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| Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg has a substantial and growing scholarship endowment corpus. This endowment corpus contributes funds for financial aid to qualified women and men during their theological education at Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg. There are many components in the building of a financial aid package for theological education including gifts from congregations or synods, expected family contribution, aid from LTSG scholarships and possible loans. |
Seminary Weekend is one of the best times to talk to someone face to face about financial aid.
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The Process of Seeking Financial Aid
The two key components in obtaining a financial aid package each academic year are the seminary’s “Application for Financial Aid ” and the federal government's "Free Application for Federal Student Aid" (FAFSA) www.fafsa.ed.gov. Our school FAFSA code is G03291. An interview with the Financial Aid Director is encouraged. More information is available in the Financial Aid Handbook. Master of Sacred Theology (STM) students should also review the important information specific to their program.
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In addition to ELCA support, congregations, synods, seminary scholarships and grants, loans and employment all work together to make a seminary education viable. |
HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED TO DO:
Step 1: Get Admitted through the LTSG Admissions Office.
Step 2: Complete the FAFSA at www.fafsa.ed.gov. It's simple!
Step 3: Complete the LTSG In-house Financial Aid Application
Once these steps are complete, you will receive a Financial Aid Award Package with further details of how to borrow loans and ensure that the awarded scholarships are credited to your student account.
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Seminary Scholarships
Scholarships administered by the seminary are of two kinds: (1) Merit-based scholarships, based on previous academic performance and/or leadership promise, and (2) post-M.Div. scholarships for graduates of LTSG who wish to pursue doctoral studies.
Merit-based scholarships are awarded annually to full-time first-year students who submit applications by the February 15th deadline. They are based on demonstrated academic and/or leadership excellence. Selections are based upon information gathered in the admission process.
In a typical year 90% or more of LTSG students are scholarship recipients from funds directly administered by the Seminary. In special circumstances additional grants may be made.
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In 2010-2011, full-time students received an average of 45% of their tuition in LTSG scholarships.
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Financial Wellness
We are concerned about the financial wellness of our students. To help in this struggle we offer a free financial coaching program to students (and spouses). A student can be matched with a financial coach who can help with both personal and call-related financial matters and provide resourses and tools to help you along the way. If you wish to sign up for this program, simply complete the student contract and see a copy of the Financial Coaching Handbook for Students.
If you are a coach, you may see a copy of the Handbook for Financial Coaches here.
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Congregation Financial Aid
According to ELCA candidacy guidelines, ELCA congregations are encouraged to support their members who are preparing for ordained, commissioned, or consecrated ministries in the church. This support may cover tuition, fees, room and board, books and other personal/family expenses, or portions thereof. However, the cost of attendance is presently estimated to be in excess of $35,000. Greater housing, food and miscellaneous living expenses drive the total cost even higher for students with families. The form, Congregational Support, available in the candidate’s congregational packet, should be completed by each congregation that has an enrolled candidate at the seminary and sent to the synod office with a copy to the seminary’s financial aid office.
Synod Financial Aid
ELCA policy encourages synod support of endorsed candidates for ministry. Normally, synod funds for student aid are sent to the seminary with instructions. Not all ELCA synods provide funds to students and the amounts vary considerably. The student should initiate inquiries with the synod before applying to the seminary to determine the anticipated level of synod aid.
Federal Stafford Loan Program
The Federal Stafford Loan Program is available to any student in a Degree Seeking Program enrolled with at least 6 credits (half-time). Beginning July 1, 2012, as part of the Budget Control Act of 2011, all graduate and professional loans originated will be unsubsidized loans, carrying an immediate 6.8% interest rate. Students may be eligible to borrow the maximum amount of $20,500, but are reminded that if the total amount is taken, that will be an additional $1,400 in interest added to the loan. The "Free Application for Federal Student Aid" (FAFSA) is an essential element of the Stafford loan application process.
The seminary cautions students about excessive reliance on loans which must be repaid starting shortly after graduation at a time when other financial obligations and low starting salaries limit one’s resources. Loans should be considered after other sources of aid have been explored. Students, however, are responsible for these decisions.
If you're interested in Direct Loan Consolidation, you can download a copy of the application and promissory note by clicking here. You can also view my powerpoint presentation regarding Direct Loan Consolidation by clicking here.
The Daniel Alexander Payne Scholarship
As an expression of its commitment to cultural diversity, the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg has established the Daniel Alexander Payne Scholarship to encourage non-white, primary language other than English students to enroll on the Gettysburg campus or through the Washington Theological Consortium. Students must file the completed LTSG Application for Financial Aid in order to verify financial need.
Community Work
Skilled and unskilled employment is available in greater Adams County through private and public employers. The seminary posts “Help Wanted” ads and may know of special skills in demand. Ultimately, the student who seeks part-time, off-campus work makes his/her own applications. See “Yellow Pages” or “Blue Pages” in the local telephone book for job service agencies in the county. Fifty-two percent of Adams County wage earners work outside county limits. Students or spouses seeking off-campus work, therefore, should not eliminate job opportunities outside Gettysburg within reasonable commuting distances
Code of Conduct
To view the Financial Aid Code of Conduct click here.