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Grants & Scholarships

Home 5 Admissions & Aid 5 Financial Aid 5 Grants & Scholarships

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 values the importance of affordability, we offer 100% financial aid need-based financial aid award offers.

Need Grant Recipients must complete the FAFSA. These awards are reviewed annually and may be adjusted if a student’s need changes.


Bethany College Alumni Referral Grant

Prior to enrolling, connect with a Bethany alumni and have them recommend you for a scholarship. The alumni just needs to complete an online form here, and you are guaranteed a scholarship of $2,000 ($500 per year for four years.) All institutional awards are included in the 100% Bethany need grant calculations.


BETHANY COLLEGE SIBLINGS GRANT

Prior to enrolling, be sure to inform and confirm that you have a sibling in college on your Admission application or information your Admissions counselor. We will award you $1,000 annually which will be retained as long as you have a sibling in school and you remain enrolled full time. All institutional awards are included in the 100% Bethany need grant calculations.


BETHANY COLLEGE VISIT GRANT

Prior to enrolling, come tour our beautiful campus and receive $1,000 Campus Visit Grant. Register for your on-campus visit here. All institutional awards are included in the 100% Bethany need grant calculations.


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 2023-24 aid year. The maximum amount for 2024-25 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 $4000 by federal definition. SEOG may be awarded for up to four years of full-time study as long as students maintain satisfactory academic progress. FAFSA is required to receive this award. Learn more


WV PROMISE

West Virginia residents may receive up to $5,000 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, 2024 to receive this award for the 2024-2025 academic year. The deadline to apply for this grant for 2024-2025 is May 1, 2024. Learn more


WEST VIRGINIA HIGHER EDUCATION GRANT (WVHEG)

A need-based financial aid program for West Virginia residents. Awards are based on demonstrated financial need. The deadline to apply for this grant for 2024-2025 is May 1, 2024. Learn more


PENNSYLVANIA (PHEAA – PA STATE GRANT PROGRAM)

Please note the following eligibility requirements for PHEAA:

  • To be considered for a PA State Grant, you must fill out the FAFSA® (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and complete the PA State Grant Form BEFORE May 1, 2024.
  • You must be a PA resident and not have already earned a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent.

Learn more


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 SCHOLARSHIP

Bethany College’s most prestigious award, the Presidential Scholarship is a full-tuition award offered to a select number of high school seniors. Provided students maintain satisfactory academic progress, Presidential Scholarships will be renewed for up to four-years of consecutive full-time Bethany College enrollment. Recipients will service 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 require to live on campus. Presidential Scholarships cannot be combined with institutional other merit awards nor exceed tuition and fees with any other institutional award. All institutional awards are included in the 100% Bethany need grant calculations.

Applications must be submitted by March 15, 2024. Please work with your Enrollment Counselor to confirm eligibility and to apply.


HONORS SCHOLARSHIP

The Honors Scholarship is a 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 the first-year experience and college writing requirements. 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, 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.

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. All institutional awards are included in the 100% Bethany need grant calculations.

Scholarship application is not required. You must complete the 2024-2025 FAFSA to be eligible.


KALON SCHOLARSHIP

Kalon Scholars are required to maintain a minimum of Federal Academic Kalon Scholars are required to maintain a minimum of Federal Academic Satisfactory Progress while enrolled as a full-time Bethany College student. Kalon Scholars will receive a $23,000 scholarship. In addition, you must attend bi-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.

Scholarship application is not required. You must complete the 2024-2025 FAFSA to be eligible.


MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS

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 $16,000 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.


INTERNATIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS

Upon Admissions acceptance and financial clearance, all international students will be offered a 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.


BAND SCHOLARSHIP

Upon recommendation of faculty and the Scholarship Committee, students who participate in the Bethany College Band will receive an annual award of $1,000 for each year of their participation. 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 $1,000 for each year of their participation. 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.


ESPORTS SCHOLARSHIP

Upon recommendation of faculty and the Scholarship Committee, students who are active members of the College’s Esports will receive an annual scholarship award of $1,000. 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.


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 $1,000. 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 $1,000. 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, students who are active members of the Disciple of Christ will receive an annual scholarship award of $4,500. 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.


OUTSIDE SCHOLARSHIPS

Scholarship Listing

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

Jill Bittel

Jill Bittel

Director of Financial Aid

Bethany House
Tami Samol

Tami Samol

Enrollment and Financial Aid Assistant

Bethany House