essay, a transcript, and a minimum GPA, while other scholarships may require additional forms and references.

Always check the details listed in the description for the Christian scholarship in which you are interested.

Support for Christian College Students

For students of the Christian faith, a range of organizations and resources are available to support their spiritual growth and community engagement during their college years. Highlighted below are some notable options:

Association of Christian Schools International

The Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) is a global organization aimed at promoting Christian education and providing support services to Christian schools and educators. The offer resources such as professional development, curriculum materials, and organizes student events, competitions, and activities, such as spelling bees, fine arts festivals, and athletic tournaments.

InterVarsity Christian Fellowship

Operating in over 700 college campuses nationwide, InterVarsity serves as a vibrant community for Christian students. It offers a platform for building connections with fellow believers and deepening one's faith through college life.

Chi Alpha Campus Ministries

With a presence in over 300 colleges across the U.S. and abroad, Chi Alpha is committed to empowering Christian students. The organization focuses on fostering meaningful connections and helping students achieve their spiritual and personal goals.

Global Medical Missions Alliance (GMMA)

GMMA caters to current and aspiring Christian healthcare professionals, providing an international platform for mentorship, networking, and both local and global mission opportunities. The organization regularly organizes conferences and outreach projects to foster a supportive community.

These organizations offer Christian students opportunities to engage with their faith and community.

Christian Missionary Scholarship Foundation

The Christian Missionary Scholarship Foundation has helped thousands of missionary children in obtaining a high-quality Christian college education. They continue to support students across six Christian colleges aiming to help 100 Christian students a year.

Colorado Christian University

The Colorado Christian University is dedicated to delivering a Christ-focused higher education that transforms students, equipping them to influence the world with grace and truth. CCU provides a range of academic programs to both traditional and online learners via its two distinct colleges.

The College of Undergraduate Studies caters to traditional students on its residential campus in Lakewood, Colorado, near Denver. Meanwhile, the College of Adult and Graduate Studies (CCU Online) provides online degree programs for undergraduate and graduate adult learners globally.

Looking for Christian college scholarships? Browse our scholarship search tool and being applying for scholarships today!