Presbyterian Church USA Scholarships: A Comprehensive Guide to Funding Your Education

The Presbyterian Church (USA) and affiliated institutions offer various scholarships and financial aid programs to support students pursuing higher education. These opportunities range from need-based grants to merit-based scholarships, catering to a diverse range of students with varying academic interests and backgrounds. This article provides an in-depth overview of the scholarships available through the Presbyterian Church (USA) and Presbyterian College, along with external resources to aid in your scholarship search.

Presbyterian Church (USA) Scholarships

The Presbyterian Church (USA) is committed to supporting its members in their pursuit of higher education. Financial Aid for Service provides Presbyterian students, teaching elders, and church workers with a variety of aid opportunities and services. These priorities are expressed through our commitment to need-based aid, and supplemental awards for people of color.

Presbyterian Scholarship for Undergraduates

The Presbyterian Scholarship for Undergraduates is a need-based aid program designed to assist full-time students attending college in the United States who are seeking a first bachelor’s degree. Students with the least resources and greatest need are prioritized for an award. The basic scholarship award is $4,000, up to need, as determined by the Student Aid Index.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible applicants will be PC(USA) church members seeking a first associates or bachelors’ degree, attending an accredited college or university in the United States full-time.

Supplemental Aid

If need remains after the scholarship is awarded, students may be considered for additional supplemental aid, including a $2,000 Supplemental award for People of Color. Supplemental awards for People of Color and Native American Education Grants, which do not require a separate applications, are made possible by basic mission support. Eighty students received $2,000 in supplemental aid last year. This year, Financial Aid for Service would like to be able to give out even more scholarships.

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Presbyterian Study Grant

The Presbyterian Study Grant serves full-time seminary students seeking a Master of Divinity or Master of Arts in Christian Education at any Association of Theological Schools institution in the United States, including online programs. MDiv students must be under care of presbytery.

How to Apply

Applications for 2023-2024 scholarships through the Presbyterian Mission Agency are now open. The Kaleidoscope platform allows students to complete the application at their own pace over the span of weeks or months until the final deadline of May 15, 2023. Applications are not open yet for the 2026-2027 Academic Year.

Funding

Presbyterian Scholarship for Undergraduates and Presbyterian Study Grant are supported by endowments, basic mission support, and extra commitment opportunities. Monetary gifts to E052103 support college students while gifts to E052102 support seminary students.

Selection Process

Complete applications are read for selection by a reading committee.

Presbyterian College Scholarships

At Presbyterian College, there is a commitment to helping students achieve their highest potential by making a high-quality education accessible and affordable. The Office of Financial Aid offers a range of institutional scholarships that complement federal and state funding opportunities.

Merit Scholarships

Merit scholarships recognize students who exemplify PC’s commitment to academic excellence and service to others. Available to incoming first-year students, merit awards support a student's journey for a maximum of eight semesters or until graduation, whichever comes first.

State Scholarships

The SC LIFE Scholarship is a merit-based program that provides up to $5,000 per year to eligible South Carolina residents attending approved in-state institutions. The state of South Carolina offers $2,500 annual enhancements for Palmetto Fellows and LIFE Scholarship recipients majoring in approved science, math, or education fields.

The Griffith Scholarship

The Griffith Scholarship is PC’s most prestigious award, available by invitation only. The Griffith provides financial support of up to $61,170, covering tuition, fees, standard housing, standard meals, and degree-seeking course-related fees for the fall and spring semesters only, less all other applicable aid. Selected students are invited to campus to compete for this distinguished honor. Two high school seniors are selected each year as Griffith Scholars.

Coverage Limitations

The scholarship is applicable only for fall and spring semesters.

Exclusions

This scholarship does not cover the cost of books, premium housing, or other personal expenses.

Renewal Criteria

Scholarship is renewed for three years.

The Service Entrepreneurship Scholarship

The Service Entrepreneurship Scholarship rewards high school seniors and transfer students who are passionate about creating real change in their communities. The top winner receives a comprehensive scholarship, while a runner-up and honorable mentions also earn generous awards. To compete, students develop a plan to solve a local problem.

Coverage Limitations

The scholarship is applicable only for fall and spring semesters.

Exclusions

This scholarship does not cover the cost of books, premium housing, or other personal expenses.

Renewal Criteria

Scholarship is renewed for three years.

Music and Athletic Scholarships

Students passionate about choir, ensembles, or bands can audition for music talent scholarships as they enter PC. These scholarships recognize students who bring their musical talents to enrich our campus community. You could qualify as a music major, music minor, or even a non-music major. PC offers athletic scholarships to talented student-athletes who embody our championship spirit and commitment to excellence both on the field and in the classroom. These scholarships vary by sport and skill level, helping to make your PC education more affordable while you represent the Blue Hose in NCAA competition.

Army ROTC Scholarships

Presbyterian College proudly supports the Army ROTC program, offering various scholarship opportunities for which both high school students and current college students may qualify. Even if you’ve missed the National Scholarship deadline, possible scholarship opportunities are still available for incoming freshmen.

The Lettie Pate Whitehead Scholarship

The Lettie Pate Whitehead Scholarship is a need-based financial aid program established in honor of Lettie Pate Whitehead, a prominent businesswoman and philanthropist from the early 20th century. The scholarship specifically supports Christian female students from the southeast who are pursuing education in medical fields, nursing, and allied health programs, as well as at select liberal arts colleges and universities.

Promise Scholarships

Promise Scholarships at Presbyterian College unlock opportunities for students to achieve academic and personal excellence. Whether you’re a leader at Palmetto Boys or Girls State, a dedicated Presbyterian student, or a Meeting Street Scholar, PC is committed to your success. These scholarships provide significant financial support, ensuring you thrive in a community that values service, leadership, and academic excellence.

Palmetto Girls State and Palmetto Boys State Promise Scholarships

The Palmetto Girls State and Palmetto Boys State Promise Scholarships are valued at $120,000, awarded as a $30,000 per year scholarship, for a maximum of four years while enrolled at Presbyterian College. The $30,000 per year scholarship is the minimum commitment from Presbyterian College and cannot be combined with other merit scholarships.

Laurens County Promise Scholarship

The $8,000 Laurens County Promise Scholarship can be combined with merit scholarships.

Presbyterian Promise Scholarship

The Presbyterian Promise Scholarship is a commitment by PC to recognize students for their affiliation with the Presbyterian Church. PC seeks to develop students academically and spiritually in this signature scholarship. The Presbyterian Promise Scholarship is offered to new incoming undergraduate students and may not be combined with other merit scholarships. The total financial aid award, including federal, state, and private scholarships, may not exceed direct costs.

PC Meeting Street Promise Scholarship

The PC Meeting Street Promise Scholarship makes a PC education accessible to academically successful students with demonstrated financial need.

Transfer Student Scholarships

Presbyterian College rewards hard work with merit scholarships for transfer students. All admitted transfer students meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress qualify for scholarships ranging from $20,000 to $26,000 per year.

Laurens County Transfer Promise Scholarship

The Laurens County Transfer Promise Scholarship is offered to students from Laurens County (S.C.) who have completed two years of coursework at Piedmont Technical College. This exclusive scholarship is made possible by a partnership between Presbyterian College and Piedmont Technical College.

Eligibility

You could qualify if you’ve successfully earned at least 60 credit hours and have a cumulative GPA of 3.0. You must have completed two years of coursework at Piedmont Technical College with a minimum of 60 credit hours. If you qualify, PC will offer you full tuition for your third and fourth year of undergraduate study as you complete your bachelor’s degree. PC’s commitment to students eligible for the Laurens County Transfer Promise Scholarship is to provide students with full tuition and fees as students complete their bachelor’s degree(s). The amount includes all applicable federal and state financial assistance for which students qualify, for years three and four.

Midlands Technical College Transfer

Take your education further with a seamless transfer from Midlands Technical College to Presbyterian College. With small classes, hands-on learning, and a supportive community, PC helps you achieve your goals.

Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Scholarship

Presbyterian College values your academic excellence and leadership as a Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) member. Transfer students admitted to PC who are members of PTK receive a $2,000 PTK Scholarship-on top of any merit-based scholarships. You must provide your PTK membership certificate to your admission counselor, Sarah Loftis, by June 15th for the Fall semester and January 5th for the Spring semester.

External Scholarship Opportunities

Private scholarships are awarded by individuals, organizations, and companies to help students fund their education. Many PC students have received private scholarships, but the list we provide is not exhaustive-countless opportunities are available. Keep in mind that all gift aid, including private scholarships, cannot exceed the direct cost of attending PC.

Specific External Scholarships

Department of State Gilman International Scholarship: Offers up to $5,000 for Pell Grant recipients to study abroad. Scholarships of $5,000 are also available for students from military families. Students studying critical needs languages (Korean and Japanese) may receive up to $3,000, and STEM research abroad students may receive up to $1,000.
Sunbelt Rental Minority Scholarship: Eligible students, including females, members of minority groups, active or former military members, or individuals with disabilities, may receive an $8,000 Sunbelt Rental Minority Scholarship.
BigSun Scholarship: Student-athletes may be eligible to receive a $500 BigSun Scholarship, regardless of their sport or participation capacity.
C.G. Fuller Scholarship: Awards $1,250 per semester to current South Carolina residents. Applicants must apply during their senior year of high school, complete a current FAFSA, and have parents with an IRS adjusted gross income not exceeding $60,000.
Citizens Bank Scholarship: A monthly drawing for a scholarship. Fill out the easy registration form for a chance to win a Grand Prize of $15,000 to use towards school expenses and one of the $2,500 monthly prizes for use towards school expenses. No essay is required.
James F. Byrnes Foundation: Awards $4,500 to students who have lost one or both parents, are South Carolina residents, and are United States citizens and high school seniors. Receive up to half the cost of tuition, fees, room, board and books. You must attend college in SC but do not have to be a SC resident.
Lariat STEM Scholarship: Directed toward students aged eighteen to twenty-four from lower-income families in rural areas who are pursuing a degree in math or science. Eligible degree programs at Presbyterian College include Biosciences & Pre-med, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics. Awarded students who maintain eligibility receive annual funding: $6,000 as freshmen and sophomores, $8,000 as juniors, and $10,000 as seniors.
Nordson BUILDS Scholarships: Range from $4,000 to $10,000. Scholarship recipients also receive priority access to internship and employment opportunities after graduation. Eligible majors include Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Industrial, and Software),1 Business, Marketing, Accounting, Finance, Information Technology, Biomedical, and Engineering-related STEM majors leading to manufacturing and corporate careers. Eligible bachelor’s degree-seeking students must have a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA.
Sirrine Scholarship: Greenville County students may apply online for a $2,000 Sirrine Scholarship.
South Carolina Junior Golf Foundation Scholarship: Awards $1,500 to each of four winners. Applicants must attend a South Carolina college, have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.75, be a South Carolina resident, and have a competitive or recreational interest in golf.
South Carolina State Fair: Offers $10,000 scholarships to high school seniors attending any South Carolina college. High school juniors and seniors, current college students, and parents are all welcome to enter monthly. Four (4) lucky students will have a chance to win $5,000 each in September, December, March, and June.
Strom Thurmond Foundation Scholarship Program: Annually awards financial aid to qualified South Carolina residents who demonstrate financial need based upon family income and the number of family members.
Ty Cobb Foundation Scholarships: Vary in amount. Eligible undergraduate students must be residents of Georgia, United States citizens, demonstrate financial need, have completed or will complete at least 30 semesters or 45 quarter hours with a “B” average, and be high school graduates.
Watson-Brown Scholarship: Students residing in South Carolina or Georgia may be eligible for need-based funds from the Watson-Brown Scholarship, up to $6,000 per year.

Online Resources

Beyond the specific scholarships listed above, numerous online resources can help you discover additional funding opportunities. While Presbyterian College is not affiliated with these external services, we encourage you to explore them as part of your comprehensive scholarship search. Some platforms may sell your contact information to third-party companies.

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Presbyterian Church USA Scholarships: A Comprehensive Guide to Funding Your Education