Union-PSCE has a generous financial aid program that includes need-based grants, loans, and merit fellowships. While Union-PSCE seeks to help students meet the expenses of attendance, the ultimate responsibility for these costs rests with the student. Churches or denominations that endorse persons to prepare for ministry usually offer personal encouragement, spiritual oversight, and fiscal support. It is the student’s responsibility to secure financial support from a church or denomination. Your need for financial aid will not affect admission to the school.
Need Based Grants – Richmond campus
Student Eligibility and Application Process
Need-based grants are available to qualified students in certain professional degree programs if they apply by May 23. Students in the M.A.C.E., M.Div., M.Div./M.A.C.E., M.Div./ M.S.W., and M.A.C.E./M.S.W. programs are eligible to apply for Union-PSCE need-based grants.
- Students enrolled in the Ph.D., D.Min., Th.M., and M.A.T.S. programs are not eligible for Union-PSCE need-based grants.
- Recipients must be full-time students, making satisfactory progress in their degree program and not be in default on previous student loans.
- Eligible students must submit the Union-PSCE Application for Need-Based Financial Aid and be admitted before May 23. Applications received after 5 p.m. on May 23 will not be considered.
- Need-based grant recipients must re-apply and re-qualify each year.
- Prospective students may submit the financial aid application between February 1 and May 23. The application is available on the seminary website in January. For best consideration, applicants should be admitted and apply for aid by March 15.
- Returning students are provided aid applications in early April. For best considerations returning students should apply by mid-May. Applications will be accepted up to 5 p.m. on May 23.
Need-based Grant Amounts
Denominational affiliation, degree program, and status may affect the level of tuition support.
- Students who are members of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) are possibly eligible for need-based grants of up to 100 percent tuition. Entering M.Div. and dual degree students must:
- make initial contact with their Committees on Preparation for Ministry; and
- submit the Letter of Acknowledgement as evidence of their status.
- Returning students must be at least Inquirers by the start of their second academic year in order to maintain 100 percent tuition support eligibility. M.A.C.E. and M.A.C.E./ M.S.W. students must present a letter of endorsement from their sessions or pastors.
- All other qualified basic degree students in eligible programs may receive need-based grants of up to 75 percent tuition. This includes students who are members of the PC(USA), but who do not intend to be under care, or who do not have endorsements from their sessions.
Merit Aid
Union-PSCE offers merit awards for study in the first professional degree programs—the M.Div., M.A.C.E., M.Div./M.A.C.E., M.A.C.E./ M.S.W., M.A.T.S., and M.Div./ M.S.W.
Union-PSCE offers a number of opportunities for outstanding students in the M.Div. and its associated dual programs to receive merit awards. The purpose of these awards is to encourage excellence in pastoral ministry, particularly in the PC(USA). We look for students who show genuine promise for outstanding leadership in the life of the church, demonstrated by academic achievement and participation in the common life of their churches and communities.
All admitted applicants are considered for merit awards. No additional application is required. For best consideration for any merit award, the application for admission must be complete by March 15.
The amounts range from $1,000 to $22,500. The awards are based upon each applicant’s previous academic performance, experience in the church, and promise for usefulness in ministry. Some students receiving merit awards are also eligible to receive need-based financial aid.
Presbyterian Fellowships
Each year the seminary may award Presbyterian Fellowships to PC(USA) graduates of PC(USA) related colleges or universities. The religion departments of these schools are invited each year to make nominations.
The award of a Presbyterian Fellowship is contingent upon the student’s admission and enrollment as a full-time student in the M.Div., M.A.C.E., M.A.C.E./M.S.W., M.Div./ M.S.W., or M.Div./M.A.C.E. program.
Ph.D. Merit Fellowships
Ph.D. students normally qualify for Union-PSCE fellowships for the first year of study, which are renewable for the second year if the student maintains satisfactory performance. In the third and again in the fourth year of the program, doctoral students will be considered for appointments as either teaching or research fellows, provided they are in good academic standing and have completed the modern language requirement and (for teaching fellows) the teaching seminar. Fellowship support is limited to the first four years of the doctoral program. Entering Ph.D. students do not complete special applications for Union-PSCE fellowships. Students are automatically considered for such aid during the admissions process.
In addition, a limited number of teaching and research assistant positions are awarded to continuing students each year. Students who qualify for Union-PSCE assistantships may also be eligible to continue receiving their fellowships. Continuing students who desire consideration for assistantships apply to the director of graduate studies during the spring term for appointments effective in the coming academic year.
Other Sources:
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Grants
Churches or denominations that endorse persons to prepare for ministry usually offer personal encouragement, spiritual oversight, and fiscal support. It is the student’s responsibility to secure financial support from a church or denomination. Students who are members of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) may be eligible to apply for grants from the denomination through the Louisville Office of Financial Aid for Studies. A student in the M.Div. program must be enrolled as an inquirer or candidate.
The Fund for Theological Education
Information on grants from outside sources can be found at the Fund for Theological Education website. Click on "I need information for Financial Aid."
- Start your search early—most scholarships have application deadlines in March, April, and May.
Federal Safford Loan Program
Union-PSCE also participates in the Federal Stafford Loan Program. While loans should be viewed as a last resort, some students find them necessary to meet expenses. Approximately 15 percent of Union-PSCE students borrow from this program each year. If interested, contact the Financial Aid Office.
