Financial Aid
Louisville Seminary seeks to exclude no one from theological education due to financial constraints. The financing of a seminary education is made possible through the gifts of people in the church and society, and Seminary investments of those funds.
Financial Aid
At Louisville Seminary, we offer generous student financial aid packages including:
Institutional Scholarships
Presidential Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement and/or a promise for ministry. Current scholarships are for $20,000 a year for up to three years of full-time study, and tuition costs are paid from the scholarship.
All admitted master’s-level students who do not receive a Presidential Scholarship may be eligible to receive a Whosoever Tuition Scholarship that is designed to embody the inclusive and welcoming mission of Louisville Seminary, ensuring that no one is excluded from pursuing theological/higher education due to financial constraints. It also reaffirms our commitment to lessen the financial indebtedness upon completing a degree program.
Whosoever Scholarship Details:
Eligibility: The "Whosoever Tuition Scholarship" is open to all full-time and part-time master’s level students enrolled at Louisville Seminary, irrespective of their background, denomination, ethnicity, gender, or financial status.
Application Process: Upon acceptance into a master’s level degree program, candidates may apply for the "Whosoever Tuition Scholarship". The Financial Aid office will then run calculations to determine income and expense debt ratios to determine needs and scale.
Financial Assistance: Recipients of this scholarship will receive financial assistance on an as-needed basis to help cover tuition costs.
Funds from a Tuition Scholarship pay for the cost of tuition for the hours required for a degree. Students need to maintain minimum hours of enrollment to maintain a Tuition Scholarship.
Note that required fees are not covered by Tuition Scholarships.
Bookend Scholarships - Fund that is meant to help master’s‐level students with the cost of purchasing books.
GUIDANCE YOU CAN COUNT ON!
There are a multitude of scholarship opportunities available to help you meet your educational goals. Often, scholarships for seminarians are offered by faith-based organizations, nonprofit foundations, and individual academic institutions. Financial need and academic performance also may be considered. Most deadlines are in the spring, so be sure to start your research early.
Please contact Jennifer Anderson, Financial Aid Coordinator, at janderson@lpts.edu or call (502) 992-9380 for personalized attention to help you navigate all financial aid opportunities.
External (NON-LPTS) Scholarships
Many national organizations offer financial assistance to students. For these external scholarships, we’ve gathered links when possible to help you in your search. Local organizations may also be a resource.
Also, depending on where you attend church, you may have local resources available to you during your search for seminary scholarships. Many denominations and churches have regional and national scholarships available to their worshippers.
There are also scholarship search engines and databases that can provide you with information on seminary scholarships. Scholarships.com is one popular engine that has a variety of seminary scholarships to look through, organized by deadlines. There doesn’t seem to be a standard deadline for seminary scholarships as some are accepted year-round and others are accepted at different times throughout the year, so this is a useful aspect of their database.
Many seminary scholarships are granted on a first-come basis, making it important that you apply early. This doesn’t mean you should hurry through and allow mistakes to be made, but don’t put the application off until the deadline.
Louis Edward Nicklies Scholarship Fund
Richard Carnes
PNC Institutional Investment Group
101 South Fifth St., 37th Floor
Louisville, KY 40202
Phone: 502-581-2967 or 502-581-2156
Email: Traci Chism, traci.chism@pnc.com
Deadline: March 28, 2024
Description: Scholarships for undergraduate, masters-level and doctoral students enrolled in 12+ credit hours who have graduated from a high school located in Jefferson County, KY
https://www.scholarships.com/scholarships/louis-edward-nicklies-scholarship
The Community Foundation of Louisville
Waterfront Plaza, Suite 1110
325 West Main Street
Louisville, KY 40202
Phone: 502-585-4649
Email: info@cflouisville.org
Website: https://www.cflouisville.org/scholarships/apply-today/
Deadline: Vary
Description: Varys
Omaha Presbyterian Seminary Foundation
Deadline: Rolling
Scholarships available for MDiv and DMin
https://omahapresbyterianseminaryfoundation.org/
Alpha Kappa Alpha Educational Advancement Foundation
5636 South Stony Island Avenue
Chicago, IL 60637
Phone: (800) 653-6528
Fax: (773) 947-0277
Email: akaeaf@akaeaf.net
Website: https://akaeaf.org/scholarships/search/?scholarship-type=scholarship&level=graduate&aka-members=all&hbcu=&gender=®ions=&majors=&military=&foster-care
Description: Graduate scholarships available based on merit and/or financial need.
Ethel Louise Armstrong Foundation
2469 North Lake Avenue, PMB #128
Altadena, CA 91001
Phone: (626) 398-8840
Website: https://www.sbts.edu/financial-aid/scholarships-and-grants/miscellaneous-scholarships/
Description: Scholarships available for female graduate students with physical disabilities.
Harding Foundation
P.O. Box 130
Raymondville, TX 78580
Phone: (956) 689-2706
Fax: (956) 689-5740
Description: Scholarships available to students working towards an MDiv degree that plan to enter the ministry of a mainline Protestant church. Contact them by phone to apply.
International Order of the King's Daughters and Sons
Attn: Student Ministry Scholarship Director
P.O. Box 1040
Chautauqua, NY 14722
Email: studentministrydirector.kds@gmail.com
Website: https://iokds.org/student-ministry-scholarship-app/
Deadline: March 1
Description: Scholarships for full-time graduate students in an MDiv program at a school or seminary accredited by the Association of Theological Schools in the United States or Canada.
Champions for Christ Foundation Inc.
P.O. Box 786
Greenville, SC 29602-0786
Website: https://championsforchrist.us/index.php/application
Description: The Champions for Christ Foundation was founded to provide scholarship money to deserving students who have surrendered their lives to full-time Christian service. To qualify for a scholarship, the applicant must be going into full-time Christian ministry.
Deadline: Application per semester
Hana Scholars Program
https://www.gbhem.org/scholarships/scholarships/list-of-scholarships/
General Board of Higher Education and Ministry
Description: Multiple Scholarships
Forum for Theological Exploration
160 Clairemont Avenue
Decatur GA 30030
678-369-6755
https://fteleaders.org/grants-and-fellowships
Description: Several scholarship opportunities.
Presbyterian Church (USA)
100 Witherspoon Street
Louisville KY 40202
The Presbyterian Study Grant is for full-time theological students enrolled in Master of Divinity or Master of Christian Education Program at a Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)-related seminary.
https://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/theology-formation-and-evangelism/financialaid/graduatetheological-programs/presbyterian-study-grant/
Disciple Chaplains' Scholarship Fund
Eligibility - Scholarship for first-year full-time seminarians who are preparing for ministry in the Christian (Disciples of Christ) Church.
Amount - $1,500
Deadline - March 15
Application - Division of Homeland Ministries, P.O. Box 1986, Indianapolis, IN 46206
Phone: 1.888.DHM.2631
Visit website: https://www.discipleshomemissions.org/clergy/scholarships/
DAISY & EUGENE HALE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Riverside Presbyterian Church - Jacksonville, FL, USA | P: (904) 355-4585
The Hale Memorial Scholarship is available to residents of Florida who are under care of a Florid Presbytery who intend to become a Minister in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited theological seminary and demonstrate financial need. Award amounts range from $500 to $2,000; awards are renewable in later years to recipients who reapply.
FUND DETAILS --
Denomination: Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
Website: https://accessscholarships.com/scholarship/daisy-and-eugene-hale-memorial-fund/
Deadline: 3/15
Charles B. Keesee Educational Fund
PO Box 431
Martinsville, VA 24114
Phone: 276-632-2229
Fax: 276-632-8826
Email: information@cbkeesee.com
Website: www.cbkeesee.net
Deadlines:
- New Master’s Degree Applicants: April 1 (Fall) & October 1 (Spring)
- Repeat Master’s Degree Applicants: March 1
- Doctor of Ministry Applicants: May 1
Application:
- Applications will be open after January 1 and will be processed by the Charles B. Keesee Educational Fund, Inc. You can access applications through their online scholarship portal.
Julian W. Potter Theological Scholarship
College Heights Foundation
Attn: Laurie Basham
1906 College Heights Blvd 41016
Bowling Green, KY 4210
Phone: 270-745-5082
Email: Laurie Basham, laurie.basham@wku.edu
Description: Must be pursuing a graduate degree. Must be a resident of Kentucky, with preference given to residents of Warren County. The scholarship will not exceed $600 per semester, or $1,200 per year, with a maximum of seven years. The award is not automatically renewable, but students may submit a Renewal Application every fall and spring semester. First-time applicants need to submit the Initial Application Form as well as all the supplemental materials specified on the application.
M.H. Tuggle Scholarship
The Community Foundation of Louisville
Waterfront Plaza, Suite 1110
325 West Main Street
Louisville, KY 40202
Phone: 502-585-4649
Email: info@cflouisville.org
Website: www.cflouisville.org
Deadline: March 1
Description: Scholarships for students with financial need from Jefferson County with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher. Preference given to minority students. Application available in mid-December. Click here for application and additional information.
The Mary E. Bivins Ministry Scholarship Program
For students preparing to preach the Christian religion: must intent to serve as pulpit pastor. https://www.bivinsfoundation.org/scholarship/apply-for-a-scholarship/
Mae Elizabeth Kaufman and Theresa Coffman Scholarship Trust Fund
JP Morgan – Private Client Services
Attn: Kaufman Scholarship Committee
P. O. Box 227237
Dallas, TX 75222-7237
Deadline: March 24
Description: Available to students enrolled in a full-time Doctor of Divinity degree or its equivalent. Applicants must be a legal resident of the Louisville area and must be 30 or under prior to beginning of his/her first year of study towards degree. Click here for application.
Calihan Academic Grants
Applicants must be seminarians or graduate students in theology, philosophy, religion, economics, or in related fields; strong academic performance is essential; must have a demonstrated interest in the themes of the Acton Institute; must display the potential to advance the themes of the Acton Institute; awards are open to all qualified persons irrespective of race, sex, national or ethnic origin, age, citizenship, religious affiliation, or disability.
Acton Grants and Awards | Acton Institute
Nancy A. Hardesty Memorial Scholarship
Christian Feminism Today offers a $1,000 scholarship to a college senior or graduate student with a strong commitment to Christian feminism who is pursuing studies in religion or theology
Deadline: April 15.
Website: Microsoft Word - Nancy A. Hardesty Scholarship App.docx (eewc.com)
DORA MACLELLAN BROWN MINISTRY SCHOLARSHIP
These scholarships have been awarded since 1965 to students from the greater Chattanooga area are one of the most unique in the country and named in honor and memory of their founder, studying for current or future ministry service. They currently have over 400 students who have received scholarships through the years; serving the Lord in 27 states and 14 foreign countries.
Scholarships are available to theologically and Biblically conservative students who are studying at the Master’s level (no doctoral candidates) at a theological seminary or a seminary-like program at graduate school. For the most part, students are enrolled in a Th.M or M.Div program preparing for pastoral ministry work, or in a Master’s program in areas like Biblical counseling, international missions, and other similar outreaches. The student should call Chattanooga home (see guidelines for a more in-depth description of this geographical restriction). While preference is given to students studying full-time and on-site, we do also consider applications from part-time students and those studying by extension.
Grants are made from designated funds set aside each year by the Board of Directors of The Generosity Trust. Grants are paid directly to the school and are applied directly to the student’s account. Scholarships are awarded for the duration of the student’s time in that program – generally a two to three-year period.
Website: https://www.thegenerositytrust.org/scholarships/#ministry
WMU, Kentucky Baptist Convention
PO Box 436569, Louisville, KY 40253-6569
Phone: 502-489-3534
Website: www.kywmu.org/scholarships
Deadline: February 15
Description: Visit the website above for applications and reference forms.
- Janie Cree Bose Anderson Scholarship- Scholarship for a full-time female Boyce or SBTS student with financial need. Must be a member of a SBC church and have a GPA or 2.7 or higher.
- Rubye D. Wetterer Scholarship- Scholarship for a Kentucky student preparing for a vocational career in missions or WMU work. Must be a member of a SBC church and have a GPA or 2.7 or higher. Students from Severns Valley Baptist Church in Elizabethtown, KY receive preference.
- Mrs. George B. Eager Scholarship- Scholarship for a full-time, second year, female student from KY preparing for missions, social work, or WMU leadership. Must be a member of a SBC church and have a GPA or 2.7 or higher.
Kentucky Baptist Foundation
PO Box 436389
Louisville, KY 40253-6389
Phone: 502-489-3533
Website: https://kybaptistfoundation.org/
Deadline: April 15
Description: Must be a Kentucky resident for at least one year and a member, in good standing, of a cooperating affiliated Baptist church as defined in Article III of the KBC Constitution.
- Burnie Tichenor Memorial Fund: Full-time master-level students enrolled in a ministerial or missionary program. Click here for application.
- Chester A. Igleheart Scholarship: Full-time master-level students who are preparing for service through NAMB or IMB.
- Francis and Ruth Moore Scholarship Fund: Full-time master-level or Boyce students who demonstrate financial need and are committed to some aspect of full-time Christian ministry. Click here for application.
- Raymond C. Schnur Memorial Scholarship Fund: Full-time master-level or Boyce students who are children of foreign missionaries. Click here for application.
- Ruby King Scholarship: Full-time master-level or Boyce students who demonstrate financial need and are committed to some aspect of full-time Christian ministry. Click here for application.
The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
Website: https://www.sbts.edu/financial-aid/scholarships-and-grants/doctoral-student-scholarships/
Deadline: Varies
Description: Miscellaneous Scholarships
CONCLUSION
Seminary scholarships can offer the best and brightest individuals with a passion for faith and religion a chance to pursue their dreams and make a positive impact on the world. Though these scholarships are a huge step in the right direction, these scholarships are nothing without the students who apply for them.
As students become aware of outside awards that they will have while at LPTS, they can send that information to JAnderson@LPTS.edu. Terms of outside awards are determined by the person/organization awarding the funds.
ALL STUDENTS (EXCEPT INTERNATIONALS) ARE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE THE FREE APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL STUDENT AID (FAFSA) FORM
Apply online at www.fafsa.gov. Louisville Seminary’s Federal School Code: G001974
The Office of Financial Aid will review all submitted FAFSA’s based on the information provided. Then, for all accepted students, will determine eligibility for the Whosoever Tuition Scholarships, Federal Loan Program, and the Federal Work Study Program.
Federal Financial Aid
Louisville Seminary has two financial aid programs which are supported by federal funds: The Federal Direct Loan Program and the Federal Work Study Program.
To be eligible for either you must:
- File a FAFSA
- Be a U.S. citizen or an eligible noncitizen
- Have a valid Social Security Number
- Be working toward a degree
- Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress once you’re in a postsecondary school
- Not be in default on previous federal loans
**Additional eligibility requirements may apply.
Federal Unsubsidized Loan: Graduate Students may be eligible for up to a maximum of $20,500 per academic year in Unsubsidized Federal Loans. These must be repaid, and interest begins to accrue at disbursement. Repayment begins once a student graduates, withdraws, or becomes less than a part-time student.
Federal Title IV-Related Loan
Admitted Doctor of Ministry students are eligible for Title IV-related federal student loan programs. If making appropriate progress in the degree program, DMin students may also be verified as such by the Registrar in order to defer prior educational loans. DMin students who are interested in applying for federal student loans should contact Jennifer Anderson, Financial Aid Coordinator, for details at janderson@lpts.edu.
For more information on Federal Student Loans please visit: https://studentloans.gov/myDirectLoan/index.action
Federal Work Study provides part-time jobs for graduate students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay education expenses. The program encourages community service work and work related to the student's course of study.
Veterans and Military Service
Veterans and military service members can consult with the Financial Aid Coordinator Jennifer Anderson about tuition polices and matters related to cost of attendance, federal loan eligibility, and on-campus employment.
Tuition
Cost of Attendance/Student Budget for the 2024-2025 Academic Year can be found in the table below.
Student Budgets are designed to provide students with an accurate projection of reasonable costs and to enable the financial aid office to formulate an appropriate aid package.
Actual living expenses for each student will vary based on their standard of living, spending habits, and values.
2024-2025 MASTER DEGREE PROGRAMS
(Nine Months)
| Expense | On Campus (Full-Time) | Commuter (In person, not living on campus) | Online (Part-Time) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition (27 credits) | $15,120 | $15,120 | $7,280 (13 credits) |
| Fees | $720 | $720 | $720 |
| Books (27 hours x $25) | $675 | $675 | $325 (13 x $25) |
| Room/Board | $6,390** | $12,148*** | $12,148*** |
| Transportation | $2,496 | $2,496 | n/a |
| Personal* | $8,251 | $8,251 | $8,251 |
| Average Federal Loan Fees | $156 | $156 | $156 |
| Total | $33,808 | $39,566 | $28,880 |
*Personal care
**Two Bedroom
***DOE estimated average cost of living for the state of Kentucky.
2024-2025 DOCTOR OF MINISTRY PROGRAM
| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition (for the entire program)* | $15,950 |
| Books and incidental costs for 4 seminars and 3 elective courses | $2,000 |
| DMin Project Report Binding (Reference the Dmin Project Report Formatting Guide & schedule for fees based on additional options) | $45 |
| Technology Fee ($250 per year x 3-year program) | $750 |
| Total | $18,745 |
Louisville Seminary has the authority to use professional judgment to adjust the Cost of Attendance on a case-by-case basis to allow for special circumstances. The student should submit a written explanation and documentation to be considered.
Federal guidelines consider consumer debt a lifestyle choice and does not include it in the eligibility calculations.
Fees
Fees and rates are subject to change.
| Fees Charged Per Semester | Cost |
|---|---|
| Community Activity | $60.00 |
| Academic Support Services, Copyright, Student Services, and Technology | $300.00 |
| Academic Fees | Cost |
|---|---|
| Late Registration | $80.00 |
| Add/Drop Class (per class) | $20.00 |
| *Audit (per class not per credit hour)* | $200.00 |
| Other Fees | Cost |
| Application - (MDiv/MAR/MFT) | $50.00 |
| Application - (DMin) | $75.00 |
| Graduation (all degree programs) | $100.00 |
| Transcript (per copy; current students do not pay) | electronic $7.50, paper $10.00 |
*Current students are eligible to audit one class for free per semester.
FINANCIAL AID COST CALCULATOR COMING SOON!
Other Student Income Opportunities
Field Education Stipends - Field education opportunities equip students with practical experiences outside of the classroom. Each field education position pays a stipend over eight-and-one-half months. Typically, students work approximately 16 hours each week (earning approximately $300 per month). Summer allows more work time, typically 25 to 40 hours a week.
Student Supply Pastors - Advanced students also are eligible to serve as student supply pastors. These positions may offer larger stipends (approximately $500 per month) than field education placement but are only available to advanced students.
