Paying for Seminary

At Pacific Theological Seminary, we work hard to keep costs as low as possible for our students. We are able to do this through generous financial support from those in our community who share our vision for forming Christ-like servants. We are also blessed by a community of people who volunteer their time and services, freeing us to spend dollars where it counts. 

Tuition

Degree Students

Tuition is $450 per credit hour. 

Auditors

The following fees apply to auditors:

  • Current Master's Degree Students and Spouses - $0 per audit hour

  • Standard Audit Rate - $450 per 3 credit course 

  • Discounted Audit Rate* - $300 per 3 credit course 

*Pacific Theological Seminary Alumni, Pastors, Full-time Employees of Christian Ministry Agencies, Senior Citizens (60+) qualify for the discounted audit rate.

For more information about fees please consult the current academic catalog. 

Cost of Attendance

The following are estimates of how much the average student (15-18 units per academic year) can expect to pay in tuition. These numbers are for planning purposes and will give you an idea of what to expect. Your charges may differ depending on how you customize your curriculum to meet your individual needs. These charges do not include books, materials or supplies.

Per Term

  • Master of Divinity - $6,750-8,100

  • Master of Arts (Theological Studies) - $6,750-8,100 

     

Additional Fees

  • Textbooks - $100-$250 estimate per semester (varies)

  • Late payment Penalty Fee - 0.5% per month on any charges more than 30 days past due

  • Chaplaincy Internship fee- determined by internship site

Estimated Total Cost For Entire Program

  • Master of Divinity - $23,400

  • Master of Arts (Theological Studies) - $12,300

Pacific Seminary Scholarships

Scholarships are available to both incoming and continuing degree seeking students. Awards range from approximately 25-50% of tuition costs, depending on course load and award type.

Please contact admissions for more information about scholarships and to receive a Needs Based Application. This form will require an explanation for why the student is seeking assistance, as well as the signature of their pastor to attest to the grounds for the student’s need. The fully completed document is due to Arthur Benjamin, Chief Business Officer, on the first day of the term. It may be submitted in person or attached to Arthur’s email: arthur.benjamin@pacificseminary.org.

The Chief Business Officer and a Pacific professor will review the forms before returning them by the third week of the term to each applicant with a determination of aid. Due to the nature of the work, the identity of the professor, as well as the names of the students requesting assistance, will be held in confidence from the Pacific community at large. The Needs Based applications are good for one term only; this requires students to reapply at the start of the next term. This approach to financial assistance is a temporary method until Pacific achieves full accreditation with ATS. At that time, Pacific’s students will be permitted to complete a FAFSA and become eligible for multiple types of financial assistance based upon a student’s need.

Other Types of Aid

External Scholarships and Grants

There are a number of sources of financial aid for seminarians. Many denominations offer grants and scholarships to prospective clergy from their tradition. You may check with your denominational representatives to see what is available.

Additionally, many churches are able to provide support for aspiring leaders from their congregation. Talk to your church leadership to see about potential funding in the form of scholarships, internships, or employment. It is important to be in touch with your church leadership early in your discernment process to explore all opportunities available to you.

Loans

Pacific Seminary students do not have access to federal forms of aid, including federal student loans. However, there are private loans that may be available to students wishing to finance their education. Student borrowers should be very careful about taking on educational debt. While scholarships and grants are not required to be repaid, loans must be repaid to the lender. Do not take on any debt that you are not prepared to repay. We encourage students to explore all other options before pursuing loan opportunities.