How To Pay For Seminary
Theological training is an important part of preparing to serve the Lord in ministry.
Many recognize the importance of pursuing theological studies at a college or seminary school but are unsure about how to cover the typically significant cost of a college education (plus living expenses) without encumbering great debt.
If you sense a call to ministry, we want you to know there is an affordable degree program available—one built on honoring Jesus Christ and committed to equipping individuals to lead in ministry.
Read on to learn more about affordable Theos Seminary degree options and ways to offset living expenses and tuition costs.
Paying for a college or seminary education can be a challenge—but there are options. Funding options include academic merit scholarships, home church financial support, religious and other scholarships, receiving support from private foundations, federal financial assistance, and grants. Additional information on these options follows.
Can You Get Scholarships for Seminary?
The short answer is YES. Many seminaries and colleges offer academic, music/arts, and sports scholarships. Merit-based scholarships rely heavily on your GPA or excellence in a particular field. Music scholarships are generally based on skill or a commitment to participate in a school band or choral program. Seminaries do not provide sports scholarships. However, most seminaries receive endowments from churches, denominational offices, and alumni. These funds are often used to help worthy students pay for seminary,
Scholarships range in size. A local church may give $500—a business or private foundation may pay for an entire degree program. The key is to start early and explore every possibility. Securing scholarships requires time, effort, research, persistence, and an error-free application. High school seniors should begin writing to potential funding sources in the fall. College students who feel called to serve as religious leaders and attend seminary should begin soliciting funding sources toward the end of their junior year.
Scholarships are available, but the selection process is competitive. Pray for guidance. Ask others to pray for you. Many students find that faith + prayer + good communication + effort is the key to paying for seminary.
Private Funding
Seeking private funding is a good place to begin to meet your financial needs. These financial sources can provide a one-time gift or arrange to help a student meet their financial burden by providing annual financial aid. Private funders can be your local church, family members, a religious organization or denominational office, or community groups such as rotary clubs, and businesses with foundations.
Many foundations require potential college students to pay a portion of their school expenses and qualify to be a beneficiary of their program. Internet searches can help identify which foundations provide grants, what their qualifications are, and what application forms need to be completed.
Often, grants are awarded based on financial need, and the strength of the application. Prospective students seeking scholarship support should do all they can to strengthen their resume by engaging in community service or securing recommendations from people of influence.
Private funding financial aid can come in the form of grants or student loans. Of course, student loans require repayment.
Raise Money
Those who support your education generally expect to see significant effort on your part. Save, plan, work, and solicit support. Your efforts should be noted in your contact with an admission committee or financial aid office.
Let your goal be to establish a network of family, friends, parishioners, business contacts, and financial aid centers. Know what your needs are and track your progress. Rather than noting you will need X thousand for X years of college and seminary expenses, consider breaking your expenses down by housing, credit hour, semester, or academic year. In this way, supporters will be more encouraged to help you cover specific education-related fees and expenses.
Work
Many appreciate students who work while pursuing their education to offset housing and/or tuition costs. Most students can find employment options that will accommodate their study and class schedule. Working while pursuing an education is not easy for college students and those enrolled in a seminary graduate program. However, it is possible, and highly respected
Is There Financial Aid Available for Seminary Students?
Yes, there are multiple options for almost every school. Eligible students—those enrolled in campus or online degree programs, can seek assistance from private lenders, federal student loans, federal student aid (grants), business or foundation grants, and various financial aid programs available through a college or seminary admissions office.
Can You Use Federal Student Loans for Seminary?
Yes, but stipulations apply. Please contact the school and Federal Student Aid Center for the latest information.
How Much Does Theos Seminary Charge for Their Seminary Education?
Receiving a fine education through Theos Seminary can be less than $1000 a year. Online students can choose from three learning options—all designed to equip individuals to lead in ministry.
The cost to share in the Theos Seminary Bachelor's Program is just $999/year.
The cost to share in the Theos Seminary Master's Program is $247/month or a one-time fee of $5000.
An inexpensive one-year Certificate Program is also available.
Are Textbooks Included at Theos Seminary?
Theos Seminary courses include lectures and Zoom meetings. The low-cost pricing does not include the cost of books (which is standard for institutions of higher learning).
Enroll Today!
Theos Seminary provides students with an exceptional, well-rounded education with the flexibility to start at any time and complete coursework at their own pace. Courses are biblically sound and designed to prepare students to lead in ministry.
Check out Theos Seminary today by visiting: About — TheosSeminary.
