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.

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.

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  • 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 current staff can qualify by having their RUF campus minister complete a partnership recommendation form as part of your financial aid application.

Those currently serving as ordained campus ministers with RUF are eligible for a 67% scholarship towards a DMin.

  • Interns and Current Staff:
    • 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 Ministers:
    • Up to 67% tuition awards for DMin students

 

Campus Ministry Staff Partnerships

Current or former staff members of RYMCampus OutreachCruYoung LifeNavigators, 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 CollegeGordon CollegeGrove City CollegeMoody Bible InstituteWheaton CollegeBelhaven 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 MTWPioneers, 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.

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 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.

Campus Specific Scholarships

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

Scholarships will be awarded by the Eudokias Foundation to RTS Atlanta students who submit essays as described here.

 


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.

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.

Questions about Financial Aid at RTS?