Financial Assistance Opportunities for United Methodist students

Birmingham-Southern College is a national leader in providing financial assistance to United Methodist students, clergy families, and those called to ministry. All nominations must come from the student's local church with confirmation of membership.

Please note: You may qualify for more than one of the following awards. Be sure to read the scholarship descriptions carefully and apply for any for which you are eligible.

United Methodist Church and College Partnership Scholarship

…recognizes students who have served church and community. Local United Methodist congregations and church groups may nominate (a) student/s for this honor by pledging $500, $1000, or $1500 per year for up to four years. No parent or family contributions may be accepted to the Church or to the College. If the student is selected as a Church and College Partnership Scholar, the College matches the local church contribution on a 2-to-1 basis. Awards are limited. The College has the right to limit the match.

College Partnership Scholarship for Other Denominations

…recognizes students of other denominations who have served church and community. Local congregations and church groups may nominate a student for this honor pledging $500, $1000, or $1500 per year for four years*. If the student is selected as a Church and College Partnership Scholar, the College matches the local church contribution on a 1 to 1 basis. Awards are limited. The College has the right to limit the match.

United Methodist Church Scholarship

…recognizes the relationship between the Church and the College, and awarded to United Methodist students who demonstrate financial need. Awards range from $1000 to $2500, and are limited.

Christian Vocation Scholarship and Methodist Scholarship Day Information

…recognizes students called to full-time Christian service in Christian Education, Student Ministries, Church Music, and other areas of ministry, and who declare a Religious Education major. Students may work toward certification or ordination. Recipients receive support through the Center for Ministry and rotate through internships in the local church. An interview day is held each spring.

Ministerial Student Tuition Assistance

…recognizes students preparing for ministry. Students must present satisfactory evidence of intention to enter seminary and full-time ministry. Award is $2000. Interviews are necessary to receive and renew this scholarship.

Ministerial Family Tuition Assistance

…recognizes and honors children and spouses of United Methodist clergy with confirmation of full-time status and appointment in the United Methodist Church. Annual assistance is $3500.

To be considered for a church-related scholarship, applicants must submit:

nomination/application form signed by pastor with membership confirmation

resume of church and community service

letter of recommendation from an adult leader (church or community)

In addition, applicants will submit:

application for admission

FAFSA or Early Estimator for

Priority consideration is given to students whose applications are complete* and received by March 1st of each year. Students should apply for need-based financial aid EACH year. Financial aid is not automatically renewable. If you have questions, please call the Office of Financial Aid, (205) 226-4688 or (800) 523-5793, ext. 4688.

Please note: Students may not receive The United Methodist Church Scholarship and The United Methodist Church and College Partnership Scholarship simultaneously.

Students receiving United Methodist Scholarship funds respond to the needs of the church by serving on the Students of Faith and Service Council, which provides programs for the church and supports recruitment in the local church setting.