Students who answer God’s call to the Christian ministry make a serious commitment of their time, talents and finances. It is important for a student to consider his/her ability to fund a seminary education which includes tuition, books, and living expenses and other related costs. BST shares the conviction of the Association of Theological Schools that the individual student must pull together many resources to cover the cost of seminary education: personal savings and assets, summer employment, part–time employment, scholarships from home churches and other organizations and family assistance (parents and spouse).

Berkeley School of Theology is committed to providing financial assistance to qualified students who enroll in the seminary’s degree programs. The following is a partial list of financial assistance that may be available to you depending upon your financial need, scholarship requirements, and availability of scholarship funds.

At Berkeley School of Theology, GI Bill® funds are a source of financial aid for both active duty and veteran military. Degree-seeking students are eligible for benefits through the Veterans Administration Yellow Ribbon Program and can be certified by the VA certifying official.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

View veteran benefit options at BST in our catalog here.

Sources of Financial Aid and Scholarships

HOW TO APPLY (FALL AND SPRING)

All students (new and returning) who are enrolled at least half-time are eligible to apply for financial aid, which includes both scholarships and federal financial aid (loans). Students must apply annually to be eligible for institutional grant in aid/scholarships and Federal Student Aid.

DOMESTIC APPLICANTS (U.S. CITIZENS OR PERMANENT RESIDENTS)

File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at  www.fafsa.ed.gov. The BST school code of G01120 should be entered in the school section of the FAFSA. Use estimated tax information if your federal taxes are not complete by April 15th.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Students who apply for financial aid after April 15 will be awarded on a first come basis and as funds are available. Priority is given to new students who are enrolling for the first time in the seminary.
  • Student must be enrolled at least half-time.
  • Students must be in good standing and maintain a GPA of 2.5 to receive financial assistance. Students who are placed on probation will be denied Government Guaranteed Student Loans until the probation has been removed. Students should refer to the Berkeley School of Theology Financial Aid Handbook for additional information regarding Financial Aid policies.

SUMMER FINANCIAL AID

For eligibility for BST Summer aid, the following conditions apply:

  • You must be enrolled in the MDiv, MCL, MTS, or DMin programs. Common MA students: up to two (2) three (3.0) unit academic intersession or summer session  courses may be counted toward the MA Program course requirements with the approval of your advisor or the dean.
  • For federal Direct Loans, you must be enrolled at least half-time (6.0 credits for BST MDiv, MCL and MTS degree students, 3.0 credits for DMin students, and 6.0 credits for Common MA students) over the course of the summer session and you must complete a Summer Aid Application.
  • For BST Scholarship Aid you must be enrolled in at least one BST Summer Session course. There is no minimum enrollment requirement for scholarship aid eligibility.

RESOURCES

Financial Aid Handbook
Tuition and Fees
Paying Student Accounts
College Navigator