Costs and Financial Aid

Due to the generosity of donors who support the seminary, CTS is delighted to provide financial support to qualified students. A variety of scholarships, fellowships, grants and loans are available. To be considered for any financial aid, all students must complete the CTS Application for Financial Aid and submit this along with your completed application materials no later than the priority deadline for the relevant funding program as listed below. U.S. citizens and permanent residents are also asked to file the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) by March 1. The CTS school code for the FAFSA submittal is G01661.

Questions about Scholarships and Financial Aid? Please contact Mr. Howard Nelson, Financial Aid Officer at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ; 773.896.2412.

Merit Scholarships

Each year, a number of competitive scholarships are awarded to entering students with outstanding educational preparation as well as promise for transformative leadership. In order to be eligible for a Merit Scholarship, an applicant must complete the admissions application process by the priority deadline (February 15), and must have earned a G.P.A. of at least 3.25 on a 4.0 scale in undergraduate study. Merit Awards range from 50% to 80% of the cost of tuition and extend through the completion of the degree program. Merit Award recipients must remain n good academic standing by maintaining a cumulative G.P.A. of at least 3.5 in order to renew the award from semester to semester.

Named Scholarships & Awards

CTS donors fund a number of scholarships and awards providing substantial financial support to select students. Details on criteria for each of these awards will be available here shortly. Scholarships and Awards include the following:

Jeremiah A. Wright Scholarship, Akaka Scholarship, Gilberto Castaneda Scholar, The Kenilworth-Union Urban Ministry Scholarship, and the G. Campbell Morgan Preaching Award

Need-Based Grants

Available to students in Masters programs as well as all as all international students, these awards are made on a yearly basis and apply to the cost of tuition only. Students may re-apply for a need-based grant each year. The amount of the award is based upon each student’s financial need, as assessed by the F.A.F.S.A. and the CTS Application for Financial Aid.

STM Tuition Fellowships

As a means to encourage academic development beyond the master’s level and to offset the cost of preparation for Ph.D. level study, students accepted into the one-year, advanced master’s degree, Master of Sacred Theology Program, automatically receive a 50% tuition discount.

PhD Tuition Fellowships

CTS awards a number of tuition fellowships to support outstanding PhD students. In order to be considered for an award, applicants must complete the admissions application by the priority deadline (February 15).

UCC Awards

After completing a full year of study within a degree program, students who attain “in care” status with the United Church of Christ, may become eligible for a select number of UCC sponsored awards. These awards are typically granted in the second and third year of master’s level programs. In order to be eligible, a student must be nominated by the faculty, maintain a strong academic record, and reveal gifts and graces for leadership in the church and academy.

Federal Direct Loan Program for Student Loans

CTS participates in the Federal Direct Loan Program. These low interest student loans from the US Department of Education are available to eligible US residents who are enrolled at least half time in a degree program. For more information about student loans consult the Student Direct Loan Fact sheet link below or contact the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid.

Financial Aid Forms & Links

AmeriCorps, City Year, Peace Corps & VISTA Application Fee Waiver

Persons serving as volunteers, team members, corp members, staff and alums of the AmeriCorps, City Year, Peace Corps, and VISTA service organizations are eligible for an application fee waiver when applying to CTS degree programs. Applicants must provide proof of affiliation in order to utilize the fee waiver option. Such proof of affiliation should be submitted at the time of application. Proof of affiliation may be accomplished by selecting a supervisor from the organization to serve as a reference, or providing official documentation from the organization affirming one’s relationship/service.