Turner Scholarships
Turner Theological Seminary is committed to making theological education affordable and accessible. At this time, Turner offers institutional scholarships only, which support eligible students in our MDiv and Certificate programs.
Institutional Scholarships Application
Turner Theological Seminary provides a range of institutional scholarships designed to support academic excellence, leadership development, financial responsibility, and alignment with Turner’s mission, “For a Prepared Ministry.” The scholarships listed below represent Turner’s commitment to making theological education accessible and achievable for both MDiv and Certificate students.
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President’s Elev8 Scholarship
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President’s International Elev8 Scholarship
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Rufus Lee Memorial Scholarship
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General Academic Scholarships
Students interested in being considered for any institutional scholarship must complete the Turner Scholarship Application and submit all required documents.
Scholarship Application Checklist
Before submitting your scholarship application, ensure you have completed all required items. Incomplete applications cannot be reviewed by the Scholarship Committee.
President's
#ELEV8 Scholarship
The President’s Elev8 Scholarship is designed to recognize and support students demonstrating academic excellence, financial responsibility, and commitment to Turner Theological Seminary’s
mission.
The awarded amounts are for tuition only. Scholarship eligibility and renewal requirements are based on the year of award. Students are responsible for all associated fees.
The Rufus Lee
Memorial Scholarship
The Rufus Lee Memorial Scholarship recognizes and supports students who demonstrate academic excellence, financial responsibility, and a strong commitment to Turner Theological Seminary’s mission—regardless of denominational affiliation.
This scholarship is awarded to students preparing for leadership in ministry, community service, or faith-based work across diverse traditions. Awards apply to tuition only, and students remain responsible for all applicable fees. Scholarship eligibility and renewal requirements are determined by the year of the award.
The International
#ELEV8 Scholarship
International Elev8 Scholarship is designed to recognize and support International eTURNER Certificate Program students demonstrating academic excellence,
financial responsibility, and commitment to Turner Theological Seminary’s mission.
The awarded amounts are for tuition only. Scholarship eligibility and renewal requirements are
based on the year of award. Students are responsible for all associated fees.
Academic Scholarships
President’s Award
Awarded to the M.Div. candidate with the highest cumulative GPA (3.5 or higher) who demonstrates exceptional commitment to ecclesial and institutional leadership.
Dean’s Award
Awarded to the M.Div. candidate with the highest cumulative GPA (3.5 or higher) who demonstrates exceptional commitment to pastoral ministry and congregational care.
Bishop Vinton R. Anderson Award
Awarded to a Turner Theological Seminary student who demonstrates exceptional promise in ecumenical affairs and Christian leadership, reflecting the global vision and unifying spirit of Bishop Vinton R. Anderson. This student exhibits a strong commitment to collaborative ministry across denominational lines, excellence in theological engagement, and leadership within the wider Christian community, while maintaining a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher.
The Bishop William Alfred Fountain Sr. and the William Alfred Fountain Jr.
Awarded to a senior who has a 3.0 average or above and demonstrates exceptional ability in Christian Education.
The Dr. Jacqueline Grant Award
Awarded to a Turner Theological Seminary student who demonstrates a significant interest in and proficiency with Womanist Theological Studies, maintaining a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher. This award honors a student whose scholarship reflects a deep engagement with Womanist thought, commitment to the liberation and flourishing of Black women, and the integration of justice, spirituality, and academic excellence in their theological work.
Bishop Henry McNeal Turner Award
Awarded to a Turner Theological Seminary student who exemplifies the bold, justice-driven, and visionary spirit of Bishop Henry McNeal Turner. This award recognizes a student who demonstrates exceptional leadership in social justice advocacy, political engagement, community activism, or military chaplaincy, while upholding the values of courage, civic responsibility, and prophetic witness. Recipients must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher.
The John A. Middleton Award
Awarded to a senior at Turner Theological Seminary who has achieved a high academic record (3.5 GPA or higher) and exemplifies scholarly excellence, reflecting the pursuit of advanced theological study and academic achievement.
The Daniel Jacobs Award
Awarded to a Turner Theological Seminary student who has achieved a strong academic record (3.0 GPA or higher) and demonstrated exceptional leadership ability by holding an elected or appointed office within the Turner Student Fellowship.
Bishop William & Dr. Patricia DeVeaux Leadership of Excellence Award
Awarded to a Turner Theological Seminary student who exemplifies outstanding leadership, integrity, and commitment to excellence in both academic and ministerial life. This award honors the legacy of Bishop William and Dr. Patricia DeVeaux, recognizing a student who demonstrates exceptional organizational leadership, service to the Seminary community, and a consistent pursuit of excellence in character, scholarship, and Christian witness, while maintaining a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher.
The Reverend David DeVeaux Award.
Awarded to a married Turner Theological Seminary student with children who is enrolled in the Master of Divinity program and maintains a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher.
The Reverend Jarena Lee Award
Awarded to a Turner Theological Seminary student who embodies the courageous spirit and pioneering resolve of Reverend Jarena Lee, demonstrating strong self-efficacy, unwavering faith, and a steadfast commitment to their call to ministry. This student consistently pursues excellence in theological preparation, leadership, and personal formation while maintaining a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher.
The Henry McNeal Turner Chaplain Association Award
Awarded to a Turner Theological Seminary student who exemplifies exceptional promise in chaplaincy, spiritual care, and service to diverse communities, reflecting the courageous ministry and pioneering chaplaincy legacy of Bishop Henry McNeal Turner. This award recognizes a student who demonstrates compassion, resilience, intercultural sensitivity, and a commitment to providing pastoral care in military, clinical, correctional, or community-based settings, while maintaining a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher.
Excellence Ecclesial Leadership Award
Awarded to an M.Div. student specializing in Ecclesial Leadership who exhibits outstanding promise as a visionary and strategic leader within the life of the Church. This award recognizes a student who demonstrates excellence in organizational leadership, administration, denominational engagement, and community-building, while maintaining a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Spiritual Care & Chaplaincy Award
Awarded to an M.Div. student specializing in Spiritual Care & Chaplaincy who demonstrates exceptional pastoral sensitivity, emotional intelligence, and a commitment to providing compassionate care in diverse settings. This recipient exemplifies excellence in clinical assessment, spiritual support, and interfaith engagement, maintaining a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Excellence in Womanism & Justice Award
Awarded to an M.Div. student specializing in Womanism and Justice who demonstrates academic excellence and prophetic insight rooted in Womanist perspectives. This recipient exhibits a commitment to liberation, equity, holistic flourishing, and justice-centered scholarship, maintaining a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Execellence in Sacred Music & Worship Award
Awarded to an M.Div. student specializing in Sacred Music and Worship who demonstrates exceptional skill in liturgical leadership, musical expression, and worship design. This student integrates theological depth, creativity, and spiritual sensitivity into the ministry of worship, maintaining a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Excellence in Justice-Centered Preaching Award
Awarded to an M.Div. student specializing in Justice-Centered Preaching for Liberation and Social Change who demonstrates powerful homiletical ability, theological clarity, and a profound commitment to preaching that confronts injustice and inspires transformation. This award honors a student who integrates biblical scholarship, social analysis, and pastoral courage in their preaching ministry, while maintaining a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
FAQ: Federal Financial Aid (Title IV)
1. Does Turner offer federal aid or GI Bill® benefits?
No. Turner does not currently participate in Title IV Federal Aid or VA educational benefits. Only institutional scholarships are available at this time.
2. Are institutional scholarships full tuition?
Some scholarships offer up to 100% tuition-only, based on GPA and committee scoring.
3. Do scholarships cover fees, books, or living expenses?
No. Scholarships are tuition-only. Students are responsible for fees, books, and personal expenses.
4. Do I need a separate application for all scholarships?
Only for named scholarships (Elev8, International Elev8, Rufus Lee).
General scholarships are automatic during admission.
5. When will Turner offer federal aid?
If approved, no earlier than Fall 2026. Visit the Federal Financial Aid (Title IV) page for updates.
6. When is the scholarship application due?
Deadlines vary by semester. Instructions are included on the application form.
7. Who reviews scholarship applications?
The Turner Scholarship Committee, consisting of:
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Director of Academic Affairs (Chair)
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Registrar
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Faculty Senate Representative
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Controller
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Admissions/Enrollment Representative
8. Who can I contact for scholarship support?
scholarships@turnerseminary.org
admissions@turnerseminary.org