The Top 24 Scholarships for Christians to Apply for in 2023
Scholarships aren’t just limited to athletes, top-tier students, or specific disciplines–they are also accessible opportunities for those dedicated to living a life of faith. If you’re a Christian in search of financial support for your undergraduate or graduate degree, you’ve come to the right place.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ve compiled the top 24 scholarships for Christian students, each designed to help those pursuing higher education, along with their requirements and deadlines. Whether you’re looking for assistance to attend a Christian college or want opportunities that align with your Christian principles, we’ll help you find opportunities to make education more affordable.
The Best Christianity Scholarships for Students
Below, we have 24 of the best Christian scholarships to help with the cost of higher education.
Faith-Based Colleges No-Essay Scholarship
After applying for this easy scholarship, high school and transfer students wanting to attend a faith-based college will receive several resources and tips. Students who apply early have better chances of winning (note: this scholarship has a rolling application deadline).
- Award Amount: $1,000
- Next Deadline: September 1, 2023
- Next Winners Announced: June 1, 2024
CollegeVine Dream School Scholarship
Christian high school students who want to simplify the college application process can apply for this scholarship by signing up with CollegeVine, a resource for prospective college students.
- Award Amount: $1,000
- Next Deadline: September 1, 2023
- Next Winners Announced: December 1, 2023
“Be Bold” No-Essay Scholarship
This annual scholarship awards one student with the “boldest” profile (earnest, determined, and moving) on Bold.org. Christian students are eligible to apply regardless of their background or grade level.
- Award Amount: $25,146
- Next Deadline: September 1, 2023
- Next Winners Announced: December 1, 2023
Scholarship Institute’s Annual Women’s Leadership Scholarship
If you’re a Christian female high school senior, undergraduate, or graduate student who has demonstrated leadership abilities, consider applying for this scholarship. Eligible applicants must submit a 400–600 word essay explaining why they’re leaders and what they hope to accomplish in the future.
- Award Amount: $500
- Next Deadline: July 1, 2024
- Next Winners Announced: July 31, 2024
Bold.org No-Essay Top Friend Scholarship
Christian students who are amazing friends can apply for this annual scholarship by creating a stand-out Bold.org profile. Students of all education levels, schools, concentrations, and GPAs can apply, but applicants must have been invited by a friend to join the platform.
- Award Amount: $5,000
- Next Deadline: April 1, 2023
- Next Winners Announced: May 1, 2023
WayUp Dream Job No-Essay Scholarship
This annual scholarship is for students graduating between 2020 and 2026 who want to find job and internship opportunities. Christian students who apply will receive access to WayUp’s platform, and those who engage with it the most have better odds of winning.
- Award Amount: $1,000
- Next Deadline: September 2, 2023
- Next Winners Announced: August 1, 2024
Best Christian Colleges No-Essay Scholarship
This scholarship is another great chance for Christian students to learn about Christian colleges. While this opportunity has similar requirements as the Faith-Based Colleges No-Essay Scholarship, it’s a different scholarship with an earlier award date (so it may be worth applying for both!).
- Award Amount: $1,000
- Deadline: September 1, 2023
- Winners Announced: March 1, 2024
1000 Bold Points No-Essay Scholarship
Christian students who have earned at least 1,000 Bold Points and craft earnest, determined, and moving Bold.org profiles can apply for this recurring scholarship. Anyone is eligible, regardless of grade, GPA, field(s) of study, and school.
- Award Amount: $10,000
- Next Deadline: September 1, 2023
- Next Winners Announced: December 1, 2023
Catholic Colleges No-Essay Scholarship
If you’re a Christian high school student who wants to attend a Catholic college, you can apply for this scholarship annually and automatically receive helpful tips and resources. Students are encouraged to apply early by the soonest rolling deadline date.
- Award Amount: $1,000
- Next Deadline: September 1, 2023
- Next Winners Announced: September 1, 2023
Servant Ships Scholarship
This scholarship is for Christian high school or undergraduate students who love to learn. Eligible applicants can apply by writing a 400–600 word essay about what they’ve learned and how they plan to use their education to make a positive impact.
- Award Amount: $1,000
- Deadline: October 5, 2023
- Winners Announced: November 5, 2023
Nicholas Hamlin Tennis Memorial Scholarship
If you’re a Christian student-athlete who plays tennis, you should apply for this scholarship by writing a 400–600 word essay about what the sport has taught you and how it shaped your future. High school juniors or seniors are eligible to apply.
- Award Amount: $1,000 (2 winners, $500 each)
- Deadline: March 30, 2024
- Winners Announced: April 30, 2024
Laura Thorne Memorial Scholarship
Laura Thorne was a special education teacher who passed away after battling cancer. This annual scholarship honors her impactful legacy by awarding high school seniors or undergraduate students with volunteering experience, Pennsylvania residency, a special education major, and a background affected by cancer.
- Award Amount: $2,000
- Next Deadline: November 1, 2023
- Next Winners Announced: December 1, 2023
Arthur and Elana Panos Scholarship
High school seniors and college students driven by their faith can apply for this scholarship by submitting a brief essay. In your response, describe how God or faith played a role in your life and how it will help you in the future.
- Award Amount: $1,000
- Deadline: November 25, 2023
- Winner announced: December 25, 2023
Expand Your Horizons Scholarship
This scholarship seeks to help students broaden their world experiences, whether through traveling, studying a new art style, or teaching. To apply, ensure your profile demonstrates an openness to learning about different cultures and sharing your own.
- Award Amount: $1,000
- Next Deadline: April 28, 2024
- Next Winners Announced: April 30, 2024
Cardel Love Scholarship
This scholarship is in memory of Cardel Love and intends to support first-generation BIPOC high school seniors from New York so they can pursue higher education. If you’re a Christian student who qualifies, you can apply by submitting an essay introducing yourself and what you plan to do in college.
- Award Amount: $500
- Next Deadline: September 27, 2023
- Next Winners Announced: October 27, 2023
Nitro Pay For College No-Essay Scholarship
Christian students thinking about how they will pay for college can apply for this recurring scholarship and automatically register with Nitro. Applicants can increase their chances of winning by refining their profiles and engaging with the Nitro platform.
- Award Amount: $10,000
- Next Deadline: September 1, 2023
- Next Winners Announced: December 1, 2023
Harry Potter and the Sorting Hat Scholarship
If you’re a Christian student obsessed with Harry Potter, this scholarship is for you. Students of all education levels can apply by writing an essay about which Hogwarts house they belong to and what makes them the perfect fit.
- Award Amount: $1,000
- Next Deadline: October 31, 2023
- Next Winners Announced: November 21, 2023
Miguel Mendez Social Justice Scholarship
To honor the life of Miguel Mendez, this triannual scholarship will award first-generation students who come from low-income backgrounds, have at least a 3.0 GPA, and pursue a career in social justice. Eligible Christian students can apply by creating a video or essay explaining how they plan to address a social issue.
- Award Amount: $3,000 (3 winners, $1,000 each)
- Next Deadline: September 16, 2023
- Next Winners Announced: October 16, 2023
Doña Lupita Immigrant Scholarship
This annual scholarship helps immigrant single mothers or their children regardless of their education level. If you’re a Christian student who qualifies, apply by writing an essay about yourself and what values you hope to teach your children (or which ones you learned from your parent).
- Award Amount: $2,000
- Next Deadline: November 12, 2023
- Next Winners Announced: December 12, 2023
Jared Ethan Trueba Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship seeks to honor the life of Jared Ethan Tueba by supporting New Mexico high school students who have made a positive impact through extracurricular activities. Christian students who qualify can write a brief essay to apply.
- Award Amount: $500
- Deadline: April 1, 2024
- Winners Announced: May 1, 2024
ScholarshipOwl No-Essay Scholarship
Students searching for financial assistance can apply for this easy scholarship and receive access to ScholarshipOwl. Christian students who wish to apply should submit their applications by the soonest rolling deadline window.
- Award Amount: $500
- Next Deadline: September 1, 2023
- Next Winners Announced: June 30, 2024
Tony Alviani Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship will go to a Pennsylvania high school senior or current undergraduate student planning to pursue a business or computer science degree. Eligible Christian students can apply by writing an essay about their father figures and what makes them special.
- Award Amount: $500
- Deadline: October 1, 2023
- Winners Announcement Date: November 1, 2023
Chris Jackson Computer Science Education Scholarship
The Chris Jackson Computer Science Education bi-annual scholarship will financially support undergraduate students pursuing a college education in computer science. Christian students who wish to apply can submit a 300–500 word essay answering a few prompts on the application page.
- Award Amount: $5,000
- Next Deadline: October 1, 2023
- Next Winner Announced: November 1, 2023
Robert F. Lawson Fund for Careers that Care
This scholarship seeks to support high school and undergraduate students who intend to spend their careers helping others in health care, social work, education, or a related field. To apply, eligible Christian applicants can write about themselves and how they plan on making a positive impact.
- Award Amount: $500
- Deadline: April 15, 2024
- Winner Announced: May 15, 2024
About Scholarships for Christian Students
Many scholarship opportunities and scholarship programs are available for those who demonstrate a financial need while pursuing higher academic achievement, whether through a college or trade school. Award amounts can vary with each scholarship, but through generous donors, there is a variety of different ones to choose from.
You can also check with active church or religious organization members to see if they have an idea for more scholarships for those who demonstrate financial need. Whether they know of need-based or general scholarships, any bit can help. Even a church leader may know of an opportunity.
What Are Christianity Scholarships?
Christianity scholarships are for graduating high school seniors, college students, and graduate students pursuing a degree, such as rough ministry, or a program to educate ministers, or even pursue a master’s degree in theology or any religious-affiliated major or minor. Active members of a church who show a primary interest in pursuing a religious degree are best qualified for these types of scholarships.
Some scholarships offer an annual award for a college or university student of the Christian religion. Private organizations with a faith-centered mission statement may also provide financial aid for students enrolled, especially if they are active in their church.
What Qualifies as a Christian Scholarship?
Usually, a Christian scholarship is faith-based, and the students deeply involved in their church and religion qualify for these opportunities. Whether you are active with church music, youth group, or helping around your church, there’s a good chance you qualify if you’re an active Christian.
Types of Christian Scholarships
Christian students can access several scholarship opportunities that pave the way to higher education. Here’s a glimpse into some of the most popular types and what they typically involve.
Merit-Based Scholarships
Christian students with noteworthy academic or personal achievements may qualify for merit-based scholarships. These opportunities typically require students to have certain GPAs, extracurricular involvement, or a similar performance indicator.
Need-Based Scholarships
These scholarships are for Christian students who need financial support to pursue education. Need-based programs, whether offered by private donors or a government program like the FAFSA, usually ask students or families for financial records to prove their need for assistance.
Student-Specific Scholarships
Students can qualify for scholarships based on age, race, gender, religion, and other factors. Christian scholarships are one type of student-specific opportunities that apply strictly to students with Christian backgrounds.
Career-Specific Scholarships
Christian students pursuing specific career or degree paths can sometimes find scholarships that support their goals. For instance, students can find scholarships for social work, music, or teaching, and more opportunities may be available for their specific career plans.
College-Specific Scholarships
Your current or future college, university, or trade school may offer scholarships, whether because of your Christian background or previous accomplishments, such as community service experience. They may consider your GPA or other factors to award these opportunities, but it’s best to check with your school’s financial aid department.
How to Find Christian Scholarships
If you are a high school senior or an undergraduate student, Bold.org has an impressive assortment of Christian scholarships to apply for. You can find scholarships specifically for Christian students and widen your search and discover hundreds more exclusively offered on the platform.
Additionally, scholarships are available for students intending to pursue a religious degree and with financial needs. Many churches, including the United Methodist Church or United Church of Christ, or even the Christian Missionary Scholarship Foundation, offer various choices and opportunities for students pursuing a Christian education.
Undergraduate and graduate students pursuing theology can also talk to Christian colleges about their different scholarship programs or academic scholarships. Christian colleges, such as Colorado Christian University, may have a list of opportunities on their website.
For a graduate student majoring in religion, perhaps pursuing a church music ministry degree to work with youth choirs or choral music, checking with your local church may lead to a scholarship opportunity.
How to Apply for Christian Scholarships: A Step-by-Step Guide
Christian students have several scholarship programs to consider, but Bold.org’s streamlined process is the easiest way to find opportunities. Here’s how to apply for scholarships with Bold.org.
Step 1: Visit Bold.org
To get started, head over to Bold.org. This platform offers hundreds of scholarships to apply for, including those specifically for Christian students.
Step 2: Sign Up for a Free Account
To apply for scholarships, you will first need to create a free student account. Make sure to save your username and password to access your account later.
Step 3: Build Your Profile
When creating your account, develop a robust profile highlighting your Christian faith and its impact on your life and educational journey. You also want to include notable academic or extracurricular achievements, future goals, and other information worth sharing with scholarship panels.
Step 4: Search for Christian Scholarships
Use the search tool on Bold.org to find appropriate scholarships designed for Christian students or ones that apply to you, such as your field of study. Or, you can sift through customized scholarship pages sorted by demographic, state, and other factors.
Step 5: Apply for Relevant Scholarships
Once you’ve identified at least a few scholarships, it’s time to start the application process. Remember to tailor your application to each scholarship’s requirements, including your personal experiences as a Christian student.
Step 6: Keep Track of Your Applications
Bold.org provides a dashboard where you can monitor your applications and respond to updates. By checking it regularly, you can stay organized and ensure you don’t miss any changes or deadlines.
Tips for Winning a Christian Scholarship
It always helps to have an edge during the scholarship application process. Here are some valuable tips to increase your chances of winning one.
Tip 1: Start Applying Early
Perhaps the most underrated scholarship tip is to get your application in before everyone else. Likewise, starting your scholarship search in advance helps you find more opportunities and work on creating the strongest applications.
Tip 2: Optimize Your Applications
Your scholarship applications offer a glimpse into who you are and why you deserve to win, so it’s important to tailor each one according to the requirements. Draw attention to your experiences and achievements, especially your first-hand testimony as a Christian.
Tip 3: Showcase Your Christian Faith and Service
Your Christian faith and service are strengths, so use them to your advantage. While you should ensure you meet the scholarship’s requirements, use your application as an opportunity to show why you stand out as a Christian student.
Tip 4: Apply for Multiple Scholarships
Applying to several scholarships automatically increases your chances of securing one. Apply for as many qualifying scholarships as you can, but set realistic expectations and aim to give each application the attention it deserves.
Tip 5: Write Compelling Essays
If your scholarships ask for a personal statement or essay, do your best to make it compelling and authentic. Discuss your journey as a Christian student and how the scholarship will help you achieve your educational goals. Additionally, ensure you adequately answer the prompts and give the scholarship panels what they’re looking for.
Tip 6: Broaden Your Search
Don’t just limit yourself to Christian scholarships; dozens of other opportunities may be available for your journey to higher education. Whether for your major, academic achievements, community involvement, or something else, there’s likely a scholarship that applies.
Tip 7: Refine Your Bold.org Profile
By optimizing and refining your scholarship profile page, you give the donors and scholarship panels a clearer picture of who you are and why you deserve to win. Keep it updated, and consider having others provide feedback, whether from your school or church.
Frequently Asked Questions About Christian Scholarships
It can be stressful to apply for scholarships to get financial support or focus on graduate studies full-time students preparing for their first year of college or returning to college. Students of the Christian faith can have many questions regarding different scholarships.
Below are some frequently asked questions regarding Christian scholarships.
Are Christian scholarships legit?
Yes, Christian scholarships are legit and trustworthy. To verify you’re applying for a legit Christian scholarship, use a reputable platform like Bold.org with official scholarship panels. If you’re ever unsure, you can speak with your school’s financial aid office to determine if a scholarship is safe.
How can I improve my chances of winning Christian scholarships?
You can improve your chances of winning any scholarship by ensuring you’re a qualified candidate, applying early, and submitting polished applications. It also helps to leverage your experience as a Christian student to show why you deserve to win. Lastly, apply for as many scholarships as possible to increase your chances of winning one.
How many Christian scholarships can you get?
There is no limit to how many scholarships you can receive. You can accept as many as you want as long as they pay directly for your tuition, student fees, materials, or other qualifying educational expenses. However, Christian scholarships cannot be used for things like rent or regular expenses.
Are Christian scholarships taxable income?
According to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), scholarships are not tax deductible if used for qualifying educational expenses, such as tuition, textbooks, school supplies, and equipment. However, scholarships may be subject to taxation if you use them for other purposes, such as rent or personal expenses.
What’s the best way to apply for Christian scholarships?
While you can search online until you find the right opportunities, we recommend using Bold.org, the best scholarship platform for Christian scholarships. Bold.org sorts scholarships by demographic, religion, interests, and other fields, making it easy to find applicable opportunities. To get started, create a free profile on Bold.org.
