Scholarships

Iliff is committed to supporting and collaborating with our students to identify funding to support their graduate studies. Like most schools, scholarship funding levels at Iliff vary year to year. However, all applicants to Iliff are considered for any institutional scholarships we may offer.

Iliff supports its diverse student body with scholarships thanks to the generosity of its donors and alumni.

Iliff has also offered matching scholarships through its community and denominational partners including the United Methodist Higher Education Foundation (UMHEF), Segal AmeriCorps Educational Award, AUMTS Excellence in Clergy Leadership, Disciples Seminary Foundation (Disciples of Christ), and the Yellow Ribbon program to offset tuition costs by an additional 10% – 30%.

Applicants are not required to submit a separate application to be considered for Iliff institutional scholarships, and all admitted students are automatically considered for scholarship support.

Additional funding support for degree-seeking students may be available through donor, grant, and external scholarship opportunities. Students who are accepted to Iliff will receive information from the Financial Aid Office regarding applications related to these opportunities. An Iliff login and password are required to access this form. In addition to scholarships, we encourage eligible students to complete an annual FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to identify federal grants and loans.

The Annual Iliff Scholarship

This scholarship (which varies in amount from $5,000 to up to close to full-time tuition) may be awarded to new students who are admissible to an Iliff degree program and who intend to enroll full-time (FTE). If a student is not enrolled full-time the award amount will be prorated accordingly. This scholarship may be stacked with other Iliff, donor, grant, and external scholarships

Outside Scholarships

There are many scholarship opportunities available for students willing to do some research.
Remember, every little bit helps in paying for school. Students are cautioned about sending money to agencies claiming to help find scholarship resources.

With a little effort, students can find the same resources for free by inquiring about scholarships within your community, church, and/or denominational affiliation.

Do NOT pay to apply for scholarships. There are companies that scam students by charging fees to search for scholarships.

External Partner/Affiliation Scholarships

Segal AmeriCorps Education Award

Iliff will provide a $1,000 match to all ��for AmeriCorps alumni and staff members. Documentation to verify one’s status and educational benefit award level is required.

AUMTS Excellence in Clergy Leadership Scholarship

Meritorious United Methodist seminarians will be eligible for a $2,500 scholarship from GBHEM and a matching award of $2,500 from Iliff for a total of $5,000 per year, as well as additional support from foundations, annual conferences, and seminaries. The seminarians will also receive intentional opportunities to enhance their personal financial literacy. The purpose of this scholarship program is to create a collaboration across United Methodist organizations in support of future clergy reducing or eliminating educational debt and building upon financial acumen. Eligible students must be United Methodist pursuing or certified candidate for ministry (elder or deacon); demonstrate merit, progress, and commitment in the candidacy process; enrolled full-time in a Master of Divinity degree program at one of the 13 United Methodist seminaries/schools of theology; and demonstrate financial need and how this scholarship will help avoid additional student loans.

Disciples Seminary Foundation (Disciples of Christ)

This scholarship offers an award equal to 40% of a student’s annual tuition as long as this student’s affiliation as a member of the Disciples of Christ community is verified. This is an annual awarded scholarship contingent upon the continuation of the agreement between the Disciples Seminary Foundation and Iliff.��

United Church of Christ – Ministry Education Scholarships

The Ministry Education Scholarships are available to those preparing for ministry in the United Church of Christ and for continuing education for ministers. Learn more by visiting the .
To qualify for a United Church of Christ Ministry Education Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria unless otherwise stated:

• Membership in a UCC congregation for at least one year at time of application;
• Enrollment in an ATS accredited seminary towards a course of study leading to ordained ministry;
• Member-in-discernment of an Association or Conference at time of application;
• At least a “B” average maintained; (With the exception of The Rev. Virginia Kreyer Scholarship where a lower GPA will be accepted)
• Agrees to serve in the UCC or a partner church on completion of seminary;
• Demonstrates leadership ability through participation in local church, Association, Conference, or academic environment.
• Members in Discernment may apply for the Brown Endowment Scholarship and ONE other UCC Ministry Education Scholarship per year.

Important dates to remember:

• All online Scholarship application forms open on December 1 each year and close on March 1 of the following year at 5:00 p.m. Eastern time.
• The online application form for The Genesis Fund, a program grant, opens on December 1 each year and closes on March 15 of the following year at 5:00 p.m. Eastern time.

Yellow Ribbon (military and veteran students only)

Military and veteran students are eligible for a $3,000 Yellow Ribbon scholarship and a matching award of $3,000 from Iliff for a total of $6,000 per year. Six awards are available for the academic year. Students must apply for their Post-9/11 GI Bill®�� benefits.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Website at .

United Methodist Higher Education Foundation (UMHEF) –��Dollars for Scholars Program

• A student’s church offers support with $1,000 (on a church check sent to UMHEF).
• UMHEF matches that for a total of $2,000 (while funds last).
• Participating United Methodist-related schools may match with $1,000.
• Participating UMC Conference Foundations may match up to $1,000.
• Your potential UMDFS scholarship may total up to $4,000.
• You must apply annually to be considered for a scholarship each school year.
• Please note that some schools may not provide the same matching award to graduate students; check with your school to verify matching for your degree program.

Learn more at .

United Methodist Higher Education Foundation (UMHEF) –��General Named Endowed Scholarships

All active full members of the UMC (for at least one year) are eligible to apply for a UMHEF scholarship. Students must be enrolled or planning to enroll in a full-time degree program at a regionally accredited higher educational institution in the U.S.; high priority given to students at UM-related schools. Additional criteria may apply to some endowed fund scholarships. Awards are open to incoming freshmen through graduate students, Doctor of Ministry students are now eligible. Limited awards for international students; these students should apply using the General Named Endowed application. Awarded funds are sent directly to the school and must be used for tuition, room/board, or other fees paid through a student account; funds may not be paid back to the student. Applications are accepted January 1 – March 1 at . Award notification will be sent to applicants by mid-May via mailed letter. Learn more at��.

Continuing Student Scholarships

Currently enrolled students will continue to receive a similar level of scholarship support for the remainder of their full-time enrollment in their specific degree program. Students are encouraged to complete the on an annual basis to identify additional Iliff, donor, grant, and external scholarship opportunities.