Financial Aid Resources - Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary
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Financial Aid Resources
A theological education is within reach
We know that one of the biggest questions people have about theological education is “Can I afford it?”
Good news! There are wide variety of resources you can look to for financing your theological education, including institutional scholarships, federal aid, and outside grants and scholarships.
Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary participates in the following federal programs: Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans, Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loans, and Federal Work Study.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
In order to be eligible for federal resources, a student must be a resident of the United States, registered at least half-time, and complete the FAFSA each year.
Garrett’s FAFSA school code: G01682
Websites with further information for students interested in borrowing federal funds:
Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans
Federal Direct Grad PLUS Loan
Federal Work-Study Programs
Loan Locator at National Student Clearinghouse
Federal Direct Loans
The Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford and Federal Direct Graduate PLUS loan are offered to eligible students. To determine eligibility, a student must complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year of enrollment.
Federal Work-Study
Federal Work-Study (FWS) is a need-based financial aid award. To determine eligibility, a student must complete and submit the FAFSA each year of enrollment. Those who qualify and secure a FWS position are paid an hourly wage, which is subsidized by the federal government, and are issued paychecks typically every two weeks. Only jobs at Garrett or at other pre-approved sites are eligible for FWS funding.
U.S. Department of Education, Student Financial Assistance
Institutional Scholarships – Master’s Degrees
Garrett-Evangelical awards scholarships to master’s level, degree-seeking students at the time of admission to recognize merit, leadership, service, and accomplishment. Scholarships cover a percentage of a student’s tuition while enrolled for a degree; that percentage remains constant, as long as the student meets both the registration and GPA requirements of the scholarship.
Institutional Scholarships – Doctoral Degrees
Garrett-Evangelical awards fellowships to PhD at the time of admission. Fellowships cover a fixed percentage of the student’s tuition while enrolled for the degree. The fellowship covers all coursework, research tools, a semester of pre-candidacy, and two semesters of candidacy.
Field Education Stipend
Students participating in a field education placement are given a stipend during each year of field education to help support students financially during these important experiences.
Teaching Assistants, Classroom Assistants, and Research Assistants
TA, CA, and RA positions are available, primarily to doctoral students, throughout the year. The accompanying stipends are paid to these assistants at the end of the semester or term of service.
Outside (non-institutional) grants and scholarships are typically awarded by denominational foundations, conferences, and/or local churches. Any outside scholarship awarded to a student must be reported to the Office of Financial Aid, as the award could impact the eligible amount of federal financial aid.
Some sources to check:
The Forum for Theological Exploration
Illinois Student Assistance Commission
Denominational scholarships and loans (see your denomination’s web site)
College Board Scholarship Search
iGrad Scholarship Search
Scholarships.com
Fastweb.com
Scholly
RedKite
United Methodist members may be eligible for various grants, loans and/or conference funds. Below are two major foundations that many of our United Methodist students have received scholarships from:
United Methodist Higher Education Foundation (UMHEF)
If you’re a member of a Methodist church, you may qualify for scholarships offered by the United Methodist Higher Education Foundation, which awards upwards of $2 million every year! Awards range from $500 to as much as $10,000. Applications open January 1 and are due March 1 for the 2026-2027 academic year. Learn more at https://umhef.org/scholarships.
General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM)
GBHEM Scholarships offers financial aid to United Methodist students pursuing graduate degrees. Every year, an average of $4 million is awarded to help students in the United States and abroad pursue their dreams through higher education. The GBHEM scholarship application typically opens in January each year. Learn more at https://www.gbhem.org/scholarships/.
United Methodist Conference Resources
United Methodist members may be eligible for various grants, loans and/or conference funds. For example:
Annual Conference Funds
Certified candidates should contact their individual conferences for information on funding available
Ministerial Education Fund
Certified candidates should contact their individual conferences for information on funding available
Garrett is approved to certify Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits. Eligible students must submit a copy of their Certificate of Eligibility to the Registrar’s Office when they first enroll. Registrations are confirmed with the VA each term.
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