Affording Seminary
Finances are often a major concern for students seeking to achieve a seminary education and prepare for ministry. At Western Theological Seminary, we seek to keep programs affordable to all.
%
OF STUDENTS RECEIVE AID
%
AVERAGE AWARD FOR MASTERS STUDENTS
%
AVERAGE AWARD FOR MINISTRY LEADERS
Tuition rates
Nearly all WTS students receive financial aid and scholarships.
Each program has different requirements and discount rates.
If you have specific questions, reach out to our admissions department.
| 2024/2025 academic year | Base tuition | faithful ministry scholarship | Final cost |
| per credit hour | $580 | -10% | $522 |
| per 3 credit class | $1,740 | -10% | $1,566 |
| 2024/2025 Academic Year | Tuition |
| per credit hour | $580 |
| per 3 credit class | $1,740 |
| For cohorts beginning in the 2024/2025 Academic Year | Costs |
| Tuition for 3 year program | $17,964 |
| Continuation fee for each additional year beyond the first four years | $750 |
| Travel Costs for Seminars | Varies |
Scholarships are not available for Doctor of Ministry Degrees.
| 2024/2025 Academic Year | tuition per credit hour | tuition per 3-credit course |
| Course for Credit | $580 | $1740 |
| 2024/2025 Academic Year | tuition per credit hour | tuition per 3 credit course |
| Course for Credit | $580 | $1,740 |
| Audit Cost | N/A | $450 |
Graduate certificates
BASE TUITION$580PER CREDIT HOUR |
Masters Programs
BASE TUITION$580PER CREDIT HOUR |
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Faithful Ministry Award-10% |
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Final Cost$522PER CREDIT HOUR |
MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
TUITION$580PER CREDIT HOUR |
DMIN
TUITION$17,964TOTAL COST FOR 3 YEARS |
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CONTINUATION FEE$750/YEARFOR EACH ADDITIONAL YEAR BEYOND THE FIRST 4 YEARS |
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TRAVEL COSTSVARIESBY COHORT – CONTACT ADMISSIONS |
INDIVIDUAL COURSES
Cost per 3-credit course$1,740WHEN TAKEN FOR CREDIT |
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Cost per 3-credit course$450WHEN YOU AUDIT |
Fees for all programs:
Application Fee: $50
Tuition Deposit: $250 (will be credited towards your first tuition payment)
Academic Resource Fee: $100 per semester
Graduation Fee: $100
Scholarships
Various merit, affiliation, and need-based scholarships and financial aid are available for the Master of Divinity
and non-clinical Master of Arts programs.
To learn more about the need-based aid available for the MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, please contact admissions.
requirements for financial awards
Award recipients must be matriculated MDiv or MA students. Aid is not available for DMin students or graduate certificates.
Domestic students do not need to take a minimum number of credits each semester, but international students are required to maintain a course load of at least nine credits.
Recipients of any funds administered by the Financial Aid Office must make satisfactory progress toward their degree. If your grade point average drops below 2.50, the academic affairs office will notify you that you have been placed on academic probation.
While on academic probation, you may receive funds for only one semester. Those on academic probation for two or more consecutive semesters will not be eligible for scholarships or loans.
The FA offer will be adjusted or withdrawn if a scholarship or loan recipient becomes ineligible for the award. You will be notified if a portion of your loan needs to be returned to the lender.
If you would like additional information on scholarships or loans, please contact the Registrar.
All awards are funded through endowed scholarships established by generous donors. Students will be expected to thank their benefactors through written correspondence and may have an opportunity to meet them at an annual gathering. Our donors are so pleased to hear from students benefiting from these funds.
Other Financial Aid Opportunities
Need-based Awards
Those students who require additional funds can complete a FAFSA form online for need-based awards and student loans. Need-based awards are 15-25% of tuition. They can be combined with Faithful Ministry up to a cap of 35%.
Loans
Students who are U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens and who are enrolled at least half-time may apply to borrow up to $20,500 in unsubsidized loans on an annual basis through the William D. Ford Direct Loan Program. First-time borrowers must do entrance counseling and sign a Master Promissory Note by going to the website www.studentloans.gov. Students will be required to complete the FAFSA at FAFSA.gov
For the academic year, requested federal student loans are approved by August. A confirmation of approval statement will be mailed to each loan recipient along with instructions about acceptance and disbursement dates. If a student decides the full amount they requested is not needed, he or she should notify the financial aid administrator of any changes. A loan approved for the year is divided between the fall and spring semesters. Funds are dispersed in mid-September and the beginning of February. Funds are first applied toward tuition and the student’s account. The remainder goes to the student for other educational expenses.
Code of Conduct: WTS receives no benefits, gifts, or remuneration from any bank/lender in exchange for referrals for Title IV student loans.
student work opportunities
Student work opportunities at Western Theological Seminary are available on the employment page.
veterans of military
If you served on Active Duty, you may be eligible for education benefits offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs. You must have received an honorable discharge to be eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill®. If you are currently serving in the military, you may be eligible for funding offered through the Department of Defense Tuition assistance program. Check your eligibility status and the amount for which you qualify with your service prior to enrolling. In some cases, a spouse or child of an active duty Title 10 service member may be eligible for some assistance. Please check with the Department of Veterans Affairs for more information. GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government web site at https://www.benefits.va.
military chaplaincy loan program
Students planning on a career in military chaplaincy can borrow up to $10,000 per year from the WTS Loan Program – Derk VanRaalte Fund. Loans from this program will be forgiven when the student becomes a military chaplain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to apply for financial aid?
When you initially apply to WTS, yes, you will need to apply for financial aid.
For returning students, there is no longer a separate financial aid application. Returning students will receive an award letter based on their most recently submitted financial aid application (usually last year’s). New students will have an opportunity to apply for financial aid awards within their application for admittance.
I received an award letter. Do I need to “accept” the amount formally?
There is no need to respond to the award letter unless you are a new applicant and haven’t sent in your confirmation deposit yet. In that case, the confirmation deposit serves as acceptance of your scholarship award.
Will the award amount change each year?
The award amount follows each student throughout their degree completion with continuous enrollment. This reduces the need for students to worry about fluctuating amounts of aid each year. Certain awards have expectations and responsibilities. See the Requirements for Awards document.
How do I interpret the percentage?
The percentage is the amount your tuition will be reduced.
For example, if tuition was $100 per credit hour, a 10% award means that instead of paying $100/credit hour, you would pay $90/credit hour.
I received an award letter, but my circumstances have changed. What do I do?
You may apply for a Financial Need award. First complete the FAFSA and then contact the financial aid administrator.
The award is not enough to cover my expenses. How do I apply for student loans?
First complete the FAFSA and follow the instructions listed on the Loan Process document. The maximum amount is $20,500, but this may be reduced by the information you provide on the FAFSA and your course load. You must be enrolled in at least 4.5 credits per semester to qualify.
The award letter says my responsibility as a student is to write a thank you note to a donor. What does this mean?
The awards are funded through scholarships established by generous donors. All students are expected to write letters of appreciation to donors at the start of the academic year, with copies given to the Development office. Specific instructions are emailed to students early in the fall semester.
I am a new applicant; how do I apply for scholarship awards?
Your Admissions Representative will work with you on this. Talk with your Admissions Representative or email admissions@westernsem.edu.
Have additional questions?
Whether you are an incoming or enrolled student, our team is here to help.
Future Students
Still considering seminary? Our Admissions Team can help determine which scholarships you may qualify for and assist you with the application process.
Current Students
If you are currently enrolled at WTS and have questions about tuition or financial aid contact the Academic or Business office.
