Scholarships

asbury scholarship competition

Students who qualify for the guaranteed starting scholarship of $15,000 are invited to participate in the annual Scholarship Competition, where they will compete for one of two John Wesley Hughes scholarships, equal to 100% of tuition, or one of twenty 20 Henry Clay Morrison scholarships, equal to 60% of tuition. National Merit Semifinalists automatically qualify for a Francis Asbury Scholarship, worth 60% of tuition.


Two full-tuition scholarships will be awarded on a competitive basis to new students who qualify for and compete in the Scholarship Competition, which is by invitation only and occurs on campus in early spring prior to intended enrollment. This award is renewed for up to four years or eight semesters provided the recipient maintains a cumulative GPA of 3.60 at Asbury University. No other Asbury gift aid is stackable with this scholarship.

Twenty 60% tuition scholarships will be awarded on a competitive basis to new students who qualify for and compete in the Scholarship Competition, which is by invitation only and occurs on campus in early spring prior to intended enrollment. This award is renewed for up to four years or eight semesters provided the recipient maintains a cumulative GPA of 3.50 at Asbury University. Other Asbury gift aid is stackable with this scholarship, up to 100% of annual tuition.

Students who attend and participate in the competition, but who do not win one of the Hughes or Morrison scholarships, will receive a $1,000 scholarship to be added on top of your GPA scholarship award.

National Merit/Francis Asbury Scholarships

  • Scholarships equal to 60% of tuition will be awarded to National Merit semifinalists entering their freshman year during the fall semester, who graduated from high school the previous spring. This award is renewed for up to four years or eight semesters provided the recipient maintains a cumulative GPA of 3.50 at Asbury University.
  • Recipients of National Merit/Francis Asbury scholarships will be invited to the Scholarship Competition (see above) to compete for one of two John Wesley Hughes scholarships. Contact your admissions counselor for more detailed information.

Kentucky Governor’s Scholarships

Alumni of Kentucky Governor’s Programs automatically qualify for Asbury’s top guaranteed academic merit scholarship amount of $15,000 (regardless of GPA) and are invited to participate in Scholarship Competition (see above). This award is given to students who graduated from a Kentucky high school and who completed the Governor’s Scholars Program, the Governor’s School for Entrepreneurs or the Governor’s School for the Arts.

International Student Scholarships

  • Each year the Scholarship Committee will select new international applicants to receive partial scholarships. Selection is based on academic standing, an essay written by the student and other information available to the committee. The purpose of this scholarship is to provide qualified international students the opportunity of an education at Asbury University and to maintain awareness of international concerns through the presence of students from other countries on campus.
  • Students who are accepted to the University prior to February 1 of the year they start classes will be given priority for these scholarships. However, scholarships may still be available after that date.
  • This scholarship may be renewed for up to four years or eight semesters (excluding summer) provided the student maintains satisfactory academic progress. This scholarship is only available to persons who are not citizens of the United States or Canada. Please contact the Admissions Office for more detailed information.

Major-Specific/Endowed Scholarships


Application Required

This scholarship for new students is designed to support Christian men and women interested in advancing the cause of Christ in the fields of Accounting, Business Management, Finance, Marketing and Sports Management.

The $10,000 Dayton Scholarship will be awarded to 1-2 student(s) per year and can be renewed annually. In addition to the scholarship, the Dayton Scholars are invited to participate in networking, mentoring and extracurricular opportunities unique to the Dayton Scholar Cohort.

This scholarship is competitive and non-need based. Students must be accepted by the University, declare a major in the Dayton School of Business and carry a 3.0 GPA or higher. Candidates with higher academic qualifications and evidence of involvement in business or leadership related areas will be given priority.

Application process:

  • Acceptance to Asbury University
  • Complete the scholarship application by February 1 of the year you plan to enroll, using your AU application login credentials
  • Potential interview if requested

Expectations:

  • Participation in business department and leadership related activities during four years as directed by the DSB Dean
  • Maintain a 3.4 cumulative GPA
  • Maintain an Accounting, Business Administration, Finance, Marketing, and/or Sport Management major
  • Maintain good standing at Asbury University

For more information contact the Admissions Office at (859) 858-5142 or admissions@asbury.edu.

Deadline: February 1 of the year the student intends to enroll.  

Music Performance Scholarships will be awarded at the sole discretion of the Music Department to students who exhibit outstanding musical performance ability. A major or minor in music is preferred but not required in order to audition. Students must meet Asbury University admission requirements to be considered. The Music Department makes the final selections based on auditions. To maintain this scholarship, students must meet the minimum cumulative GPA required for graduation and fulfill performance requirements.

Priority Deadline: February 1 of the year the student intends to enroll.  

Learn more about the audition requirements, audition dates and music faculty. 

Asbury University Art & Design Department is proud to offer a scholarship designed to support talented Art students to achieve their highest potential in Studio Art (painting, sculpture, photography, etc.), Graphic Design, Art History, Pre-Art Therapy and Art Education.

Windgate Scholars will be selected from among applicants to receive a minimum $4,000 award. Scholarships are for new students – both freshmen and transfers – and are annually renewable. They are merit-based rather than need-based, and can be added (“stacked”) on top of other financial aid packages, not to exceed 100% of tuition.

Candidates must declare a Major in Art, Art P–12, or Pre-Art Therapy, and carry a minimum test score of 24 ACT/1110 SAT and a 3.0 GPA or higher. Candidates with higher academic qualifications and evidence of promise in art or related areas will be given priority.

Expectations

  • Participate in the Art & Design Department and serve in various leadership roles during their four years, as directed by department faculty.
  • Maintain a 3.3 cumulative GPA
  • Maintain an Art, Art P–12 or Pre-Art Therapy major
  • Maintain good standing at Asbury University

Deadline: February 1 of the year the student intends to enroll.  Applications for fall 2025 are now closed.

Audition Required

Worship Arts Performance Scholarships will be awarded at the sole discretion of the Worship Arts Program. A major or minor in Worship Arts is preferred but not required in order to audition. Students must meet Asbury University admission requirements to be considered. The Worship Arts Program makes the final selections based on auditions. To maintain this scholarship, students must meet the minimum cumulative GPA required for graduation and fulfill performance requirements.

Request a Worship Arts Performance Scholarship audition.

Deadline: February 1 of the year the student intends to enroll.  

Are you interested in a career in science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM)? The Walt & Rowena Shaw Science & Mathematics Scholarship awards three individual scholarships of $5,000 per year for four years ($20,000 total) to students majoring in a STEM field such as biology, chemistry, mathematics, or computational science in our traditional undergraduate program. These scholarships are made possible by a generous gift from Drs. Walt and Rowena Shaw.

This scholarship is competitive and non-need based. Students must be accepted by the University, declare a major in biology, chemistry, computational mathematics, or computational science, and carry a 4.0 weighted GPA or higher. Candidates with higher academic qualifications and evidence of involvement in mathematics and/or science-related areas will be given priority.

Applications for fall 2025 are now closed.

Application Components

  • Online Application
    • Two Essay Questions (250-300 words each)
    • Two Short Answer Questions (2 sentences each)
    • Video Submission (1-2 minutes long)
  • Finalists may be invited to a Zoom interview

Expectations for Maintaining Scholarship

  • Participation in one or more of the following areas of involvement: undergrad research, Math Modeling, departmental student leadership, etc.
  • Cumulative AU GPA: 3.0
  • Maintaining a STEM major within the School of Science, Health & Math
  • Maintaining good standing at the university

Asbury University Honors Program

Yearly tuition scholarships are a part of the Asbury University Honors Program, which offers a rigorous and rewarding learning community for dedicated students and includes learning opportunities beyond the classroom. The intellectual and moral exploration of the Honors Program is anchored within the rich perspective of the Christian liberal arts.

Application is by invitation only. The deadline to apply is the first Friday of January (after AU offices reopen) of the year before you plan to enter Asbury. Please note, completion of the Honors Program requires at least 6 semesters of study.

For more information, contact your admissions counselor or email the Asbury Honors Program director at honors@asbury.edu.

scholarship search resources

There’s a scholarship for literally everything — all you have to do is find it. The sites below are resources to help you find the scholarships that are a great fit for you!

additional institutional scholarships

Asbury University offers a variety of institutional scholarships, some only available by application, with varying deadlines and submission protocols. Learn more info below.


Asbury is committed to making Christian higher education possible for Kentucky students who desire a private, Christian college degree, regardless of their economic situation.

The Asbury Kentucky Pell Promise Tuition Guarantee offers a full tuition award for all first-time, full-time students from Kentucky who are Pell Grant and Kentucky state grant eligible, and have a 3.0 cumulative high school GPA. This award is renewable for up to three years, covering eight academic semesters in total.

Award Parameters:

The Asbury Kentucky Pell Promise Tuition Guarantee is awarded after all available federal grants, Kentucky state grants, and tuition-based institutional scholarships have been awarded, up to 100% of the cost of tuition. The Asbury Kentucky Pell Promise money will be the last dollar added to reach 100% of tuition.

Housing, food, student fees, course related fees, textbooks, and other non-tuition costs are not covered by this award or other institutional aid.

Eligible students must:

  • Be a permanent resident of Kentucky.
  • Be a Pell Grant recipient.
  • Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher from a Kentucky public or private high school or home school.
  • Be admitted as a first-time, full-time freshman.
  • Be enrolled full-time in Asbury University’s traditional on-campus program.
  • File the FAFSA each year – by April 1 – and remain Pell Grant and Kentucky state grant eligible each year of enrollment.*
  • Remain in continuous full-time enrollment status.
  • Maintain satisfactory academic standing.

For more information, please contact the Office of Admissions at (859) 858-5000 or admissions@asbury.edu

*Students must file the FAFSA each year of enrollment. If you lose Pell Grant or Kentucky state grant eligibility, which is determined by the FAFSA, your Asbury Kentucky Pell Promise Tuition Grant will not increase or decrease. The student will be responsible for the loss of Pell and Kentucky state aid. This award is for the Asbury traditional undergraduate program only. If you withdraw from the university, and/or enter part-time status, you are no longer eligible for the Asbury Kentucky Pell Promise Tuition Grant.

Out of State Scholarship – Asbury offers a $3,000 scholarship for any student who does not reside in Kentucky.

No application required.

Asbury offers a $1,000 scholarship for any student who is the child of an Asbury University alum. This is a one-time award (not renewable).

Deadline: February 1 of the year the student intends to enroll.  

Asbury University Alumni Scholarship Application

A $1,000 scholarship is available for any high school senior graduating from an ACSI accredited Christian high school.

Asbury awards a scholarship to new students whose parent is an alumnus of Asbury University. This scholarship is renewable for 4 years.

No application required.

The JPL Indian Springs Scholarship is available to one new, incoming student in the traditional, residential undergraduate program who is actively involved in the Indian Springs Camp Meeting. To apply for the scholarship, you must first apply for admission to the University and be admitted and then fill out the scholarship application. If you have questions about Asbury’s process to apply for admission, please contact the Admissions Office at (859) 858-5000.

Deadline: February 1 of the year the student intends to enroll.  

A $2,500 scholarship is available for new, incoming students in the traditional, residential undergraduate program who is an active member in The Salvation Army. The student must submit a letter of recommendation from the Corps Officer regarding his/her participation in the Army. The student must be accepted in good standing to be considered for this award.

Deadline: February 1 of the year the student intends to enroll.  

A $1,000 Christian Ministry Scholarship has been established for traditional undergraduate students who have at least one parent working in paid, full-time Christian Ministry.

A $500 award is available for any high school student who graduates from the Classical Conversation curriculum.

Students who have a sibling enrolled at Asbury University as a traditional undergraduate student are eligible to receive a $1,000 scholarship.

The Asbury University Summit Ministries Scholarship ($1,000) is available for new, incoming, traditional undergraduate students who successfully completed an Asbury University Summit Camp before their senior year of high school. The Summit Camp experience must have been completed at Asbury University.

To qualify for this award, students must be accepted to Asbury University and must submit the scholarship form and documentation of attendance before the deadline on February 1 of the year they plan to enroll. The scholarship is renewable for three years as long as the student remains in good standing at Asbury.

A $500 award is available for any student actively involved in the TeenPact organization.

A $1,000 scholarship is available for new, incoming, traditional undergraduate students who successfully complete the Youth Becoming Leaders Program prior to the start of their senior high school year, and accompanying service requirements prior to the start of their first year at Asbury. This scholarship is renewable for three years as long as the student remains in good standing at Asbury. The deadline to submit information to Admissions is February 1 of the year the student plans to attend.

No scholarship application required.

External Scholarships

Austin E. Knowlton Endowed Memorial Scholarship

The Austin E. Knowlton Endowed Memorial Scholarship from the Austin E. Knowlton Foundation is an endowed scholarship fund to provide financial aid for worthy students from Ohio. Preferences for the award are freshman applicants from Ohio who are in good academic standing and are pursuing a major within the definition of STEM or a related field. Secondarily, a freshman from Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky or Michigan who is in good academic standing and pursuing a STEM or related major will also be considered.

The Austin E. Knowlton Foundation was established to promote the ideals of higher education, support student success, and enable colleges and universities to create more rewarding and inspiring educational experiences.


The Knowlton Foundation is the legacy of Austin E. Knowlton, community leader, entrepreneur and philanthropist. Mr. Knowlton established the Foundation in 1981 in recognition of his business success and civic involvement. He funded it during his lifetime and, through his will, created a lasting impact that continues to support students and higher education. The Foundation’s primary mission is to promote and advance higher education in the United States through direct grants and contributions to qualified colleges and universities. Throughout his lifetime, Mr. Austin E. Knowlton, also known as “Dutch,” helped build and shape thriving communities.

Mr. Knowlton was the owner and Chairman of the Knowlton Construction Company, an organization started in Bellefontaine, Ohio in 1937. Dutch and his company were responsible for over 600 significant construction projects throughout Ohio and the Midwest, including school buildings, hospitals, libraries and post offices.

An avid sportsman, he was an original founding partner of the Cincinnati Bengals, where he served as Chairman. He also held a major ownership interest in the Cincinnati Reds for many years. He had a lifelong passion for saddle-bred horses and was a trustee of the Little Brown Jug Society for harness racing in Delaware, Ohio.

Mr. Knowlton was a 1927 graduate of Bellefontaine High School in Logan County, Ohio and The Ohio State University, class of 1931, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Architectural Engineering. As a philanthropist, Mr. Knowlton was a benefactor of the Ohio State School of Architecture, which is named in his honor.

In 1981, inspired by his success made possible by the education he received, Mr. Knowlton established his namesake Foundation to empower future generations of students and to support the institutions dedicated to educating them.

His lifelong passion for sports and horses is reflected in the work of the Foundation, from funding a football stadium at Augustana College to a grant that supported the development of a state-of-the-art equine center to facilitate hands-on learning at Otterbein University. Learn more about additional projects and programs funded by the Foundation under The Work of The Foundation.

Today, through the Foundation, Mr. Knowlton’s beneficial impact on communities throughout the Midwest continues, by helping to prepare future generations of leaders.

Next Steps


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