Merit Based Scholarships
Foundation of Belhaven's scholarship program
Because Belhaven University aims to make a Christian education possible for any student, we work with you and your family in a financial partnership. Every Belhaven student benefits from our commitment to offering high quality, affordable education: an endeavor that begins with costs well below the national average for four-year private colleges. Our financial aid programs are generated from the basic premise that college costs are primarily a family responsibility, but our merit-based and need-based assistance in partnership with the family can assist with expenses.
Priority deadline:
For students and their families who are applying for need based aid such as federal grants, work study, and low interest loans, it is imperative to apply as soon after January 1 as possible. Because funds are limited, the earlier you apply, the more likely your chances to receive the maximum aid for which you qualify.
Students should complete the following procedures each year to receive financial aid:
1. Apply for admission to Belhaven University.
2. Complete any applications for the State of Mississippi financial assistance (if a legal resident of the state) at http://www.mississippi.edu/riseupms/financialaid-state.php
3. Apply for federal student financial aid by filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on the Internet at www.fafsa.ed.gov
Important: Be sure to list Belhaven University as one of the colleges to receive the results of your evaluation. Our code number is 002397.
Merit Based Scholarships
| Academic Scholarship | $2,000-$10,000 and is based on high school or college academic performance and determined upon application to the college. Awards are renewable each year with a 2.0 cumulative GPA. |
| Arts Scholarship | Amount varies and is based on audition and/or portfolio review and acceptance to the program. |
| Athletic Scholarship | Amount varies and is based on coach's recommendation. With the exception of tennis, cheerleading, golf, and cross country, this scholarship cannot be combined with an academic scholarship. |
| Leadership Scholarship | $500-$1,500 per year. Based on a resume of the student's experience. This scholarship cannot be combined with an Arts, Athletic, Ensemble or Ridgway-Davis Scholarship. |
| Choir Ensemble Scholarship | $500-$1,000 per year and is based on audition and acceptance to the choir program. |
| Band or Ensemble Scholarship | $500-$1,800 per year and is based on audition and acceptance to the band or ensemble program. |
| Ridgway-Davis Scholarship | $1,000 per year and is based on academic achievement and major in Biology, Chemistry or Math. |
| Visit Scholarship | In order to understand all the benefits of an institution, you must visit the campus. At Belhaven, we are so confident that you will love what we have to offer that we want to thank you for visiting by offering you a $4,000 scholarship ($1,000 each year you are enrolled) upon completion of your campus visit. Come visit BU – you'll be glad you did! In order to qualify for the visit scholarship one must visit prior to August 1 of the year in which you enroll. |
There are a limited number of other Belhaven merit based scholarships. Contact your admission counselor for more information. |
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| Church Matching Grant | There is no limit to what your church can choose to contribute to your education. We will match up to $500 per year of what your church contributes. Download the church match application. |
| Presbyterian Scholarship Program | The Presbyterian Scholarship Program (PSP) at Belhaven will add $1000 per year to the scholarship package of any graduating high school senior who is a member of a Presbyterian Church that supports the University at $1000 or more annually. That’s a $4000 scholarship over four years which will be added to the student’s total award from Belhaven! The student must be a full-time traditional student. |
There are a limited number of other Belhaven grants awarded to students based on need. Applying for financial aid automatically considers students for these grants. |
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| Mississippi Tuition Assistance Grant | $500 per year for freshman and sophomore year; $1,000 per year for junior and senior year. Based on state residency and academic achievement. Apply at www.mississippi.edu |
| Mississippi Eminent Scholars Grant | $2,500 per year and is based on state residency and academic achievement. Apply at www.mississippi.edu. |
| Others | There are many other scholarships and loan program (eg. Critical Needs Teacher Loan/Scholarship, William Winter Teacher Loan/Scholarship, Higher Education Legislative Plan for Needy Students, etc). Amounts Vary. See requirements and apply at www.mississippi.edu. |
| *Each state may or may not have scholarships and grants programs. Some states allow this money to follow a student out of state. Students are advised to check with the state in which they live for more information. | |
| Pell | Up to $5,550 per year based on need. |
| SEOG | Around $1,000 per year based on need and availability |
| Teach Grant /Loan | Up to $4,000 per year based on major and an agreement to serve as a teacher in low income schools and high need fields; not need based but must file FAFSA. Students must meet Belhaven requirements. |
| Federal Wm. D. Ford Direct Student Loans | Ranges between $5,500-$7,500 per year and depends on student classification. Submission of the FAFSA is required and can be need or non-need based. |
| Federal Perkins Loan | Up to $5,500 for each year. Based on need and availability. FAFSA is required. |
| Federal Plus Loan | Up to the cost of education. Not based on need; credit worthy parents of dependent students. FAFSA is required. |
| Federal Workstudy | About $2,000 per year based on need and availability. FAFSA is required. |
Grants
Belhaven participates in federal and state programs, which provide additional assistance to prospective students. Prospective students are encouraged to apply for every type of federal and state aid for which they qualify.
The Mississippi Eminent Scholars Grant (MESG) Program
Available to current legal residents of Mississippi applying as a “first-time-in-college” full-time student. The applicant must be:
- Recognized as a semifinalist or finalist by the National Merit Scholarship Program or the National Achievement Scholarship Program and have a minimum GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale; OR
- Have a minimum score of 29 ACT (1280 SAT) and have a minimum GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale; OR
- Have completed a home education program (9th-12th) and have a minimum score of 29 ACT (1280 SAT).
The amount of the award is $2,500 per regular academic year and renewable for up to eight semesters with a minimum 3.5 GPA. (Access information and application athttp://www.mississippi.edu/riseupms/financialaid-state.php or call Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning at 601-432-6663 or 1-800-327-2980.)
Mississippi Tuition Assistance Grant (MTAG) and other State of Mississippi Scholarships and Grants
For legal residents of Mississippi who are enrolled full time and meet all other requirements. (Access information and application at http://www.mississippi.edu/riseupms/financialaid-state.php or call Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning at 601-432-6663 or 1-800-327-2980.)
