We know that one of the biggest questions people have about theological education is “Can I afford it?”
Good news! There are wide variety of resources you can look to for financing your theological education, including institutional scholarships, federal aid, and outside grants and scholarships.
Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary participates in the following federal programs: Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans, Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loans, and Federal Work Study.
In order to be eligible for federal resources, a student must be a resident of the United States, registered at least half-time, and complete the FAFSA each year.
Garrett’s FAFSA school code: G01682
Websites with further information for students interested in borrowing federal funds:
The Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford and Federal Direct Graduate PLUS loan are offered to eligible students. To determine eligibility, a student must complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year of enrollment.
Federal Work-Study (FWS) is a need-based financial aid award. To determine eligibility, a student must complete and submit the FAFSA each year of enrollment. Those who qualify and secure a FWS position are paid an hourly wage, which is subsidized by the federal government, and are issued paychecks typically every two weeks. Only jobs at Garrett or at other pre-approved sites are eligible for FWS funding.
Garrett-Evangelical awards scholarships to master’s level, degree-seeking students at the time of admission to recognize merit, leadership, service, and accomplishment. Scholarships cover a percentage of a student’s tuition while enrolled for a degree; that percentage remains constant, as long as the student meets both the registration and GPA requirements of the scholarship.
Garrett-Evangelical awards fellowships to PhD at the time of admission. Fellowships cover a fixed percentage of the student’s tuition while enrolled for the degree. The fellowship covers all coursework, research tools, a semester of pre-candidacy, and two semesters of candidacy.
Students participating in a field education placement are given a stipend during each year of field education to help support students financially during these important experiences.
TA, CA, and RA positions are available, primarily to doctoral students, throughout the year. The accompanying stipends are paid to these assistants at the end of the semester or term of service.
Outside (non-institutional) grants and scholarships are typically awarded by denominational foundations, conferences, and/or local churches. Any outside scholarship awarded to a student must be reported to the Office of Financial Aid, as the award could impact the eligible amount of federal financial aid.
Some sources to check:
United Methodist members may be eligible for various grants, loans and/or conference funds. For example:
United Methodist members may be eligible for various grants, loans and/or conference funds. For example:
Garrett is approved to certify Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits. Eligible students must submit a copy of their Certificate of Eligibility to the Registrar’s Office when they first enroll. Registrations are confirmed with the VA each term.
