Finances

Many seminary students receive financial assistance. The sources of aid include churches, denominational agencies, private foundations, seminary grants and scholarships, and federal student loans. Securing adequate financing is often accomplished by using a combination of available aid and payment options.

A typical “cost of attendance” includes tuition/fees (direct charges) and standard allowances for room/meals, books, personal and transportation (indirect expenses.) The amount a student is expected to contribute towards his/her costs is determined by filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA.) Financial need is the difference between the cost of attendance and expected contribution.

Students interested in applying for financial aid should complete and submit the necessary forms as early as possible. Financial aid forms, including the FAFSA and an institutional aid application, are available from the EMU Financial Assistance Office.

An award letter detailing available aid options is sent to the student when the required financial aid forms have been received and admission has been granted. Additional information and applications are sent with the award letter.

Grants and Scholarships

Grants and scholarships are contingent on availability of funds and qualified students. 

Generous scholarships of up to 100% of tuition are awarded on the basis of academic excellence, ministry service and leadership potential, and financial need. Scholarships are extended to qualified students who are enrolled in a degree program at least part-time, taking 5 or more credits each during fall and spring semesters.

Tuition and Fees

The regular session is made up of: Fall and Spring Semester. Summer courses are offered for additional options in specialty areas. Tuition and activities fees are charged at a per credit hour rate for all students.

2024-25 Seminary Programs

Any course you take from another program will be invoiced at the rate of your enrolled program.

Published charge rates may be adjusted for changes in economic conditions and cost factors. This list continues on the General Charges and Payment Information page.

Books and Supplies

The cost of books and other course materials varies with students and with courses but is approximately $100 - $150 per course.

Payment Plans

Since the seminary must make financial commitments for an entire year, the student is required to choose a specific payment plan. Failure to meet financial obligations is cause for denying the student the privilege of registering for or attending subsequent classes, receiving a degree or releasing a transcript of credit.

Collection costs or charges along with all attorney fees necessary for the collection of any debt to the University will be charged and paid by the debtor. Delinquent accounts are reported to the Credit Bureau.

Billing and payment plans are arranged through EMU’s business office. More information is available on the Business Office General Payment Info page.

The student’s arrangement for payment should be set up with the Student Accounts Office as early as possible. Satisfactory arrangements for settlement of a student’s semester account must be made before being permitted to register for a subsequent semester. Accounts for the academic year must be paid before a student will receive a diploma and before a release of transcripts.

A note about loans

Seminary education is an invaluable experience and can provide you with resources that stretch into a lifetime of ministry. However, it can also be an expensive endeavor. At Eastern Mennonite Seminary we are concerned that our students not leave seminary with debt that will hinder future ministry or ministry opportunities. Therefore, we ask each student to carefully consider the full cost of seminary and the amount of debt it is reasonable to accumulate. Financial assistance and federal student loans are part of the financial picture for most students at EMS; however, we hope that students will calculate the cost carefully, review concerns with seminary admissions personnel, and consider the potential earnings from future ministry opportunities as they calculate loans and how they will be repaid.

Refunds

Refunds are made only after notice is received from the registrar of the student’s official withdrawal from a course or courses. Withdrawal procedures should be carefully complied with in order to ensure maximum refund credit. Since EMS must make financial commitments for an entire year, only partial refunds can be made if a student withdraws during a semester. The refund schedule is in the Refund and Withdrawal Policy-Graduate and Seminary section of the Graduate and Seminary Student Handbook.

Veterans Benefits

Students who wish to have EMU certify their eligibility to receive benefits from the Veterans Administration must submit a certificate of eligibility and must provide additional information as needed for the proper certification of their benefits.  EMU will not impose any penalty (late fees, denial of access to classes or campus facilities, etc.) on a student covered by Chapter 31, 33 or 35 benefits because of the individual’s inability to meet financial obligations to the institution due to delayed disbursement of funding from the VA.

The Virginia State Approving Agency (SAA), is the approving authority of education and training programs for Virginia. Their office investigates complaints of GI Bill® beneficiaries. While most complaints should initially follow school grievance policy, if the situation cannot be resolved at the school, the beneficiary should contact our office via email saa@dvs.virginia.gov.

Financial Assistance

For financial assistance information visit the Financial Aid website.