Phoenix Seminary is committed to offering our students a variety of financial assistance options to help them complete their degree programs with little or no debt. Our commitment is to support you in your financial planning by assisting you in all possible ways that will remove the stress and worry about how you are going pay for your education. Here are some of our most frequently used financial opportunities to make Phoenix Seminary affordable.
Academic Scholarships
Academic scholarships can be carried throughout your time at Phoenix Seminary, and can even increase if your GPA rises to the next level of scholarship. The simplest way to pay for seminary is to be diligent as you pursue academic study.
Students begin the process for applying for scholarships during the application process for academic scholarships. The deadline to submit applications for new students to be awarded academic scholarships is July 1st for students starting in the Fall semester, December 1st for students starting in the Spring semester, and April 1st for students starting in the Summer semester. Once awarded, these scholarships are automatically renewed as long as students maintain the required GPA for their academic scholarship.
The President’s Scholarship
50% off tuition - Requires a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
The Dean’s Scholarship
25% off tuition - Requires a cumulative GPA of 2.5 – 2.9.
The Shepherd’s Scholarship
25% off tuition for Doctor of Ministry Students.
Requires a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Distinguished Scholarships
These specialized scholarships are provided for students with specific ministry goals. They carry different requirements for GPA and credit load. If you fit the criteria for a distinguished scholarship, we can help you determine if it’s right for you and help you
Each year in the spring, Phoenix Seminary opens up applications for the distinguished scholarships. Both current and incoming students are encouraged to apply. These scholarships are awarded for an academic year starting with the Fall. These applications are accepted from April 1st to May 1st and then are reviewed by the scholarship committee prior to being awarded to students. Current students must be in good academic standing to apply and incoming students must have a completed application in by April 1st in order to apply for the distinguished scholarships for the following academic year.
Bellevue Heights Church Scholarship
Offered for full-time Master of Divinity students with plans for career ministry.
Kuns’ Foundation Scholarship
Offered to Master’s level students who plan to serve overseas full-time, or in a cross-cultural context.
Native American Scholarship
Offered to students who are of Native American descent or those who plan to enter full-time vocational ministry in a Native American church or para-church context.
Servant Leadership Development Scholarship
Offered to students who plan to serve overseas full-time in a Hispanic/Latino culture, or those who plan to enter full-time domestic ministry in a cross-cultural Hispanic/Latino context.
Text & Canon Institute Fellowship
Offered to ThM students who meet the requirements. Learn more.
Women of Momentum Scholarship
Offered to female students in any Master-level program.
Women of the Word Scholarship
Offered to female students in any Master’s level program.
Church Partnership Grant Program
Phoenix Seminary partners with local churches to help lower the tuition costs associated with formal seminary training. Students participate in leadership at their local church, and grow both academically and experientially, benefitting their local church in real time. Based upon a supporting church’s contribution under this program, Phoenix Seminary will fund up to 10 percent of a student’s total tuition.
Partner in Ministry Grants
We recognize that the ministry of married couples is a team calling. To encourage the spouses of students to participate in Phoenix Seminary classes and activities, spouses of students seeking a diploma or masters-level degree at Phoenix Seminary, (excluding Doctor of Ministry students); may enroll in credit or non-credit courses with no cost for tuition. The regular admissions process applies.
Federal Direct Student Loans
Federal Direct Unsubsidized loans are available to qualified students. Funds are transmitted electronically to the student’s tuition account. Interest on the Unsubsidized Direct loan begins to accrue at the time of the first disbursement. Repayment of loans will begin six months after graduation or withdrawal from school.
The deadline to apply for financial aid and other loans for new students is July 1st for students starting in the Fall semester, December 1st for students starting in the Spring semester, and April 1st for students starting in the Summer semester. For currently enrolled students the deadline to request loans is 30 days before the start of the semester.
CARES Act
On March 27, 2020, the CARES Act was signed into law. This law has specific funding designated for students who experienced financial hardship as a result of COVID affecting their studies. If you experienced expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to COVID-19, please complete a CARES Act application by May 26. Completion of an application does not guarantee eligibility to receive funding. You will be notified of funding eligibility within two to four weeks of your submission.
Am I eligible?
The CARES Act requires students to be eligible for Title IV funding. Do you meet the following criteria?
- I was enrolled this spring semester at least half time.
- I am in a masters or doctoral program.
- I am eligible to receive Title IV aid (studentaid.gov)
- I have submitted the 2019-2020 FAFSA.
- I was enrolled in at least one course on campus prior to March 1.
If so, you may be eligible.
What if I'm not eligible, but I have demonstrable financial need?
For students who are not Title IV eligible, Phoenix Seminary may be able to provide direct assistance in cases of demonstrable hardship. If you are not Title IV eligible, but you have experienced financial hardship as a result of COVID, please complete an application.
