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, Wycliffe, or MAI 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
EPC Jumper 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.
- 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.
Campus Specific Scholarships
GI Replacement Grant
The Jackson campus is not able to accept the GI Bill or Post 9/11 benefits, but we are very grateful for the service of our veterans. In lieu of the government benefits, RTS Jackson offers the GI Replacement Grant which covers up to 100% of the cost of tuition. Simply provide documentation of the funds you would be receiving from the federal government along with your financial aid application.
- Up to 100% tuition awards
Glenwood ARP Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to full-time MDiv students at the Charlotte campus who are involved with the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. A limited number of these full-tuition scholarships are awarded each year. To apply, please contact Charlotte Admissions.
- 100% tuition awards for MDiv students in the ARP
Women in Ministry Scholarship
The Women in Ministry Scholarship aids full-time female students at the Charlotte campus who are candidates for Master of Divinity, Master of Arts (Biblical Studies or Theological Studies), and Master of Arts in Christian Counseling degrees. To apply, interested students should complete the Women in Ministry Scholarship Application in addition to the regular financial aid application.
- The deadline for applications is March 15. If awarded, this scholarship would be in lieu of any other existing aid from RTS.
Providence House Scholarship
The Providence House Scholarship aids full-time Master of Divinity students at the Charlotte campus who demonstrate promise for pulpit ministry and who have a desire to serve as a pastor in a local church. This generous award is designed for students entering the second year of the MDiv program. To apply, students should complete the Providence House Scholarship Application.
- The deadline for applications is March 15. If awarded, this scholarship would replace any other existing aid from RTS.
Center for Church Planting Scholarship
The Center for Church Planting is a 2/3 scholarship for future church planters who are pursuing a Master of Divinity degree full-time at the Charlotte campus. Students must be enrolled in the Church Planting degree emphasis and serve as an intern in a church plant. To apply, students must fill out the Center for Church Planting Scholarship Application in addition to the regular Financial Aid Application.
- The deadline for applications is March 15. If awarded, this scholarship would be in lieu of any other existing aid from RTS.
Polly McReynolds Stone Scholarship
The Polly McReynolds Stone Scholarship aids full-time students at the Charlotte campus who are candidates for Master of Divinity, Master of Arts (Biblical Studies or Theological Studies), and Master of Arts in Christian Counseling degrees. To apply, please contact Charlotte Admissions.
- If awarded, this scholarship would be in lieu of any other existing aid from RTS.
Bridge Scholarship
The Bridge Scholarship is a 75% scholarship for an African American student at the Charlotte campus who is a candidate for Master of Divinity, Master of Arts (Biblical Studies or Theological Studies), or Master of Arts in Christian Counseling degree and who has a heart for – and experience in – church ministry in an urban, multiethnic or African American context. To apply, please contact Charlotte Admissions.
- The deadline for application is March 15. If awarded, this scholarship would be in lieu of any other existing aid from RTS.
All scholarships are limited to five years for the MDiv or three years for the MA except where otherwise noted.
Thomas Chalmers Exegetical Scholarship
The Chalmers Scholarship will award multiple cash prizes to students who submit an essay on Ephesians 3:14-21. To apply, submit your essay to chalmers@rts.edu.
See essay requirements here.
- The deadline for applications is May 20, 2022.
The Cooper and Virginia Campbell Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship was originally established in 1995 by Virginia Campbell in honor of her late husband, Cooper, and will be awarded to a limited number of qualified, full-time MDiv students at the Atlanta campus. Virginia Campbell was devoted to supporting Reformed Theological Seminary in equipping the next generation of ministry leaders to serve the body of Christ. Her deep investment in RTS students and their families has forged relationships that have lasted far beyond their time in seminary. Although Virginia went to be home to be with the Lord in 2021, the Campbell family wishes to continue a scholarship that honors her legacy and reflects her heart for seminary students. To apply, please CLICK HERE to contact Atlanta Admissions.
- For details on how to apply, contact the RTS Atlanta Admissions team.
3 + 1 Scholarship Program
The 3 + 1 Scholarship Program is designed for fully online students through RTS Global. When qualified students pay for and complete their first three courses within a year, they receive a fourth course for free. The scholarship does not have any time limit, but remains valid as long as you are a student at RTS Global.
Like all scholarships at RTS, the 3 + 1 program may not be used in conjunction with any other scholarships. Scholarship only applies to tuition, not course fees.
To qualify for the 3 + 1 program, students must be admitted to RTS Global and complete the financial aid application.
All scholarships are limited to five years for the MDiv or three years for the MA except where otherwise noted.
$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.
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.