Institutional Scholarships
Methodist University offers a variety of Institutional Scholarships. Specific eligibility requirements and guidelines are listed for each scholarship. However NO institutional scholarships will be offered to a student who attends Methodist University in excess of five academic years (10 semesters), regardless of whether the student received financial aid for all five academic years (10 semesters). A student must be degree-seeking, enrolled full time (12 credits or more) in one of the on-campus programs and completing his/her first bachelor’s degree to be considered for any institutional scholarships. A full time on-campus program, degree-seeking student who received their first degree at Methodist University and are now seeking a second bachelor’s degree, may be eligible for a Founders Scholarship. A full time on-campus program, degree-seeking student completing their second bachelor’s degree, but did NOT receive their first degree from Methodist University, may be eligible for a Presidential, Founders and Opportunity, Pastor’s Certificate and Greatest Gift. Students who intend to compete in intercollegiate athletic programs should be aware that Methodist University is a Division III NCAA Institution and has no scholarship funds based on athletic skills or ability.
All institutional scholarship amounts vary depending on whether the student is living off campus or residing on campus. In some instances, scholarships can be taken away if the student moves off campus, drops below full time status, or withdraws during the semester.
Methodist University offers several performance scholarships. However the student must successfully complete the minimum requirements as set forth by the department offering the scholarship. All performance scholarships can exceed the institutional cap (up to $2,000) for the current academic year. Performance scholarships are not official until the department notifies the Office of Financial Aid. There are NO institutional scholarships available for graduate programs.
There is a cap on institutional/endowed scholarships funds a student can receive per semester for on-campus/off-campus. For cap amounts, please contact the Office of Financial Aid. See the link group below for scholarships that exceed the cap.
Endowed Scholarships
Methodist University offers a variety of Endowed Scholarships. All endowed scholarships are offered annually by the Office of Financial Aid to full time (at least 12 hours) in one of the on-campus programs who are degree-seeking students, and have completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at studentaid.gov and are seeking their first bachelor’s degree.
Sibling
This Scholarship is offered to each dependent sibling who is concurrently enrolled full time (at least 12 hours) in one of the on-campus programs. This scholarship is valued at $1,000 per academic year for residential students and commuting students. Enrollment of each sibling must be verified at the beginning of each semester.
Scholarships for United Methodist Students
United Methodist Dollars for Scholars
The United Methodist Dollars for Scholars (UMDFS) program involves matching support from a student’s church, UMHEF, participating United Methodist-related schools, and participating UMC conference foundations.
Methodist University participates in the Triple Your Dollars component of the UMDFS program. Students who receive a $1,000 scholarship from their church who are selected for the UMDFS program will receive $1,000 in matching funds from the UMHEF and $1,000 in matching funds from the University for a total award of $3,000.
Under the Quadruple Your Dollars component of the UMDFS program, participating United Methodist conference foundations will provide up to an additional $1,000 match to recipients sponsored by churches in their respective conferences. The total award could reach up to $4,000. Quadruple Your Dollars participating United Methodist conference foundations are listed under the Dollars For Scholars section of umhef.org.
United Methodist Higher Education Foundation Scholarship Programs
In addition to the Dollars for Scholars programs, there are many other scholarships sponsored by the UMHEF.
For more information and applications visit umhef.org and select the icon labeled “Scholarships.”
General Board of Higher Education and Ministry Scholarship & Loan Programs
One of the major obstacles to students who are preparing for their calling at a college or university is a lack of financial resources. The General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM) connects you with the resources you need to claim and flourish in your calling through higher education.
The GBHEM administers numerous low-interest loans and scholarships for United Methodist students in the United States. It also provides financial aid for non-U.S. citizen students enrolled outside the U.S.
For more information on GBHEM scholarship and loan programs visit gbhem.org and select “Loans & Scholarships.”
Blackburn Scholarships
The Bishop Blackburn Scholarship has been established by the North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church to enable deserving Methodist youth to continue their education at Methodist University, Louisburg College or North Carolina Wesleyan College. Students planning to attend Methodist University must apply to the chairman of the Scholarship Committee of the Division of Higher Education of the North Carolina Annual Conference. This scholarship is rotated each year among the three institutions. Based on funds available, the Mary Jeanne Blackburn Scholarship is awarded annually to students who are members of the North Carolina Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church and who maintain a 2.0 cumulative grade point average. The amount and renewal terms vary. Contact the Financial Aid Office to apply.
Note: United Methodist Dollars for Scholars, Higher Education Foundation, General Board Scholarship and Loans and Blackburn Scholarships are managed by The United Methodist Church denomination who determines annual qualifications.
Scholarships for United Methodist, AME, AME Zion & CNE Students
Pastor’s Certificate
This award is offered by Methodist University to incoming, undergraduate full-time, on-campus students who are members of a congregation of The United Methodist, AME, AME Zion, or CME Church and have the recommendation of their pastor. Please ask your pastor to complete the enclosed form and return it to the University Chaplain.
Amount: Up to $500 per year
Renewal: Full-time, on-campus enrollment, 2.0 or better MU GPA
Application: Download the Pastor’s Certificate form or contact the MU Campus Chaplain for further information.
Minister’s Dependent Scholarship
This scholarship is offered to legal dependents and spouses of active, retired or deceased ordained clergy or licensed full-time local Pastors of The United Methodist, AME, AME Zion, or CME Church. (Licensed local pastors must be currently under appointment). Students must be enrolled at Methodist University as an undergraduate full-time, on-campus student.
Amount: Half of tuition
Renewal: Undergraduate full-time, on-campus enrollment, satisfactory academic progress, renewal application Application: Contact the MU Financial Aid Office
Priority Deadline
The priority deadline for completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) at studentaid.gov for Methodist University is June 1.
Returning Students
For maximum consideration of all MU need-based funds (Founders Grant, Work-Study, etc.), the FAFSA and the student’s financial aid file MUST be completed by the priority deadline of June 1.
***Institutional scholarships are only available in the fall and spring semesters to students enrolled in at least 12 semester hours per semester and are charged the regular/standard undergraduate on-campus full-time rate.***