Scholarship awards for the Graduate School of Theology (GST) are based on prior academic record, student financial need, and student potential for ministry. GST scholarships are not automatically awarded; you must submit an application to be considered for a scholarship. Applications for fall, spring and summer entry dates are welcome any time. Award decisions are generally made during the semester prior to planned enrollment. Scholarships are awarded on an annual basis and are re–evaluated at the end of each school year.
1. Scholarships normally cover more than half of tuition, and may be used anytime during the academic year (Maymester through the following spring). A minimum GPA of 3.0 must be maintained to continue receiving a scholarship.
2. Scholarships for GST students are actually in the form of loans, which may be forgiven with five years in ministry. Ministry includes work for a local church, missionary work, teaching at a Christian college or university, counseling, work for a church-related agency, writing and research, as well as other ministry-related tasks. The responsibilities of the student to the university are defined in the “Policies and Procedures” statement, which is sent with the award letter.
3. Applicants will be notified by letter of their scholarship award. This letter will need to be signed and returned, indicating acceptance of the scholarship award.
4. On-campus (non–distance education) GST students may apply for the position of graduate assistant. Graduate assistants receive a stipend and are required to work eight hours per week. Applications for graduate assistantships may be obtained from the GST office, Graduate School Office, or online. Scholarships for graduate assistants are not subject to the repayment conditions stated above. Each semester served as a graduate assistant cancels the responsibility of one semester’s payback of the ministry scholarship.
Important Reminders:
1. In addition to this application, you must complete the University Application for Financial Aid and submit it to Student Financial Services. This application can be found at the Student Financial Services Web site under “financial aid forms.”
2. This application and your recommendations should be returned to us two months before the semester in which you plan to enroll. Applications received less than 45 days before enrollment are subject to a reduction in awarded amount.
3. Return all scholarship information to the Graduate School of Theology.
3. Return all scholarship information to the Graduate School of Theology.
Below you will find a link to an online scholarship application form, as well as a printable PDF form. Two recommendations are also required for the scholarship application. There is a link to an online recommendation form that can be sent to the person completing this for you. The recommendation form can also be printed out and given to the person completing the form. The recommendation is then sent directly to the Graduate School of Theology.
**Note** These two recommendations must be completed by two people other than those completing recommendations for the application for admission.
Online scholarship application
Scholarship application, pdf.
Online Scholarship Recommendation Form
Recommendation Form, pdf.
The Crutcher and Vickie Scott Foundation Scholarship, a scholarship for ministers in the Abilene area, is also available.
If you have further questions regarding GST scholarships or graduate assistantships, please contact us.
