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 for the 2023-2024 academic year is $300 per credit hour. 

Auditors

The following fees apply to auditors:

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

  • Standard Audit Rate - $75 per audit hour 

  • Discounted Audit Rate* - $37.50 per audit hour 

*Pacific Theological Seminary and Bethel Seminary San Diego Alumni, Pastors (and spouses), Full-time Employees of Christian Ministry Agencies (and spouses), 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 - $5,450

  • Master of Arts (Theological Studies) - $5,450 

Estimated Program Totals For Tuition

  • Master of Divinity - $23,400 

  • Master of Arts (Theological Studies) - $15,300 

Additional Fees

  • Textbooks - $1,300 (estimated program total for MDiv)

    - $850 (estimated program total for MATS

  • Change Fee (add/drop) - $30

  • Student Activity Fee - $25 per semester (fall and spring)

  • Late payment Penalty Fee - 0.5% per month on any charges

    more than 30 days past due

  • Late Registration Fee - $75

  • Graduation Fee - $55

  • Clinical Pastoral Education Fee - See Enrollment Agreement.

Estimated Total Cost For Entire Program

  • Master of Divinity - $24,955

  • Master of Arts (Theological Studies) - $16,355

Pacific Seminary Scholarships

Scholarships are available to both incoming and continuing students. Awards range from approximately 25-50% of tuition costs, depending on course load and award type. The Great Start Scholarship is a 50% scholarship for first year students.

Please contact admissions for more information about scholarships and how to apply.

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.