CTS understands the financial commitment involved in obtaining a graduate or doctorate degree.
We make every effort to help you find ways to graduate without burdensome debt. With more than $1.M million awarded annually in scholarships and grants, 85% percent of CTS students receive some form of financial assistance.
Scholarships
CTS offers the following scholarship opportunities for students meeting the required criteria. You are encouraged to contact your denominational office to inquire about support that they may be able to provide for your education at CTS.
DOC/UCC Scholarship
CTS is offering a full tuition scholarship for MDiv students who are members of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) or the United Church of Christ. Early application is recommended.
Learn more
Degree Program Eligibility
M.Div
Award
Full tuition (excluding student fees). Requires minimum enrollment of 6 credits per semester.
Criteria
Must qualify academically for admission to degree program at CTS. At least one year of active membership in a DOC or UCC congregation as attested to by letter of support from pastor of the congregation of membership; pastor should be listed in the yearbook.
In addition to proof of active membership, a letter of support from DOC Commission on Ministry or UCC Committee on Ministry must be provided.
Duration
Up to 6 years
Conditions for Continuance
Requires steady progress toward degree requirements by successfully completing a minimum of 6 credit hours per semester with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
Transition Period
For present students, (enrolled in Spring 2020 semester) a one-time window from March 1st-March 31st 2020 will be open for them to provide satisfactory proof of their DOC/UCC affiliation. A letter of support from current DOC or UCC congregation; along with an adjudicatory letter from COM should be provided. If required CTS can request additional documentation in order to determine students that will qualify them for this award. Adjustments from current scholarship levels will not take place until the 2020-2021 academic year. If no letter is submitted, the students current scholarship would remain active.
The Pastoral Excellence Scholarship
The Pastoral Excellence Scholarship is a full tuition scholarship program for MDiv students at CTS interested in focusing on preparation for parish ministry. Applying to Pastoral Excellence Scholarship begins with applying for admission to Christian Theological Seminary. It is offered to students who have shown high academic achievement and commitment to preparation for ordained ministry in a congregation.
Financial aid
In addition to scholarship and grant opportunities, there are several financial aid resources available to students. We will work directly with you to help you explore your options and find a way to meet your education expenses.
To receive financial aid, your first step is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. It must be completed each year you intend to apply for assistance.
Financial aid forms and resources
Financial Aid FAQs
How do I apply for financial assistance?
Your CTS application for admission also serves as your application for CTS merit scholarships, with the exception of the Saltsburg Second Chance Scholarship. Click here for more information about scholarships. You must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to apply for CTS grant programs, the Federal Work-Study Program and the Federal Direct Loan Program.
How will I find out what financial aid I can receive?
You will receive a financial aid award letter or email notification from the CTS Financial Aid Office, listing the types and amounts of aid you have been awarded.
Do I need to take action to receive the awards listed on my financial aid award notification?
Scholarships
If you are a first-time recipient of a CTS scholarship you must successfully complete and submit the scholarship acceptance form.
Grants
Grants are awarded automatically.
Student Loans
You must complete the current year FAFSA at https://studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/filling-out for each academic year that you want to borrow students loan funds. Once CTS receives a valid FAFSA for you, your loan eligibility will be calculated and you will be offered the maximum amount in an unsub student loan that you are eligible for the current academic period. You may accept an amount less than your loan offer amount. If you do not have a current, valid master promissory note and student loan entrance counseling on record at the Department of Education, you will be required to complete a master promissory note at https://studentaid.gov/mpn/ and student loan entrance counseling at https://studentaid.gov/entrance-counseling/ before your loan funds can be applied to your account.
What is the difference between scholarships and grants?
Both scholarships and grants are funds that do not require repayment. Scholarships are awarded based on merit, while grants are awarded based on financial need.
What charges can be paid by my CTS scholarship?
CTS scholarships pay for tuition. They do not cover fees, such as fees for technology, student association, counseling practicum, CPE hospital, etc. Tuition for coursework required by external bodies, including denominational formation programs, is not covered by CTS scholarships when that coursework is taken at other institutions.
When will scholarships and grants be disbursed?
Scholarships and grants are disbursed to student accounts by the first day of the semester. Scholarship stipend refunds are generally available after the first week of class. Remaining cash refund balances are issued the Friday after the end of the 100% add/drop period, or two weeks after the term start date. Specific disbursement and refund dates will also be available online via the Academic Calendar.
CTS does require students to have direct deposit information on file in order to issue refunds. To complete or make changes to the direct deposit form, students should contact the Business Office at studentbilling@cts.edu. You may send a written request via email to the Business Office requesting your check be placed in your student mailbox.
How much should I borrow?
For qualified students, the amount of loan funds listed on the award notification is the maximum amount you may borrow. It is recommended that you borrow as little as possible as all graduate loans are unsubsidized. You are responsible for all interest that accrues on the loan while you are attending CTS, during deferment and forbearance periods as well during repayment periods.
For further information regarding student loan limits, please review the Federal Direct Loan Debt Review FAQ.
When will my loan disburse?
Loans for the academic year (both fall and spring semesters) will be disbursed to CTS as follows:
- Half Fall Semester on the Friday after the end of the 100% drop/add period (first week of classes).
- Half Spring Semester on the Friday after the end of the 100% drop/add period (first week of classes).
Your disbursements will be credited to your student account and used to pay any unpaid tuition and fee charges each semester. If there are remaining funds after these charges have been deducted, you will receive a cash balance refund check from the Finance Office. Federal regulations give the Finance Office 14 days from disbursement to return these funds to you. Refunds are disbursed via electronic through an active direct deposit account for students.
Federal Work Study
Federal Work Study provides jobs for students with financial need, allowing you to earn money to help pay educational expenses. You must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for Federal Work Study. For more information on Federal Work Study opportunities at CTS, email finaid@cts.edu.
