Students come to seminary with an eagerness to learn, though they must balance their enthusiasm with realistic planning about how they will cover their training costs. Indeed, the primary responsibility to pay will rest on the student. However, students are invited to explore the financial aid options available from Western Seminary and various outside organizations that can help provide for and manage school expenses all the way to graduation.
In order to qualify for most kinds of financial aid below, students must be enrolled half time (4 hours) and be admitted to a degree program. Please note that non-degree students are not eligible for financial assistance. |
Recommended
Financial Aid Submission Dates
San Jose Campus
Fall: July 1st
Winter: November 1st
Spring: February 15th
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NEED-BASED GRANT
Grants will be based primarily on financial need and will depend in large part on the amount of money available and the need of the applicant. Grants are awarded on a fall-spring-summer academic year. The Church Partnership Grants and Need-Based Grants are funded by the endowment and restricted scholarships shown in the Seminary catalog. Eligible programs include Diploma and Masters programs.
Application (07/08 Year)
Instructions (07/08 Year)
CB CHURCH, CB ORGANIZATION OR SUPPORTING CHURCH GRANT
Students who are staff members of CB churches, CB agencies or supporting churches – or “sent” by the same – may be eligible for a grant of 25% of tuition costs. Contact the Financial Aid Office for details and eligibility.
Staff Scholarship Referral Scholarship
THIRD YEAR MASTER OF DIVINITY SCHOLARSHIP
Getting prepared for ministry in the 21st century is demanding and costly – as are most things of value! Going the “extra mile” for the full M. Div. takes an extra measure of commitment. Therefore, Western Seminary is pleased to announce that Master of Divinity students may receive a scholarship equal to 25% of their tuition for hours 65 through 90 of their program.
More Information Application
MINISTRY PARTNERSHIP SCHOLARSHIP
Thanks to the strong partnership between Western Seminary and the following ministry organizations, staff workers in each organization may be eligible for a partial scholarship.
ONE-TIME FIRST YEAR MASTER'S RELOCATION GRANT
We recognize that relocating is expensive; therefore, you may qualify for a grant towards your first semester tuition to help offset moving costs. The size of the grant is dependent upon the distance you have relocated: 500-999 miles - $200, 1000-1499 miles - $400, 1500+ miles - $600.
Application
TRAVEL REIMBURSEMENT SCHOLARSHIP
Visiting Western Seminary when you live at a distance can be expensive! We would like to reward you for visiting our campus by offering a scholarship that will pay for one credit hour of tuition.
Application Form
CHRISTIAN SERVICE
Incoming students leaving full-time ministries to come to seminary may be eligible for a one-time grant worth up to $400.
Application
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
Application
ALUMNI AUDIT OPPORTUNITY
Degree graduates of Western Seminary are invited to audit one course per year at no charge. Degree graduates include those who have completed a full master’s or doctoral degree program.
Information & Application 
SPOUSE TUITION POLICY
To download the request for financial aid under the Spouse Tuition Policy, please click here.
FEDERAL STAFFORD LOANS
Federal Stafford loans are interest loans obtained through a lender of the student's choice. Students attending Western Seminary will be limited to borrowing $13,300 in any 12- month period, and total graduate/undergraduate borrowing may not to exceed $40,000 at time of repayment. A financial appeals committee has been formed to hear appeals for exceptions to this policy on a case by case basis. Repayment begins six months after you graduate or cease to be at least a half-time student. The Stafford loan process can take six to eight weeks and should be started as early as possible. (As a graduate institution, students are not eligible for federal grant programs such as Pell.)
Helpful Links
Frequently Asked Questions Verification Packet Financial Aid Handbook
DENOMINATIONAL AND CHURCH ASSISTANCE
Some denominations have scholarships and loan programs to assist seminary students. Many local churches also have established scholarship funds for students who are members of their congregations.
STUDENT MINISTRIES, INC. (SMI)
SMI, a non-profit national organization, provides a way for family, friends and churches to make tax-exempt contributions to assist you with ministry and living expenses while attending seminary. You must be involved in an approved ministry. Contact SMI at 1-866-653-8802 for details, or view the SMI webpage.
FINANCIAL AID INFORMATION RESOURCES:
Some students have been able to secure scholarships or grants from trusts and civic organizations.
You may wish to do the following:
- Contact your local library to research grant books
- Download ATS Catalog "V" "Outside Financial Resources for Theological Students" from http://ats.edu/sets/studfst.htm.
- Although the majority of aid is for undergraduate level, other scholarship sites:
For students who are not able to pay their tuition in full at the beginning of the term, a monthly payment plan is available. This plan is administered by Academic Management Services and payments are made directly to AMS, not to the seminary. There is a per-semester or -year charge for this service but, if payments are made on time, there are no interest or other charges for using this plan. For more information about how the plan works or to sign up for the plan, go to www.tuitionpay.com. Or you may call the Business or Financial Aid Offices if you have additional questions.
Please note: This monthly payment plan is not available for the summer term.
Financing your education at Western Seminary is a combination of grants, loans, working part-time or full-time along with your current resources. This is no doubt that pursuing an advanced degree will require some sacrifice but, with careful planning and sound management, it can be achieved. The Lord provides!
If you have any questions please contact Mr. Lynn Ruark at 503-517-1818 or (877-517-1800 ext. 1818).
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