Grants
Wartburg is blessed with a sizable endowment built by faithful donors over the course of many years. Interest from this endowment is used for need-based grants that are awarded based on financial aid eligibility.
Renewable Scholarships
Full time degree-seeking students (9 credit hours, or approximately 3 classes) are eligible for generous and renewable institutional scholarships based on the combination of passion for ministry, admissions application materials, proven leadership, and need.
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Through the generous giving of faithful people, our church is able to subsidize the cost of theological education at all ELCA seminaries. Recognizing the growing gap between the rising costs of theological education and the income potential of church leaders, the ELCA has established the Fund for Leaders (FFL), the goal of which is to provide full-tuition scholarships for every seminary student. Accepted first-year students are invited and encouraged to apply for these scholarships at
ELCA Fund for Leaders Initiative Scholarship Information and Application
Congregations and Synods
Often a congregation or synod with which a student is affiliated will offer financial assistance. It is important for you to talk with your pastor, congregational council, and synod candidacy committee about what financial assistance they are able to offer.
Scholarships and Grants
The Financial Aid Office has information on a number of other scholarship resources offered by congregations, foundations, trusts, and organizations. Here is the most recent list of outside scholarships from the Financial Aid Office. You may also search for scholarships by going to the Fund for Theological Education Fund Finder.
STUDENT LOANS
Loans (See Helpful Links and Websites)
WTS graduate student loan average indebtedness for 2016 was $20,808 (debt range $0 to $65,000). In May 2016, 23 WTS MDIV students graduated with average educational debt (undergrad through grad) of $34,647 (debt range $0 to $106,500). There were 3 students with no graduate school debt.
However, student loans are likely a portion of financial aid packages for eligible students. The following types of loans may be available to you:
Federal Loan Programs:
William D. Ford Direct Stafford Loan Program
Stafford Loans are available to students who have eligibility established with FAFSA. Unsubsidized Stafford Loans are federally guaranteed loans and available for up to $20,500 per academic year at a fixed 5.84% interest rate (for loans disbursed on or after 7/1/2015 and before 7/1/2016) and a 6 month grace period upon completion of degree or enrolling at less than 1/2 time. Interest begins accruing upon disbursement and can be paid monthly or the interest is capitalized when the loan enters repayment, grace period or after deferment.
Graduate PLUS Loan Program
GradPLUS loans have a 6.84% fixed interest rate (for loans disbursed on or after 7/1/2015 and before 7/1/2016) and are guaranteed by the federal government. The GradPLUS loan is a non-need credit based loan similar to a private student loan with the benefit of having a fixed interest rate and federal guarantee. The GradPLUS loan allows graduate students to borrow the total cost for their graduate school needs not met by other loan programs, including tuition, room and board, supplies and travel, less any other aid.
Institutional Loans
ANB Loan Program
The ANB Loan is an interest free loan awarded to eligible senior MDiv students. The ANB Loan has a 0% interest rate and a 13 month grace period with $50 monthly payments expected until loan is repaid.