Like secular colleges, bible colleges can be expensive. Even online bible colleges, which are generally more affordable, can be too costly for some students. Luckily, there are funds to help students who want a religious education. Scholarships are one of the best financial aid options for students, as they do not need to be repaid after college, like you’ll find with loans. Most religious scholarships offered are available for both online and offline schools, as long as the program is accredited. Here are some places you can apply for scholarships to make online bible college more affordable:

National Ministries, American Baptist Churches: Baptist college students can apply for scholarships from the National Ministries for undergrad and graduate education. These scholarships are renewable which means that as long as you re-apply and meet the requirements, you’ll be given the money every year you’re in school. Read more at the National Ministries website.

Champions for Christ: This foundation provides money for students who plan to enter full-time service to Christ after college. So far, they’ve awarded over $1.2 million so far to qualifying students. The Champions for Christ website has more information for students.

Mary E. Bivins Foundation Religious Scholarship: Available for students living in the Texas panhandle region, this scholarship provides $1000 – $3000 per semester for students intending to become pulpit pastors. You must maintain a high GPA and be enrolled in a qualifying program to apply for this scholarship. Read more at this foundation’s website.

Disciples Home Missions: This foundation has a number of scholarships available for those pursuing a religious education. These include funds for women, minorities, first-year seminary students, and graduate degree candidates. Check out the DHM wesbite for more information.

International Order of The King’s Daughter and Sons: From this organization, you could qualify for any one of a number of scholarships. They have scholarships specifically for ministry students, as well as opportunities for students pursuing other career paths at bible colleges. The IOKDS website has more information about all of their scholarships.

Dr. George and Emma J. Torrison Scholarship Fund: Members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) can earn this scholarship to pursue a degree in the medical field. You have to be nominated to be considered for the money, but they award up to $5000 to four different students. Read more at the ELCA website.

Many bible colleges, both online and offline, have scholarship opportunities directly from the school. These scholarships are, in many case, based on your grades and SAT scores, but there are also scholarships available for those with special talents (like musical ability) or those who write an essay based on the scholarship’s writing prompt.

You can also look for scholarship opportunities directly from your church. Many churches (or groups of churches within a community) have funds available for students looking to pursue a degree at a religious school. Don’t overlook secular scholarships as well. In many cases, they can be applied to bible colleges, as long as you go to an accredited school. Start your search at Students.gov.

If you're a prospective student who not only has a deep commitment to the Christian faith, but also has a strong desire to incorporate that faith into your education, then there are a wide variety of academic options available. The following schools combine a strong foundation in the principles of Christianity with top-notch accredited education in many subject areas.

Featured School

Liberty University — Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD degrees. With Baptist roots, Liberty University is the world's largest evangelical college. Founded by Jerry Falwell in 1971, Liberty's mission is Training Champions for Christ. Liberty offers accredited online degree programs in a variety of subjects, including religion, business, computers, educaiton, health, aviation, and criminal justice.

Other Online Bible Schools

	Grand Canyon University — Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees. Grand Canyon University is one of the most well-known and respected online Bible universities in the United States. Founded in 1949 as a non-profit Southern Baptist university, GCU is now a for-profit nondenominational Christian college.
	Lancaster Bible College & Graduate School — Bachelor's degrees. Lancaster Bible College offers one degree online – the Bachelor of Science in Bible Studies. Students of this degree program will study Scripture online, allowing flexibility in terms of scheduling and speed of study.
	LeTourneau University — Bachelor's and Master's degrees. LeTourneau University is known for integrating Christian leadership with learning. LeTourneau is a nondenominational Christian university with a campus in Longview, Texas. They offer degrees in business, education, and psychology.
	Argosy University — Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees. Argosy University is not traditionally a Christian, or Bible, college. But they do offer a Doctor of Education in pastoral community counseling degree program for those who wish to serve in a Christian leadership role.
	Ohio Christian University — Associate's and Bachelor's degrees. Ohio Christian University offers degrees in management and ministry. Founded in 1948 as Mount of Praise Bible College, OCU is affiliated with the Churches of Christ in Christian Union and is located in Circleville, Ohio.
	Colorado Christian University — Associate's, Bachelor's, and Master's degrees. Founded in 1914 as the Denver Bible Institute, today Colorado Christian University boasts an enrollment of over 3,000 students and offers accredited online degree programs in health, psychology, business administration, general studies, and Bible studies.
	Amridge University — Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees. Amridge University is where tradition and online education merge. Founded in 1967, Amridge is traditionally a theological seminary but has since begun offering more degrees, including programs in bible studies, ministry, counseling, criminal justice, business, and more.
	Ashford University — Associate's, Bachelor's, and Master's degrees. Ashford University is a private liberal arts university with a campus based in Clinton, Iowa. Ashford has Catholic roots as Mount St. Clare College, founded in 1918 by the Sisters of St. Francis.
	Benedictine University — Bachelor's, Master's, Certificate, and Doctoral degrees. Among its numerous other programs, Benedictine University offers a WebFlex MBA program that is very popular. Benedictine is a private Catholic university with a campus located in suburban Chicago.
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