☰ In This Section

Scholarships and Awards

Bethel Seminary Seminary Tuition & Financial Aid Types of Aid

x Close

Tuition & Financial Aid

A scholarship is a gift given to recognize your academic achievements, your vocational goals, or acts of service. We offer several scholarships for seminary students enrolled at least half time. Full time enrollment is 6.0 credits per semester and half time enrollment is 3.0 credits per semester. Scholarships may be considered taxable income at both the state and federal level. 

Bethel Military Scholarship

Up to $1,200 per year ($400 per semester) for students who have served in the U.S. armed forces.

Amount

Up to $400 per semester ($1,200 maximum per year).

Renewal

Scholarship is renewable, assuming the student continues to meet qualifications.

Eligibility

New, regularly admitted, degree-seeking students who are serving, or have served, in the U.S. armed forces (includes reserves and National Guard). Recipients must be enrolled at least half time for the term. Recipients do not need to demonstrate need, and are not eligible for other Bethel-funded grants or scholarships. Students already receiving gift assistance from any source (including military benefits) that fully meets tuition are not eligible for this scholarship.

How to apply

Submit the Bethel Military Scholarship Application.

 

Business Partnership Scholarship

Up to $1,200 per year for students who are connected to a Bethel University Business Partner. Qualifying partners listed below.

Amount

Up to $400 per semester (maximum $1,200 per year)

Renewal

Students must apply every year.

Eligibility

Degree-seeking students who fit one of the qualifying categories and are enrolled at least half time for the semester may benefit from this scholarship. Recipients do not need to demonstrate need and are not eligible for other Bethel-funded grants or scholarships. Students already receiving gift assistance from any source (including military benefits and employer tuition reimbursement) that fully meets tuition are not eligible for this scholarship.

Qualifying partners include:

  • Global Leadership Summit Participant
  • AACRAO graduate of strategic enrollment management endorsement program
  • Employee of an approved Bethel University Business Partner Employer
  • Employee of a CCCU School
  • Residents of FreedomWorks in Minneapolis, MN
  • If you received your MA degree from a CCCU school and will be pursuing the EdD degree through Bethel University

How to apply

If you believe you meet one of the above criteria, please download and complete Parts I and II of the application. 

See a list of our business partners to see if you are eligible through your employer.

From fall 2024 through summer 2025: 2024-2025 Business Partnership Scholarship Application (pdf)

From fall 2025 through summer 2026: form not yet available

Church Residency Partnership Scholarship

Bethel encourages churches to establish a staff development plan by creating a formal mentoring experience. Bethel will offer a scholarship up to $1,200 per academic year. The church is expected to contribute, as well.

Amount

$400 per semester/up to $1,200 per academic year

Renewal

Automatically renews each year

Eligibility

Must enroll at least half time (3 credits/semester)

Academic requirements

Student must be pursuing a Master's degree

Deadline

August 1 for students beginning in Fall

December 1 for students beginning in Spring

May 1 for students beginning in Summer

How to apply

Complete and submit the Bethel Seminary Church Residency Scholarship Form (pdf).

More information

Visit our admissions page for more information.

George Floyd Scholarship

The George Floyd Scholarship reflects Bethel University's theological and practical commitment to stand unequivocally against racism and every form of sin that destroys the image of God in humanity.

Amount

Varies

Eligibility

This scholarship is open to both incoming and current students at Bethel who believe they have life experiences that give unique perspectives and strengths that the applicant will bring to the Bethel community.

 

Academic requirements

Must be enrolled at least half time in courses required for graduation and be in good standing. Scholarships will be pro-rated for less than full time attendance.

Deadline

The application deadline is June 1 of each year.

How to apply

Complete the application and submit a personal written statement, video, or a combination of both. By submitting the application you are confirming that you are currently a student in one of Bethel's schools (College of Arts & Sciences, College of Adult & Professional Studies, Graduate School, Seminary) or you have applied for admission to one of Bethel's schools.

Minnesota Indian Scholarship Program

A need-based scholarship for Minnesota residents who meet the American Indian ancestry requirement.

Amount

The annual amount is up to $6,000 per academic year.

Renewal

Limited to five academic years for students enrolled in graduate or professional degree program.

Eligibility

  • Are one-fourth or more American Indian ancestry OR an enrolled member or citizen of a federally-recognized American Indian tribe or Canadian First Nation
  • A Minnesota resident, as defined by Minesota Office of Higher Education
  • Enroll at least half-time (three credits) as a graduate student in an education program leading to a certificate or degree
  • Meet satisfactory academic progress
  • Not in default on a federal or state student loan
  • Demonstrate financial need as defined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

How to apply

  1. Learn more about the Minnesota Indian Scholarship and complete a separate online application through the Minnesota Office of Higher Education.
  2. Complete the FAFSA.
  3. Please email info.ohe@state.mn.us for additional information about the program.

More information

Learn more about the Minnesota Indian Scholarship Program.

Returning Student and Doctor of Ministry Scholarships

Various amounts for returning students.

Amount

Varies

Renewal

Non-renewable

Eligibility

If you are currently enrolled in a master’s or doctoral program at Bethel Seminary during the 2024-2025 academic year, you may apply for this opportunity when the application opens. Scholarships are available to degree-seeking students. Please note that this application is for the 2025-2026 academic year. If you do not plan to return for the 2025-2026 academic year, do not complete this application.

Recipients must enroll at least half time in courses required for their program or degree.

Academic requirements

Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher

Deadline

April 15

How to apply

The application will open in late January, 2025.

More information

The selection committee meets in May. Recipients will be notified in early June.

Seminary Merit Scholarship

For incoming, first-year students enrolling in a master's level program. This scholarship is renewable.

Amount

$3,000 per year for year round enrollment ($1,000/semester)

Renewal

Renewable each year

Eligibility

For incoming, first-year students enrolling half time (3.0 credits per term) in courses required for a master's level degree program.

Academic requirements

Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 for renewal.

Deadline

Spring start deadline: December 1

Summer start deadline: April 1

Fall start deadline: July 1

How to apply

Apply for the Merit Scholarship before the deadline.

More information

At the time we award the scholarship, it will be called the "Seminary Merit Scholarship." Later, once we know what endowed scholarship money we have available that year, the Financial Aid Office will swap the Seminary Merit Scholarship for a named scholarship. The amount awarded will remain the same. This process will occur each year. Additionally, students are required to write a thank you note to the donor each year. The thank you note is an online process.

Yellow Ribbon Program

Students who receive 100% VA Chapter 33 are automatically considered for the Yellow Ribbon Program.

Amount

Amounts vary each year depending on the set tuition and fee costs. The Yellow Ribbon Program covers all tuition and fees not covered by the Post 9/11 GI Bill.

Renewal

The Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) determines your eligibility. If your eligibility changes, you must submit a new CoE.

Eligibility

Students must receive 100% of the Post 9/11 GI Bill. Students cannot be on active duty. Students who will no longer be on active duty at the start of the term are eligible for Yellow Ribbon.

Recipients of military educational benefits are considered for a normal financial aid offer which may include federal, state, institutional and/or private sources of aid. Adjustments to the financial aid offer are made when outside aid, including military educational benefits, create an overaward. If you have any questions about this policy and how it would impact your financial aid, please contact your financial aid counselor.

How to apply

Complete the Military Benefits Verification form. Submit your CoE to the Bethel Financial Aid Office.

More information

Visit Yellow Ribbon for more information. Or visit our Yellow Ribbon Frequently Asked Questions page.