Tuition & Financial Aid
Jeremiah 29 Scholarship Program
Develop your potential as a leader, scholar, and servant at a Christ-centered university to drive change in your community—and the world.
Bethel University’s Jeremiah 29 Scholarship Program (J29) is designed to empower a diverse group of students like you to grow as urban community leaders. You’ll pursue transformational academics, develop your leadership gifts, and make a difference in your community—and beyond. You’ll discover your potential to lead, learn, and serve within a Christ-centered community.
What is the Jeremiah 29 Scholarship?
The Jeremiah 29 Scholarship celebrates outstanding students who exemplify academic excellence, leadership potential, and a heart for service. Each year, Bethel selects 10 scholars to receive $2,500 annually for four years. This financial support is accompanied by opportunities for leadership development, community engagement, and academic enrichment.
Approximately 80% of J29 scholarships will be awarded to historically underrepresented, low-income, Pell Grant-eligible students residing in the United States. This initiative reflects Bethel’s commitment to fostering a diverse, inclusive community that prepares students to thrive and lead with purpose.
You’ll grow as a:
- Leader committed to driving positive change in their community.
- Scholar dedicated to academic excellence and eager to thrive at Bethel.
- Servant actively serving others with cultural intelligence and faith.
Why choose the Jeremiah 29 Scholarship?
The J29 Scholarship at Bethel is a transformative journey that empowers you to grow as a leader, servant, and scholar. As a J29 Scholar, you’ll have the opportunity to:
- Develop leadership skills rooted in vision, reconciliation, and transformation.
- Serve your community through meaningful projects that create lasting impact.
- Achieve academic success with personalized support and enrichment programs.
All of this takes place in a Christ-guided environment that nurtures your gifts and prepares you to become who you’re meant to be—so you can make a difference in the world. The J29 Scholarship is your opportunity to step boldly into your calling and create a future filled with impact and purpose.
How do you qualify?
To be eligible for the Jeremiah 29 Scholarship, students must:
- Be eligible for the Bethel Promise Grant
- Enroll as a first-time, degree-seeking undergraduate in Bethel’s College of Arts & Sciences.
- Demonstrate financial need.
- Have a high school GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Commit to living on campus for all four years.
- Exhibit leadership, academic potential, and a dedication to serving others.
How does the J29 Scholarship build on the Bethel Promise Grant?
To qualify for the Bethel Promise Grant, you must:
- Be a Minnesota resident with a cumulative high school GPA of 2.9 or higher.
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and be eligible for the Minnesota State Grant.
- Have a family gross adjusted income (AGI) below $90,000 per year.
How do you apply?
Applying for the J29 Scholarship is simple:
- Apply to Bethel University. Submit your application and high school transcripts.
- Complete the J29 Scholarship application. The deadline is February 15, 2025.
- Write a brief essay. Share what the J29 Scholarship would mean to you and how it aligns with your aspirations.
- Submit references. Provide one to three references from pastors, teachers, or community leaders who can attest to your leadership, academics, and service involvement.
How will the selection process work?
The Jeremiah 29 Scholarship selection process is designed to help Bethel identify and invest in students with the potential to lead, serve, and excel. It includes three intentional phases:
- Apply and qualify. Submit your application, high school transcripts, essay, and references. Selected applicants will be notified by February 21, 2025, to proceed to the next phase.
- Engage on campus. Semifinalists will visit Bethel on March 20, 2025, to participate in team-building exercises, leadership activities, an on-site interview, and a community service initiative.
- Finalize and commit. Finalists will be notified by April 1, 2025, and must confirm their participation in the J29 Program by April 15, 2025. Scholars will also attend a three-day summer leadership training to kick off their Bethel journey.
This dynamic process ensures that selected scholars are prepared to embrace the mission of the Jeremiah 29 Program and thrive in a Christ-guided community.
Is the scholarship renewable?
The Jeremiah 29 Scholarship is available for a total of four years as long as scholars meet program requirements, including:
- Maintaining satisfactory academic progress (SAP) as defined by Bethel University.
- Living on campus and actively participating in the J29 cohort initiatives.
- Demonstrating ongoing commitment to leadership, service, and academic excellence.
Scholars will receive $2,500 annually for a total of $10,000 over four years, provided they continue to meet the scholarship criteria. The amount will be prorated if you graduate in fewer than four years. This renewability reflects Bethel’s dedication to walking alongside students throughout their transformative college journey.
Questions?
For more information, contact Bethel's Office of Inclusive Excellence or the Office of Financial Aid.
Begin your journey to becoming a Jeremiah 29 Scholar and see how Bethel’s Christ-guided community can propel your life forward.
The Bethel Promise Grant is a need-based aid program that significantly reduces tuition costs for eligible Minnesota residents. The Jeremiah 29 (J29) Scholarship provides an additional $2,500 per year to support students with financial need. Together these awards may cover most of your tuition cost.