Scholarships
Iliff believes that an educated clergy is both desirable and necessary to minister effectively to the needs of modern society. To help achieve this goal, we offer a wide range of financial aid options for students. Because we want to recognize academic excellence, Iliff offers several awards based on merit. We also offer awards based on financial need. In addition, Iliff participates in federally funded programs such as work study and government subsidized loans. While Iliff feels the primary responsibility for financing your education rests with you and/or your family, we are committed to assisting you in finding a variety of resources to help in that process.
In addition to merit scholarships, Iliff also offers need-based financial aid in the form of institutional grants, federal loans and work-study.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Most scholarship decisions are made on the basis of the application for admission and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). However, the United Methodist Ministerial Education Fund Grants, the Harvey H. Potthoff Presidential Scholarship, and the United Methodist Masters Scholarships have separate scholarship application procedures.
- The United Methodist Ministerial Studies Grants brochure* contains the required application.
- The Harvey H. Potthoff Presidential Scholarship application essay questions can be found in our scholarship brochure. [pdf file]
- United Methodist Scholarship Application sent upon request.
* Document requires a PDF viewer such as Adobe Reader.
The Harvey H. Potthoff Presidential Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to an incoming Master of Divinity degree student who intends to pursue a career in parish ministry. Preference for this scholarship is given to applicants who are members of the United Methodist Church. The award includes full tuition and a stipend of at least $3000 per year and is renewable for three years when the student is enrolled full-time. Qualifications for this award include a 3.5 cumulative grade point average on a 4.0 scale. Completion of the essays as described in the scholarship brochure are required for consideration of this award.
The United Methodist Ministerial Studies Grants
These grants are awarded in response to the investment that the United Methodist Church makes in Iliff for the education of United Methodist Master of Divinity degree students. The grants cover at least one-fourth tuition to all United Methodist students admitted to the Master of Divinity degree program at Iliff (starting fall quarter 2006 or thereafter). Recipients must maintain full-time enrollment and a minimum grade point average of 3.00. Recipients must also provide documentation of full membership (at least one year) in a United Methodist Church. These grants are renewable for a total of nine quarters. The application contained in the brochure must be completed and submitted one month prior to the quarter of enrollment.
The Dean’s Scholarships
The Dean’s Scholarships are awarded to incoming students of any master’s level degree program who demonstrate exceptional promise for graduate theological study. Persons from any denomination may apply. The awards range from one-half to full tuition.
The Master of Arts Scholarships
The Master of Arts Scholarships are awarded to incoming Master of Arts students who demonstrate exceptional promise for graduate theological study. The awards range from one-half to full tuition.
The United Methodist Master’s Scholarships
The United Methodist Master’s Scholarships are awarded to incoming master’s level students who demonstrate exceptional promise for graduate theological study and promise for service in the United Methodist Church. Requires a seperate application; sent upon request.
Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Scholarship for Parish Ministry
Established in 1992 by Sue Anschutz-Rodgers, former Iliff Trustee, to support a full-time Master of Divinity student who demonstrates exceptional promise for parish ministry. Student must be a strong scholar (3.0+ GPA) and must attend school full time. Preference given to students well along in their program.
Lloyd and Ruth Barnard Scholarships for Bible Land Travel
Established in 1991 to provide a travel subsidy for a visit to the Bible Lands. Awarded to a Master of Divinity student seeking a career in parish ministry.
Wallace B. and Jean Dalby Clift Scholarship
Established in 2000 by Elizabeth (Bette) Prout Lanning in honor of the Clifts. Designated for an Episcopal student enrolled in the Anglican Studies Program, with preference given to postulants seeking ordination in the Episcopal Church.
Philip Desmond Scholarship
Established in 2002 by Philip and Mary Desmond to support a student pursuing a Master’s of Divinity degree for use in a parish ministry setting. Preference given to students who are members of the United Methodist Church, or another "mainline" Protestant Christian denomination.
Ethnic Student Scholarship
Established in 1992 to support ethnic students.
Carmen A Freeman Urban Ministry Scholarship
Established in 2000 by Carmen Freeman (MRE ‘72). Preference given to black students.
Linn M. Gjerde Joint Master of Divinity/Master of Social Work Award
Support for full-time students in the joint Master of Divinity and Master of Social work program who demonstrate academic excellence and outstanding leadership.
Rachel and Selwyn Graves Scholarship
Established in 1992 to support full–time Master of Divinity students who demonstrate commitment and promise for parish ministry. Preference to male students with a strong preaching aptitude and potential to attract young families into the life of the church.
Hispanic Scholarship
Scholarship for Hispanic students who are planning to enter parish ministry in the Rocky Mountain Conference of the United Methodist Church.
John H. Jackson, Jr. Memorial Scholarship
Established by Dr. Verna W. Jackson and friends in 1986 in memory of the life and ministry of the Reverend Dr. John H. Jackson, Jr. to provide aid to a black student of any denomination accepted or enrolled in the Master of Divinity degree program.
Native American Scholarship
Established by Jean Sarabia, former Iliff trustee, in 1986 to support Native American students, or other ethnic minority students, preparing for parish ministry.
Oma Wimberly Peyton Memorial Scholarship
This award provides support for a Master of Divinity student who demonstrates ability in music, dance, drama, or graphic arts as they are related to the church.
Presbyterian Scholarship
Scholarship awards to students preparing for ordination in the Presbyterian Church, USA.
Margaret E. Scheve Scholarship for United Methodist Women
Established in 2002 through the estate of Margaret Scheve (‘34). Scheve was a prominent United Methodist pastor and leader among ordained women. She was the first female elder in the Rocky Mountain Conference of the United Methodist Church. This scholarship is given to a United Methodist woman preparing for ordained ministry.
Schlessman Parish Fellows
Established in 2001 by the Schlessman Family Foundation to support students working in field education placement in smaller congregations located in economically-or socially disadvantaged areas, either in rural or urban communities.
Elizabeth Iliff Warren Fellowships
Presented to the School in 1925 by Louise Iliff in memory of her mother, Elizabeth Iliff Warren. Both women were founders of The Iliff School of Theology. These awards are designed to provide one year of funding to assist Iliff alumni/ae who wish to pursue further graduate work. The fellowships are based on excellence in scholarship and a plan of study approved by the faculty. Application deadline for 2005-2006 is April 22. Read more [pdf file].
Lois J. Shugart Memorial Scholarship
Awarded to a United Methodist Master of Divinity female student who is pursuing ordination with a good academic standing.
Clarence H. Snelling, Jr. and Margaret H. Snelling Scholarship
Preference given to a student from Louisiana.
John D. Spangler Award for Excellence in Pastoral Care and Psychology of Religion
Established in honor of John D. Spangler, former Iliff professor, to support a Master’s or Doctoral student who demonstrates academic achievement and pastoral effectiveness in the ministry of care.
Bishop Melvin E. and Lucile Wheatley Peace and Justice Award
Support for a student who demonstrates Christian commitment to the issues of peace and justice.
Jean and Robert Williams Asian Scholarship
Aid for Asian ministerial students who plan to return to their homeland for ministry.
Louise Iliff Doctoral Fellowship
Established by Iliff Board of Trustees with partial proceeds from Louise Iliff’s estate. This award provides financial aid based on academic achievement to exceptionally qualified students in the Joint Ph.D. program of the University of Denver and Iliff School of Theology.
Gerald L. and Florence M. Schlessman Graduate Fellowship
Established in 1986 to provide financial aid based on academic achievement to exceptionally qualified students in the Joint Ph.D. program of the University of Denver and Iliff School of Theology.
Oliver Read Whitley Memorial Award
This fund supports a doctoral student with demonstrated academic excellence, preferably studying sociology of religion, and preferably with vocational interest in teaching and research.
First Plymouth Foundation Scholarship
Funded annually by the First Plymouth Foundation for two or three students who have been accepted by their denomination as a candidate for church ministry. Preference will be given to UCC students. Student must not be more than 35 years of age upon entering seminary.
Urban Ministry Fellowships
Funded annually by an Iliff trustee and his wife, and by the Kenneth Kendal King Foundation. Currently provides full-tuition plus stipend fellowships for six Master of Divinity students preparing for ministry in the city. Requires students to take specific core classes, participate in program colloquia, and serve in placements in urban church and/or community agency settings.
For more information, please contact:
Office of Admissions and Student Services
Iliff School of Theology
2201 S. University Blvd.
Denver, CO 80210
303-765-3117
1-800-678-3360 ext. 107
Email: admissions@iliff.edu
