Outside Scholarships

Apply For Outside Scholarships

Discover More Ways to Fund Your Future

At the University of Valley Forge we believe your calling should never be limited by your finances. As a Christ-centered institution, we are committed to walking alongside you as you pursue your purpose—and that includes giving you the resources to make college more affordable.

Outside scholarships are a powerful way to reduce your tuition costs, cover expenses, and lighten your financial burden—so you can focus more on your education, your faith, and your future.

What Are Outside Scholarships?

Outside scholarships are funds awarded by organizations, businesses, churches, and nonprofits that are not affiliated with the University of Valley Forge. These scholarships are often based on your background, academic achievements, talents, leadership, community service, or career goals.

Whether you’re the first in your family to attend college, a future educator, a ministry leader in training, or a passionate business student—there could be a scholarship created with you in mind.

Outside scholarships are funds awarded by organizations, businesses, churches, and nonprofits that are not affiliated with the University of Valley Forge. These scholarships are often based on your background, academic achievements, talents, leadership, community service, or career goals.

Whether you’re the first in your family to attend college, a future educator, a ministry leader in training, or a passionate business student—there could be a scholarship created with you in mind.

Why Outside Scholarships

• More Financial Support – Reduce what you owe and limit your need for loans.

• Reward for Your Hard Work – Many scholarships honor academic achievement, leadership, or community service.

• Boost Your Resume – Some scholarship awards reflect your dedication and drive.

How To Get Started

1. Pray and Plan – Ask God to guide your search and give you diligence in applying.

2. Search WiselyUse trusted websites like the ones listed below. You should never have to pay to search scholarships. 

3. Apply Early and Often – Many scholarships have deadlines in the spring and fall. The more you apply, the better your chances.

4. Stay Organized – Treat your scholarship search like it is a job.  Keep a spreadsheet of deadlines, requirements, and documents.

5. Keep your essays – You may be able to tweak one of them and reuse it for another scholarship application. And, while assistive AI like Grammarly is good for making sure things are correct, don’t use generative AI like Chat GPT to do your essays. Your application could be disqualified.

6. Follow up with an email and thank the organization for the opportunity.

You Were Made For More

God has a plan for your life. Don’t let financial barriers stand in the way of your calling. Take the next step, and explore the scholarships waiting for you.

Check with Your
Personal Connections

• HS School Counselor
• Parents’ employer
• Your employer
• Organizations you are part of
• Your bank or credit union
• Extended family
• Church friends

HAVE QUESTIONS?

Talk To a Member of Our Financial Services Team

610.917.2016 | FinancialServices@valleyforge.edu

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Admissions FAQs

Yes, most colleges and universities accept homeschool transcripts. You’ll need to create a transcript that lists all courses taken, grades earned, and a brief description of each subject. Many colleges may ask for additional documentation to verify the curriculum or learning outcomes. 

A homeschool transcript should include the following:   

  • Student’s name and contact information   
  • A list of courses by grade level (9th-12th)   
  • The grades and credits earned for each course   
  • GPA  

You can use online tools or templates to help structure your transcript.

Transcript Template (Right-click and “Save Link As” to download)

No, colleges understand that homeschool students may follow a non-traditional curriculum. You are not required to use a specific homeschooling program, but the courses should be rigorous and meet the academic standards of the college. 

UVF is test-optional, . It’s best to check each college’s specific testing policy. If you submit them, we will use those test scores for placement into math and English coursesIf you don’t submit test scores, we have placement tests that we designed that you will take instead. 

Homeschool students are encouraged to get involved in extracurricular activities (sports, clubs, volunteering, internships, etc.). For letters of recommendation, you can ask mentors, tutors, employers, or community leaders who are familiar with your work and character. We understand that your experiences may look different from those of traditional students. 

Homeschool students typically don’t have a GPA or class rank based on a standardized grading system. You may be asked to provide your grading scale (e.g., A = 90-100, B = 80-89, etc.) and explain how you evaluate coursework. . 

If your grading was pass/fail, a work sample does help us evaluate the rigor of your coursework. 

Yes, homeschooled students are eligible for the same federal and state financial aid (e.g., FAFSA) as other students. You are also eligible for institutional scholarships. 

You may be asked to provide documentation showing that your homeschooling complies with the laws of your state (e.g., notice of intent to homeschool, records of testing or assessments). We are familiar with most states’ homeschool laws. 

Yes, you can still apply as a homeschooled student if you were homeschooled for any portion of high school. You’ll need to explain the structure of your education and provide transcripts for both your public/private school and homeschool years, if applicable. 

A GED is not required if you have completed your high school education through homeschooling, provided you can submit a detailed transcript and meet the other application requirements. However, if you took the GED, you may submit those scores as part of your application if they are beneficial. 

We value the self-motivation and discipline that often come with homeschoolingOur homeschooled students typically excel in academic curiosity, resilience, and ability to work independently. 

We always encourage students to come for an on-campus visitIt can be a great opportunity to showcase your personality and explain your homeschooling background in person. It’s also a chance to ask questions about the college and demonstrate your interest in the school. 

Homeschooling allows you to tailor your education to your interests and strengths. We appreciate the diversity of perspectives that homeschool students bring, so don’t be afraid to highlight how your education has been non-traditional but still rigorous and meaningful. 

If you’ve taken college-level courses during high school (dual enrollment), make sure to include those credits on your application. You’ll need to request official transcripts from the college(s) where you took courses and submit them to your prospective schools. 

Some scholarships are specifically for homeschool graduates. These may be offered by homeschool associations, local foundations, or certain colleges. It’s a good idea to research scholarships in your area or inquire about opportunities at the colleges you’re applying to.