Finances shouldn’t be an obstacle for any student who is called to ministry and whose gifts have been recognized by the church. We are committed to making sound theological training accessible by maintaining affordable tuition rates and offering a robust financial aid program.
How to Apply
RTS Scholarships
Church Partnership Program
The best scholarship for most students, the Church Partnership Program (CPP) establishes a relationship between the student, their supporting church, and the seminary. Through CPP, churches partner with students to contribute toward tuition costs. The seminary matches church contributions up to 1/3 of a student’s annual tuition cost for an effective 67% scholarship when fully utilized.
The Church Partnership Program will continue as long as the student is enrolled and the church continues to contribute toward his or her tuition.
- Up to 67% combined tuition award for recipients across all programs
All scholarships are limited to five years for the MDiv, three years for the MA, or two years for certificate programs except where otherwise noted.
Campus Ministry Awards
Reformed University Fellowship Partnerships
RUF interns or students who faithfully participated for at least two years can qualify by having their RUF campus minister complete a partnership recommendation form as part of your financial aid application.
- Interns:
- Up to 90% tuition awards for MDiv students
- Up to 67% tuition awards for MA and Certificate* students
- Student Leaders:
- 50% tuition awards for MDiv students
- 25% tuition awards for MA and Certificate* students
Campus Ministry Staff Partnerships
Current or former staff members of RYM, Campus Outreach, Cru, Young Life, Navigators, and InterVarsity Christian Fellowship who have served at least two years can qualify by having their campus ministry leader or supervisor complete a partnership recommendation form as part of your financial aid application.
- 50% tuition awards for MDiv students
- 25% tuition awards for MA and Certificate* students
Christian College Alumni Scholarship
Graduates of Covenant College, Gordon College, Grove City College, Moody Bible Institute, Wheaton College, Belhaven University, and Reformation Bible College can qualify by having a professor, chaplain, or administrator complete a partnership recommendation form as part of your financial aid application.
- 50% tuition awards for MDiv students
- 25% tuition awards for MA and Certificate* students
Missionary Awards
Current missionaries on the field, those preparing to go to the field, or internationals working with MTW, Pioneers, and Wycliffe can qualify by having their supervisor complete a partnership recommendation form as part of your financial aid application.
- 50% tuition awards for MDiv students
- 25% tuition awards for MA and Certificate* students
All scholarships are limited to five years for the MDiv, three years for the MA, or two years for certificate programs except where otherwise noted.
*Certificates in Theology & Public Life, Bible & Ethnicity, and Christian Counseling only. Core certificates are offered at discounted tuition rates. See rts.edu/certificates for further information.
Hughes Scholarship
A limited number of Hughes Scholarships are awarded to incoming residential Master of Divinity students at MDiv-granting campuses. This full-tuition scholarship is designed to gather the most promising of those called to pastoral ministry and to continue to shape their character through face-to-face residential training to equip the next generation for a ministry of pastoral excellence. The Hughes Scholarship deadline is March 15.
- 100% tuition awards for MDiv students + $1,000-per-year book stipend (up to $3,000)
African American Leadership Scholarship
The African American Leadership Scholarship is a 50% tuition scholarship across all programs for African American students who have experience in and a heart for ministry in African American, multiethnic, or urban contexts. Applicants will be required to write an essay on their leadership experience and vision as part of the financial aid application.
- 50% tuition awards for students across all programs
Jumper EPC Scholarship
The EPC Jumper Scholarship is awarded to one residential Master of Divinity student who is a member in good standing in the Evangelical Presbyterian Church and is under care of an EPC Presbytery. This competitive, full-tuition scholarship is designed for those pursuing ordination in the EPC upon graduation. The deadline for the Jumper Scholarship is March 15. All Jumper Scholarship Funds are currently committed.
- 100% tuition awards for MDiv students
All scholarships are limited to five years for the MDiv, three years for the MA, or two years for certificate programs except where otherwise noted.
Need-based Scholarships
Students with financial need who do not qualify for another award may apply for tuition assistance through the need-based scholarship. Need-based scholarships are available to MDiv, MA, and certain Certificate students enrolled at residential campuses. Students enrolled online through RTS Global may be eligible for the 3+1 Scholarship. See below for more info.
All scholarships are limited to five years for the MDiv, three years for the MA, or two years for certificate programs except where otherwise noted.
Spouse Scholarships
Spouses of full-time students may apply for a 100% tuition award for MDiv, MA, and Certificate* programs. The scholarship is awarded to the spouse earning the degree with equal or fewer credit hours. If either spouse is enrolled in the MAC programs (Jackson or Orlando), the Spouse Partnership is a 50% tuition award. Recipients may continue to benefit from this award up to 24 months from the graduation of their spouse.
All scholarships are limited to five years for the MDiv, three years for the MA, or two years for certificate programs except where otherwise noted.
*Certificates in Theology & Public Life, Bible & Ethnicity, and Christian Counseling only. Core certificates are offered at discounted tuition rates. See rts.edu/certificates for further information.
$4.6
million of scholarship assistance awarded in 2019-20
78%
of students receive scholarship assistance
85%
of students graduate without incurring seminary-related debt
Outside Scholarships
In addition to providing institutional financial aid the seminary also keeps a current list of third-party scholarship opportunities. Admitted students can obtain this scholarship list by contacting the financial aid office.
GI Benefits
The following campuses are able to receive GI and Post-9/11 benefits: Orlando, Charlotte, Global, and Washington, DC. 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.gov/gibill.
Work-Study
Part-time student employment is available at several campuses. Normally, these positions provide 10 hours of work per week with a maximum of 20 hours per week. Contact the admissions office on the campus you plan to attend for further information.
Student Loans
The seminary does not participate in the Federal Direct Loan Program but has established relationships with private lenders. Contact the financial aid office for further information.
Our Team
FAQ
Since RTS does not participate in Federal Title IV financial aid programs, students do not need to complete the FASFA. To be considered for RTS scholarships, please complete the financial aid application.
We understand that finances can be an obstacle for students interested in attending seminary, and we are committed to helping you through the process where we can. We’ve created a resource for assisting student thinking through seminary costs, “How Do I Pay for Seminary: Six Practical Solutions”.
RTS does not award more than one RTS scholarship per student, but when applying for financial aid, the student will receive the highest qualifying award. Students can also apply grant and scholarship funds from outside organizations towards their education.
Students only need to apply for financial aid when they are first accepted into a degree program, but can reapply for financial aid if they newly qualify for a different award.
All scholarships except for the Church Partnership Program and 3+1 Program are limited to five years for the MDiv, three years for the MA, or two years for qualified certificate programs except where otherwise noted.