Financial Aid

Sections on this page: Eligibility | Deadlines | Tuition Assistance | Federal Loans | Denominational Assistance | The Fund for Theological Education

Eligibility

Financial Aid at United is based on demonstrated financial need as determined by the school according to federal guidelines.

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Financial need: the difference between the cost of education and the student’s total financial resources (includes scholarships, grants, work/study, veteran’s benefits).

Students must submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year to be eligible for financial aid. This includes, but is not limited to, the following:

Application for financial aid must be made by entering students at the time of admission.

Deadlines

For entering students:

For Fall Semester - August 1

For Spring Semester - December 1

For current and continuing students:

April 15 - recommended deadline

June 1 - final deadline. All information must be in the Financial Aid Office by June 1 in order to receive financial aid through United.

Applicants are encouraged to mail the FAFSA application by March 1 to receive priority attention. The FAFSA processing period by mail is normally 4-6 weeks. The FAFSA may also be completed online. Online processing normally takes 5-7 days. For information about the FAFSA or deadlines on filing the FAFSA, contact the Financial Aid Office.

Students must be enrolled in one of United’s Master’s level degree programs or certification program to be eligible for financial aid including scholarships and loans. Receipt of financial aid one year does not guarantee receipt of financial aid in subsequent years.

Tuition Assistance

cashTuition assistance is granted on the basis of demonstrated need and availability of funds. All students must complete the required school forms, including the FAFSA.

In order to receive tuition aid, a day student must be enrolled for at least nine (9) hours in the Fall and Spring Semesters.

A full-time students on a declared evening track may be eligible for tuition aid when taking seven (7) hours in the years he/she is participating in Contextual Education.

Tuition aid grants are made on a one-year basis. New financial aid information must be filed each year to determine eligibility.

U.S. Federal Loans

Financial Aid in the form of federal loans requires that a student be accepted and enrolled in one of United’s masters degrees or certificate programs. Enrollment must be at least half-time (six semester hours in the Fall and Spring).

The student must:

  • Be a US citizen or permanent resident
  • Have completed all financial aid application requirements
  • Have demonstrated financial need as determined by federal guidelines
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress

Satisfactory academic progress is determined by academic course load and grades.

loan application The Federal Family Educational Loan Program offers long-term loans to students with demonstrated need. The lender is generally a bank or credit union with the federal government insuring the loan against default.

For the subsidized loan the interest is deferred and repayment begins six months after the last date of enrollment.

The unsubsidized loan is available to students who do not qualify for the subsidized loan.

Students can contact their lender or the Financial Aid Office for further information.

Denominational Assistance

For many major denominations, including The United Methodist Church, there are grants, scholarships and loan assistance.

Policies and procedures vary and students are encouraged to consult their denominational offices early in the year for information and favorable consideration.

UMHEFUnited Methodist students may want to visit the United Methodist Higher Education Foundation (UMHEF) which provides scholarship aid for United Methodist students attending the United Methodist-related institutions.

The Fund for Theological Education

825 Houston Mill Road Suite 250
Atlanta, GA 30329
Tel: 404-727-1450
Fax: 404-727-1490

Fellowships for Students Entering Seminary (M.Div. only)

“Congregational Fellowships” that give matching funds of $2,000-$5,000 - Deadline to apply is April 1

Fellowships for Second-Year Seminary Students (M.Div. only)

“Ministry Fellowships” awarded at the beginning of the second year of the M.Div. program - Deadline to apply is March 1

For eligibility criteria and information on how to apply for these fellowships, see the Fund for Theological Education web site or send an e-mail message to fellowships@thefund.org.