Seminary Scholarship Application

This application must be completed (alongside the FAFSA) every year by both new and returning students in order to qualify for institutional aid. (The deadline for current students is March 31.) There are two ways to complete the seminary scholarship application:

1. Online application (secure form)
2. Hard copy application (PDF to mail)

Institutional Grant 

The seminary provides a limited amount of financial assistance to qualified new and returning students through the Grand Rapids Theological Seminary Grant. Students receive financial assistance on the basis of demonstrated financial need (via the FAFSA) and number of enrolled credits. Students must study in residence and enroll at least half time (six hours per semester).

Students who file the Seminary Scholarship Application and Free Application for Federal Student Aid between Jan. 1 and March 31 will receive priority consideration. However, GRTS admissions accepts applications from new students for financial aid until the first week of the fall semester. GRTS awards grants on a rolling basis each year until the funds are exhausted. More information about the Seminary Scholarship Application, FAFSA and GRTS financial aid brochures is available in the academic catalog or through the admissions office.

Institutional Scholarships 

Paul A. Beals Missions Scholarship

Students who demonstrate commitment to cross-cultural ministry through their degree program selection and concentration are eligible for the Paul A. Beals Missions Scholarship. New students must have achieved a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA, and continuing student must possess a minimum 3.24 GPA. The faculty recommends candidates for the scholarship annually.

Joe Crawford Scholarship

The Joe Crawford Scholarship supports students who demonstrate excellent promise for church-related ministry or church-related mission. Candidates must have completed at least 20 hours of course work at GRTS with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher. Financial need is not a requirement but a consideration in the selection process. The faculty recommends candidates for the scholarship.

Clarence and Pauline Doane Scholarship

Degree-seeking students who have demonstrated excellent promise for mission or pastoral ministry are eligible for the Clarence and Pauline Doane Scholarship. Returning students must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA. Students who are members of churches in fellowship with the General Association of Regular Baptist Churches have priority for this scholarship. The faculty recommends candidates for the scholarship annually.

David Eifert Scholarship

The David Eifert Scholarship honors the memory of David Eifert, who died while enrolled at GRTS. The Ministry Division faculty awards this scholarship to candidates who demonstrate promise for ministry and academic achievement.

Esther Gilbertson Scholarship

Continuing students who are preparing for vocational ministry and maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA may achieve the Esther Gilbertson Scholarship. Candidates must submit the Seminary Scholarship Application for consideration.

Global Impact Scholarship

The Global Impact Scholarship is for full-time students who are academic scholars, demonstrate financial need and enroll in degree programs that direct them toward full-time ministry or international mission. New and returning students must have achieved a minimum 3.0 GPA in their most recent studies and enroll in at least 12 credit hours each semester. Candidates must also submit an essay with the Seminary Scholarship Application.

James Murray Grier Academic Scholarship

The James Murray Grier Academic Scholarship assists students who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement through a minimum 3.7 GPA at the undergraduate level for new students and at the graduate level for returning students. The faculty recommends candidates for the scholarship annually.

Gerald O. and Henrietta A. Jennex Scholarship

Students who demonstrate great promise for professional pastoral ministry through gifts and commitment are eligible for the Gerald O. and Henrietta A. Jennex Scholarship. Returning students who demonstrate a pattern of ministry involvement, a minimum 2.8 GPA and financial need may receive this scholarship for a maximum of two years. The Ministry Division faculty makes recommendations for this scholarship.

David and Coila Kennedy Scholarship

Students who are seeking the Master of Divinity degree and preparing for ministry may receive the David and Coila Kennedy Scholarship. Returning students must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA, and financial need is a consideration. The faculty recommends candidates for the scholarship annually.

Macy Mission Scholarship

The Macy Mission Scholarship provides for students who are from a missionary family or plan to pursue full-time mission work, show satisfactory academic progress toward a degree and demonstrate financial need. Applicants must submit the Seminary Scholarship Application for consideration.

Woodrow McCaleb Leadership Scholarship

The Woodrow McCaleb Leadership Scholarship supports new and returning students who demonstrate strong ministry leadership qualities and excellent promise for church-related ministry or church-related missions. Financial need is a consideration but not a requirement. The director of admissions recommends candidates for the scholarship.

Kenneth and Lorraine Nienhuis Scholarship for Pastoral Ministry

Students who demonstrate excellent promise for pastoral ministry are eligible for the Kenneth and Lorraine Nienhuis Scholarship for Pastoral Ministry. Candidates must have completed 32 credit hours with a minimum 3.0 GPA at GRTS. Applicants must submit the Seminary Scholarship Application for consideration.

George Samuelson Scholarship

Students who demonstrate excellent promise for church-related ministry or church-related mission may receive the George Samuelson Scholarship. Candidates must have completed at least 20 credit hours at GRTS with a GPA of 3.5 or higher. Financial need is not a requirement but a consideration. The Ministry Division faculty makes recommendations for this scholarship.

Sugden Seminary Scholarship

The Sugden Seminary Scholarship assists returning students who demonstrate excellent promise for professional pastoral ministry through a commitment to God’s Word and unique skill in biblical communication. Financial need is not a requirement but a consideration. The Ministry Division faculty makes recommendations.

Dallas Thompson Scholarship

Single students who are making satisfactory progress toward a degree and demonstrate financial need are eligible for the Dallas Thompson Scholarship. Applicants must submit the Seminary Scholarship Application for consideration.

Timothy Scholarship

The Timothy Scholarship is primarily for the education of European pastors. It also extends to international students in general when funds are available. Candidates must have plans for church-related ministry and demonstrate the necessary gifts for ministry. Financial need is a consideration. The director of admissions presents recommendations for this scholarship.

Wielhouwer Scholarship

Students who maintain active involvement in ministry while attending seminary are eligible for the Wielhouwer Scholarship. Students seeking vocational pastoral or chaplaincy ministry will receive special consideration. The Ministry Division faculty makes recommendations annually.

External Scholarships and Fellowships

We encourage you to seek aid from public and private organizations in addition to institutional and state aid. You may want to look into the following organizations: