[Academic Scholarships] [Non-Academic Scholarships] [Outside Scholarships] [Miscellaneous Scholarships] [Service Awards] [Government Programs]

Awards for Scholastic Excellence

Mount Vernon Nazarene University offers a number of scholarships annually in recognition of outstanding scholastic achievement. An application is not required. Only students enrolled in the traditional undergraduate programs are eligible for the scholarships and awards listed below.

Scholarships for Incoming Freshmen

All students who apply for admission and are accepted to Mount Vernon Nazarene University are considered for the scholarships and grants we award to incoming freshmen. These awards are based on the MVNU Financial Aid Application (which is a portion of the Application for Admission) and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA can be accessed online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

Academic Scholarships are awarded to students based on a calculation of the student’s ACT composite score and high school GPA. Academic scholarships range from $2,000 to full tuition and may be renewed with a qualifying cumulative grade point average. Academic achievement is also considered in certain need-based grants. For these awards, a student will be required to file the FAFSA to determine eligibility.

Scholarships for Incoming Transfer Students

All students who apply for admission and are accepted to transfer to Mount Vernon Nazarene University are considered for the scholarships and grants available to incoming transfer students. These awards are based on the MVNU Financial Aid Application (which is a portion of the Application for Admission), the GPA attained at the previous college, and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA can be accessed online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

Academic Scholarships are awarded to transfer students based on the student’s GPA attained at the previous college. They may be renewed with a qualifying cumulative grade point average. For the purpose of awarding academic scholarships, a transfer student is defined as a student who attempted 13 or more hours at a previous college.

Scholarships for Current MVNU Students

Returning students are required to complete an MVNU Financial Aid Application every year. If students wish to be considered for need-based scholarships, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be filed annually. The Student Financial Planning Office will award scholarships and grants based on this application. Most scholarships from the university’s endowed funds are awarded to returning undergraduate students (a few of the endowed scholarships require an additional application). The majority of these scholarships require students to meet other specific criteria such as GPA, academic major, hometown, year in school, financial need, etc.

The MVNU Financial Aid Application for current students can be submitted electronically via our website at www.mvnu.edu/financialaidapp.

NOTE: In all cases, student must carry a full load (12 hours or more per semester). The scholarship will be placed on the student account as half for fall semester and half for spring semester. Additional funds may be awarded. To renew the scholarship, the student must maintain the designated cumulative GPA. Evaluation of the GPA will be made at the end of each academic year. Should a student’s GPA drop below that which is required for the initial scholarship, the following year’s scholarship will be adjusted to the award corresponding to the achieved GPA.

Non-Academic Scholarships
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The Student Financial Planning Office receives many inquiries about scholarships available to prospective applicants. All applicants for aid are automatically considered for all scholarships for which they may be eligible. No special application is necessary in most cases.

Activity/Music Scholarships are awarded to students of exceptional ability who are responsible leaders in student government, publications, music, drama, etc. Applications are available in the Student Financial Planning Office. Auditions are required for music scholarships. For other Music Scholarships Click Here

Athletic Scholarships are awarded each year to some students who demonstrate exceptional ability and who participate in intercollegiate sports. Applications are made to the Director of Athletics. Awards are made through the Student Financial Planning Office as a part of the aid package.

Christian Service Scholarships are awarded to a limited number of returning students who demonstrate involvement and concern for full-time Christian service.

The Faculty-Staff Scholarships, funded by annual gifts of the University faculty and staff, are awarded to returning students. Faculty and staff nominate students based upon academic effort, contribution to the campus community, positive attitude toward God, education and others, and financial need. Final decisions are made by the Faculty-Staff Committee. Amounts are a minimum of $500. The number of scholarships is determined by faculty and staff gifts.

The Institutional Ministerial Scholarships are awarded each year to qualifying students who are committed to Christian ministry in the Church of the Nazarene. The amount ranges from $1,000-$5,000 or more each year, and the scholarship is awarded on the basis of classification, GPA, pastoral and faculty recommendation. Contact the School of Theology and Philosophy for application and other details.

The Paul Wells Memorial Scholarship is an annual scholarship awarded to a student majoring in business administration who is in good academic standing and has financial need.

Women's Auxiliary Scholarships are awarded to returning students by the Mount Vernon Nazarene University Women's Auxiliary. Awards are based on financial need, minimum of 3.00 cumulative grade point average and campus involvement. Applications are available in the Student Financial Planning Office after April 1.

Other Scholarships
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The following scholarships are awarded based on availability of funds and criteria as listed.

Alumni Scholarships are awarded to continuing students whose parent(s) graduated from Mount Vernon Nazarene University. The student must demonstrate financial need and have made satisfactory academic progress.

Anonymous Alumni Scholarships Funds are awarded annually to computer science and early childhood education majors who meet specified criteria.

Armstrong Scholarships are awarded to financially needy students attending the University from the Charleston, Upper Kanawha Valley, Charleston South, and Charleston North Zones of the West Virginia South District. The funds are made possible by Mr. and Mrs. Dan Armstrong, St. Albans, West Virginia.

Bailey Scholarships are awarded to financially needy students from the West Virginia South District. Russell and Margaret Bailey, Charleston, West Virginia, make the funds possible.

The Carl B. Bailey Scholarship is awarded to students from the La Croft, Calcutta, Lisbon, and/or East Liverpool, Ohio, First Church of the Nazarene. The funds are provided by the Carl B. Bailey family.

The Louis W. Blanpain Scholarship is awarded to ministerial students in good academic standing.

The Tamara Sue Bolender Scholarship is an endowed scholarship created as a memorial to the teaching career of Tamara Sue Bolender. One scholarship per year will be awarded to an accounting major who expresses a desire to become a CPA. Students must have at least a 3.50 cumulative grade point average, plus meet other criteria that are available upon request from the Student Financial Planning Office.

The Caddo-Cup Scholarship is awarded to financially needy students. The Glen Edwin Dial estate provides the funds.

The Jeffrey John Cubbon Memorial Scholarship is awarded to sophomore, junior or senior religion majors who demonstrate a compassion for the needs of others and a cross-cultural missions commitment. Applicants must be full-time students in good academic standing who show financial need.

The Clifton and Nelle De Bord Scholarship is awarded to students from the Eastern Kentucky District who have unmet financial need and a cumulative grade point average of 3.00 from high school or previous college.

The Blanche Opal Dotson Memorial Scholarship is awarded to females from Greene County, Ohio, who are majoring in business and classified as sophomores or above.

The Eastern Kentucky District Scholarship is awarded to students from the Eastern Kentucky District. Students must demonstrate potential for success in college and have unmet financial need.

The Chester Fannin Scholarship is available to male students from Clark, Greene, or Montgomery Counties of Ohio after completion of the freshman year. Recipients must demonstrate unmet financial need and have made satisfactory academic progress.

The Ruby Fisher Endowment funds scholarships to help students preparing for ministry. The funds come from the Ruby Fisher estate.

The Chet Foraker Scholarship is awarded to returning students in good academic standing that have participated in any intercollegiate sport. The Athletic Department nominates recipients.

GAR Endowment Scholarships are awarded to juniors or seniors who demonstrate high achievement and scholarship in business.

The William A. and Bernice E. Gibbs Memorial Scholarship is awarded to needy students majoring in Christian education or preparing for the ministry.

The Hundley Scholarship is awarded to ministerial students from West Virginia.

The Hyson Family Scholarship is awarded to students from the North Central Ohio District who demonstrate financial need and a potential for success in college.

The Jetter Mission Endowment awards scholarships to (a) students who are dependent children of active missionaries, (b) students called to missions with potential to be successful missionaries, (c) nationals who attend a regional Bible school, seminary, or an American Nazarene college or (d) other mission educational needs as approved by the Financial Aid Committee. The funds are made possible by Dr. and Mrs. George Jetter, Fort Recovery, Ohio.

The C. T. Moore Memorial Scholarship is awarded to financially needy students.

The Ruth M. Ours Scholarship is awarded to education majors who have maintained a 3.00 cumulative grade point average and demonstrate financial need. Recipients must have attained at least sophomore standing.

The Robert D. Pitcock Jr. Scholarship is awarded to students from the New Cumberland Church of the Nazarene in West Virginia. If no students are enrolled from New Cumberland, funds are awarded in the following order: (a) students from Weirton, West Virginia, Church of the Nazarene, or (b) students from any church on the West Virginia North District.

The William J. and Evelyn Prince Scholarship is awarded to students majoring in Christian education, philosophy, or religion.

The Pamela C. Rose Scholarship is awarded to students in early childhood education. Recipients must demonstrate financial need and be approved by the Mount Vernon Nazarene University Education Department.

The Salsbury Scholarship is awarded to needy students in good academic standing from single-parent homes.

The Daniel Gordon Sammons Scholarship is awarded to needy students from the Eastern Kentucky District. The funds are made possible by Mr. and Mrs. Bert Sammons, Ashland, Kentucky.

The Lewis M. Seymour Scholarship is awarded to incoming pre-nursing students who demonstrate potential to provide service in the health care field. The scholarship is renewable for the second year if a 3.10 grade point average is maintained. If no pre-nursing students are available, pre-med students may be considered.

The L. Thomas and Lois Skidmore Scholarship is awarded to students who demonstrate financial need, are members of the Church of the Nazarene, have a 3.5+ GPA & a 28+ ACT, are enrolled as Sophomores, Juniors or Seniors, and have been recommended by the Student Financial Planning Office.

The Summit Church of the Nazarene (Ashland, Kentucky) Scholarship is awarded to students who attend Summit Church of the Nazarene, Ashland, Kentucky.

The Tombaugh/Runkle/Stringer Family and Consumer Sciences Scholarship is awarded to a full-time family and consumer sciences major. Contact the Student Financial Planning Office for details.

The James R. Valenta Scholarship was established in honor of James R. Valenta to provide funding for youth from inner city Cleveland. Students may contact the Student Financial Planning Office for information.

The Wellmon/Chesnut Family Scholarship is awarded to two students majoring in Spanish. The funds are made possible by Wellmon and Chesnut Family.

West Virginia North Scholarships are awarded to needy students from the West Virginia North District.

West Virginia South Scholarships are awarded to needy students from the West Virginia South District.

The Annamay Zagray Scholarship is awarded to students from Canton, Ohio, First Church of the Nazarene. If there are no students from Canton First Church, funds may be extended to students from the East Ohio District.

Other scholarships may be available in addition to those listed above. For updates on other scholarships, please contact the Student Financial Planning Office.

Scholarships from Outside Sources
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Many scholarships are awarded to college students from sources other than those
already listed. Below is a partial list of groups and organizations that provide scholarships for higher education.

Church Scholarships Several churches on the University's educational region offer scholarships to students who attend the University. Students should contact the pastor of the local church for details.

Civic Group Scholarships Many cities and towns have scholarships available through organizations such as Kiwanis, Tri-Kappam, etc. See the high school counselor or local service clubs for details.

Company Scholarships The student may be able to apply for a scholarship through the parents' employer(s). Check with the personnel manager for details.

County Scholarships Scholarships are available to residents of certain Ohio counties. An example is Ashtabula County. Residents of Ashtabula County are eligible for awards under the George J. Record Scholarship Foundation. Contact the county officers for information.

Department of World Missions Loan/Grant The General Board (Church of the Nazarene) makes some grants and loans available to children of active missionaries. Information may be secured from:
Department of World Missions
Church of the Nazarene
6401 The Paseo
Kansas City, MO 64131

District NYI Scholarship Several district Nazarene Youth International societies on the East Central Educational Region offer scholarships to students who attend the University. Amounts and conditions under which these scholarships are granted may be obtained by writing to the District NYI President.

Elks State and National Scholarships Contact the high school counselor or inquire at the local Elks Club. Parents need not be affiliated with the Elks to participate in the scholarship contest.

Ethnic and Minority Group Scholarships Examples include the Polish Women's Alliance, National Scholarship Service for Negro Students, etc. See the high school counselor for details or write to the national office of the ethnic group.

Ohio Academic Scholarship Ohio high school seniors who plan to enroll as full-time undergraduate students in participating Ohio colleges, universities and hospital schools of nursing are eligible to apply for a maximum of four academic years. Eligible scholars can receive $2,205 per year for a maximum of four academic years. Contact the high school guidance counselor for details.

Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges, Inc. Many organizations provide scholarships which are administered by the Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges, Inc. Among these organizations are: Honda, IBM, Proctor and Gamble, and UPS. Scholarship recipients are nominated by Mount Vernon Nazarene University's Student Financial Planning Office with final selection by the Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges, Inc.

Ohio National Guard Scholarship Program Ohio residents who enlist or re-enlist in the Ohio National Guard on or after September 1, 1977, and enroll or intend to enroll in participating Ohio institutions as full-time undergraduate students are eligible to apply for the scholarship. The scholarship can be used to pay instructional and general fees. Interested students should contact the local National Guard representative.

Ohio War Orphans Scholarship program is designed for children of disabled or deceased war veterans and children of persons declared prisoners of war or missing in action in southeast Asia. Applicants must be between the ages of 16 and 21 and attend an Ohio public-assisted institution or an eligible non-profit private institution. Depending on eligibility criteria, the scholarship may be used for instructional and general fees only, or for instructional and general fees, room and board, books and laboratory fees. To apply, obtain a War Orphans Scholarship application from the:
War Orphans Scholarship
Ohio Board of Regents
State Grants and Scholarships Dept.
P. O. Box 182452
Columbus, OH 43218-2452
Or call (888) 833-1133 for more information.

Service Awards
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Awards are made to officers of the student government, editors and business managers of student publications.

Government Benefits
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G. I. Bill benefits are available for veterans of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force or Coast Guard under several laws enacted by Congress to govern benefits for veterans. Consult the local Veterans Administration office or the University's advisor for veterans.

State Vocational Rehabilitation Education Assistance
Under Public Law 133, the federal and state governments jointly provide rehabilitation services "to any disabled individual to render the individual fit to engage in a remunerative occupation." Contact the local Vocational Rehabilitation Office for additional information.