Education beyond high school is important – but it can also be expensive! United Methodist students are fortunate to be part of a supportive community that values education and is supportive of students through a wide range of scholarship programs.
Whether you are looking for scholarship opportunities for the first time or will be returning to school, there are lots of resources to explore:
- Your Missouri United Methodist Foundation (https://mumf.org/) The Foundation awards a number of named college scholarships to United Methodist students each year. Many of these awards can be used at any accredited post-secondary educational institution. A single application is submitted online at the website. Deadline is April 1. In addition, there is information and links to other scholarship programs and resources.
- The United Methodist Higher Education Foundation (https://umhef.org/) The UMHEF administers a number of scholarships, including the Dollars for Scholars matching scholarship program for students attending UM colleges, universities, or seminaries. Added bonus: Missouri students attending Central Methodist University or Saint Paul School of Theology can receive an additional match from the Missouri UM Foundation.
- The General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (https://www.gbhem.org/) The GBHEM also administers scholarships for both undergraduates and seminary students. Seminarians may be especially interested in the Excellence in Clergy Leadership awards.
- Remember to talk to your pastor. Many of our churches have scholarship funds for undergraduates and seminary students. And seminary students should contact your District Superintendent to learn about the candidacy process if you are planning a career in ministry in the UMC. When you are a formal “candidate” much more financial aid is available.
Of course, Missouri’s flagship United Methodist university is Central Methodist University in Fayette, MO. If you schedule a campus visit, that will include a conversation with the helpful folks in the financial aid office and you can also view information at https://www.centralmethodist.edu/admissions/financial-aid/index.html
Saint Paul School of Theology is our closest UM seminary and is housed on the main campus of the Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas (Kansas City). Visit https://www.spst.edu/ to schedule a visit and learn more.
The list of colleges, universities, and seminaries with United Methodist connections is quite impressive. View a list at this address: https://umhef.org/about/schools/listofschools/
“Learning about and applying for scholarships can feel like a job in itself – and it is,” states Foundation president, David Atkins, “But the results can mean completing a degree with little or no debt, and that is the great gift and blessing intended by the donors who have created these scholarship funds.”