Does Financial Aid Cover The Cost Of a Theology Degree?

Many different types of financial aid are available such as work studies, ordination or merit scholarships, need-based grants, and fellowships that can cover the cost of a theology degree. These types of financial assistance can help you pay for tuition costs, college fees, and other education expenses.

Whether you attend a school of theology as a first-time student or pursue a career change, financial support programs are meant to help you manage the costs associated with earning a degree.

You may have your degree completely covered by filling out the FAFSA and taking advantage of the additional funding opportunities for theology students.

What Is the FAFSA Form?

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, is a form that college students fill out and submit each academic year to be considered for federal aid. The FAFSA form collects demographic and financial information about each student to determine which financial aid they qualify for and how much assistance they can receive.

Eligibility

All students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents are eligible to receive state and federal financial aid through the FAFSA. Specific requirements and qualifying criteria can vary. The FAFSA determines eligibility by assessing factors like the student's academic history, achievements, or merits and their level of financial need. You must attend an accredited school and maintain part-time or full-time enrollment to qualify for financial aid.

Can You Receive Financial Aid At a Christian College?

Yes, you can receive financial aid at a Christian college. As long as the school you are attending or planning to attend is accredited, you can pay for your degree with the help of federal or state financial aid

Can I Receive Financial Aid if I am Pursuing Theology at a Private University?

Whether you are pursuing a theology degree at a private university or a public one, you can plan to receive financial aid. Accredited public and private schools qualify for financial aid and encourage students to utilize the programs.

Types of Financial Aid for Theology Degrees

Theology majors can receive funding through federal aid programs and scholarships, fellowships, and grants that help support students earning degrees in the field.

1. Explore Theology Scholarships

Exploring and applying for scholarships can help you cover your degree and education-related expenses. Theology scholarships can be awarded based on factors like:

• merits
• academic performance
• religious affiliation

American Baptist Home Mission Societies Undergraduate Scholarship

Theology majors who are members of an American Baptist Church can apply for the American Baptist Home Mission Societies Scholarship. To apply for and receive the award, students need to be enrolled in an accredited degree program with a 2.50 GPA or higher. They must also provide a reference from one of their church's leaders when they submit their scholarship application.

Bishop Daily Vocations Scholarship

The Bishop Daily Vocations Scholarship provides $2,500 for undergraduate students studying theology and planning to become priests. The merit scholarship is awarded based on various achievements, but only men are eligible because it is intended for those pursuing Catholic priesthood.

Champions for Christ Scholarship

Theology majors pursuing full-time Christian ministry can apply for a scholarship through the Champions for Christ. Students must submit transcripts and apply for the scholarship each term to receive funding. The scholarship funds are awarded during the fall, winter, and spring semesters, with partial awards offered during the summer semesters.

2. Look for Theology Degree Fellowships

If you are pursuing theological studies, fellowships can help you cover the cost of your degree. They provide undergraduate and graduate students with financial support to help them pay for their education.

Howard Thurman Fellowship

Undergraduate students can apply for the Howard Thurman Fellowship. The fellowship is intended to inspire justice and social transformation. The fellowship program aims to raise awareness and enhance students' theological education by providing opportunities to learn from and collaborate.

Indigenous Studies Fellowship

Students majoring in theology at the master's level can receive a full-tuition scholarship through the Indigenous Studies Fellowship. The fellowship is designed to encourage students studying the religion of Indigenous cultures or who want to pursue leadership roles within Indigenous communities can apply. Full-time students also receive an annual $5,000 stipend.

Sacred Worth Fellowship

You can receive financial assistance through the Sacred Worth Fellowship if you are pursuing a master's degree in theology, such as a Master of Divinity (MDiv) or a Master of Theological Studies (MTS). The funding is available for students studying theology to make religion more inclusive regardless of sexual orientation. The fellowship covers tuition costs and provides a $5,000 stipend each year to help encourage their studies.

3. Discover Theology Grants

Aside from federal, academic, and merit-based grants, some grants are only for theology majors. Many religious organizations and schools have grants providing financial assistance to qualified students to support their education.

By researching organizations you are affiliated with and those that align with your goals, you can find theology grants to support your studies. Submitting applications for any available grants that apply to your academic, personal, and career goals can effectively cover your degree.

The amount of financial support will vary depending on the grant, but the funding can cover tuition and other expenses related to your theology degree. You can also speak with your school's financial aid office to ensure you are not missing out on any grants you qualify for.

4. Evaluate Loan Repayment Programs

Various loan repayment programs can decrease the burden of the student loan debt. They can help you avoid high interest rates and strict repayment terms. You can have your federal loans partially or completely paid off by evaluating your options and determining which programs you qualify for.

Some schools have loan repayment programs to support their graduates by helping them pay their student loan debt. For example, graduates of Liberty University can have $30,000 of their loans repaid through the Rawlings Ministry Loan Repayment Program.

Another option is to have your loans forgiven through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. The government cancels student loans for those who have met the repayment qualifications while working full-time for a non-profit or in one of the other eligible career areas.

5. Complete a Work-Study Program

Work-study programs provide college students with part-time jobs on campus to help them cover their tuition. These opportunities are based on financial need and are a form of aid you'll be considered for when you submit the FAFSA.