Section Identifier
Grants & Scholarships
*Institutional aid as described is for Fall 2025 incoming undergraduate students.
Grants
Grants are financial aid awards that are usually based upon federally- or institutionally-calculated need. These awards need not be repaid and are generally renewed for each year of a student’s enrollment provided no change in need has taken place. Grants may be funded by the federal government, state government, Bethany College, or outside organizations.
Scholarships
All new first-year and transfer undergraduate degree-seeking students are eligible to be considered for merit scholarships through Bethany College’s robust merit-based aid programs.
Bethany College Merit Scholarships are offered without regard for financial need. Students eligible to receive multiple scholarships/grants will receive at least the value of the highest award. It is our general college policy not to “stack” merit awards. Consideration for any additional Bethany College scholarships/grants will be based on financial need and requires the completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Bethany College Grant
Bethany College is committed to making your education affordable. The Bethany College Grant is awarded to students who demonstrate financial need. The amount varies and is adjusted annually should your need or residency status change. Our promise to you: After taking your need into consideration, your Bethany College financial aid package will meet 100% of the direct cost of attending the college. Recipients must complete the FAFSA.
Bethany College Alumni Referral Grant
Prior to enrolling, connect with a Bethany College graduate and have them recommend you for a scholarship. The alumnus just needs to complete our online referral form, and you will be eligible to receive an annual scholarship of $500. All institutional awards are included in the 100% Bethany need grant calculations. Requirements: New, full-time, residential first-time FR and full-time TR students who are eligible for admission to Bethany College. This $500 annual award is renewed for up to four years of consecutive full-time residential enrollment at Bethany. The Award can be stacked. All institutional awards are included in the 100% Bethany need grant calculations.
BETHANY COLLEGE SIBLINGS GRANT
This $1,000 annual grant is awarded to new full-time FR or TR students who have a brother, sister or parent currently enrolled in college as a full-time student. This award is renewed annually as long as your sibling or parent is concurrently enrolled in a college or university. Bethany students must meet satisfactory academic progress standards in order for the award to be renewed. It is the student’s responsibility to identify the concurrent enrollment of siblings on the Bethany College Application for Admission. Candidates for the Sibling Grant may also contact their assigned admission counselor to provide this information. All institutional awards are included in the 100% Bethany need grant calculations. Requirements: Full-Time new FR or TR students who have a brother, sister, or parent currently enrolled in college as a full-time student. This $1,000 annual grant is renewed annually provided the Bethany College student remains in good academic standing and has provided proof of the concurrent enrollment of his or her siblings or parent.
BETHANY COLLEGE VISIT GRANT
Prior to enrolling, come tour our beautiful campus and receive a $1,000 Campus Visit Grant. Register for your on-campus visit. All institutional awards are included in the 100% Bethany need grant calculations. Visit Grant recipients must register and participate in a personal or group campus visit event that is coordinated by the Office of Admission. Available to full-time FR and TR students only. Register for your on-campus visit here.
FEDERAL PELL GRANT
A Federal Pell Grant is a need-based award that does not have to be repaid. The grant is determined by the Department of Education based on your financial need, calculated from the information you submitted on the FAFSA and your enrollment status. Award amounts are based upon federal calculations and may change annually. The maximum Pell Grant award was $7,395 for the 2024-2025 aid year. The maximum amount for 2025-2026 has not been set by Congress yet.
FEDERAL SUPPLEMENTAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY GRANT
Generally restricted to Pell Grant recipients matriculated in traditional programs. Awards range from $100 to $4,000 by federal definition. SEOG may be awarded for up to four years of full-time study as long as students maintain satisfactory academic progress. Students must complete the FAFSA to receive this award. Incoming Pell Grant eligible students typically receive $2,000 annually. Learn more.
WV PROMISE
West Virginia residents may receive up to $5,200 in annual aid if they attend one of the state’s public or private colleges. The amount of your award depends upon your academic qualifications. Awards are contingent upon annual funding of the program by the West Virginia State Legislature. Students must complete their FAFSA no later than March 1, 2025 to receive this award for the 2025-2026 academic year. The deadline to apply for this grant from the state of WV is May 1, 2025. Learn more.
WV Promise applicants who identify Bethany College as their college of choice AND who have a SAI (Student Aid Index) of -$1,500 to $0 are guaranteed that they will be fully funded to attend Bethany College paying only the equivalent of their Federal Work Study earnings. Requirements: Candidates for full-time FR admission must complete the FAFSA and submit the WV State Application Form by specified deadlines. Estimated award amounts (up to $5,000 annually) may be adjusted based upon final approval by the State of West Virginia. Students who are awarded an estimated Promise Scholarship will have that award amount removed from their financial aid package if they fail to complete and submit either the FAFSA or WV Promise Scholarship Application.
WEST VIRGINIA HIGHER EDUCATION GRANT (WVHEG)
A need-based financial aid program for West Virginia residents. Awards are based on demonstrated financial need. The grant may be renewed until the student’s course of study is completed, but may not exceed an additional three academic years beyond the initial award. Awards are based on demonstrated financial need and generally may be used in conjunction with other forms of state, federal and institutional financial aid. Awards are contingent upon annual funding of the program by the West Virginia State Legislature. Learn more.
Requirements: The West Virginia Higher Education Grant is available to qualified residents of West Virginia. The following criteria are used to determine student eligibility: a citizen of the United States; West Virginia residency for at least 12 months prior to date of application (for dependent students, the legal residence of the parent(s) on the FAFSA is the student’s residency); be a high school graduate or have earned a TASC (former GED) or high school equivalent certificate; demonstrate an established level of financial need; demonstrate academic promise; enroll at a participating institution in West Virginia as a full-time undergraduate student; and have not previously earned a bachelor’s degree.
PENNSYLVANIA (PHEAA – PA STATE GRANT PROGRAM)
To be considered for a PA State Grant, students must complete the FAFSA. If you are a first-time applicant, you must also complete the PA State Grant Form and High School Form. Please consult the PHEAA website for important deadlines.
Requirements: Recipients must be enrolled as full-time undergraduates and identify PA as their state of residence. This $600 annual award requires the completion and submission of both the FAFSA and the PA State Grant Form typically by May 1.
OTHER STATE GRANTS
If you are not a resident of West Virginia, your state may allow you to use a portion of your state grant to attend Bethany College. To learn more about these grants, go to your state’s higher education website.
VETERAN BENEFITS
College policy restricts institutional financial aid (scholarships/grants) from paying more than 100% of tuition when combined with certain non-Bethany awards. When VA Benefits cover 100% of your tuition costs, there are certain situations in which your VA Benefits will take precedence over any institutional scholarships or grants for which you might otherwise qualify. Examples of this include:
- Yellow Ribbon eligible students
- Students who are 100% Post-9/11 GI Bill® eligible
Should your status for 100% eligibility change, or you reach your annual tuition cap, you would then be able to utilize your institutional scholarship or grant.
Bethany College has partnered with the Veterans Affairs (VA) Administration to offer the Yellow Ribbon Program Scholarship to students with 100% eligibility under the Post-9/11 GI Bill®.
The Yellow Ribbon Program at Bethany College will cover 100% of tuition and fees over the Post-9/11 GI Bill® yearly tuition cap (50% funded by Bethany College and 50% funded by the Department of Veterans Affairs).
All students with 100% Post 9/11 GI Bill® eligibility are eligible for the Yellow Ribbon Scholarship, except for Active-Duty students and their spouses, per the Department of Veterans Affairs.
The cap on Yellow Ribbon funds is currently unlimited.
Because the Yellow Ribbon award is a form of Bethany College institutional aid, it cannot be combined with any other Bethany College scholarships or discounts. Learn more
PRESIDENTIAL AWARD
Two full-tuition Presidential Scholarships are awarded to new, first-time full-time students annually. These scholarships are renewed for each year of a student’s full-time continuous enrollment at Bethany as long as the student meets satisfactory academic progress requirements. Failure to enroll at Bethany as a full-time student for two consecutive terms will result in the loss of this award. Recipients are not eligible for other forms of Bethany Aid other than the Visit and AP Awards. Recipients are expected to file a FAFSA and use federal and state funds to cover living expenses (must live on campus).
Recipients will serve as Presidential Student Ambassadors for each of the four years they receive this award. This includes, but is not limited to, attending social events coordinated through the President’s office and representing Bethany College at various campus events and campus tours. Presidential Scholars are required to live on campus. With the exception of the AP Award, Presidential Scholarships cannot be combined with other institutional merit awards nor exceed tuition and fees with any other institutional award. All institutional awards are included in the 100% Bethany need grant calculations.
Apply for the Presidential Award.
HONORS SCHOLARSHIP
The Honors Scholarship celebrates our curricular, co-curricular, and residential approach to education that focuses on teaching and learning at the highest and most exhilarating levels. Drawing on the abilities and flair of the best of our faculty, our diverse group of students start their first year with two Honors Seminars that replace first-year experience and college writing courses. Combined with special events and activities, these seminars provide the basis for the academic program and the opportunity for honors students to grow intellectually as they make their transition to college. Honors students are housed together in the Honors Residence (must live on campus), advised by the Honors Director as well as by a major advisor, and mentored by an Honors Residential Assistant in a unique living and learning community designed to challenge and support them.
Requirements: Honors Scholarship recipients are awarded $23,000 annually for each consecutive year of full-time enrollment as long as they meet participation and grade point average requirements. No more than three additional co-curricular awards, the AP Scholarship, and the Visit Award will be awarded to Honors Scholarship recipients. All institutional awards are included in the 100% Bethany need grant calculations.
Scholarship application is not required. Students must complete the 2025-2026 FAFSA to be eligible.
KALON SCHOLARSHIP
Kalon Scholarship recipients are awarded $23,000 annually for each consecutive year of full-time enrollment as long as they meet participation and grade point average requirements. In addition, you must attend bi[1]monthly Kalon Scholar meetings and serve on one of the three Kalon Committees. Such participation is required for each of your years of FT enrollment at Bethany. You are also expected to attend and participate in the Kalon Leadership Series and serve as a Student Ambassador representing Bethany College at various campus events and campus tours. Kalon Scholars must live on campus. All institutional awards are included in the 100% Bethany need grant calculations. No more than three additional co-curricular awards, the AP Award, and the Visit Award will be awarded Kalon Scholars. These scholarships are renewed for each year of a student’s full-time continuous enrollment at Bethany as long as the student meets satisfactory academic progress requirements.
Scholarship application is not required. You must complete the 2025-2026 FAFSA to be eligible.
BETHANY COLLEGE MERIT AWARD
Bethany College Merit Scholarship are available to full-time, first-year and transfer students. These awards require no additional application. They are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis and are renewed for up to four years of consecutive, full-time enrollment. The scholarships range from $17,000 to $21,000. Contact your admission counselor or the Enrollment Center to determine your eligibility to receive one of these awards. All institutional awards are included in the 100% Bethany need grant calculations.
Requirements: Bethany College Merit Awards are assigned by the Office of Enrollment. Students must be full-time, domestic freshman or transfer students. Awards become official at the time of acceptance. These scholarships are renewed for each year of a student’s full-time continuous enrollment at Bethany as long as the student meets satisfactory academic progress requirements. Award amounts may not be adjusted after enrollment. Award amounts apply to students initially enrolling at Bethany in Fall 2025 and Spring 2026.
INTERNATIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS
Upon Admissions acceptance and financial clearance, general non-contract international students will be offered a flat scholarship in the amount of $22,000 annually. International students are required to maintain a minimum of Federal/Institutional Academic Satisfactory Progress and remain enrolled as a full-time Bethany College student. International students are also required to be financially clear and live on campus.
CO-CURRICULAR AWARDS
Awarded to full-time FR and TR students, recipients must meet standards for regular admission (2.00 or higher) and be residential students. Awards are renewed annually provided the student continues to participate in the designated activity. Students must apply for admission and be accepted to Bethany College by March 1, 2025 to be eligible for this award. No more than three co-curricular awards may be assigned to any single student.
Students are eligible to receive these $2,500 annual awards as long as they participate in the identified program. Participation will be tracked to retain eligibility.
Changes to these awards apply ONLY to students who enroll in Fall 2025 or later. Students who received these awards for earlier terms will NOT have their award amount adjusted.
Equestrian Team Scholarship
Upon recommendation of faculty and the Scholarship Committee, students who are active members of the College’s equestrian team will receive an annual scholarship award of $2,500. Students must apply for admission and be accepted to Bethany College by March 1, 2025 to be eligible for this award. Scholarship recipients are required to maintain a minimum Federal/Institutional Academic Satisfactory Progress and remain enrolled as a full-time Bethany College student. All institutional awards are included in the 100% Bethany need grant calculations.
Esports Scholarship
Upon recommendation of faculty and the Scholarship Committee, students who are active participants in the College’s Esports program will receive an annual scholarship award of $2,500. Students must apply for admission and be accepted to Bethany College by March 1, 2025 to be eligible for this award. Scholarship recipients are required to maintain a minimum of Federal/Institutional Academic Satisfactory Progress and remain enrolled as a full-time Bethany College student. All institutional awards are included in the 100% Bethany need grant calculations.
Band Scholarship
Upon recommendation of faculty and the Scholarship Committee, students who participate in the Bethany College Band will receive an annual award of $2,500 for each year of their participation. Students must apply for admission and be accepted to Bethany College by March 1, 2025 to be eligible for this award. Scholarship recipients are required to maintain a minimum of Federal/Institutional Academic Satisfactory Progress and remain enrolled as a full-time Bethany College student. All institutional awards are included in the 100% Bethany need grant calculations.
Theatre Scholarship
Upon recommendation of faculty and the Scholarship Committee, students who are active members of the College’s Theatre will receive an annual scholarship award of $2,500. Students must apply for admission and be accepted to Bethany College by March 1, 2025 to be eligible for this award. Scholarship recipients are required to maintain a minimum of Federal/Institutional Academic Satisfactory Progress and remain enrolled as a full-time Bethany College student. All institutional awards are included in the 100% Bethany need grant calculations.
Choir Scholarship
Upon recommendation of faculty and the Scholarship Committee, students who participate in the College Choir will receive an annual award of $2,500 for each year of their participation. Students must apply for admission and be accepted to Bethany College by March 1, 2025 to be eligible for this award. Scholarship recipients are required to maintain a minimum of Federal/Institutional Academic Satisfactory Progress and remain enrolled as a full-time Bethany College student. All institutional awards are included in the 100% Bethany need grant calculations.
DISCIPLES OF CHRIST SCHOLARSHIP
Upon recommendation of Admission and the Scholarship Committee, two students who are active members of the Disciple of Christ Church will receive a full tuition scholarship award. These scholarships are renewed for each year of a student’s full-time continuous enrollment at Bethany as long as the student meets satisfactory academic progress requirements. Failure to enroll at Bethany as a full-time student for two consecutive terms will result in the loss of this award.
Requirements: Recipients of the Disciples of Christ Scholarship must be full-time, residential freshmen or transfer students who are active congregation members of the Disciples of Christ Church. Students should provide confirmation of their membership by submitting a letter to the Office of Financial Aid from their pastor or youth pastor. This letter must be received before July 1, 2025. Recipients will serve as Presidential Student Ambassadors for each of the four years they receive this award. This includes, but is not limited to, attending social events coordinated through the President’s office and representing Bethany College at various campus events, church events, and campus tours. DOC Scholars are required to live on campus. Disciples of Christ Scholarships cannot be combined with other institutional merit awards nor exceed tuition and fees with any other institutional award. All institutional awards are included in the 100% Bethany need grant calculations.
BETHANY COLLEGE AP SCHOLARSHIP
New, full-time, residential first-time Freshman who have completed 3 or more AP courses in high school will be eligible to receive $2,500 annually. Students must apply for admission and be accepted to Bethany College by March 1, 2025 to be eligible for this award. This annual award is renewed for up to four years of consecutive full-time residential enrollment at Bethany as long as the student meets satisfactory academic progress requirements. The Award can be stacked. All institutional awards are included in the 100% Bethany need grant calculations.
BETHANY COLLEGE PHI BETA KAPPA AWARD
New, full-time residential transfer students who are Phi Beta Kappa scholars will receive a $2500 scholarship in addition to their assigned Merit Award. Students must apply for admission and be accepted to Bethany College by March 1, 2025 to be eligible for this award. This annual award is renewed for each year of the student’s consecutive full-time enrollment at Bethany College as long as the student meets satisfactory academic progress requirements. The Award can be stacked with the student’s Bethany College Merit Award. All institutional awards are included in the 100% Bethany need grant calculations.
CHILDREN OF STAFF/FACULTY
Students of Bethany College Faculty and Staff receive a full-tuition scholarship. They are not eligible for any other form of Bethany College aid. Should these students live on campus they are expected to complete the FAFSA and apply any federal or state aid they receive to meet living expenses. In the event the amount of federal and state GRANT aid exceeds living expenses the balance will be applied to tuition costs.
OUTSIDE SCHOLARSHIPS
Bethany College will accept scholarships from outside sources. Students are encouraged to apply for all scholarships for which they may be eligible. Never pay to apply for outside scholarships.
College Board Scholarship Search
Fastweb Scholarship Search
Learn.org Scholarships
Tips to Avoid 7 Common Scholarship Application Pitfalls
Bethany College Policies regarding Outside Scholarships:
- Non-renewable outside scholarships may be used to fill any unmet institutional need first.
- If a change is required because no remaining need exists in your financial aid package, a change to grant funds will be made. Note: Our scholarship funds are not reduced unless the total of your funds exceeds our total cost.
- The College reserves the right to use renewable outside resources to offset its own grant funds regardless of unmet financial need.
- All outside scholarships must be reported to the Office of Financial Aid within 30 days of student notification. Financial aid candidates will receive a scholarship reporting form that must be returned to us by our annually announced June due date before any aid will be paid to the account.
- If you are the recipient of other grants, scholarships, or benefits, your financial aid package may need to be adjusted.
- A scholarship is a method of payment and it is the student’s responsibility to ensure that the college receives these outside scholarship funds within the academic year.
- Funds not received within the academic year become the student’s responsibility to pay out of pocket.
Financial aid team
Loans Page
Info
Visit
Apply
Deposit