Princeton Seminary is determined to make theological education affordable. We put a significant amount of care and effort into keeping tuition and other education expenses as cost-effective as possible, including substantially subsidizing our beautiful campus housing, which is about half the cost of local non-Seminary housing. We also invest significant resources to fund our aid programs, including generous scholarships and need-based grants. We are committed to ensuring that our students are able to afford Seminary and are financially prepared to take the next steps of their calling.
Merit scholarships are awarded through the admissions process on the basis of high academic achievement, demonstrated leadership, and commitment to the life and mission of the church. These awards are renewable based on the candidate maintaining full-time enrollment and Satisfactory Academic Progress. All master's applicants are eligible for merit awards, excluding domestic ThM applicants.
*No additional application is required to be considered for merit scholarships.
*The International Trustees and Presidential Scholarships are typically offered by the Admissions Committee to prospective students who do not currently reside in, or have previously studied in the United States. If the student’s spouse or family is invited, the scholarship only covers the student’s expenses. The Committee also considers the applicant’s academic qualifications and the leadership positions to which they will return in their home country (as outlined in the pastoral endorsement presented with the admissions materials).
“My generous financial aid package allowed me to explore my passions, be present in the classroom, and prepare for ministry—without financial worries.”
- Deanna Morgan, MACEF
*Questions about aid programs and application procedures should be directed to the Office of Student Administrative Services.
This grant program is designed to help our students reduce their dependency on educational loans. Awardees must work a minimum of 10 hours per week and attempt to raise money from outside sources in order to be considered for this need-based PTS aid program. The award maximum for single students and married students without children is $2,000 per year. Single and married students with children may qualify for up to $4,000 per year. Grant recipients must:
Download application (pdf)
Eligible PC(USA) MDiv and MDiv/MACEF candidates who demonstrate financial need beyond the maximum PTS Grant may qualify for a low-interest loan which has the potential to be forgiven if the recipient serves the PC(USA) in ordained ministry after graduating. Applicants for this forgivable loan must complete the application each year and provide documentation of Inquirer status to qualify for year one and two of their program and Candidacy for year three and in the case of a Dual degree candidate, year four. The maximum award for this forgivable loan is $4,000 per academic year.
* Please note that a merit-based aid recipient who can document need beyond their scholarship offer, may be eligible to apply for the Gillespie grant or PTS Presbyterian Loan program as well.
Princeton Seminary also participates in and offers federal loans and work study programs: Federal Direct Loan, Federal Grad PLUS Loan, and Federal Work Study.
Presbyterian Loan Application (pdf)
To qualify for a need-based grant from Princeton Seminary, an applicant must:
“Informal time in discussion groups with faculty and students discussing feminist theological literature altered my views, excited my spirit, and greatly influenced my teaching.”