The Divinity School and Vanderbilt University have a generous financial aid program. Awards are to degree-seeking students based upon merit, need, and the availability of funds. They range from full tuition and a stipend to one-third tuition. For optimal consideration, applicants should apply for admission by January 15. Applications received after this date will be considered for awards based on the availability of funds.

The financial aid award package includes scholarships, grants-in-aid, federally-funded graduate student loans, and college work-study employment. In addition, the Divinity School’s Office of Admissions and Student Services can provide information and advice about funding from outside sources, including denominational loan and scholarship programs. Application for Divinity School and federal aid is made by completing forms available in January of the year for which the student intends to enroll.

Applicants who wish to be considered for full-tuition scholarships must complete the admission process by January 15.

Click below for an account of how several students have approached financing a theological education, and for information from a national study on theological student indebtedness.

Applying for Need and Merit Based-Aid

External Scholarships (Denominational, Subject, and Region-based)

Costs, Average Award and Estimated Budget