Scholarships

A scholarship is a gift given to recognize your academic achievements, ministry partnerships, or acts of service. We offer several scholarships for full-time seminary students.  

Incoming Student Scholarships

Amount: $500 per quarter; $2,000 per year.

Renewal: Renewable for 3 consecutive years. 

Eligibility: Students who are enrolled full-time in a master’s level program at the St. Paul campus. Must maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA.

How to apply: Submit the online scholarship application by May 1.

Kern Scholarship

Amount: Varies.

Renewal: Renewable for 3 consecutive years.

Eligibility: Each Kern Scholar will need the endorsement of a sending church, which includes the commitment to fund 20-30% of the student's tuition over four years. Bethel Seminary will provide an additional 30% of tuition and the Kern Family Foundation grant will provide 40% of the student's tuition. Selection committee nominates individuals to Kern Foundation. Available to students at the St. Paul campus only.

How to apply: Contact Seminary Admissions for details applications. March 1 deadline.

Ministry Partnership Scholarship

Amount: Varies by campus.

Renewal: Students must apply every academic year and maintain their relationship with the ministry partner.

Eligibility: Students who are regularly admitted seminary students pursuing a master's degree or a graduate certificate and are either (a) employees of para-church organizations or (b) members or employees of churches that are official ministry partners of Bethel Seminary. Students must be taking at least 8 credits per quarter and do not need to demonstrate financial need. Recipients may apply for the need-based Bethel Grant and educational loans (by completing the FAFSA), but will not be considered for other Bethel-funded grants or scholarships.

How to apply: Download, complete and submit the scholarship application to the financial aid office prior to the start of class.

More information: Learn more about our Ministry Partnership Program.

If you receive your financial aid award before your church or organization enters into a ministry partnership agreement with Bethel Seminary, your scholarship amount will be pro-rated so that your total gift aid does not exceed the appropriate quarterly amount for your campus.

Minnesota Indian Scholarship Program

Amount: Up to $6,000 per year.

Renewal: Students must apply every year,

Eligibility: Minnesota residents who are one-fourth or more Indian ancestry and demonstrate financial need. Awarded by state of Minnesota on a first-come, first-served basis.

How to apply:

  1. Fill out a separate application through the Minnesota Office of Education.
  2. Complete the FAFSA.

More information: Learn more about the Minnesota Indian Scholarship Program.

Returning Student and Doctor of Ministry Scholarships

Amount: $100-$500 per quarter; $300-$2,000 per year.

Renewal: Non-renewable.

Eligibility: Students taking at least 8 credits per quarter in a master’s level program, or are enrolled in the Doctor of Ministry program at the St. Paul or San Diego campuses.

How to apply: Submit the online scholarship application by April 15.

Apply for Aid

Private Scholarships

Make sure to spend some time exploring private scholarship opportunities.