Scholarship information for incoming & current higher education students (college + seminary)

* = denotes scholarships specifically for students pursuing church work vocations. Interested in learning more about becoming a called or commissioned church worker? Visit www.lcms.org/SetApartToServe!

*North Dakota district financial aid church-worker training assistance program (CTAP)

The North Dakota District Church-worker Training Program (NDD CTAP) provides financial aid for North Dakota LCMS members pursuing a course of study at an LCMS university or seminary which prepares them for full-time LCMS church work. See documents below for more details.

*COncordia university system church work student scholarship

The Concordia University System is offering $5,000 Scholarship Vouchers for LCMS students enrolled in church work preparatory programs at Concordia University System schools.  In 2025, these scholarships are limited to twenty scholarships per institution.  The first twenty qualified applications for each institution will receive a scholarship paid directly to their student accounts.

The application site will open again May 1, 2026, at Noon Eastern Daylight Time (11:00AM Central).  Applications will be received online only via the website below.

LCEF "take heart!" young investors scholarship

The Take Heart Scholarship was developed for high school seniors who will soon advance to your next level of higher education. During these times of excitement, anxiousness and uncertainty, “take heart!” As Christians, we cannot anticipate that life will be perfect or familiar, but when we feel that the world has become difficult, take comfort in knowing that our God has overcome it all!

As you begin your new journey, LCEF wants to assist your transition by offering financial support through the Take Heart Scholarship. Three individual awards are available: $3,000, $1,000, and $500. Applications close May 1, 2026, and winners will be announced by May 30.

LCEF north dakota district scholarship

The Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF) North Dakota District College Scholarship was developed to encourage college students in the North Dakota District of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) to pursue their educational goals. A $500 scholarship will be awarded to a student in the North Dakota District. Applicants must be a graduating high school senior with a minimum 3.0 GPA or a full-time post-secondary student at an accredited institution with at least one year of courses remaining and a minimum 2.5 GPA. Applicants must also be a member of a North Dakota LCMS congregation.

Applications open Monday, March 2, 2026. Applications close Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at 11:59pm. The 2026 recipient will be announced Tuesday, May 5, 2026.