Affordable

S E MINARY E DUCAT I O N
AT GOR DO N-CO NWE L L

130 Essex Street South Hamilton, MA 01982

1.800.428.7329 978.646.4038 admissions@gordonconwell.edu www.gordonconwell.edu

Affordable
SEM I NARY ED U C AT ION
No, its not an oxymoron.
Getting through seminary with little or no debt is a realistic possibility. Last
year, nearly 50% of Gordon-Conwell graduates left with no educational debt
from their seminary studies.
The following profiles show how just a few of our students have made it work.
Names have been changed for privacy, but these stories are based on real people
who were asking the same questions you are: Is going to seminary a wise
financial decision? Is it worth taking on student loan debt? Will I be able to
work as a full-time student?
Through scholarships, fundraising, ingenuity and Gods miraculous provision,
these students have found a way to follow Gods calling to pursue a seminary
education. We hope their stories inspire you.
Let us know how we can help. Gordon-Conwell offers a wide variety of scholarship
opportunities. Contact admissions@gordonconwell.edu with any questions.

37+

scholarships
given to

80%

of full-time students

resulting in

50%

incurring NO educational debt

at Gordon-Conwell

*Examples given in this booklet generally pertain to domestic students. Your individual circumstances may differ
from these. Please consult the Financial Aid office to work through your needs and funding sources.

Real Numbers:
Student Profiles*

FULL-TIME M.DIV./TH.M., SINGLE, ON-CAMPUS

Expenses

$3,340/year double dorm room in Grey Hall

$3,150/year board plan (9 meals)
$18,300 Special Scholarship Tuition
$300/year Mentored Ministry fees (2 units/year $150/unit)
$4,230/year student health insurance (single)

$29,320/year total
Income

$5,000/year Graham Scholarship

$8,415/year on-campus employment (15 hours/week)
$0 loans
$18,300 summer job, savings and other sources

$31,715/year total

* Based on 2014-15 rates

FULL-TIME M.A. IN COUNSELING, MARRIED, OFF-CAMPUS

Expenses

$1,575/month rent (2-bedroom off-campus apartment, South Hamilton)

$18,300 Special Scholarship Tuition

$37,200/year total
Income

$5,000 Professional Counseling Scholarship

$10,000 Stafford Loan
$22,950/year off-campus employment (30 hours/week)

$37,950/year total

FULL-TIME M.DIV., MARRIED, ON-CAMPUS

Expenses

$1,085/month 2-bedroom on-campus apartment

$18,300 Special Scholarship Tuition
$300/year Mentored Ministry fees (2 units/year $150/unit)

$31,620/year total
Income

$9,000 Partnership Program Scholarship (old scholarship; new rate is $18,300)

$1,000/summer (Compass Program)
$34,425/year off-campus employment (15 hours/week $45/hour as tutor)

$44,425/year total

CONTD

Real Numbers:
Student Profiles

FULL-TIME M.A. (WORLD MISSIONS & EVANGELISM),

SINGLE, ON-CAMPUS

Expenses

$3,060/year large single in Retreat House

$3,350/year board plan (12 meals)
$18,300 Special Scholarship Tuition

$24,710/year total
Income

$5,000/year Graham Scholarship

$1,500/year Pierce Fellowship Scholarship
$175/month Resident Life Coordinator
$12,750/year off-campus employment (20 hours/week $12.50/hour)
$3,500 other resources

$24,850/year total
I can only take 3 classes each semester, so January and summer classes are perfect
for my situation.

FULL-TIME M.A. SPIRITUAL FORMATION, SINGLE, ON-CAMPUS

Expenses

$3,890/year large single dorm room in Grey Hall

$3,350/year board plan (12 meals)
$18,300 Special Scholarship Tuition
$1,000/year Partnership Program fees

$26,540/year total
Income

$18,300 Partnership Program Scholarship

$1,000/month on-campus employment (25 hours/week $10/hour)
$8,000/year Stafford Loan (pays for room & board)

$38,300/year total

FULL-TIME M.DIV. & FULL-TIME M.A. (RELIGION) / M.A. IN

COUNSELING, MARRIED COUPLE, ON-CAMPUS

Expenses

$870/month 1-bedroom apartment in Graham Hall

$36,600/year Special Scholarship Tuition (couple)
$2,000/year Partnership Program fees (couple)

$49,040/year total
Income

$36,600 Partnership Program Scholarship (couple)

$5,100/year on-campus employment (10 hours/week $10/hour)
$4,700/year on-campus employment (9 hours/week $10/hour)
$1,200/year Byington Scholar
$6,600/year other sources

$54,200/year total

SCHOLARSHIP

AMOUNT PER YEAR

NUMBER AWARDED

PARTNERSHIP

RENEWABLE

UP TO

MINISTRY SCHOLARSHIPS
Full Tuition

unlimited

Yes

COMPASS

$5,500

unlimited

Yes

GRAHAM

$5,250

75-100

Yes

TRUSTEE

$4,500

unlimited

Yes

50% discount on
spouses tuition

Yes

PRESIDENTIAL

$10,000

Yes

DOUGLAS G. PRATT

$20,000

Yes

URBAN MINISTRY

$10,000 + housing

Yes

MICHAEL HAYNES

$8,000

Yes

MULTICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT

$8,000

Yes

DAVID F. WELLS

$7,500

Yes

J CHRISTY WILSON

$7,500

Yes

TIMOTHY J. KELLER

$7,500

Yes

MILITARY CHAPLAINCY

$5,200

Yes

PROFESSIONAL COUNSELORS

$7,500

Yes

PIERCE DISCIPLE BUILDING*

$1,500

32

Yes

Full tuition + cost of living

financial assistance

Yes

Full tuition

Yes

CENTRI HALL

$10,000

Yes

GLOBAL CHURCH**

$5,250

10

Yes

ARNOLD

$2,000

10

No

Up to $300 per course

unlimited

Yes

Half tuition

unlimited

Yes

$774 per course

unlimited

Yes

TEAM MINISTRY

MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS

INTERNATIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS
PASTORS FOR AFRICA

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT

OTHER
NEED-BASED AID

ADVENT CHRISTIAN
INTERVARSITY

* The Pierce Disciple Building scholarship is the only scholarship that can be combined with other institutional scholarships.
**Scholarship is actually $500 per course; most full-time students take 10 courses per year.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

HOW TO APPLY

Full-time; admitted to an eligible degree program

Complete Partnership
application

Full-time; admitted to an eligible degree program; alumnus/a

of Compass Youth Program

DEADLINE

AWARD DATE

April 15 (FA)
Sept. 30 (SP)

rolling

Sign acceptance form and

submit $175 deposit

rolling

rolling

Full-time; admitted to an eligible degree program

Sign acceptance form and

submit $175 deposit

rolling

rolling

Full-time; admitted to an eligible degree program

Sign acceptance form and

submit $175 deposit

rolling

rolling

New, full-time couple; starting degree program at the same

time

Complete FAFSA, submit

Gordon-Conwell financial aid
application and
Team Ministry application

April 15

April 15-Sept 1

Complete admission + online

scholarship application

February 15

April 1

Complete admission + online

scholarship application

February 15

April 1

Full-time; admitted*; commitment to urban ministry

Complete admission + online

scholarship application

February 15

April 1

Full-time; admitted*; an African-American student with a

commitment to serving the Church

Complete admission + online

scholarship application

February 15

April 1

Full-time; admitted*; an African-American and/or Latino

student with a commitment to serving the Church

Complete admission + online

scholarship application

February 15

April 1

Full-time; admitted*; 3.50 GPA

Complete admission + online

scholarship application

February 15

April 1

Full-time; admitted*; desire to engage in missions as a fulltime vocation

Complete admission + online

scholarship application

February 15

April 1

Full-time; admitted to an eligible degree program; desire to

engage in vocational pastoral ministry

Complete admission + online

scholarship application

February 15

April 1

Full-time; admitted to an eligible degree program; enrolled in

chaplain candidate program

Complete admission + online

scholarship application

February 15

April 1

Full-time; admitted to the MACO degree program; undergrad

degree in psychology or sociology

Complete admission + online

scholarship application

February 15

April 1

Full-time; admitted to an eligible degree program

Complete admission + online

scholarship application

April 15

Full-time; admitted to M.Div. degree program; originally born

in & currently resides in Africa; will return to minister in Africa
upon graduation

Complete admission + online

scholarship application

December 1

February 1

Complete admission + online

scholarship application

December 1

February 1

Full-time; admitted*; commitment to serving the Church in an

Asian-Chinese context; will return to minister in Asia upon
graduation

Complete admission + online

scholarship application

December 1

February 1

Full-time; admitted to any degree program; non-U.S. citizen;

commitment to serving the global Church

Complete admission + online

scholarship applicationn

December 1

February 1

Full-time; admitted*; non-U.S. citizen

No application; awarded as need

is identified

December 1

February 1

Full-time; admitted*; outstanding Christian leadership

Full-time; admitted*; calling to pastoral ministry and capacity to lead a
large congregation (Presbyterian or reformed tradition)

Full-time; admitted*; non-U.S. citizen

Full-time; admitted to an eligible degree program

Complete FAFSA,
submit institutional
financial aid application

Open

Open

Admitted to an eligible degree program

Application through
Advent Christian denomination

Open

Open

Admitted to an eligible degree program; current full-time IV staff

Letter from area director noting

student is full-time with Intervarsity

Open

Open

* Applicant must be admitted to an eligible degree program.

Real Stories:
How God Provided
for Our Students
PAUL, ARNOLD SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT
Paul was serving as an assistant pastor in England, but felt Gods call to come to
seminary. Gordon-Conwell awarded him the Arnold Scholarship for $2,000, but
as an international student, he was not eligible for most other financial aid.
When a former corporate executive at Pauls church heard about his passion for
further studies, he volunteered to manage a fundraising campaign. The former
executive built Pauls list of contacts to over 200 people, sending out letters and
meeting with potential supporters.
They raised $150,000 in three months.
Paul doesnt know exactly who gives each month, but he communicates with
financial and prayer supporters on a regular basis.
If you know someone who is an organizer, ask them to give two hours a month in
administrating gifts.
CAMPU

LIZ, GRAHAM AND PIERCE SCHOLARSHIPS

Liz worked at a church prior to coming to Gordon-Conwell and was able to

save up enough for one year of her education costs. The support of her church,
as well as surprise financial gifts covered a second year. The rest has come from
scholarships.
She received the Graham and Pierce Scholarships, totaling $19,500 over the
course of three years. The Presbyterian Church (USA) Lydia Award for women
pursuing ordained ministry provided another $3,500.
There is money in denominational scholarships, and they are looking for
evangelical candidates.
Because she completed four Semlink courses before matriculating, and has
managed a full course load, Liz will be able to graduate with an M.Div. and a
Th.M. in three years. She has zero debt and did not have to find a part-time job.
When her car was totaled and she needed a new one, someone in her church
handed her $10,000. Random checks have come in the mail.
God has known my need before I asked.

Helpful Web Links

Scholarship Opportunities:
www.gordonconwell.edu/scholarships
Resources for Outside Funding:
www.gordonconwell.edu/outsidefunding

Gordon-Conwell
Scholarships

MINISTRY SCHOLARSHIPS

The Partnership Scholarship A full-tuition scholarship available to students who will be

trained in gathering the kind of community and prayer support that is so crucial during
and after the seminary years.
Compass A $5,500/year scholarship for students who have participated in GordonConwells Compass Program, the seminarys leadership development program for high
school students.
Billy Graham Scholarship A $5,250/year scholarship granted to the first 75 students who
commit to full-time study by returning an agreement form and scholarship deposit.
Trustee Grant A $4,500/year scholarship granted to students who commit to full-time
study by returning an agreement form and scholarship deposit but do not receive the
Graham Scholarship.
Team Ministry Grant A need-based scholarship granted to qualified married couples who
will be enrolling as full-time degree students. This scholarship allows for one spouse to
receive a 50% discount.

MERIT-BASED SCHOLARSHIPS
The Presidential Scholarship for Future Christian Leaders A $10,000/year scholarship
granted to one applicant who demonstrates exceptional promise for Christian leadership
and reflects the seminarys commitment to advance Christs Kingdom in every sphere of
life in service to the Church.
Dr. Douglas G. Pratt Scholarship A $20,000/year scholarship granted to two applicants who
demonstrate a call to pastoral ministry in the local church, have the capacity to lead a large
congregation, and show exceptional promise as future pastors in the reformed or Presbyterian
traditions. The recipients will also be required to attend two weeks of intentional mentoring
and experiential learning at First Presbyterian Church of Bonita Springs, FL, during the month
of January.
Raymond and Priscilla Lee Urban Ministry Scholarship A $10,000/year + housing
scholarship granted to one applicant who demonstrates a commitment to urban ministry.
The recipient will be required to live in the housing provided in the city of Lynn, MA, and
commit to an urban-oriented Mentored Ministry in Lynn. The recipient must also register
for a minimum of two Urban Ministry courses through Gordon-Conwells Boston Campus
as part of his/her degree program.
Michael Haynes Scholarship An $8,000/year scholarship granted to up to five AfricanAmerican applicants who demonstrate a commitment to serving the Church. Preference
will be given to those in the M.Div. program or who are called to pastoral ministry.
Multicultural Development Scholarship An $8,000/year scholarship granted to one
applicant who is African-American and/or Latino and committed to serving the Church.
Dr. David F. Wells Scholarship for Teaching Ministry A $7,500/year scholarship granted
to up to three applicants who demonstrate exceptional promise for teaching ministry and
academic work upon graduation from Gordon-Conwell.
Dr. J Christy Wilson Jr. Scholarship for Missions Ministry A $7,500/year scholarship
granted to up to three applicants who demonstrate exceptional promise for missions service
and express a desire to engage full-time in international or local missions, social justice
ministry, urban or rural ministry, or campus ministry.
Rev. Timothy J. Keller Scholarship for Pastoral Ministry A $7,500/year scholarship
granted to up to three applicants who demonstrate exceptional promise for vocational
pastoral ministry within the local church upon graduation.
Military Chaplaincy Scholarship A $5,250/year scholarship granted to up to two
applicants who are enrolled in the chaplain candidate program during their time at GordonConwell and express a desire to serve the Church as a military chaplain upon graduation.
Scholarship for Professional Counselors A $7,500/year scholarship granted to up to two
applicants who demonstrate exceptional promise for counseling ministry upon graduation
from Gordon-Conwell.
The John and Lois Pierce Fellowship A $1,500/year tuition subsidy granted to select
incoming and returning students who demonstrate experience and ongoing commitment to
small group leadership, spiritual formation and disciple-building.

INTERNATIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS

Pastors for Africa Scholarship Full tuition and financial assistance granted to one African
international applicant who is enrolled in the Master of Divinity degree and demonstrates
experience and commitment to small group leadership, spiritual formation, and disciplebuilding. The recipient must come from Africa and agree to return to minister and spread
the Gospel in Africa and will agree to complete his/her studies at the seminary within a
three-year time period.
International Student Scholarship A full-tuition scholarship granted to up to two
applicants for full-time study who demonstrate exceptional promise in academic work and
for ministry in their home country upon graduation from Gordon-Conwell.
CentriHall Scholarship A scholarship for up to $10,000 per year for three years of study
granted to a Chinese international student committed to return to serve in China after
completing their degree at the Seminary. The recipient will agree to return to China within
a three-year time period of the start of their degree.
Global Church Scholarship A $5,250/year scholarship granted to 10 international
applicants in any masters program who demonstrate outstanding leadership potential for
serving the global Church.
Arnold Scholarship The Arnold scholarship is granted to up to ten applicants from
countries in the Majority World for full-time study, beginning in the fall semester.
Recipients of the Arnold Scholarship are awarded $2,000 toward their first year of study.
Selection is focused on students with demonstrated financial need, strong character,
outstanding leadership qualities, and whose ministry experience demonstrates that they
are a trainer of trainers. This scholarship will be dispersed at the rate of $1,000 at the start
of the fall and spring semesters. Recipients must complete their application for admission
to Gordon-Conwell by December 5. The recipients must return to their country upon
graduation, as is the case with all international student scholarships, or they must re-pay
the total scholarship amount to the Seminary. Again, this funding is only available for the
first year of the program and is not renewable.

Financial Aid
Process
www.gordonconwell.edu/financial-aid
Admissions application deadline: rolling
Do you plan to apply for a scholarship?

Yes: Your admission application and scholarship application must be submitted

in full by the scholarship deadline.
Scholarship deadlines:

International: December 5

Merit: February 15

Ministry: See matrix
Loans and Need-Based Aid:

May 1: Priority processing deadline for FAFSA and Gordon-Conwell
Financial Aid Application

July 15: Submit award acceptance statement
Do you plan to apply for housing?

Must be an accepted student and have paid $100 matriculation fee.

Priority deadline for Summer/Fall: March 15
Priority deadline for January/Spring: November 1