Admissions  > Financial Aid

• Description
• Scholarships for Merit
• Nomination Form
• Financial Aid Programs
• Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Online Application
• Student Income Opportunities
• Tuition and Housing
• Application Procedures

Description
Theological education is one of the most costly forms of graduate education. Recognizing that fact, Louisville Seminary provides some form of financial assistance to over 82 percent of its student body. In addition, resources are available to help students defray the cost of their education. Part-time jobs, employment for spouses, and field placements are a few of the opportunities that can provide supplemental income.

Following admission, individual financial programs are arranged with each student. These provide a planning guideline enabling both the student and Louisville Seminary to chart costs, measure financial need, and appropriate assistance in the form of scholarships, grants, loans, or advice.

Louisville Seminary's scholarships and financial aid programs provide substantial help for students. Extensive resources make it possible to offer financial assistance to all full-time students whose private resources fall short of covering the costs of seminary study. Louisville Seminary offers a variety of financial aid: including tuition grants, scholarships, and student loans. Louisville Seminary's many grants, financial aid, and scholarship programs, coupled with personal financial planning, can greatly reduce financial stress for both the student and recent graduate. Back to Top

 
Scholarships for Excellence

Candidates for these scholarships must be nominated for these awards by a Minister of the Word and Sacrament, an Elder in the Presbyterian Church (USA), or by Louisville Seminary.

Norma Tate Rich Scholarship - Offered to one Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) student displaying outstanding potential for church leadership, the Norma Tate Rich Scholarship provides up to $12,000 toward tuition, fees, books, and living expenses for up to three years of full-time study.

Sharon Elaine Smith Scholarship - Offered to one student displaying outstanding potential for church leadership, the Sharon Elaine Smith Scholarship provides up to $12,000 toward tuition, fees, books, and living expenses for up to three years of full-time study. Candidates are not required to be in the Presbyterian Church (USA).

Presidential Scholarships - Available to Presbyterian Church (USA) students demonstrating outstanding potential leadership in the church, Presidential Scholarships provide up to $20,000 for tuition, fees, books, and living expenses. This merit award is annually renewed for the three-year MDIV degree program.

The John Olert Scholarship - A renewable three-year scholarship offered to a Presbyterian Church (USA) student displaying outstanding potential for ministry and church leadership, The John Olert Scholarship provides up to $15,000 toward tuition, fees, books, and living expenses.

The New Horizons Scholarships - Supporting students from particularly challenged backgrounds and with a goal to broaden students' awareness of other cultures, the New Horizons Scholarships cover expenses other than tuition. These scholarships are offered to students in both Masters and Doctoral programs.

Dean's Scholarships - Available to individuals demonstrating outstanding potential leadership in the church, Dean's Scholarships provide $12,000 each year for tuition, fees, books, and living expenses for up to three years of full-time study.

The Henry P. Bridges Scholarships - Applicants from Presbyteries in East Tennessee, Holston, Western North Carolina, Baltimore, National Capital, or New Castle who intend to work as Ministers of the Word and Sacrament are encouraged to apply for Henry P. Bridges Scholarships. These scholarships cover many of the educational expenses for the completion of a degree at Louisville Seminary.

Patterson Scholarships - Patterson Scholarships were established in 1933 by Dr. Walter Kennedy Patterson, and for more than 70 years have provided scholarships in the area of biblical studies, theology, and church history with a special emphasis in the biblical languages. These scholarships are awarded to Presbyterian (USA) students with at least a B average (3.0) or better in their undergraduate college work and who are under the care of a Presbytery either as an inquirer or a candidate. Students who have demonstrated promise in biblical studies, theology, and church history through excellence in the undergraduate study of humanities (including such disciplines as literature, philosophy, the natural sciences, religion, history, and the fine arts) are eligible, with preference given to those who
have completed a two-year course of study in either college Latin or college Greek.

In addition, candidates who apply for admission to Louisville Seminary and are approved before their senior year in college may receive $1,000 to offset the expenses of the last year of college. Recipients also are eligible to compete for fellowships for post-seminary work.

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Nomination Dates Scholarship Nomination Form Nomination Forms can also be obtained from the Office of Admissions. Forms must be received by February 15 each year. Nominees must have a completed admission application on file with the Office of Admissions by February 15.

Nomination Form

Financial Aid Programs Tuition Grants - Tuition grants are based on financial need, and Louisville Seminary is able to provide grants for up to 100 percent of tuition for students who demonstrate full need.

Federal Work Study - Federal Work Study is also an option for qualified students.

Veteran's Administration Benefits - Louisville Seminary is approved for the training of veterans and others eligible to receive V.A. benefits.

Stafford Loans and Perkins Loans - These two federal programs support eligible students who are making satisfactory progress toward educational objectives. Normally, these loans accrue no interest and require no repayment until after graduation. Repayment is arranged over several years at low interest rates.

Emergency Loan Fund - These cover unanticipated/unplanned emergency financial problems.

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.