Scholarships
Financial Assistance for a Private Christian Education in Indiana
Through academic and sports scholarships, grants and aid, there are ways to make an advanced education affordable at Bethel University in Indiana. Use our Net Price Calculator to determine what a degree will really cost and then check out scholarship opportunities below.
While the financial responsibility for a college education rests primarily with the student and parents, Bethel University is committed to helping students find the financial resources to assist in paying their college bill.
![BU Fall 2022 178](https://betheluniversity.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/BU-Fall-2022-178-1024x683.jpg)
Undergraduate
All new, traditional, undergraduate students who are accepted to Bethel University in Indiana will be considered by the scholarship committee and financial aid office for the following awards based on their eligibility. Students seeking the opportunity for all possible financial assistance from Bethel University must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Financial aid awards and policies are subject to change.
Bethel Awards & Scholarships
Bethel University institutional awards are offered to full-time undergraduate students and can be applied to direct tuition costs only. These awards may be used for a maximum of eight semesters of continuous full-time enrollment. Some need-based awards may be affected if direct costs change due to housing preferences. Most institutional awards will be granted automatically if the student is eligible; any specific requirements (e.g. audition, application) are noted below. Bethel awards are limited to three per student, not to exceed tuition.
Bethel University Academic Scholarships 2024-2025
This is awarded based on prior academic performance (GPA) in high school and ACT/SAT scores. Transfer student scholarships are determined by prior academic performance at an accredited college or university. A student may not receive more than one academic award each year. A minimum cumulative 2.0 GPA is required to maintain the scholarship. Academic scholarships are awarded for four years or eight consecutive terms, not including summer.
First-Time Freshmen (2024-2025) | |
---|---|
Amount | High School GPA |
$18,000 | 4.0 and above |
$16,000 | 3.75-3.99 |
$13,000 | 3.25-3.74 |
$11,000 | 2.75-3.24 |
$10,000 | Less than 2.75 |
Transfers | |
---|---|
Amount | College GPA |
$14,000 | 3.5 and above |
$12,000 | 3.0-3.49 |
$10,000 | 2.5-2.99 |
$8,000 | Less than 2.5 |
![$500 Visit - Transparent $500 Visit Scholarship](https://betheluniversity.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/500-Visit-Transparent.png)
Fall 2025 applicants (full-time freshmen or transfers) who attend an official admissions visit between August 1, 2024, and November 2, 2024, and complete registration for FAFSA receive a scholarship for $500. This includes any on-campus visit hosted by Admissions such as admissions events and individual visits. The scholarship is renewable for up to four years (total of $2,000) with satisfactory academic progress.
Pilot Promise
![Pilot Promise](https://betheluniversity.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Pilot-Promise-Final-Logo-STACKED-300x222.png)
Learn more about Pilot Promise
Qualifications:
- Be an incoming fall 2024 first-year or transfer traditional undergraduate student
- Apply for admission by April 15, 2024
- Be an Indiana state resident
- Complete the 2024-25 FAFSA by April 15, 2024
- Live on campus
- Be eligible for the maximum Federal Pell Grant and Indiana State Grant
Church Matching Scholarship
This scholarship is a program designed to assist students and families in financing their Bethel education. Bethel University will match, dollar for dollar, a church scholarship awarded to full-time traditional undergraduate students at Bethel University. Students living in college housing may receive a match of up to $1,000 per year. All other students may receive a match of up to $500 per year. Students may submit scholarships from more than one church and the total of the awards will be used to determine the Bethel University match (up to the limits noted above).
The student and church must submit the Church Matching Scholarship Program application (PDF) to the financial aid office prior to April 1. Funds are limited and will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
Missionary Church Scholarships
The Missionary Church Scholarship program is designed to assist students and families within the Missionary Church in financing their Bethel education. Bethel University offers the following opportunities:
- Dependents of Regional Directors | Regional Director status as of the date of enrollment – $5,000
- Dependents of Pastors | Pastoral license and currently working in the Missionary Church full time – $2,500
- Regular Attendees | Regular attendee as of date of enrollment – $1,500
Mark on your application that you’re part of a Missionary Church. All listed statuses must be verified by the church at that point.
Athletic Scholarships
Awarded in each varsity sport, athletic scholarships are offered to male and female athletes from Elkhart, Indianapolis, or from around the globe. Students must be accepted for admission to receive a sport scholarship and must live on campus. Contact a specific coach for details.
International Student Scholarships
Awarded to students whose citizenship resides in countries other than the U.S. and is based on academic ability, financial need and the university’s mission to prepare students for service in their home country. A limited number of awards are available, and students must apply for admission by Feb. 1.
Pilot Grant
Awarded to on campus students with additional financial need as determined by the FAFSA. Students that do not qualify for the Pilot Promise can be eligible for the Pilot Grant. Award amounts may change as other resources increase or decrease.
Homeschool Award
Awarded up to $1,000 to homeschool graduates beginning fall 2023. Students must complete a FAFSA to be eligible.
Alumni Legacy Award
Michigan Community Grant
Bethel provides a grant for Michigan residents up to $2,000.
Departmental Scholarships
Each department may have individual scholarships awarded to individuals in their respective majors. Check out the list below to see if you might qualify.
![Campus Life](https://betheluniversity.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Campus-Life.jpg)
Fine Arts Scholarship Day Awards
Qualifications:
- Students must be enrolled in a full-time traditional program beginning Fall 2025
- Must attend Fine Arts Scholarship Day 2025
- Must complete an application for Admission.
- Must complete the 2025-26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by February 7, 2025*
- Must pay the $100 enrollment deposit by May 1, 2025.
- Scholarships are non-transferable and only applicable to the eligible student beginning Fall 2025.
- Bethel institutional scholarships, including Fine Arts, cannot exceed the cost of tuition and fee.
- Students are limited to 3 institutional awards and will be awarded the highest of all eligible awards up to tuition and fees.
- Students can be eligible for up to 8 consecutive semesters (excluding summer terms)
- Must maintain satisfactory academic progress
- Eligibility for renewal is based on the requirements put in place by the Fine Arts department and outlined in the scholarship letter.
- Remain in good standing with Bethel University and with the Bethel Music Department, pursuant to the Bethel Covenant.
- Residential students can be awarded up to $8,000 in Fine Arts scholarships.
- Commuters can be awarded up to $4,000 in Fine Arts scholarships.
- Eligibility for athletes will be limited and determined by the athletic and fine arts departments.
*Eligible students must complete the 25-26 FAFSA by February 7, 2025, to be eligible for scholarships. Please visit StudentAid.gov to determine your eligibility.
Questions about eligibility? Contact Sabrina at Sabrina.Citte@BethelUniversity.edu.
Art Department Awards
Awarded based on outstanding performance or achievement through a portfolio review. Students must apply for admission prior to application.
Missionary Church Ministry Major Scholarship
This scholarship is funded by the Missionary Church to invest in Bethel University’s ministry students. The scholarship is available to full-time current and incoming Bethel students that attend a Missionary Church*, are pursuing the ministry as a pastor or missionary, and have declared a Christian Ministry, Pastoral Leadership or Intercultural Studies major.
Eligible students can receive up to $2,000 per year.
*Missionary Church attendance must be verified.
Music Department Awards
Audition Procedure
- Apply for admission to Bethel University.
- Submit a music scholarship application and schedule an audition time. While on-campus auditions are highly encouraged, students may submit video recordings. Video auditions may be submitted through the music scholarship application.
Music scholarships are available for (in priority): music majors, minors and talented music elective students. Scholarships vary in amount and may be renewed each year of continued study meeting guidelines. Any auditions after mid-April will need to be provided via digital submission.
When to Audition
Music scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis. High school seniors are encouraged to audition by December 1 for a greater chance of receiving a scholarship. High school juniors may schedule an audition or submit an audition video in the fall or spring semesters.
Audition Requirements
As you prepare for your upcoming music audition, you will find specific requirements below according to your intended field of study, as well as your voice and/or instrument.
For all non-music major auditions:
Voice
Prepare two songs in contrasting styles. These contrasting styles can be selected from any number of genres, including art song, commercial/pop music, hymns, Gospel, musical theatre, modern worship song, etc. Sight-reading exercises, as well as tonal memory exercises, will be included.
Instrumental
Please refer to the criteria below for your selected instrument(s).
For undergraduate degrees in Music (General), Music Education and Music Performance:
Voice
Prepare two songs in contrasting styles. Preferably, one of the two songs will be an art song in a foreign language: Italian, Latin, German or French. An accompanist will be provided for in-person auditions.
Brass/Strings/Woodwinds
Be prepared to perform two pieces in contrasting styles. These pieces should be selected from the standard solo repertoire of your chosen instrument. Prepare all major scales (2-3 octaves.).
Guitar/Electric Bass
Prepare two pieces in contrasting styles. These pieces can be classical or commercial/pop in style, depending on the chosen field of study.
Piano
Prepare two contrasting pieces from the standard solo piano repertoire, featuring any two of the following periods: Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Impressionistic, 20th/21st century.
Percussion
Prepare two contrasting selections on your chosen instrument(s) from the standard solo repertoire. Also, be prepared to demonstrate one (to be chosen by you) of the following categories:
- Snare: demonstrate rudiments
- Mallet Instruments (2 or 4 mallets): major scales, up to 4 sharps and 4 flats. Minor scales up to 5 sharps and 5 flats.
- Drum Set: various styles (swing, Latin, pop, rock, etc.)
For undergraduate degrees in Worship Arts:
Vocal
Demonstrate your vocal abilities by:
- Singing one modern worship song and one hymn of your choosing.
- Song should be chosen to demonstrate vocal abilities and musical sensibility.
Instrumental
Demonstrate your vocal abilities by:
- Playing one of the solo pieces from the standard repertoire of your primary instrument, as well as one contrasting piece. The contrasting piece may come from any number of other genres: jazz, pop, rock, blues, Gospel, Broadway, etc.
Scholarship Recipient Responsibilities
Scholarship amounts continue each year if student responsibilities are met.
- Within two weeks of your audition, you will receive a letter from the Music Department outlining your scholarship status and requirements. Your signature of acceptance must be returned to the Music Department to finalize the scholarship process. The designated scholarship amount will appear as a credit on your Bethel statement in two portions, one half each semester.
- If you receive a scholarship from the Music Department, you will need to:
- Be part of a large ensemble or ensembles (as indicated in your letter).
- Provide a service to the Music Department each semester, such as ushering, stage managing, etc. These will be assigned early in the semester and as the semester progresses.
- Maintain a 2.5 GPA in music and a 2.0 GPA overall.
Theatre Arts Award
Apply for admission to Bethel University prior to submitting the theatre scholarship application.
Students are highly encouraged to audition/interview during the fall semester of their senior year of high school for the theatre scholarship to be best reflected on their financial aid award letter. Juniors are also highly encouraged to audition/interview.
Nursing – Cushing Scholarship
Applies to:
- Pre-nursing students
- ADN Level I
- BSN Level I
The Cushing Scholarship is available to Pre-nursing students, ADN Level I or BSN Level I nursing students. Specific selection criteria must be met to qualify.
The criteria to be considered for this scholarship will include:
- Part-time or full-time
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 for undergraduate students or 3.5 for graduate students
- Demonstration of financial need
- Community service and/or spiritual leadership
How to Apply
Submit a completed online application by Feb. 28.
Please attach a two-paragraph typed narrative that describes your financial need and why you should be awarded the scholarship. Community service and/or spiritual leadership will be considered for this scholarship. Please attach a typed narrative that describes these activities.
Nursing – Elizabeth A. Brown Scholarship
Applies to:
- Nontraditional age (23+)
- Seeking BSN as a second career
The Elizabeth A. Brown Scholarship has been endowed by a former Bethel University nursing faculty member who wanted to assist nontraditional students seeking a BSN in nursing as a second career. Specific selection criteria must be met to qualify.
In addition to being nontraditional age (23+ years), the criteria to be considered for this scholarship will include:
- Sophomore year status or above
- Good academic standing
- Demonstrated financial need
- Community service participation
How to Apply
Submit a completed online scholarship application by Feb. 28.
Please attach a typed narrative that includes paragraphs on each of the items below:
- your age and previous career, including any college
- your financial need and any financial aid received
- how obtaining a BSN will help you achieve your goal as a second career
- community service participation
Nursing – Middleton Endowment (Advanced Degree) Scholarship
H4 Applies to:
- ADN Level 2
- BSN Level 3
The Middleton Endowment funds are available to ADN Level 2 and BSN Level 3 nursing students. The Middleton Endowment has two components. The first component will offer monetary scholarships to two students who are planning to pursue an advanced degree. This is not considered part of financial aid. Specific selection criteria must be met in order to qualify. The criteria to be considered for this scholarship will include:
- High academic standing (3.0 or above)
- Planning to pursue an advanced degree within 16 months of graduation
- Willing attitude to achieve excellence in nursing
- Positive attitude and cooperative spirit
- Dependability and responsibility
- Leadership qualities
- Support for the Bethel University School of Nursing
- Good citizenship
- Maintaining the Christian standards of Bethel University
How to Apply
Submit a completed online application by Feb. 28.
Please attach a one-paragraph typed narrative that describes your future advanced education plans and when you plan to pursue these goals.
Nursing – Karon Schwartz Scholarship
Applies to:
- MSN students
The Dr. Karon Schwartz Nursing Scholarship is awarded yearly to a graduate nursing student who is or will be pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing at Bethel University. The scholarship will be awarded at the beginning of the academic school year (August/September), once approved by the nursing faculty.
Specific selection criteria must be met in order to qualify. The criteria to be considered for this scholarship will include:
- Graduate level nursing students
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- Financial need (not by tuition reimbursement or NFLP)
- Full-time or part-time
- Demonstrate a positive attitude and cooperative spirit
- Priority will be given to currently enrolled students at Bethel University in the MSN program
How to Apply
Students must submit a letter of application to the Nursing Scholarship Committee by Sept. 1 with a current FAFSA form from the current year.
Include in the letter of application information about yourself and career and why you feel you should receive this scholarship.
Nursing – Ruth E. Davidhizar Scholarship
H4 Applies to:
- ADN Level I
- BSN Level I or Level II
The Ruth E. Davidhizar Nursing Scholarship is awarded yearly to an undergraduate student who is an ADN Level I or a BSN Level I or II.
Specific selection criteria must be met to qualify. The criteria to be considered for this scholarship will include:
Undergraduate-level nursing students:
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- Demonstration of a positive attitude and cooperative spirit
- Incorporates a willing attitude to achieve excellence in nursing
- Preference will be given to students with a demonstrated interest in mental health and/or transcultural nursing
How to Apply
Submit a completed online application by Feb. 28.
Please attach a two-paragraph typed narrative that describes your financial need and why you should be awarded the scholarship. A positive attitude, a cooperative spirit and a willing attitude to achieve excellence in nursing will be considered for this scholarship. Preference will be given to students with a demonstrated interest in mental health and/or transcultural nursing. Please attach a typed narrative that describes these activities.
Nursing – Sally Torrence Memorial Scholarship
Applies to:
- Level 1 or 2 BSN
- Level 1 ADN
The Sally Torrence Memorial Scholarship is available to all Level 1 or 2 BSN and Level 1 ADN programs. This is an award to be used in the next academic year.
These awards must meet the criteria as stated below:
- Be an incoming Level 1 or 2 BSN or an incoming Level 1 ADN student
- Take a minimum of 12 hours each semester
- Be in good academic standing
- Preference will be given to a student with demonstrated financial need
- An eligible student may receive the award in successive years
- Be involved with service to the community and/or an involvement in missions
The Scholarship Committee will make recommendations to the nursing faculty for the Sally Torrence Memorial Scholarship.
How to Apply
Submit a completed online application by Feb. 28.
Please attach a two-paragraph typed narrative that describes your financial need and why you should be awarded the scholarship.
Other Scholarships
Some additional scholarships are not included in a specific department. Read through the list below to see how you can add to your scholarship and aid package.
![Spanish](https://betheluniversity.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Spanish-C2.jpg)
Lilly Endowment Recognition
Up to full coverage of room and board for four years awarded to Indiana Lilly Endowment Scholars who designate Bethel University.
Dr. Billy Kirk Leadership Award
The scholarship is given to incoming freshmen minority culture students based on the student’s academic record, leadership ability and extracurricular involvement. Recipients must complete the FAFSA, participate in an interview day, are required to live on campus and attend pre-university sessions on campus during the summer following their senior year in high school. The scholarship focuses on those who demonstrate a commitment to peace, community service and social justice. The deadline to apply is Nov. 1.
ROTC Scholarships
Up to full tuition awarded by the University of Notre Dame Army ROTC. Contact UND Army ROTC for more information.
Veteran Benefits
To be certified for VA payments, please complete the following:
- Complete an application
- Receive Certificate of Eligibility
- Submit the following forms to the certifying official:
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- Copy of application
- Copy of Certificate of Eligibility
- Copy of DD214
- Students who have had benefits at another college must complete the 22-1995 form on VA website (Change of Place or Program).
Community Foundation of St. Joseph County Scholarships
Through this link, you’ll find a list of some of the scholarship funds that have been created through the Community Foundation of St. Joseph County. Many were created to honor the memory of a loved one. Some of the scholarships offer assistance to children of local employers, students who have chosen to attend a specific college or university, or students who have committed to a particular area of study.
Frequently Asked Questions
You may have more questions related to scholarships, and our Financial Aid team is here to answer them. Check out some of our most frequently asked questions.
Adult & Graduate Studies
All scholarships and aid for our Adult & Graduate Studies programs can be found on their website.
Take the Next Step
Take the next step toward your Bethel University degree. Visit campus, apply, request information or ask questions about financial aid.