Academic Year Students

The School of Theology of the University of the South offers generous financial aid to supplement seminary students’ own resources and the financial support of the parishes and dioceses that send them. Financial aid is meant to serve the church’s mission by opening the way to excellent theological education to those who otherwise could not afford it and to minimize the burden of additional educational debt carried into parish ministry. Thanks to the gifts of many generations, Sewanee has substantial resources for these purposes, and is glad to be able to meet as much as possible of students’ demonstrated financial need.

To ensure that grant aid goes where it is needed most, applicants for financial aid are required to demonstrate financial need. Awards are calculated on the basis of income from all sources in relation to allowable expenses, up to a maximum grant level set annually.

More information and financial aid forms may be found on the School of Theology Financial Aid Policy and Forms page.

School of Theology students should return financial aid materials to the following address: The School of Theology, Office of Financial Aid, 335 Tennessee Avenue, Sewanee, Tennessee, 37383-0001. Questions regarding the financial aid application should be directed to Connie Patton, 931.598.1340, or email connie.patton@sewanee.edu.

If you anticipate the need for a federal loan, submit your FAFSA to the University Office of Financial Aid, 735 University Avenue, Sewanee, Tennessee, 37383-1000, and questions regarding federal loans and federal loan eligibility should be directed to that office at 931.598.1312, or by email finaid@sewanee.edu.

Guidelines for Financial Aid

The School of Theology annually awards a small number of Chancellor’s Scholarships to some students of exceptional promise preparing for distinctive ministries in The Episcopal Church, showing exceptional academic merit, enhancing diversity among the student body, and occasionally (as determined by the dean) to meet certain goals related to strategic initiatives that serve the School’s mission. These grants are not based on an applicant’s demonstrated financial need. Applicants who wish to be considered for a Chancellor’s Scholarship should include a letter with their financial aid application, describing their strengths and qualifications in the areas listed above. Recipients are selected prior to entering seminary, and they must provide the financial documentation described above even if they are not applying for need-based financial aid. Chancellor’s Scholarship recipients will continue to receive their award for the normal period of the degree program if their performance is deemed adequate by the faculty.

Financial aid is available to full-time students for the normal period to complete a degree or program (three years for the M.Div., two years for the M.A., and one year for the Diploma of Anglican Studies). Part-time, degree-seeking students may apply for financial aid in the same manner as full-time students. If aid for a part-time student is approved, it will be on a pro-rated basis, according to the number of credit hours the student is taking in the semester in question. The maximum financial aid granted during the student’s program cannot exceed the total of what would have been awarded if completed on a full-time basis. Part-time students who are not in a degree program are not eligible for financial aid. Financial need is calculated for a 12-month period except for the final year when it is calculated for a 10-month period.

Financial aid may not be used for study at other institutions. Students may apply for grants for cross-cultural study from other sources and from special funds at the School of Theology.

Termination of Financial Aid

A student whose performance is evaluated by the faculty of the School of Theology as “inadequate” is not eligible to receive financial aid for the following year. Reinstatement of aid is dependent upon reacceptance into the graduate program of the School of Theology and a letter from the student to the Dean requesting reinstatement of financial aid.

Summer Term (Advanced Degrees Program) Students

Some scholarship monies are available for tuition to D.Min. and S.T.M. students enrolled in the advanced degrees program. More information and financial aid forms may be found on the School of Theology Financial Aid Policy and Forms page. Scholarship money is available only for tuition assistance. The student is responsible for all other costs, such as travel, housing, board, etc. Financial aid is not available to special students.