SCHOLARSHIPS
Philosophy
The scholarship program at Montana Bible College provides funds to students whose heart for God, long-term commitment to ministry, academic performance, and financial need warrant assistance from the College. We believe in the personal responsibility of each student to plan for and be able to pay the cost of being a student. We also believe that graduates should not be hindered from fulfilling the ministry to which God has called them because of college debt. Therefore, MBC is committed to providing quality education at an affordable cost.
Since MBC’s tuition only covers a portion of its operating expenses, this education is possible because God has placed generosity in the hearts of individuals, churches, and alumni who believe in the eternal value of Bible college education. These people are passing on a trust to our students because they expect God to do great things through them.
Montana Bible College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, or national/ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship programs, or other school-administered programs.
Federal Aid
MBC does not accept any direct or indirect federal financial aid. Why? First and foremost, MBC wants to steer clear of the “strings” that the government wants to attach to its money. We plan to educate according to a Biblical worldview, no matter where the cultural winds blow. Accepting student loans can also create an unhealthy institutional dependence on money that may not always be there, and loans become a significant burden and hindrance to graduates ministering where God wants His people. Montana Bible College wants God to receive the glory for assisting our students in their education.
Scholarships for New and Transfer Students
First-time MBC students may receive any combination of the following, up to $2,000. Students must enroll full-time at a minimum of 12 credits. Scholarships are applied ½ to each semester. Students must maintain full-time status and a minimum GPA of 2.5 to continue eligibility for second semester.
The deadline to apply for these scholarships is August 1 for a student starting at MBC in the fall semester or December 1 for a student starting at MBC in the spring semester.
Note: You may submit this scholarship application while you are in process of applying, but MBC cannot process your scholarship application and award you money until your application for admission is complete and you are accepted. You will be notified of these scholarship awards soon after your applications for admission and scholarships are complete.
The sooner you complete your applications for both admissions and scholarships, the better!
This is a $1000 scholarship given to any student who transfers to MBC from a discipleship school (usually 1 or 2 year Bible college program).
Academic Scholarship
This is a $1000 scholarship that may be given to a student who meets minimum academic standards. The student must send a transcript of their most recent academic performance – either a high school (including home school) or previous college transcript. The cumulative GPA on this transcript must be 3.5 or higher.
Alumni Referral Scholarship
This is a $1000 scholarship that may be awarded to you if one of our alumni refers you. If an incoming student is known to an alum of MBC, there is a simple referral form that may be completed online as part of the scholarship application process. The alum makes recommendation of the student, similar to a reference, and those with a passing score are awarded the scholarship.
Sibling Scholarship
This is a $1000 scholarship given to a student who comes having a sibling already/previously attending.
Leadership Scholarship
This is a $1000 scholarship given to select students who demonstrate leadership qualities and experience highlighted in an essay and resume.
Scholarships for All Students
MBC anticipates that all students will apply to their home church for a scholarship to assist in managing the costs of attending college. A person’s home church is normally very supportive of ministry training for one of its own students.
Some churches have scholarship programs established, others do not yet. Either way, MBC makes available online a simple matching form for the church to fill out and accompany with their designated amount. Once MBC receives the form and scholarship amount, the college matches the amount up to $1,000 per year (a $2000 combined net to the student).
Students must enroll full time for at least 12 credits to maintain full eligibility. Students who take between 6 and 12 credits are awarded a pro-rated match corresponding to the number of credits compared to full time.
The form for your church to fill out can be accessed here.
To make it even easier for your church, you may access the Church Matching Student Initiation Form directly from this link. It gives you the option to enter the e-mail address for the person(s) at your church who need to process the form. When you submit the form, it will automatically send the e-mail. The church representative can follow the link to the form and get everything finished for you.
Needs-Based Scholarships
Scholarships for Returning Students
The annual due date for application for merit scholarships is March 15th.
Elizabeth O’Rear Memorial Scholarship
In memory of Elizabeth O’Rear, the O’Rear family has graciously provided a scholarship in the amount of $1,000 ($500 per semester). In order to be eligible for this scholarship, the applicant must be a returning student of junior or senior standing (completed 65+ credits by start of next semester), have and maintain at least a 3.25 GPA, and currently be involved in ministry with plans to pursue vocational ministry after graduation.
Ron Ward and Founders Memorial Scholarship
In memory of Ron Ward, one of the founders of Montana Bible College, MBC has designated a scholarship fund in his name. This scholarship in the amount of $1,000 ($500 per semester) is awarded to returning students who demonstrate servant-hearted leadership, love for God’s people, and a passion to serve Him in ministry.
Chamberlin Greek Scholarship
Funded by the Chamberlin family, this scholarship is available for each fall that Greek III is taught. In order to be eligible for this scholarship, the applicant must have passed both Greek I and II with at least a 2.0 GPA and be enrolled in Greek III with the intent to take Greek IV. This scholarship is awarded based on the student’s interest in pursuing the Greek language and demonstration of financial need.
MBC Rural Shepherd Scholarship
Supporters of rural ministry have made this scholarship available at Montana Bible College for the student who demonstrates servant-hearted leadership and a passion to serve in rural ministry. The student must be at least junior standing (completed 65+ credits by start of next semester), be in the pastoral emphasis, maintain a 3.0 grade point average, and have a heart and focus for rural pastorates. This tuition-only scholarship of $1,500 ($750 per semester) may be given to a student less than full-time if the student meets the other criteria and is pursuing the pastorate in a rural ministry.
Gwendolyn Gracie Scholarship
Established in honor of Gwendolyn Gracie, a long-time educator who had the heart for those in ministry in the rural areas, both local and global, this scholarship focuses on the Missions or Pastoral emphasis students. This tuition-only $2,500 scholarship can be successive for the student if the student maintains the qualification criteria of full-time status (exceptions may be made for a semester in which course offerings and student course needs deem less than 12 credits), declared emphasis of Missions or Pastoral, a 3.0 grade point average, active in a current ministry, demonstrate a financial need, and have a heart for rural ministry. $1,000 will be payable the fall semester and $1,500 will be payable in the spring semester.
Don & Mary Ann Hostetler Scholarship
Church Matching Scholarship
MBC anticipates that all students will apply to their home church for a scholarship to assist in managing the costs of attending college. A person’s home church is normally very supportive of ministry training for one of its own students.
Some churches have scholarship programs established, others do not yet. Either way, MBC makes available online a simple matching form for the church to fill out and accompany with their designated amount. Once MBC receives the form and scholarship amount, the college matches the amount up to $1,000 per year (a $2000 combined net to the student).
Students must enroll full time for at least 12 credits to maintain full eligibility. Students who take between 6 and 12 credits are awarded a pro-rated match corresponding to the number of credits compared to full time.
The form for your church to fill out can be accessed here.
To make it even easier for your church, you may access the Church Matching Student Initiation Form directly from this link. It gives you the option to enter the e-mail address for the person(s) at your church who need to process the form. When you submit the form, it will automatically send the e-mail. The church representative can follow the link to the form and get everything finished for you.
Scholarship Awards and Notification
Students may be awarded more than one scholarship, but up to no more than 50% of tuition costs unless otherwise stated. External scholarships will not be calculated into this maximum. Awards will be made in a timely manner following application and/or the applicable deadline. Scholarship applicants will be notified in writing regarding the award amount.
External Scholarships
There are scholarship opportunities available for diligent students who seek them through their local community and many other sources. MBC encourages students to pursue these scholarships if they so desire.
The Christian Scholarship Opportunities Guide is a detailed guide to Christian college scholarships, with application information, campus support, and other information that benefits students interested in attending a Christian college.
MONTANA BIBLE COLLEGE
1519 S Shiloh Rd.
Billings, MT 59106
(406) 586-3585