Scholarships & Grants
The Department of Religion strives to provide financial assistance to eligible students, both those planning to go into religious ministry or elsewhere.
Church Vocation Grant
The Church Vocation Grant (CVG) is the TCU Religion Department's main offering of financial support for undergraduate students.
With the CVG, those interested in vocational leadership and have an interest in religious studies can:
- Get half off tuition by being a religion major or a major in church music at the time of application and
- Do NOT have to be a Christian to apply and receive the CVG. The CVG is open to ALL FAITHS.
Through the cooperation of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), the CVG is meant to assist undergraduate students considering becoming ministers (preachers, pastors, etc.) or engage in other ministry, such as music.
How to Apply for the CVG
NOTE: The CVG is NOT limited to those interested in Christian ministry, but those of all faiths.
- The minister and the board (or governing body) of the applicant’s home congregation must certify the applicant as a member in good standing and as a candidate for full-time church congregation ministry.
- Students are required to major in religion or church music.
- Awards will be in an amount not to exceed one-half tuition for up to 18 hours per semester and is renewable for up to eight semesters.
- Minimum renewal requirements are a 2.5 TCU cumulative GPA and successful completion of at least 24 hours during the academic year.
- Applications must be received by May 1 each year.
Church Vocation Grant Application
Scholarship Opportunities by Faith
This list of church scholarship opportunities sorted by religious faith. Please note this list is NOT exhaustive, either of opportunities for scholarships or by faith. Please visit the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid for additional resources and financial aid opportunities. Additionally, music scholarships may be available for those majoring in church music through the School of Music.
Disciples of Christ
Over $1.5 million in church-related aid is granted to students annually here at the university. For information about or applications for any of the Disciple grants listed below, please visit the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid.
These grants are for members of the Disciples of Christ affiliation and are made available through the Theodore and Beulah Beasley Foundation, Inc. They are based on the results of the FAFSA, academic achievement and leadership potential. The amount of assistance depends on the results of the FAFSA and availability of other aid. Most awards range from $1,000 to $4,000. Consideration for renewal is based up on successful completion of at least 24 hours and a minimum TCU cumulative GPA of 2.5. The FAFSA must be received by May 1 for priority funding.
Through funds provided by the Christian churches of Texas, New Mexico and Louisiana, partial-tuition grants are available to certain categories of students attending TCU. Included are:
- Spouses of full-time Christian church (Disciples of Christ) ministers or full-time students of Brite Divinity School;
- Unmarried youths under 23 years of age who are dependent children of Christian church (Disciples of Christ) ministers in full-time active service (including missionaries) and youths of Juliette Fowler Home (including employees of the home);
- Full-time Christian church (Disciples of Christ) ministers who wish to continue their education on a part-time basis in the undergraduate program.
Awards will be in an amount not to exceed one-half tuition for up to 18 hours per semester and is renewable for up to eight semesters. Renewal requires the student is meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress. Applications must be received by May 1 each year.
Through the cooperation of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), TCU is able to offer assistance to regional officers of the Christian Youth Fellowship. These awards will be in an amount not to exceed one-half of tuition for up to 18 hours per semester and are renewable for up to eight semesters. Minimum renewal requirements are a 2.5 TCU cumulative GPA and successful completion of 24 hours during the academic year.
Baptist
- Hold active membership in an American Baptist church
- Full-time enrollment at an accredited four-year college/university or graduate program in the United States or Puerto Rico.
- Minimum GPA of 2.75
- Reside in United States or Puerto Rico
Episcopalian
Scholarships are derived from annual income of designated trust funds established by generous donors through bequests to The Episcopal Church. The listing of trust funds and scholarships includes information related to the intended use of scholarship funds. A number of these scholarships are designated for students enrolled in theological education and training. Others provide modest scholarships for children of missionaries, bishops or clergy, as well as other groups covering a wide range of eligibility. When funds are available, the maximum award is $10,000 per student.
Islam
Judaism
Undergraduate students of the Jewish faith are eligible to apply. Preference will be given to student applicants who demonstrate financial need as evidenced by the FAFSA.
Presbyterian
The Presbyterian Mission Agency provides scholarships to up to 120 college students per year. Eligible applicants will be PCUSA church members seeking a first associates or bachelors’ degree, attending an accredited college or university in the United States full-time in 2020-21. The basic scholarship award is $4,000, up to need, and if need remains after the scholarship is awarded, students may be considered for additional supplemental aid, including:
- $2,000 Supplemental award for People of Color
- $2,000 Supplemental award for students who are the first in their family to attend college
- $2,000 Supplemental award for students who represent the 10% neediest students selected for award based on remaining need and expected family contribution
Roman Catholic
- For both high school seniors and current full-time college students, please enclose most recent transcript.
- For college students, an official class schedule from registrar and proof of enrollment.
Service to Church. Community. School. Scouting.
Sikh
The Sikh Education Fund (SEF) was started in 1989 by ASP with an initial grant of $8,000 by the Trustees. To date the fund has made more than 400 grants/loans ranging from $500 to $4,000. The purpose of the fund is to make higher education more affordable for Sikh students in America by funding a portion of their studies. SEF believes in the importance of Sikh youth becoming successful professionals while still remaining true to their Sikh identity and roots.
United Church of Christ
The UCC Undergraduate Scholarship Endowment Fund was established in 1994 through a generous gift from the members of the Society of the South Congregational Church of Brooklyn, NY. The Endowment provides scholarship assistance to United Church of Christ members who are sophomore, junior, or senior undergraduate students, in any discipline, attending an accredited four-year university or college in the United States.
1. An application from a woman who is already professionally engaged in justice work either in the church or in a secular organization that is consistent with the perspective and mandate of the United Church of Christ and Justice and Witness Ministries. The committee welcomes applications from African American laywomen that will use the dollars for an identified continuing education experience, (classes, workshops, training, etc.) that will assist in personal skill building to further the work currently engaged in or allow the beginning of work in new areas of challenge and interest.
2. An application from a woman pursuing formal higher education (undergraduate or graduate) who has the qualities, characteristics and commitment to justice consistent with the values outlined above.
United Methodist
UMHEF offers several scholarship opportunities to United Methodist students attending or seeking to attend a United Methodist-related institution of higher education. Last year, UMHEF awarded more than $2.3 million to over 1,000 students. YOU can be one of those scholars!
Generally, applications are accepted January 1 – March 1 of each year.
The GBHEM scholarship application opens in January of each year. You can only submit one application per year where it will be screened for all possible eligible programs. You may indicate on the first page of the scholarship application which of the below listed programs you would most like to be considered for. Award amounts below are a general estimate of awards given.