Financial Aid

FINANCIAL AID

Master’s Programs

Since its inception, the Seminary has been concerned with partnering with students by providing opportunities for financial assistance as they prepare for ministry. Seminary Administration, with the approval of the Board of Directors, has established two agencies to represent it in the administration of financial aid to students. They are the Financial Aid Office and the Financial Aid Committee.


Degree-seeking students are eligible to apply for Seminary scholarships, outside scholarships, federal work study, federal loans, and alternative loans if needed. Non-degree-seeking students may apply for Seminary scholarships, outside scholarships, and alternative loans. Students who do not have US citizenship or Permanent Resident status may apply for Seminary scholarships, outside scholarships, and private/non-federal loans.


Prospective students must be accepted for admission to the Seminary to be eligible for financial aid. Students applying for financial assistance, including loans and scholarships, do so by completing the financial aid process which includes completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the Seminary's Application for Financial Aid. Steps to apply will be sent to applicants once they begin the admission process.


Each person applying for financial aid at the Seminary should apply after January 1 and before the priority deadline of April 15 for returning students, or June 15 for new students in order to receive priority consideration for the following Fall and Spring semesters. All financial aid is awarded for one academic year. Students must reapply for financial aid each academic year. Financial assistance is not automatically renewed.


A student wishing to receive financial aid must first submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and a Pentecostal Theological Seminary Application for Financial Aid to the Financial Aid Office (both forms are available through the Seminary's student portal). This constitutes the student's formal request to the Seminary for financial assistance. Students must be enrolled full time to be eligible for scholarships, with the exception of the Care Ministry Scholarship, Spousal Scholarship, College Senior Scholarship, Alumni Scholarship, State Overseer Scholarship, and Honors Ministry Scholarship. For financial aid purposes, full-time enrollment is 9 credit hours during regular semesters (Fall and Spring) and 6 credit hours in the summer J-terms. Half-time enrollment is 6-8 credit hours during the regular semester (Fall and Spring) or 3 hours for J-terms. Students must be at least half-time to be eligible for Stafford loans. Students are eligible for one scholarships per semester with the exception of any special incentive scholarships that may be offered for one semester only.


Federal Loan Programs


The federal loan programs are available to PTS students. To be eligible, a student must be a US citizen, US national or an eligible non-citizen. Students must also be in compliance with the Selective Service and must not be in default or owe a refund on any Title IV program. To apply for federal loans, students must complete a Master's Promissory Note (MPN) and Entrance Counseling at www.studentloans.gov. Students must also complete a loan request form and submit to the Financial Aid Office: finaid@ptseminary.edu.

FAFSA Form


The basis of determining the need of a student will be an analysis provided by the Student Aid Report (SAR) based on the information submitted by the student on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as distributed by the U.S. Department of Education online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Students without a current Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID number will need to apply for one at https://fsaid.ed.gov/npas/index.htm. The FSA ID number is needed to sign your FAFSA or your Master's Promissory Note (MPN) or access other Federal websites regarding federal aid. Steps to apply for financial aid will be sent to the applicant once he or she begins the admission process. All students can view the steps to apply for financial aid in the Populi system (under Forms) or request a copy at finaid@ptseminary.edu.


Financial Aid Programs: Financing Your Education


PTS is especially sensitive to the financial challenges students face today in seeking to finance graduate education for master's programs. Fund-raising by the Seminary to increase the number of scholarships continue to be a priority at PTS.


Most students are financing their programs through personal savings, employment, church support, loans and scholarships.


PTS encourages careful planning and stands ready to assist students in identifying all possible financial resources. The process begins by completing and returning the appropriate forms to PTS for financial aid and scholarships.


To have financial aid available for the first day of registration, deadlines have been established for submitting all documents necessary to process financial aid. The student should be sure to check the calendar or call the financial aid office so that he or she will not miss the deadlines established for fall, spring and summer courses.


All federal aid is awarded without regard to race, gender, handicap, age, and class or national/ethnic origin. The amount of Seminary funds awarded are subject to need and availability of funds.


MASTER DEGREE PROGRAM SCHOLARSHIPS


Students applying for scholarships and loans must complete a PTS Application for Financial Aid and submit it to the Financial Aid Office by the priority deadline (April 15). Also, a Free Application for Federal Student Aid Application (FAFSA) must be completed at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Students are encouraged to contact the Seminary’s Financial Aid Office to verify that all financial aid paperwork has been received at finaid@ptseminary.edu. Scholarships are applied toward tuition costs only. All fees (registration, technology, application and other related fees) are the student’s responsibility. A maximum of one scholarship per semester will be granted.


Academic Scholarships for First Year Students: Three academic scholarships of $4,000 per student are awarded to first-year students who graduate (current year) from a Church of God college or university. The president of each institution makes recommendations for these scholarships by letter to the Seminary's Financial Aid Office. A student must have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.5; must complete and submit an Application for Financial Aid to the Financial Aid Office; and complete a FAFSA to be considered for this scholarship. Students must be enrolled full time (9 credit hours or more) during the regular fall or spring semester to be eligible for this scholarship.

New Incoming Academic Scholarship: Five academic scholarships of $4,000 per student are awarded to five first-year students with a graduating undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher. A student must complete and submit an Application for Financial Aid to the Financial Aid Office, and complete a FAFSA to be considered for this scholarship. Students must be enrolled full time (9 credit hours or more) during the regular fall or spring semester to be eligible for this scholarship.


Academic Scholarships for Second and Third Year Students: Two academic scholarships are available for students who have completed their first year of seminary study. Recipients must have a minimum GPA of 3.7 in order to qualify. Students must also demonstrate leadership, spiritual maturity, and submit recommendations from two professors. The amount available for any given student is $4,000 per year. Applicants must complete and submit an Application for Financial Aid to the Financial Aid Office and complete a FAFSA to be considered for this scholarship. (This scholarship is available as funds permit). Students must be enrolled full time (9 credit hours or more) during the regular fall or spring semester to be eligible for this scholarship.


PTS Ministry Honors Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded (July 1 through June 30) to individuals based on the recommendations of participating Church of God State Administrative Bishops. Candidates should be persons of ministerial integrity and leadership promise. Recipients are required to register for a minimum of 12 credit hours (main campus or online) during the student's first year of enrollment. The student must apply for other PTS scholarships for all the succeeding years. There are three award categories for this scholarship: African American Ministry Honors (8 scholarships per academic year); Latino Ministry Honors (8 scholarships per academic year); and Pastoral Ministry Honors (20 scholarships per academic year).


New Incoming First Year Scholarship: First year, first time students attending the Seminary may apply for a $2,500 scholarship before beginning their first year at the Seminary. Applicants must complete and submit an Application for Financial Aid to the Financial Aid Office and complete a FAFSA to be considered for this scholarship. (This scholarship is available as funds permit). Students must be enrolled full time (9 credit hours or more) during the regular fall or spring semester to be eligible for this scholarship.


Church of God Graduate Scholarship: Church of God members who have graduated the previous academic year from a Church of God college or university, with a minimum GPA of 2.5, may apply for this $2,000 scholarship during their first year at the Seminary. Applicants must complete an Application for Financial Aid to the Financial Aid Office and complete a FAFSA to be considered for this grant. Students must be enrolled full time (9 credit hours or more) during the regular fall or spring semester to be eligible for this scholarship. (This need-based scholarship is available as funds permit).


Endowed Scholarships: Endowed scholarship funds have been established at the Seminary by many contributors. The endowment amount available for scholarships varies according to the size of the endowment. Eligibility varies according to scholarship criteria. Applicants must complete and submit an Application for Financial Aid to the Financial Aid Office and complete a FAFSA to be considered for endowed scholarships. Students must be enrolled full time (9 credit hours or more) during the regular fall or spring semester to be eligible for this scholarship. (This is a need-based scholarship available as funds permit).

Presidential Scholarship: A student approaching the nonacademic year and who has shown outstanding academic and spiritual progress is selected by the Seminary President to receive the Presidential Scholarship. This scholarship covers up to $5,000 of tuition cost. Applicants wishing to be considered for this scholarship must be enrolled full-time (9 credit hours or more); must complete and submit an Application for Financial Aid to the Financial Aid Office; and complete a FAFSA. (This scholarship is available as funds permit.)


Care Ministry Scholarship Program: Ministers employed as full time staff at a church may apply for the Care Ministry Scholarship. If awarded this scholarship, the recipient will receive a need-based award and must be enrolled at least 8 credit hours per academic year (July 1 - June 30). Applicants must complete and submit to the Financial Aid Office an Application for Financial Aid and a Care Ministry Scholarship Form. See the Care Ministry Scholarship terms and conditions in Populi system under forms or obtain through the PTS Financial Aid Office. They must also complete a FAFSA to be considered for this scholarship. (This need-based scholarship is available as funds permit).


Larry and Helen Owens Chaplaincy Scholarship: Applicants must be enrolled as full-time students in programs of study for the ministry with plans for chaplaincy. Major consideration will be given to past and potential academic performance and to the financial need of applicants. Two scholarships of up to $2,000 will be granted. Applicants must complete and submit an Application for Financial Aid to the Financial Aid Office and complete a FAFSA to be considered for the scholarship. Students must be enrolled full time (9 credit hours or more) during the regular fall or spring semester to be eligible for this scholarship.


MASTER DEGREE PROGRAM TUITION ASSISTANCE SCHOLARSHIPS


The following tuition assistance scholarships are available for the Pentecostal Theological Seminary resident or extension students. One scholarship per semester per student will be granted. Applicants must be in good financial standing with the Seminary and must submit an Application for Financial Aid and FAFSA to the Financial Aid Office by the April 15 deadline. These scholarships cannot be used in conjunction with any other PTS scholarship. All tuition scholarships are based on financial need and may be applied to resident, extension, and online programs.


Student Spouse: A spouse of a full-time student (9 or more credit hours per full-time semester) may apply for a 50% scholarship (up to 6 credit hours per semester). The scholarship will be applied to the spouse enrolled in the lesser number of classes.


College Seniors: College seniors in the final semester of their undergraduate degree may apply for a 100% tuition scholarship toward their first resident or extension course taken at the Seminary, and a 25% scholarship on each subsequent course (up to 9 credit hours) while concurrently enrolled. (Total credit hours enrolled at both institutions cannot exceed 16 credit hours.) This scholarship covers tuition only. The student is responsible for fees.


Pentecostal Theological Seminary Graduate Alumni: Seminary graduate alumni are eligible for one free audit course or 50% off one for-credit course per academic year in the resident program or at any distance learning site participating in the alumni scholarship program. Scholarships are applied toward tuition only. The student is responsible for fees.

State Overseers: Full-time Church of God State Administrative Bishops may apply for one free course per academic year. Scholarships are applied towards tuition only. The student is responsible for fees.


Mission America Fund: A Senior Pastor and/or spouse can receive sponsorship for Seminary tuition. The contributing church may receive World Missions sponsorship credit for monies designated to the senior pastor/spouse who is attending the Seminary. Churches sending funds to the Seminary Business Office should designate Mission America Project #8000023 "Pentecostal Training" and indicate the name of the senior pastor/spouse to be funded.


MASTER DEGREE PROGRAM INSTITUTIONAL GRANTS AND LOANS


Black American and Hispanic Student Loan: This ethnic loan program is limited to $4,500 for tuition per academic year and may be awarded to up to six students. These funds are part of the Home Missions Loan Program and must be repaid with service to the Church of God in an approved ministry area (service payback) or paid back with interest as a loan (loan payback). (See Home Missions Loan program guidelines below). Applicants must be enrolled as a full-time student (9 credit hours or more); must complete and submit an Application for Financial Aid to the Financial Aid Office; and complete a FAFSA to be considered for this scholarship (available as funds permit).


Home Missions Loan: This Seminary sponsored tuition loan is limited to $4,200 per academic year for ministerial student candidates who are interested in and willing to serve as pastor, associate pastor, church planter or other approved positions in the following regions in the United States:


• Home mission states

• Urban mission

• Latino mission

• Black mission


An applicant for the Home Missions Loan must be a member of the Church of God who desires to prepare for full-time Christian ministry. The applicant must hold ministerial credentials with the Church of God, be in the process of securing such credentials, or commit to begin the process during that term. In the latter case, the recipient shall report to the Financial Aid Office the date on which the ministerial application is submitted.


This loan program is designed to allow the Seminary to partner with those students who feel called to minister in areas where the Church of God wants to strengthen ministry efforts. The Home Missions Loan program provides an exible remuneration policy. A recipient of this loan must be a full-time student, have a minimum GPA of 2.0, and must have completed 24 hours at the Pentecostal Theological Seminary to be eligible for this loan. Applicants may apply by submitting a Home Mission Loan application, letter of intent, and Financial Aid application to the Financial Aid Office by the priority deadline.


Service payback: The loan can be paid back in service. One year of service in an approved area pays back one year of financial aid. The student can pay the entire loan back in service if desired. In order to be eligible for the service payback option the student must have graduated from the Seminary and received ministerial credentials in the Church of God.

Loan payback: If a student fails to comply with the terms of the Home Mission loan criteria, the service payback option is cancelled and the loan shall be subject to an eight percent (8%) annual interest rate and shall be repaid in installments. The maximum length of time for repayment shall be five (5) years and the minimum monthly payment shall be $50. The first payment is due on the first day of the seventh (7th) month after graduation or termination of studies.


WORK-STUDY PROGRAM


The Federal Work-Study program (FWS) is subsidized by federal funds and provides employment for US citizens and permanent residents to aid in furthering their education. The student must demonstrate financial need, as indicated by FAFSA/SAR findings, to be eligible for FWS. The amount awarded depends on financial need calculated and availability of federal funds granted to PTS. The participant works an average of 10 hours per week at the current established rate. (The PTS Business Office maintains the current rate.) Students receiving FWS funds are assigned jobs on the basis of the needs of the Seminary and the abilities and skills of the student applicant.


The Seminary's Graduate Assistant/Federal Work-Study assignment process is as follows:


VETERANS BENEFITS

The Seminary is approved for the training of veterans and other eligible persons under the terms of the veterans education benefits. Veterans may apply for benefits or learn more by going to the Office of Veterans Administration (www.gibill.va.gov). The Financial Aid Office will help qualified applicants file the proper forms to apply for these benefits. For more information, email rsluder@ptseminary.edu or call 423-478-7727.


POST 9/11 BILL


Veterans serving after September 11, 2001 may apply for the Post 9/11 bill. Students approved for these benefits are eligible for funding up to $21,084.89 based on VA approval and eligibility criteria and percentage of benefits as approved by the Veteran's Administration. Students should logon to www.gibill.va.gov to apply for Post 9/11 GI Bill approval or read more about other VA programs. Once approved, students should submit a copy of the Post 9/11 GI Bill certificate of eligibility to the Financial Aid Office along with an Application for Financial Aid. Application entry dates are based on the date the certificate of eligibility is submitted to the Financial Aid Office). For more information, logon to the VA website at www.gibill.va.gov or call 1-888-442-4551.

FEDERAL STUDENT LOANS


The Federal Direct Student Loan Program: Under this program, students (Masters and DMIN) may borrow funds from the Department of Education. The amount that a student may borrow cannot exceed the student’s financial need. The maximum annual amount a student is eligible to borrow is $20,500 in unsubsidized loans (per Department of Education). Students must be registered at least half-time for federal loans (6 credit hours for fall and spring terms or 3 credit hours during summer J terms). The origination and guarantee fees for the loan must be paid by the student and normally will be deducted from the loan before it is disbursed. The current rate is a 6.21 fixed rate. Interest begins accruing at the time of disbursement. Repayment of the loan begins six (6) months after the student graduates, withdraws from school, or drops below half time enrollment.


To apply for any federal loan, students are required to submit a FAFSA (www.fafsa.ed.gov), Entrance Counseling (student loans), Master Promissory Note (MPN; www.studentloans.gov), and any other required documents for verification. Students may request more about steps to apply at finaid@ptseminary.edu.


The Direct Graduate Plus Loan Program: Under this program, students may borrow from the Department of Education, if approved, based on a their credit history. The maximum annual amount may not exceed the cost of attendance minus other estimated financial assistance. The origination fee for the loan must be paid by the student and will be deducted from the loan before the loan is disbursed to the school. Interest begins at the time of disbursement. Students must be enrolled, accepted, and taking 6 credit hours (half-time enrollment) or more to meet eligibility requirements. Repayment of the loan begins after the student graduates, withdraws or drops below half-time enrollment.


Private Student Loans: Students may request a private student loan with the lender of his or her choice. Students must meet loan eligibility requirements and be approved by the lender. Please see the Financial Aid Office for details.


STUDENT LOAN DEFERMENTS


Each semester, enrolled students may request that repayment of loans be postponed by submitting an In-School Loan Deferment Request to each lender. The Registrar's Office will verify on the form the student's current enrollment. Students may acquire a loan deferment request form from their loan service(s). Deferments are granted for students taking 6 hours or more per semester. The student is responsible for retrieving the completed deferment from the Registrar's Office and mailing or faxing it to his or her loan service(s).


EMERGENCY STUDENT LOANS


The Mary Nell Winters Revolving Loan Fund: This is a revolving loan fund, set up and endowed by Mr. and Mrs. Dan Winters of Winter Haven, Florida, to help students in times of emergencies. Loans are made for ninety (90) days to provide assistance in unforeseen emergencies and must have a cosigner. Loan application, processing, and disbursement are coordinated in the Financial Aid Office. A small application fee is charged for this loan. The student must be enrolled at Pentecostal Theological Seminary during the semester the student is requesting the loan.


The Jerry and Pat Dixon Emergency Loan/Grant Endowment: This is a revolving loan/grant fund designed to help students in times of emergencies. The student can receive a grant up to $100 each year, with a maximum lifetime amount of $400. Recipients are encouraged to honor the fund with a gift once they are financially able. Students can also receive up to $300 in loan funds. Applicants for the emergency loan/grant fund must demonstrate need, be morally fit, and be enrolled as full-time students. Students can apply for this loan/grant through the Financial Aid Office. A small application fee will be charged for this loan. The student must be enrolled at Pentecostal Theological Seminary during the semester the student is requesting the loan.

To view information on how Satisfactory Academic Progress affects Financial Aid, please click here.