Financial Aid & Scholarships

Affordable Theological Education

One of your main concerns about starting theological training may be the costs involved. We understand that the issue of finances can be a barrier for many graduate students, so we are devoted to doing what we can to make excellent theological education accessible to you. As a private, interdenominational school, we will work with you to craft a custom financial plan that fits your needs.

Financial Aid

As a graduate student of Ashland University, you are eligible to receive financial aid. Financial aid is awarded annually on a first-come, first-serve basis to students who demonstrate need. You can receive priority status if you submit your FAFSA by March 15. Please keep in mind the following:

  • You will need to reapply for financial aid each year.
  • If you are on academic probation, you are not eligible for scholarship aid from Ashland Theological Seminary.
  • If you are on academic probation, you may also be placed on financial aid probation making you ineligible for student loans.
  • If you receive outside scholarships or grants, we reserve the right to adjust scholarships awarded by our institution.

Because we are a graduate division of Ashland University, our financial aid services are managed by Ashland University. You can use the information below for assistance.

Website: ashland.edu/administration/financial-aid/graduate-students
Office Hours: M-F 8:00AM – 5:00PM
Email: ats-registrar@ashland.edu
Phone: 419.289.5003 or 800.882.1548 ex. 5003
Fax:
419.289.5976

Scholarships

Affording a quality seminary education is more difficult now than ever before. Through their generosity, our donors are helping full-time graduate students bridge the financial gap. We offer a variety of need-based and academic scholarships to help you take the next step toward affordability. Explore graduate scholarships below. 

Available Scholarships

General scholarships cover several areas as described below including need-based, academic, and endowments. Please note: ineligibility for need-based awards does not exclude you from eligibility for other awards.

Qualifications:

  • Admission to a master’s level program at Ashland Theological Seminary 
  • Submitted scholarship application by May 15th
  • Maintain a registration of 6 or more hours 
  • Returning students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.75


Scholarship awards are for one year only and application must be made annually until degree completion. This is not an automatically renewable award. Awards are dispersed fall and spring semesters.

How to Apply: 

 
ENDOWMENT AWARDS

Amount: Varies

Description: Due to the generosity of donors, you may be eligible to receive endowment awards. Click here for the current list of available awards.

 
NEED-BASED AWARDS

Amount: Varies

Description: If you have financial needs based on your completed FAFSA Application, you are eligible for scholarship assistance.

 
Academic Awards

Amount: $500

Description: If you are a returning student with an overall GPA of 3.7 or higher, you will receive this award.

 
Archer Scholarship

Amount: $4,000

Description:

We are excited to announce that all new students enrolled in a master’s degree program will receive a $4,000 scholarship ($2000 per fall & spring semesters 2023-2024) in addition to a  10% discount off the total tuition amount. All new Doctor of Ministry students will receive $3,000 ($1500 per semester) off the total cost of tuition as well as the additional 10% discount.  All returning students will receive an automatic 10% discount off the total cost of tuition for fall & spring semesters 2023-2024.

The Archer Scholarship is offered in addition to any other scholarships that students may receive.

The seminary community is deeply grateful to Bob & Jan Archer who, because of their generosity, have made this scholarship possible.

Amount: Varies

Qualifications:
  • A good-standing member of a Brethren congregation that is affiliated with the Brethren Church of Ashland, Ohio
  • Admission to a master’s level program at Ashland Theological Seminary
  • Submit a scholarship application by May 15th

How to Apply:

Brethren Church Scholarships do not renew automatically. You must submit a new application annually until you complete your degree. Funds are dispersed in fall, and spring semesters only.

Amount: 50% tuition reduction per class

Description: If you are the spouse of a full-time student, you may qualify to receive half-off tuition costs. Funds will apply to the spouse with fewer hours or lower tuition costs.

Qualifications:

  • Husband or wife of a full-time student enrolled at Ashland Theological Seminary (full time = 6 hours)
  • Admission to one of our degree programs or admission as a guest student for credit or audit


How to Apply:

  • Complete and submit a Partner in Ministry Application
  • Applications are due before the beginning of each semester to which the benefit will be applied. Funds may be dispersed in fall, spring and summer semesters.

Amount: 50% tuition reduction of one course per semester

Description: If you are a full-time campus minister, you may qualify to receive half-off one course per semester.

Qualifications:

  • Admission to a master’s level program at Ashland Theological Seminary
  • Full-time employment in campus ministry at a college or university
  • Returning students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.75


How to Apply:

  • Complete and submit a Campus Ministry Scholarship Application
  • Submit your application before each semester to which your benefit will be applied. Funds may be dispersed in fall, spring and summer semesters.

Amount: Maximum award of $1000 match per semester

Qualifications:

  • Admission to a master’s level program at Ashland Theological Seminary
  • Maintain registration of 6 or more hours


How to Apply:

  • Complete and submit a Church Grant Application with your church’s contribution each semester. Funds may be dispersed in fall, spring and summer semesters.