Lutherans branched off from the Catholic Church back in the 16th century through the teachings of Martin Luther, and instigated the Protestant Reformation, a movement that would divide the Christian church in the Western world. Lutheran students can get assistance in paying for their educations through the many scholarship programs offered by church groups and organizations.

Most awards that students can get through Lutheran organizations will focus on the student’s GPA or academic achievement, though financial need is also a factor. Like many religious scholarships, students should expect that the great majority of them will be directed at students wishing to study or spread Lutheran teachings both within the United States and abroad.

Students who belong to minority groups or who have a disability may be eligible for additional scholarships beyond those available to the general student population. These include awards like the Developmental Disabilities Scholastic Achievement Scholarship for Lutheran College Students, which gives students with learning disabilities and developmental delays assistance in paying for their college tuition. Major may also play a factor as some awards are directed at students who are pursuing in need majors like nursing, and who are attending college with a Lutheran institution.

It is important to note that many scholarship programs focus on the importance of leadership both in the community and within the church, and students who will be best qualified to win many of the awards will exhibit both of these qualities. For example the Lutheran Leadership Award is given out each year to a member of the Lutheran Youth Fellowship or the Lutheran Youth Organization. In order to qualify for this award, students must be nominated by others in their church or organization and students who stand out among the crowd will have the best chance of nomination.

Lutheran Scholarships

• Nursing Scholastic Achievement Scholarship for Lutheran College Students: Up to $1,500 awarded to Lutheran sophomore, junior or senior undergraduate and graduate students and majoring in nursing.
• Amelia Kemp Scholarship: Up to $1,200 awarded to one Lutheran minority female undergraduate or graduate student.
• Schroeder Family Scholarship : Varying amounts given to ministry students at Concordia College.
• Presidential Scholarship: Up to $12,000 for Lutheran undergraduate students attending Valparaiso University.
• Torrison Scholarship Fund: $5,000 to 4 students who are Evangelical Lutheran Church in America members and who are college seniors or graduate students studying medicine.