United Theological Seminary
of the Twin Cities

 

 
 


 

Financial Aid

United Theological Seminary is committed to assisting qualified persons with financial aid. Full- and part-time students admitted to the Master of Divinity (M.Div.), Master of Arts (M.A.), or Diploma in Indian Ministries program are eligible to apply for need-based aid, merit-based aid, and/or federal loans. A limited number of designated scholarships are also available.

The office of Financial Aid can advise students about United’s programs as well as other possible funding sources, help students develop an appropriate budget, and assist students in preparing aid applications. Contact Michelle Turnau, 651.255.6117.

For information about non-degree aid click here.


Need-based Aid

Need-based aid is available for up to ten courses per year in the M.Div. program and up to nine courses in the M.A. program for students whose academic background qualifies them for theological study and who demonstrate financial need. Though it may vary from year to year, students qualifying for need-based aid can expect to receive up to 50 percent of tuition.

Selection Criteria
Eligibility is determined by filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

To receive need-based aid, students must be enrolled at least half-time: a minimum of five courses per academic year, September through June, for a M.Div. degree, or four courses per academic year for a M.A. degree.

To file a FAFSA online, go to: www.fafsa.ed.gov. Use the following code to make your FAFSA accessible to the director of financial aid: G02386.

Priority Deadline
Admission application materials must be received by April 1, with full matriculation by May 15 of the year preceding full enrollment. Need-based aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

Download a financial aid application for Fall 2007

Download a financial aid application for Spring 2008


Merit-based Aid

Merit-based aid is awarded to students who demonstrate exceptional academic ability. A student qualifying for merit-based aid may also apply for the need-based aid each year. To apply for either scholarship, click here.

The George D. Dayton Scholarship
Granted to M.Div. and M.A.R.L. students preparing for positions of professional church leadership. Dayton Scholars receive scholarships covering up to 60 percent tuition for a maximum of four years during their approved programs, assuming academic progress is commensurate with the Dayton Scholarship expectations.

Selection Criteria
Successful candidates must:

Hold a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university.

Be admitted in good standing to United Theological Seminary as a degree candidate.
Take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) test.
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.

The Presidential Scholarship
Granted to students in Master of Arts in Religion and Theology, Master of Arts in Theology and the Arts, or Master of Arts in Women’s Studies: Religion, Theology and Ministry who demonstrate oustanding academic ability. Presidential Scholars receive scholarships covering up to 60 percent of tuition for a maximum of three years during their approved programs, assuming normal academic progress.

Selection Criteria
Successful candidates must:
Hold a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
Be admitted in good standing to United Theological Seminary as a degree candidate.
Take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) test.

Demonstrate general excellence in each of the following areas: (1) academic and intellectual achievement; (2) personal characteristics and qualities; and (3) leadership capacity in both interpersonal and group contexts.


Priority
Deadline
All admission application materials must be received by January 31, with full matriculation by February 28 of the year preceding enrollment.


The Louis H. Gunnemann Scholarship

The Louis H. Gunnemann Scholarship is awarded by the faculty to a continuing student who has completed 20 courses toward the M.Div. degree and who demonstrates general excellence in both academic and pastoral qualities. The scholarship covers up to 50 percent of tuition for one year.


Leadership Scholarships

Leadership Scholarships are granted to students who demonstrate gifts for leadership in church and society. Limited in number, leadership scholarships provide up to 100 percent of tuition for the first year of study. Selection of recipients is based on indicators of leadership from degree program applications.

Ebbers/Pressler Scholarship
Awards up to $1,000 for first year of study. Selection is based on indicators of leadership from degree program applications.

Stephen and Kathi Austin Mahle Scholarship
Awards up to $1,000 for first year of study. Selection is based on indicators of leadership from degree program applications.

Denominational Scholarships

Stauss Scholarship
Provides a scholarship for a first year UCC student.

The Mary Bigelow McMillan Scholarship
Provides up to 100 percent of tuition during the first year with priority given to entering Presbyterian students.

Richard and Helen Brown Pastoral Scholarships
For students who are members of local UCC congregations and working toward commissioned or ordained ministry in the United Church of Christ.

Episcopal, United Methodist, and Unitarian Scholarships
Provide $1,000 for the first year of study for an entering Episcopal, United Methodist, or Unitarian student.

Selection Criteria
Selection is based on indicators of leadership from degree program applications.

Supporting Students of Color

To live out our continuing commitment to increasing racial and ethnic diversity within the student body, United offers two scholarships for students of color.

The Reuben Sheares II Scholarship awards up to 50 percent tuition for one year to one new and one returning student who is African American, American Indian, Asian American, Hispanic, or Pacific Islander. Candidates must demonstrate leadership service to the local church and intend to enter parish or specialized ministry.

Selection Criteria
Students must enroll at least half time in the
Master of Arts program (minimum of four courses per academic year)or the M.Div. program (minimumof five courses per academic year). A GPA of 2.75 or higher for all undergraduate and previous graduate work is required. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or resident aliens and plan to stay in the United States for an extended period of time after graduation. Individuals may re-apply.

The Thomas C. Campbell Memorial Scholarship is awarded to an outstanding student from a developing nation with excellent promise for ministry in the church. Full tuition for eight courses, books, room, and board are provided for one academic year, September to May.

Selection Criteria
Students must have previous study in a theological school approved by his/her denomination which is equivalent to one year of “B” level work in Bible, theology, history, and church leadership appropriate to the national context of the student. A student must also have spent a minimum of three years in academic programs taught in English or scored at least 500 on the TOEFL test of English proficiency. A Campbell Scholar must be recommended by his/her denomination.

Priority deadline
Completed applications for the Diploma in Advanced Theological Studies must be submitted by December 15 in the year preceding enrollment.


Government Loans

United participates in the Federal Family Education Program (FFELP). Federal subsidized and unsubsidized Stafford Loans are available to students who show need through the completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Use the following code to make your FAFSA accessible to the director of financial aid: G02386.

Selection Criteria
Students must be enrolled at least half time to be eligible to apply for loans: a minimum of five courses per academic year in the M.Div. program; a minimum of four courses per academic year in the M.A. program.

Work Opportunities

Work opportunities are available on and off campus for students. There are a limited number of on-campus positions available in the library, bookstore, food service, and assisting professors. The Contextual Studies program (field education), in addition to its educational benefits, allows upper-level students to earn a small stipend. Occasionally qualified students are approved for placement in a parish while attending seminary in order to help finance their education.

Denominational Support

Denominational support in the form of grants, loans, and merit scholarships is available from various judicatories and individual congregations. The financial aid office can assist students in identifying potential sources of support.

Non-degree Students

Need-based aid is available on a limited basis for non-degree students. Tuition grants in the amount of $150 per course are available for qualified applicants.

Download a non-degree financial aid application


Contact Michelle Turnau for assistance with questions about financial aid and housing.

   

United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities
3000 5th St. NW, New Brighton, MN 55112-2598 USA
Phone 651.633.4311 or 800.937.1316  Fax 651.633.4315
©2002-2006 United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities

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