Financial Aid Fact Sheet 2008-2009

Scholarships

Need-based financial aid 10% to 50% awarded based on need on 10 courses for the M.Div. degree and 9 courses for the M.A. degree each academic year. A student must enroll at least half time* in a degree program. Need-based eligibility is determined by the completion of the Free Application for Federal Financial Aid (FAFSA). The United Theological Seminary (UTS) school code is G02386. You must re-apply each year. 
                             
Need-based financial aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until the financial aid funds are depleted. All financial aid applications must be received three weeks prior to the start of the term or the student will be assessed a $25.00 late application fee. 

Merit-based scholarships are limited and range from 30% to 60%, if the M.Div. degree is completed within 4 years and the M.A. degree is completed within 3 years. A student may also apply for a need-based scholarship each year. Total financial aid is up to 100% of tuition. Candidate must hold a baccalaureate degree, be in good standing as a degree candidate in the M.Div or M.A.R.L. program, and take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). 

Candidates must demonstrate general excellence in each of the following areas: (1) academic and intellectual achievement (2) personal characteristics and qualities (3) leadership capacity in both the interpersonal and group contexts (4) service orientation and (5) faith commitment. Merit Scholars are selected by the Merit Scholarship Committee and awarded based on funds available. 

Priority deadlines for the selection of the 2008/2009 Merit Scholars: All admission application materials must be received by January 31, 2009 (no exceptions to this date) and the matriculation interview must be completed before February 28, 2009 for the academic year beginning fall 2009.

Ruben Sheares II is a one-year, partial tuition scholarship for a new and returning student of color. A student must enroll at least half time* in the M.Div. or M.A. program. Individuals can re-apply each year.

Government Loans

The seminary participates in the Federal Family Education Program. Federal Subsidized and Unsubsidized Stafford loans are available to students who show need through the completion of the FAFSA. You must be enrolled in a degree program at least half time to be eligible to apply for loans. It is important to note that although this loan money is available to those who show need, we recommend that you seriously consider other means of financing your education other than loans.

* Definition of half-time enrollment for M.Div. and M.A. degree programs: minimum of 5 courses per academic year (September-June) for the M.Div. program and 4 courses per year for the M.A. program.

Merit-based awards: All application materials must be in by January 31, 2009, and the matriculation interview must be completed before February 28, 2009, for autumn 2009 enrollment.

Need-based awards: Need-based financial aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until the financial aid funds are depleted. 

Merit and need-based awards are contingent upon eligibility and admission to United. All financial aid applications must be received three weeks prior to the start of the term or the student will be assessed a $25.00 late application fee. Student Loan applications must be completed three weeks prior to the start of the term in order to guarantee arrival of loan funds by the first day of classes.

All awards are subject to funds available on a first-come, first-served basis.