Welcome to Financial Aid at Princeton Theological Seminary
The purpose of the Princeton Theological Seminary program for student financial aid is to assist our students in the educational preparation for ministry. We do this by providing need-based grants, fellowships, work opportunities, and loans to our eligible full-time degree candidates.
Currently, approximately 90% of our full-time M.Div, MA, and M.Div/MA candidates receive assistance through the PTS grant or fellowship programs.
Federal Direct Loan Announcement
Beginning July 1, 2009, Princeton Theological Seminary will be participating in the William D. Ford Direct Loan Program.
Given the current recession, as well as problems in the credit industry causing financial institutions to leave the lender-based FFELP program, it has become more beneficial to our students that we change to the Direct Loan Program. By participating in this program, Princeton Theological Seminary ensures you are guaranteed access to student loan funding because student loan dollars are received directly from the Federal government. The Federal Direct Student Loan Program also provides the best borrower benefits available at this time. The greatest benefit to our students is that all of your loans will now be in one place, with no chance of a bank going under or dropping your loans. Previous loans may also be purchased, at your request, by the Federal Direct Loan Consolidation program.
If you are going to borrow student loans for the 2009-2010 academic year, which begins with the 2009 Summer Language Program, you will need to complete a new Direct Loan Master Promissory Note.
INFORMATION FOR PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS
Applying for Financial Aid:
M.Div., M.A., Dual and (M.Div./M.A.) applicants who are US citizens or permanent residents of the US:
- It is recommended that applicants for admission complete the Financial Aid Application immediately after the submission of the application for admission. Our office is usually able to provide a need-based institutional grant estimate along with your admit letter if we have the Financial Aid Application on file.
- Once admitted, the applicant is required to complete the PTS Financial Aid Application, submit a copy of their 2009 Federal Income Tax Return (when available) and complete the 2010-11 FAFSA form.
- PC(USA) students who are M.Div, MA or Dual degree candidates must also submit a letter from their pastor on church letterhead to show their church membership in order to be considered for the higher level of grant funding.
- The Financial Aid Application is available from the Admissions Application home page. All other forms are available at our financial aid forms site; FAFSA available at www.fafsa.ed.gov, after January 1.
Ph.D. Candidates who are US Citizens or permanent residents of the US:
- Complete the Financial Aid Application along with your application for admission, and submit a copy of your 2009 Federal Income Tax Return when available.
- Once admitted, additional information, including the 2010-11 FAFSA will be required.
- The Financial Aid Application is available from the Admissions Application home page. All other forms are available at our financial aid forms site; FAFSA available at www.fafsa.ed.gov, after January 1.
Federal student loans and federal work-study assistance are also available to assist Th.M students in meeting their expenses while enrolled in the Th.M program.
To be considered for both institutional and federal aid, a student must complete the 2010-11 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (at www.fafsa.ed.gov) , the PTS institutional financial aid application and submit a copy of their 2009 federal income tax return.
International Students (All programs):
- Complete the International Student Financial Aid Application along with your application for admission. You are required to submit documentation of your financial resources along with this application.
- Once admitted, further information will be sent, detailing awards granted, if any, and remaining financial resources to be documented.
- The Financial Aid Application is available from the Admissions Application home page.
INFORMATION FOR PROSPECTIVE AND CURRENT STUDENTS
For more information about PTS financial aid, use the following links:
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at your convenience.