{"id":483,"date":"2019-08-06T15:34:38","date_gmt":"2019-08-06T19:34:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sth\/?page_id=483"},"modified":"2026-06-05T14:33:43","modified_gmt":"2026-06-05T18:33:43","slug":"paying-for-seminary","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sth\/admissions\/paying-for-seminary\/","title":{"rendered":"Funding Your Seminary Study"},"content":{"rendered":"

The School of Theology seeks to support all its students in accessing transformational theological education. We do so by offering generous financial aid packages to masters students, full funding to our PhD students, and competitively priced online and hybrid program options for students who seek to learn alongside our renowned faculty via more flexible modalities. We also seek to keep tuition expenses low, and are proud to have the lowest cost of tuition of any graduate program at Boston University. We allocate financial aid funds offered by the university, the United Methodist Church, and individual donors as widely as possible to benefit the most students. Additional merit scholarship funds are set aside to reward academic excellence and extra-curricular distinction.<\/p>\n

Below you will find information about scholarships and other forms of aid from the School of Theology for each degree program. If you need further information, or have specific questions about your ability to fund your seminary education, please feel free to be in touch with our Admissions Office<\/a> or Financial Aid Office<\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n

Master’s Program Applicants<\/h2>\n

Tuition Scholarships<\/p>

<\/p>\n

All masters students taking at least six units per term are eligible for financial aid in the form of tuition scholarships. The chart below uses a 70% tuition scholarship for the MDiv and MTS and a 60% tuition scholarship for the OMDiv to show what students might expect in terms of tuition and total academic costs per year of their program, using 2026-2027 tuition rates:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Degree Program (number of eligible terms)<\/th>\nPercent of Tuition Scholarship<\/th>\nCost of Full-Time Tuition after Tuition Scholarship<\/th>\nRequired Fees<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Master of Divinity (MDiv)<\/strong>
\n6 terms<\/td>\n		70%*<\/td>\n$7,584\/year<\/td>\n$1,338<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Master of Theological Studies (MTS)<\/strong>
\n4 terms<\/td>\n		70%*<\/td>\n$7,584\/year<\/td>\n$1,338<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Online Master of Divinity (OMDiv)<\/strong>
\n6 terms<\/td>\n		60%*<\/td>\n$7,584\/year<\/td>\n$400<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Terms listed above are the number of terms it takes to complete the program if taking a traditional course load of four classes per terms (12 units). Part-time students also receive tuition scholarships, but should consult with the Financial Aid Office<\/a> to determine how their curriculum choices could affect the number of terms they can receive tuition scholarship aid.<\/p>\n

*Final scholarship awards may vary.<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

Dean's Fellowships<\/p>

<\/p>\n

Dean’s Fellowships may be awarded on the criteria of proven academic excellence and extra-curricular commitments. To be considered for a Dean’s Fellowship one must apply with a 3.3 or above cumulative GPA from their most recent degree program. To maintain their Dean’s Fellowships these students must earn a cumulative 3.3 GPA during their studies at BUSTH.<\/p>\n

Master of Divinity and Master of Theological Studies applicants who apply by the Priority Admissions Deadline<\/a> will be considered for Dean’s Fellowships. (Please note, students may only be awarded one STH Fellowship during the admissions process. Students cannot receive both a Dean’s Fellowship and a Leadership Fellowship.<\/em>)<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

Leadership Fellowships<\/p>

<\/p>\n

Leadership fellowships may be awarded upon admission and seek to support students whose vocational paths align with core academic strengths and values of the School of Theology. These awards are renewable for the length of the student\u2019s program so long as the student maintains a minimum 2.7 GPA and remains in good academic and disciplinary standing.<\/p>\n

Master of Divinity and Master of Theological Studies applicants who apply by the Priority Admissions Deadline<\/a> will be considered for Leadership Fellowships. (Please note, students may only be awarded one STH Fellowship during the admissions process. Students cannot receive both a Dean’s Fellowship and a Leadership Fellowship.<\/em>)<\/p>\n

Howard Thurman Fellowship<\/h6>\n

Howard Thurman Fellowships may be awarded annually to up to three applicants who reflect Thurman\u2019s ideals and who exemplify in their lives a commitment to deepening spirituality and moral leadership in service to the church and the world.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ra\u00edces Latinas Fellowship<\/h6>\n

Ra\u00edces Latinas Fellowships may be awarded annually to up to three students who pursue historical and theological studies relevant to Latinx communities and who display commitment and service to the Latinx communities as part of their vocational pathways.<\/p>\n

Indigenous Studies Fellowships<\/h6>\n

Indigenous Studies Fellowships may be awarded annually to up to three applicants who seek to study theology in relation to indigenous cultures or to prepare themselves for leadership with indigenous communities worldwide.<\/p>\n

Sacred Worth Fellowships<\/h6>\n

Sacred Worth Fellowships may be awarded annually to up to three applicants who are committed to understanding the rich diversities in sexuality; exploring the intersection of sexuality, theology, and ethics; and working toward the full inclusion of people of all sexual orientations and gender identities in church, academy, and society.<\/p>\n

Mary Elizabeth Moore Fellowships<\/h6>\n

Moore Fellowships may be awarded to a limited number of applicants who are committed to the empowerment of women in the theological academy, religious institutions, or wider society.<\/p>\n

UMC Leadership Fellowships<\/h6>\n

UMC Leadership Fellowships may be awarded to those pursuing ordination as an elder or a deacon in the United Methodist Church. Students must be registered candidates with the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry on the UMCares site prior to the start of classes each term to be eligible for the UMC Leadership Fellowship, and must make steady progress in their ordination process to maintain their award.<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

Ordination Scholarships<\/p>

<\/p>\n

Available to Master of Divinity, Master of Theological Studies, and Master of Sacred Music Students pursuing ordination in the UMC, AME, AME Zion, or CME Church.<\/em><\/div><\/p>\n

In order to honor its historic ties with the Methodist Church, and to provide for the fiscally-responsible training of its future clergy, the School of Theology may provide 100% tuition scholarships to all entering MDiv and MTS, students pursuing clergy ordination in the UMC, African Methodist Episcopal, AME Zion, or Christian Methodist Episcopal traditions. To be considered for this full-tuition scholarship, applicants must show proof of their candidacy for ordination in their denomination, as well as continued progress toward ordination.<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

Outside Awards<\/p>

<\/p>\n

Students are encouraged to search for outside awards and scholarships to help pay for their seminary education and living expenses. Scholarships, grants, and loans are available from a number of denominational, humanitarian, and other agencies. The School of Theology maintains a list of outside scholarships and awards,<\/a> but it is also a good idea to get in touch directly with those institutions where you have connections that could lead to additional funding.<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

PhD Program Applicants<\/h2>\n

PhD Funding Package Overview<\/p>

<\/p>\n

The chart below shows what students matriculating into the PhD program can expect in total financial awards for 2026-2027:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Degree Program<\/strong><\/td>\nDoctor of Philosophy (PhD)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Percent of tuition scholarship<\/strong><\/td>\n100%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Cost of tuition & fees after scholarship<\/strong><\/td>\n$0<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Cost of basic student health insurance plan after scholarship<\/strong><\/td>\n$0<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Books & Supplies (approximate)<\/strong><\/td>\n$1,412<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Total approximate projected yearly cost<\/strong><\/td>\n$1,412<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Fellowship Stipend<\/strong><\/td>\n$47,740.50\/year<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

PhD fellowships include stipends each term, full scholarships for tuition and university-mandated academic fees, and individual health coverage through the University\u2019s student medical insurance plan at the basic level. These awards are made on the basis of merit upon admission for the first five years of doctoral study, do not include housing or living expenses, and require teaching and research internships and assistantships as per the schedule below. Students may not be otherwise employed during the 8 months of the academic year in order to receive any PhD Fellowship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/th>\nFall Term<\/th>\nSpring Term<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Year 1<\/strong><\/td>\nno service requirement<\/td>\nno service requirement<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Year 2<\/strong><\/td>\n20 hour\/week internship (as part of the PhD degree requirements)<\/td>\n20 hour\/week internship (as part of the PhD degree requirements)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Year 3<\/strong><\/td>\n20 hour\/week internship (as part of the PhD degree requirements)<\/td>\n20 hour\/week internship (as part of the PhD degree requirements)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Year 4<\/strong><\/td>\n20 hour\/week internship (as part of the PhD degree requirements)<\/td>\n20 hour\/week internship (as part of the PhD degree requirements)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Year 5<\/strong><\/td>\n20 hour\/week internship (as part of the PhD degree requirements)<\/td>\n20 hour\/week internship (as part of the PhD degree requirements)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Note:<\/strong> Eligible students may apply for a service-free dissertation fellowship in Year 5 if they have an approved prospectus by the end of Year 4.<\/em><\/p>\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

DMin Program Applicants<\/h2>\n

Doctor of Ministry Program Costs<\/p>

<\/p>\n

The Doctor of Ministry degree (DMin) in Transformational Leadership<\/a> is a professional doctoral degree meant to enrich religious leaders already embedded in traditional and non-traditional settings, to deepen their understanding of and commitment to ministry, and to refine its practice.<\/p>\n

The DMin costs approximately $26,780 in tuition and fees over the course of three years (six terms) of part-time study, plus travel to Boston for the intensive seminars. During the first year of the program, the intensive courses and cohort-building last nine nights for each stay in August and January. During the second year, the intensive courses are a five-day commitment with the preceding evening optional.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/th>\nYear One<\/th>\nYear Two<\/th>\nYear Three<\/th>\nTotal<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Tuition and Fees*<\/strong><\/td>\n$13,240<\/td>\n$10,080<\/td>\n$3,460<\/td>\n$26,780<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
BU Intensive Housing*<\/strong><\/td>\n$2,050<\/td>\n$2,050<\/td>\n$0<\/td>\n$4,100<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Average Transit and Meals<\/strong><\/td>\n$1,200<\/td>\n$1,200<\/td>\n$0<\/td>\n$2,400<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Totals<\/strong><\/td>\n$16,490<\/span><\/td>\n$13,330<\/span><\/td>\n$3,460<\/td>\n$33,280<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

*Figures shown use 2026-2027 prices. Tuition and fee rates change a few hundred dollars each year.<\/em><\/p>\n

Students in the Doctor of Ministry program enjoy a reduced per-unit tuition cost as compared to students in all other STH degrees. As such, they are not eligible for other scholarships from the School of Theology itself. We encourage DMin applicants to explore funding their programs using a combination of personal funds, continuing education funds from their place of ministry, outside awards and scholarships (such as from their denomination), and, if necessary, federal unsubsidized loans.<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

Special Student Applicants<\/h2>\n

Info for Non-Degree Seeking Applicants<\/p>

<\/p>\n

“Special Student” status is available to those who seek to complete a certificate or take a few individual courses at STH without enrolling in a degree-seeking program. Since it is a non-degree status, Special Students are not eligible for financial aid in the form of scholarships or federal aid. Special Students pay tuition costs by the unit hour.<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

Info about Special Student Status for Students Seeking Additional Credits in Pursuit of Ordination Requirements<\/p>

<\/p>\n

The exception to the above rule is that Special Students who are pursuing ordination in United Methodist, United Church of Christ, Episcopalian\/Anglican, or Unitarian Universalist traditions, and who have already graduated from STH or elsewhere with an MDiv degree, may be eligible to receive 70% tuition scholarships toward further courses required for their ordination. (For example, an applicant with an MDiv whose denomination requires them to take an additional Worship course before they can be ordained would be able to do so at STH with a 70% reduced tuition cost for that class.) If you have any questions as to whether you qualify for this opportunity or not please feel free to be in touch with the STH Admissions Office<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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The School of Theology seeks to support all its students in accessing transformational theological education. We do so by offering generous financial aid packages to masters students, full funding to our PhD students, and competitively priced online and hybrid program options for students who seek to learn alongside our renowned faculty via more flexible modalities. […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15163,"featured_media":0,"parent":68,"menu_order":10,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sth\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/483"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sth\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sth\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sth\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/15163"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sth\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=483"}],"version-history":[{"count":50,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sth\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/483\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":60550,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sth\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/483\/revisions\/60550"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sth\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/68"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sth\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=483"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}