NEXT BRITE SCHOLARSHIPS

In May 2023, the Brite Board of Trustees announced that all qualified Masters students would receive a 100% scholarship covering tuition and fees for a period of four years (ending after the Spring 2026-27 semester). Brite’s leaders want to ensure “that all who are admitted may come and thrive.” At the time of successful admission to Brite Divinity School, a student’s record will be updated to reflect that they are a recipient of the Next Brite Scholarship. Upon successful registration for a semester’s course load, the Next Brite scholarship funds will be made available and applied to student accounts by the TCU Financial Aid office. Students eligible for scholarships or other benefits (e.g., stipends for living/personal expenses, etc.) that are not applied to tuition and fees and other qualified education expenses, should continue to pursue those. During the period of Next Brite Scholarships, outside scholarship or stipend money paid directly to Brite on behalf of students will be credited to student accounts, if this is in accordance with scholarship/grant-givers wishes.

MASTERS DEGREES MERIT AWARDS

Masters students seeking additional funds may apply for Merit Awards. Merit Awards provide annual stipends ranging from $5,000 - $10,000 for three years of full-time study. Recipients of these merit awards are expected to excel academically, to demonstrate outstanding potential for leadership in the church and in the wider community.

Successful applicants must have an undergraduate GPA of 3.5 or better and submit a completed application for a masters program. An admissions interview is required as part of the application process. The Fall 2026 Merit Awards application deadline is January 15, 2026. CLICK HERE to complete a Merit Award application.

DOCTOR OF MINISTRY

Doctor of Ministry students are not eligible to receive Brite Divinity School tuition grants. The total tuition cost for the three-year program is $13,200, which is split into six equal payments of $2,200. After the first three years, there is a modest continuing fee ($375) until completion of the degree.

DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY

Students in the Ph.D. program receive tuition grants of 100 percent. In addition, students receive an annual stipend that is determined annually at the time of admission to the program. All awards are based solely on merit and are normally continued for four years. Persons receiving financial awards are expected to be full-time students. “Full-time” for Ph.D. students is defined as a minimum of six hours per semester. Certain students are selected as research assistants to assist faculty members and receive $1,000 per semester for five hours work per week. Brite Divinity School expects a 3.50 grade point average to maintain a student’s stipend and a 3.25 grade point average to maintain the tuition award.

LIMITS ON AWARDS AND GRANTS

Tuition grants are typically provided for all students through the completion of their regular programs. However, Next Brite Scholarships may be discontinued after the Spring 27 semester, as noted above. Financial aid is limited to three hours beyond the degree requirements in the M.A.T.M., M.T.S., Th.M., and Certificate programs, and is limited to six hours beyond the degree requirements in the M.Div. and Ph.D. programs