Scholarships
Contact: Admissions
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United Theological Seminary is pleased to confirm its plan to increase its scholarship budget for the 2013-2014 academic year. In the recent period of nation-wide economic stress, United has remained committed to providing the best quality seminary education for students at an affordable cost. Persons called by God should not have to say “No” because of the cost of obtaining a degree. Let United help you say “Yes!” with an excellent and affordable theological education!
United Theological Seminary provides funding for academic scholarships. These scholarships are funded largely through endowed scholarships and our annual fund supported by our alumni/ae and friends.
The following information provides basic guidelines for the scholarship application process along with descriptions of the named scholarships here at United Theological Seminary.
Please read this information carefully prior to completing your application. Be sure to attach all requested documentation with your scholarship application.
The designated scholarships listed here represent a small portion of the overall scholarship funds available. Most of the scholarships come from undesignated funds, so all students who meet the eligibility criteria are qualified to apply.
Students must be enrolled in one of the following programs:
Master of Divinity
Master of Arts in Christian Ministry
Master of Theological Studies
Basic Graduate Theological Studies
Pre-Doctoral Program
Doctor of Ministry
Students applying for admission to United must complete the application process to be considered for a scholarship.
Students must be enrolled in full-time studies, at least nine (9) hours per semester
Students must maintain a good academic record:
For entering students, no less than 2.5 GPA cumulative in undergraduate degree and/or previous graduate studies. (Some scholarships give preference to students with outstanding academic records.)
Students on academic probation are not eligible to apply.
All students who receive academic scholarships are expected to write letters of thanks and attend events to honor those who have contributed to the scholarship fund. Students are also encouraged to contribute to the life of the community by participating in activities such as student government and the alumni/ae phonathon.
Army National Guard Scholarships
United is pleased to partner with the Army National Guard (ARNG) in offering five annual tuition scholarships for individuals who want to fulfill a call to ministerial service as a chaplain with the Army National Guard. In this partnership, the ARNG will cover one half of the students' full-time tuition, and United will contribute 80% of that amount (up to $3,600 annually per student) toward the remainder of the recipients' tuition costs.
The Herbert S. and Mary L. Beane Scholarship Fund (awards up to $7,000)
This award is available for students enrolled in the Master of Divinity degree program. Recipients must maintain a 3.0 GPA.
Bishop Christian Newcomer Academic Scholarship
The Bishop Christian Newcomer Academic Scholarship is named for the third bishop in the Church of the United Brethren in Christ. This scholarship provides 50 percent of tuition for qualifying candidates. Candidates must have a 3.0 in previous undergraduate or graduate course work, provide three references and write a 3-5 page essay on the following topic: At United Theological Seminary we have one goal: To educate dynamic, Spirit-led leaders who will renew the church for the mission of Jesus Christ in the world. How do you plan to renew the church for the mission of Jesus Christ in the world as a residential student and alumnus of United Theological Seminary? While multiple scholarships are available, this is an academic and competitive scholarship. This scholarship is based on academic merit and promise for pastoral ministry.
The Dayton-Stolle Scholarship Fund (awards up to $1,700)
This award was funded by the Ralph Stolle family and is designated for students preparing for ministry, with preferences to those from the Miami Valley District of the West Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church.
The Robert M. Daugherty Scholarship Fund (awards up to $2,000)
The income from this fund shall be provided to a student who wishes to pursue pastoral ministry, has at least a 2.5 GPA in undergraduate work, passing in all course work taken at United and who demonstrates financial need. The recipient may be in any year of their course of study and may receive the award for more than one year and up to, but not exceeding three years of study. This award is based on need, academic merit and promise for pastoral ministry.
The Epworth United Methodist Church Scholarship in honor of the Rev. Sharon West (awards up to $1,000)
This award was established in 2003 to honor the ministry of Rev. Sharon West. When fully funded, this award will assist students from West Virginia attending United Theological Seminary at the Dayton campus or West Virginia campus. The recipient is to serve in the West Virginia United Methodist Conference for at least three years upon completion of his/her degree. This award is based on need, academic merit and promise for pastoral ministry.
The Hammink Scholarship (awards up to $18,000)
The income of this scholarship shall be given annually to a person or persons enrolled in United Theological Seminary and preparing for ministry in the United Methodist Church. Applicants should write a 3-5 page essay on the Evangelical United Brethren Church's influence on the United Methodist Church and the applicant's ministry. This award is renewable for up to three years.
The Joseph H. Harris Memorial Student Scholarship Fund (awards up to $1,400)
The income from this fund shall be used for the Student Aid Program of the seminary to assist students who are in regular attendance at United Theological Seminary, Dayton, Ohio and are members of the United Methodist Church. This award is based on need, academic merit and promise for pastoral ministry.
The L. Ellen Hartman Hostetter Scholarship (awards up to $4,000)
This Fund was established to reflect the mission and ministry of Jesus Christ through pastoral counseling. To qualify for the scholarship, applicants must:
Have the personal gifts and graces essential for professional Christian ministry, this evaluation to be made by the Seminary Scholarship Committee;
Have financial need to continue their education in the field of pastoral counseling;
Submit a 750-word essay to the Seminary Scholarship Committee describing the role of pastoral counseling in their future ministry.
Funds may be used for tuition and related educational expenses as charged through United. The award is for a single year, however, students may reapply. Award selection will be made by a family representative. The Philadelphia Foundation administrates this fund.
This scholarship is generally not awarded until the end of the calendar year, but your essay and application must be received by the deadline.
The Bishop Hermann W. Kaebnick Scholarship (awards up to $2,800)
The income from this fund will assist deserving seniors who have demonstrated high professional and academic achievement in the field of homiletics. The applicants will submit an original sermon that exemplifies his or her gifts to the scholarship committee, as well as a reference from one of United's Homiletics professors.
The Caroline Kidder Fund (awards up to $2,800)
The income from this fund shall be used at the discretion of the Dean of the Seminary and was created to address concerns related to the preparation of women in ministry, social justice, equality and/or the rights of all persons as they seek expression in and through Christian ministry.
The Knecht Scholarship Fund (awards up to $1,800)
This award honors Dr. John R. Knecht, President Emeritus of United Theological Seminary and is designated to assist international students. This award is based on need, academic merit and promise for pastoral ministry.
The Lorenz-Showers Scholarship Fund (awards up to 1,000)
This award honors the memory of Edmund S. and Florence Kumler Lorenz, and J. Balmer Showers. It is designated for the assistance of students preparing for mission service at home or abroad. This award is based on need, academic merit and promise for pastoral ministry. Applicants need to submit an essay outlining a mission service plan for at home or for abroad.
The Robert and Marian Rae Student Scholarship Fund (awards up to $1,900)
This award is funded by Mr. and Mrs. Rae for general scholarship assistance. This award is based on need, academic merit and promise for pastoral ministry.
The Ronald P. Ricard Student Scholarship Fund (awards up to $2,500)
This scholarship is funded by Rev. Ronald P. Ricard for general scholarship assistance. This award is based on need, academic merit and promise for pastoral ministry.
The Peggy Roberts Scholarship (awards up to $1,500)
Income from the fund is to be awarded to a student in the M.Div. program who will serve the United Methodist Church. It may be awarded during any year of study. This award is based on need, academic merit and promise for pastoral ministry.
The Clifford D. Stearns Memorial Scholarship (awards up to $5,000)
This award, established in 1996 with a gift from Ms. Verna Stearns in memory of her husband's ministry, is designated for a first-career student from West Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church with demonstrated need and a commitment to pastoral ministry. This award is based on need, academic merit and promise for pastoral ministry.
The Paul E. Stuckey Ministerial Scholarship Fund (awards up to $5,000)
The fund, established by Dr. and Mrs. Stuckey and friends in celebration of his retirement, is awarded to a student from the West Ohio Conference who is pursuing a career in pastoral ministry. This award is based on need, academic merit and promise for pastoral ministry.
The Daryl Ward Scholarship Fund (awards up to $1,000)
This award was established to honor the ministry of The Rev. Dr. Daryl Ward, pastor of Omega Baptist Church and former President and Chief Operating Officer for United Theological Seminary. When fully funded, this award will be designated for a first-year student of Pan-African descent with a commitment to ministry within related contexts such as Black Church, Urban Ministry, Africa, Jamaica, etc. Applicants need to submit a 2 to 3 page essay explaining their ministry aims.
Academic scholarship awards vary in amounts. Full financial packages can be a combination of tuition grants, academic scholarships and work-study opportunities.
The length of the scholarship award is usually for one academic year and is divided equally between Fall and Spring semesters.
1. Scholarship Application
Complete the Scholarship application (PDF) and submit with all requested documents attached.
2013 – 2014 Scholarship Application
2. Student Aid Application
Complete the FASFA form online at http://www.fafsa.gov. United’s school code is G03122.
3. Deadlines
Applications, including all supporting documentation, must be received by the Admissions Office by:
March 1 for continuing students
July 1 for incoming Fall students
December 1 for incoming Spring students
4. Decisions
Award decisions will be made by the Scholarship Selection Committee.
All applicants will receive written notification of the outcome of their application.
The decision of the Scholarship Committee is final.
Information regarding non-United scholarships will be distributed as the details are received to your United email address or through your denominational offices.