As a part of your planning to attend Seminary, prospective students and returning students should discuss their monetary needs with sponsoring parishes and dioceses. It is normal for sponsoring parishes and dioceses to assist their seminarians with expenses. Title III, Canon 8, section 4 (b) of Constitution and Canons speaks directly to finances of applicants to the postulancy “…the Bishop shall consult with the nominee regarding financial resources which will be available for the support of the Postulant throughout preparation for ordination. During Postulancy and later Candidacy, the Bishop or someone appointed by the Bishop shall review periodically the financial condition and plans of the Postulant.” In addition, students should be careful stewards of their own resources. Each student should expect to make some contribution to their educational costs from savings or earnings. As an investment in a future career, student loans may be necessary.

Our policy is that financial aid is given to those students who demonstrate need after all other monetary resources have been utilized. Financial need is determined by deducting income from eligible expenses using the mandated Federal Methodology (FM). Not all living expenses, such as consumer debt, are eligible expenses. The seminary strives to meet a portion of a student’s remaining financial need in an award package that includes tuition grant and work study opportunities. Thus the award will not meet but shall not exceed the amount of demonstrated need. The award is calculated upon projected need and may be adjusted up or down if actual circumstances differ materially from the projection. It may be revised as a student’s financial situation changes throughout the academic year.

Documentation of applications and responses from at least three outside sources is required for all students who are returning to Seabury. This is not required of new or entering students because most scholarships have early deadlines. However, all students should investigate the numerous avenues of revenue for financial assistance such as alumni and community organizations, publications, and the Internet. When appropriate, students should solicit family, friends, and other parishes. Some outside scholarship sources are listed on our website.

Decisions concerning financial awards are determined by the Financial Aid Committee. Members of the committee include the Coordinator of Seminary Services, a representative from the Business Office and the Dean and President of Seabury-Western Theological Seminary.

Financial aid is granted according to need on a year-by-year basis with reapplication and review each year.