Applying to JBU
As a Missionary Family
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John Brown University
2000 W. University St., Siloam Springs, AR 72761479-524-9500
jbuinfo@jbu.edu
Applying to JBU
Applying to JBU as a Missionary Kid
Find a college community that understands your story
Choosing a college can be especially complicated when your family lives and serves outside the United States. At JBU, you’ll find people who understand the missionary kid experience and resources designed to help you navigate admission, financial aid and the transition to college life.
- JBU has students from more than 40 countries on campus.
- Nearly 8% of JBU students come from missionary families.
- JBU's Missionaries in Residence are here to support you.
- Up to 40 full-tuition scholarships are awarded each year to MKs who are U.S. citizens and first-time college students.
Missionary Kid Full-Tuition Scholarship
Each year, JBU expects to award up to 40 Missionary Kid Full-Tuition Scholarships to qualifying students. Recipients will have their full undergraduate tuition covered for up to four years, provided they continue to meet the scholarship renewal requirements.
The scholarship covers tuition. It does not cover room, board, fees, books, travel or other educational expenses.
How to be considered
1. Apply to JBU
Complete JBU’s application for admission and indicate that you are from a missionary family.
2. Submit your transcript(s) and other materials
Submit all required application materials and be admitted by the deadline for either the fall or spring Scholarship Competition. Eligible students will receive an invitation to participate. Learn more about transcripts and other potentially required materials.
3. Participate in the Scholarship Competition
JBU hosts one Scholarship Competition in the fall and another in the spring. Approximately 20 Missionary Kid Full-Tuition Scholarships are expected to be awarded through each competition.
We recognize that traveling to campus may not be possible for families serving overseas. Students who cannot attend in person may complete a virtual interview. Students participating on campus will receive priority consideration. If scholarships remain after the on-campus competitions, JBU will consider students who completed virtual interviews for the remaining awards.
How to apply to JBU
Students with U.S. citizenship, DACA status and permanent residents should apply as first-time freshmen or transfer students. Other students should apply as international students.
Either way, when you indicate that you come from a missionary family on your application, we'll connect you with unique resources that will help your family through the college decision process.
Connect with someone who understands
JBU’s international and MK admissions counselor can help you understand the admission process, determine which application pathway applies to you and answer questions about scholarships, transcripts and international travel.
International and MK Student Orientation
International and MK Student Orientation gives you an opportunity to meet other missionary kids and international students, connect with JBU’s international programs staff and become familiar with campus before the rest of the incoming class arrives.
Full Tuition Scholarship FAQ
More details
How the full-tuition benefit works
JBU combines eligible federal and state grants, applicable institutional scholarships and additional institutional scholarship funding as needed to cover each recipient’s full tuition.
Because every student’s financial aid package is different, the amount provided through each source may vary. Every recipient receives the same overall benefit: full tuition at JBU.
Private scholarships from churches, mission agencies, foundations and other outside organizations will not reduce the full-tuition benefit. Subject to financial aid regulations and cost-of-attendance limits, those funds may be available to help with room, board, books, travel and other eligible educational expenses.
Renewing the scholarship
The scholarship is renewable provided the student:
- Maintains at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA
- Files the FAFSA each year
- Remains enrolled full-time
- Continues to meet JBU’s satisfactory academic progress requirements
Are transfer students eligible?
Missionary kid transfer students may be considered for the Missionary Kid Full-Tuition Scholarship if scholarships remain available after all eligible first-time college students have been awarded. Transfer students are not invited to participate in the Scholarship Competition and would be considered outside of the standard competition process. Because availability may vary from year to year, transfer students should contact their admissions counselor to learn whether scholarships are available.
What about missionary kids who are international students?
Missionary kids who are not U.S. citizens are not eligible for this particular scholarship but will continue to be considered for JBU’s international student scholarships and financial aid.
Resources
Policy Information
JBU does not unlawfully discriminate based on race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, military status, or age in the administration of its educational policies, admissions, financial aid, employment, educational programs, or activities.
John Brown University is a leading private Christian university, training students to honor God and serve others since 1919. Arkansas’ top-ranked regional university (U.S. News) and No. 2 private university (The Wall Street Journal), JBU enrolls more than 2,500 students from 34 states and 43 countries in its traditional undergraduate, graduate, online and concurrent education programs. JBU offers over 50 undergraduate majors, with top programs including business, nursing, visual arts, engineering, teacher education, psychology, computer science, construction management, graphic design, family and human services, and engineering. Twelve graduate degrees are available in business, counseling and cybersecurity.
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