Published on January 6, 2026 by Neal Embry  
HodgesFront

Samford University’s Beeson Divinity School will once again offer full tuition scholarships for students beginning their studies in 2026, following the renewal of a major gift to the school by an anonymous donor. 

The “Our Risen Lord” scholarships, which are merit-based and available to full-time graduate students, with priority given to Master of Divinity (MDiv) students who complete the scholarship essay along with their application. 

The money covers the full cost of tuition and fees for the recipients over three years of study at Beeson, the average amount of time needed to complete the MDiv program. 

We couldn’t be more grateful for these anonymous donors,” said Beeson Dean Douglas A. Sweeney. “Their gifts have already had a transformative impact on Beeson and the churches and students we serve. What a marvelous opportunity this affords us to attract and form the next generation of God-called servants of the church of Jesus Christ. Thanks be to God.” 

The scholarships assist students in committing to Beeson’s model of in-person theological education, Sweeney said earlier this year, when the scholarships were first announced. 

“Doing seminary right with us at Beeson is a big ask, but now it is possible for everyone who wants to be formed for Christian ministry in a tight-knit community of loving, evangelical and unapologetically theological faculty and students to do so,” Sweeney said. “Come and do life together with us. God will use your Beeson experience like nothing else you’ve known to equip and sustain you for a long life of ministry.” 

The priority scholarship deadline for fall 2026 enrollment is Feb. 1, with an application deadline of June 1. Learn more about admission requirements and start your application online. 

 
Located in the Homewood suburb of Birmingham, Alabama, Samford is a leading Christian university offering undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts with an array of nationally recognized graduate and professional schools. Founded in 1841, Samford enrolls 6,324 students from 44 states, Puerto Rico and 16 countries in its 10 academic schools: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health. Samford is widely recognized as having one of the most beautiful campuses in America, featuring rolling hills, meticulously maintained grounds and Georgian-Colonial architecture. Samford fields 17 athletic teams that compete in the tradition-rich Southern Conference and boasts one of the highest scores in the nation for its 97% Graduation Success Rate among all NCAA Division I schools.