ABFSE National Scholarship Program

Scholarship Sponsored by American Board of Funeral Service Education

Description
**Purpose**
The American Board of Funeral Service Education’s National Scholarship Program provides targeted financial support to students enrolled in funeral service or mortuary science programs accredited by the Board. Awards are intended to reduce tuition costs and help students complete the professional education required for a career in funeral service. Scholarships are awarded competitively and applied directly to tuition once enrollment is certified by the college. The program supports students at various stages of their accredited program, with an emphasis on those continuing their studies.

Key takeaways:
- Financial awards are for students in ABFSE‑accredited funeral service or mortuary science programs.
- Scholarships are applied directly to tuition after enrollment certification.
- Awards are intended to help students complete professional education in funeral service.

History of the Award
**Origins**
The scholarship program was established in the 1960s and has supported hundreds of students since its inception. It was created to expand access to professional funeral service education and to encourage high standards within the field. Over the decades the program has remained a consistent source of tuition assistance for eligible students. Institutional administration and selection have been maintained by the American Board’s Scholarship Committee.

Key takeaways:
- Program founded in the 1960s.
- Hundreds of students have received scholarships.
- Managed continuously by the American Board’s Scholarship Committee.

Eligibility
**Who qualifies**
To be considered for an award, applicants must have completed at least one semester or quarter in an ABFSE‑accredited funeral service or mortuary science program. Students in coordinated programs are eligible only for the portion of study conducted at the accredited institution. Applicants must meet U.S. citizenship, permanent residency, F‑1 visa, or DACA status requirements. All required forms and documentation must be submitted before the stated deadlines; late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

Key takeaways:
- Must have completed at least one term in an ABFSE‑accredited program.
- Coordinated‑program students are eligible only during attendance at the accredited school.
- Eligible statuses: U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident, F‑1 international student, or DACA participant.
- Complete and timely submission of all required materials is mandatory.

Award Value
**Amounts and application**
Scholarship awards generally range from $1,500 to $2,500 per academic year. Funds are applied directly to the student’s tuition charges after the college provides certification of enrollment. Students may receive full or partial awards depending on their remaining period of study and the Committee’s determination. Individual award amounts vary by year and by the Committee’s allocations.

Key takeaways:
- Typical award range: $1,500–$2,500 per academic year.
- Payments are credited to tuition after enrollment certification is received.
- Award size can be full or partial based on remaining program length and Committee decisions.

Application Process and Requirements
**How to apply**
All candidates must complete the new Online Scholarship Application Form; paper or faxed applications are not accepted. After online submission you will receive an email confirmation—print this confirmation and include it with your supporting documents. Consult and gather the required supporting items (for example: letters of recommendation, official transcripts) as listed on the supporting documents checklist. Ensure every required form and document is included; incomplete packages will be disqualified.

Key takeaways:
- Use the Online Scholarship Application Form only; online submission is required.
- Print and include the email confirmation with your mailed supporting documents.
- Gather required supporting documents (recommendations, transcripts, etc.) before mailing.
- Incomplete application packages are not eligible.

Application Timeline
**Review schedule and frequency**
The Scholarship Committee reviews applications twice each year and typically convenes to make award decisions two times annually. Applicants may submit one application per calendar year for consideration. Because reviews are periodic, plan submissions so supporting documents arrive in time for the scheduled review cycle. Candidates should check current deadlines published by the American Board to confirm exact submission windows.

Key takeaways:
- Applications are reviewed twice yearly; applicants may apply once per calendar year.
- Plan submission timing to align with the Committee’s review cycles.
- Confirm current deadlines on the American Board’s official materials before applying.

Selection and Committee
**Selection process**
Selection is competitive: each year more students apply than there are awards available. The Scholarship Committee of the American Board of Funeral Service Education is responsible for evaluating applications and awarding scholarships. Decisions are based on the Committee’s review of submitted materials and the program’s funding allocations. Applicants are notified following the Committee’s decision.

Key takeaways:
- Awards are competitive and limited in number.
- Decisions are made by the American Board’s Scholarship Committee.
- Notification follows the Committee’s review and decision process.

Submission Address and Notes
**Where to send supporting materials**
After completing the online form and printing your confirmation, mail the confirmation plus all supporting documents to the Scholarship Committee at the address below. Faxes are not accepted; your application is not eligible for consideration until the Committee receives the complete mailed package. Keep copies of all submitted materials and tracking information for your records.

Mailing address:
American Board of Funeral Service Education
992 Mantua Pike, Suite 108
Woodbury Heights, NJ 08097

Key takeaways:
- Mail the printed confirmation and all supporting documents to the address above.
- Faxes will not be accepted; electronic form submission does not complete the application.
- Your application is considered only after the Committee receives the full mailed package.