San Francisco Theological Seminary provides some level of financial aid assistance to approximately 85 percent of our M.Div. and Graduate Theological Union MA students. In 2012, SFTS will also offer aid to MATS students. Aid is offered to eligible half-time and full-time students, regardless of nationality or denomination, and in a manner that recognizes gifts for ministry as well as financial need. If you believe you will need financial aid to attend seminary, we strongly encourage you to apply for Fall admission as financial aid resources for new students are limited in the Spring.
At SFTS our Office of Student Services is committed to working with students toward a shared goal of making seminary affordable.
Scholarships
Presidential and Alumni Scholarships are awarded each year to new and returning students in the M.Div. program who demonstrate leadership in the Church and other forms of service, strong academic performance, and promise for ministry. Scholarships are renewable over the course of the student's studies at SFTS.
Up to ten students in each incoming class will be offered renewable Presidential Scholarships covering 100 percent tuition for their M.Div. career.
Several students in each class will also receive renewable Alumni Scholarships which cover on average 75-85 percent of tuition.
Eligibility requirements:
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M.Div. student |
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enrolled at least half-time |
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making satisfactory academic progress (continuing students) |
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paying tuition |
>> Click here to apply for SFTS Scholarships
Need-Based Grants
Need Based Grants are institutional aid provided to help students with the cost of tuition. The student's need is determined based on the information supplied in the SFTS financial aid application and the FAFSA.
Need-based grants cover on average 65 percent of the cost of tuition per semester for M.Div. students, but may vary depending on the student's need. GTU MA students and SFTS MATS students may also receive need based grants up to 65 percent of SFTS M.Div. tuition.
Eligibility requirements:
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M.Div. and MATS students at SFTS, and MA students at GTU |
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enrolled at least half-time |
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making satisfactory academic progress (continuing students) |
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paying tuition |
Need-based grants are not available for D.Min. or unclassified students, GTU summer school tuition or other off-campus instruction such as Clinical Pastoral Education.
>> Click here to apply for Need-Based Grants
Federal Direct Loan Program
The subsidized Federal Direct Loan Program is a federally-supported loan program. Eligible students may borrow-up to $8,500 per year. Students must be eligible for need-based aid to receive a subsidized Direct Loan. There is no repayment or interest accrual while the student is enrolled at least half-time. Six months after the student ceases at least half-time enrollment, interest begins to accrue and repayment of at least $50 per month begins. The standard repayment is 10 years but there are many options available.
The terms of the unsubsidized Federal Direct Loan Program are similar to the subsidized loan with one major exception: students are responsible for paying the interest on the unsubsidized Direct Loan from the time it is disbursed to them. The interest may be paid quarterly or can be capitalized onto the principal balance at the request of the student. Students who show no need for a subsidized loan may be eligible to borrow up to $20,500 in an unsubsidized loan. Students showing little need for a subsidized loan (less than $8,500) can make up the difference in an unsubsidized loan.
However, a student's total financial aid awards, including loans, cannot exceed the total cost of attendance.**
Eligibility requirements:
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Applicant must be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen (permanent resident) |
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Be working toward a degree or certification |
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Be registered with Selective Service (if required) |
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Be making satisfactory academic progress |
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Not be in default or owe a refund on a federal grant or federal loan |
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Be enrolled at least half-time |
Reminder:
**The total amount of aid offered, including grants, loans, scholarships, and outside aid may not exceed the amount of the student's cost of attendance. The cost of attendance is the estimated amount needed to cover expenses during the school year, including tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, and transportation.
The student is expected to provide a portion of his/her educational and living expenses through income from work or savings.
Students who will be full time interns are not eligible for SFTS scholarships and need based grants. Full time interns are still eligible for federal loans. When full time interns return for their fourth year of studies at SFTS (3rd year of coursework), they are eligible to re-apply for scholarships and need based grants from SFTS.
PC(USA) Financial Aid for Studies
As a PC(USA) related school, SFTS participates in the PC(USA) grant and loan programs. Students with remaining need who have been certified as inquirers or candidates in their presbytery may apply for grants through the denomination. Racial Ethnic students may be eligible for additional grant money. For PC(USA) students who require a small loan, the Office of Financial Aid for Studies of the PC(USA) also offers assistance.
>> Click here to visit PC(USA) web site
Omaha Presbyterian Seminary Foundation Apollos Scholarship
Omaha Presbyterian Seminary Foundation Apollos Scholarship provides substantial scholarship support for MDiv students available each year. The annual amount of this scholarship is $5,000; the maximum amount is $15,000 during the recipient's three-year enrollment in seminary for the MDiv degree. Applicants must be a member of a Presbyterian Church (USA), under the care of a presbytery as a Candidate or Inquirer, possess qualities of excellence for ministry and be a full-time student enrolled in a Master of Divinity degree.
>> Click here to visit the Apollos Scholarship Website
GTU Scholarship Database
You can also research outside scholarships on the GTU Scholarship Database:
>> Click here to visit GTU Scholarship Link
Fund for Theological Education Fund Finder
You can also research outside scholarships on the GTU Scholarship Database:
Another great listing for finding funding sources aimed at theological students is the Fund for Theological Education Fund Finder
>> Click here to go to the Fund for Theological Education Fund Finder
Supplementary Funds for Theological Students Catalogue
Please also take a look at the Supplementary Funds for Theological Students Catalogue for more scholarship listings.
>> Click here to go to the Supplementary Funds for Theological Students Catalogue
Additional Assistance
SFTS also offers its students other forms of assistance including:
- Subsidized on-campus housing
- Contact with home churches and governing bodies, at the student's request
- Subsidies for short-term use of the Lloyd Counseling Program
- Emergency, short-term, no interest loans
- Placement in on-campus jobs as available
- Budget counseling
- Information about other sources of grants and loans
VA Benefits
Enrollment certification for veterans using benefits to finance their degree programs is handled by the GTU Consortial Registrar's Office. If you have any questions about veteran's benefits, please contact John Seal, GTU Consortial Registrar, at
jseal@gtu.edu.
Finaid, the smart student guide to financial aid
Finaid is a general financial aid information page that contains a comprehensive guide about types of financial aid.
>> Click here to visit Finaid
2012-13 SFTS Financial Aid Handbook
The handbook includes guidelines and requirements for SFTS scholarships, grants and Federal Direct Loans for the 2012-13 academic year.
For more information please contact
Director of Student Services
105 Seminary Road
San Anselmo, CA 94960
E-mail:
finaid@sfts.edu
Phone: 415-451-2824
Toll-Free: 800-447-8820 ext. 824
Fax: 415-451-2852
Federal Direct Loan Program only:
Graduate Theological Union - Financial Aid Office
2400 Ridge Road (mailing address)
Berkeley, CA 94709
Phone: 510-649-2469
Fax: 510-649-1730
E-mail:
finaid@gtu.edu
