Financial Aid FAQ's
What is the cost of tuition?
For the school year 2008-2009, tuition is $15,500. (Note: this tuition fee for students is less than one third the actual cost to the university) With fees, books, living expenses, student health insurance, and loan fees, the estimated total cost of attendance is $37,218. This number can vary greatly depending on your employment status as a student, your living situation, and general lifestyle. For the latest financial aid information, see our financial aid link on our web site.
Do most students receive a scholarship?
Yes. Each year Candler gives over $4.4 million to its students in the form of scholarships and grants, with students bringing in an additional $1 million a year in outside funding. Candler scholarships range from full tuition, plus fees and stipend to 33 percent tuition.
Eligible MDiv students: 81 percent receive scholarships; average award = 78 percent of tuition
Eligible MTS students: 54 percent receive scholarships; average award = 66 percent of tuition
Eligible ThM students: 83 percent receive scholarships; average award = 46 percent of tuition
What are the top scholarships at Candler?
The top scholarship for MDiv students is the Robert W. Woodruff Fellowship in Theology and Ministry. Typically, we encourage applicants with a 3.5 cumulative grade point average or above to apply for the Woodruff Fellowship and other scholarships conveyed through Leadership Candler. The Woodruff award provides full tuition, fees, and a $10,000 a year stipend and the Pitts Scholarship provides full tuition, fees, and a $7,000 stipend. Other Leadership Candler awards provide full tuition. MTS students are eligible for a scholarship of up to full tuition, fees, and a $3000 a year stipend. International ThM applicants are eligible for a scholarship of up to 100 percent tuition; international ThD applicants may compete for one full-tuition international scholarship.
How do I apply for scholarships?
For most Candler scholarships, there is no separate application required for scholarship; your application for admission is your application for scholarship. All MTS and ThM scholarships are given based on the application for admission. For MDiv applicants, there are two groups of scholarships that require separate applications. For the Woodruff Fellowship and other awards conveyed through Leadership Candler, a separate application is required. Applicants must be admitted to the MDiv program by February 1, submit the Woodruff application form, the Woodruff essay, and the Woodruff nomination form and/or Pitts and other United Methodist scholarship applications by February 1. For United Methodist applicants who are not seeking participation in Leadership Candler, application materials for scholarship are due by March 1.Please see our scholarship link on our website. and/or the financial aid materials mailed to you for eligibility and application requirements for United Methodist scholarships and other awards. All students who wish to be considered for scholarship, need-based grants, and federal awards such as work-study must also file the FAFSA, CSS/PROFILE, and submit tax returns and W-2s to Emory by March 1.
If I receive a scholarship, will I have to reapply each year to continue to receive it?
No. Candler’s scholarship policy is that the scholarship money stays with you throughout your program. All Candler scholarships are guaranteed for the length of your enrollment at Candler so long as you maintain vocational, GPA, denominational, and enrollment requirements that may be stipulated for your award. Candler students do not need to re-compete or reapply for scholarships each year (though scholarship recipients should file the FAFSA, PROFILE, and tax forms each year).
How do I finance my education?
Typically, students’ financial aid packages are made up of a combination of a Candler Scholarship, scholarships from outside sources such as local churches, denominational bodies, and other organizations, as well as need-based aid such as grants, Federal Work-Study, and Federal Student Loans.. The Candler Office of Admissions and Financial Aid works in conjunction with the Emory University Office of Financial Aid to ensure that students are considered for as many financial aid opportunities as possible. Most Candler students also work part-time on or off campus to help cover expenses.
Are MTS and ThM students eligible for scholarships?
Yes. Most MTS and ThM students do receive Candler scholarships. MTS applicants are eligible for scholarships ranging from 33 percent tuition to 100 percent tuition, fees, plus $3000 stipend. ThM international students can receive scholarships ranging from 33 percent to 100 percent tuition. ThM students from the U.S. who are not graduates of Candler’s MDiv program may be eligible for Federal Work-Study and Loans as well as scholarships from outside organizations.
Are scholarships only for United Methodist students?
No. While some scholarships are denomination, conference, or vocation specific, most scholarships—including our top MDiv award, the Woodruff Fellowship—are open to all students.
Admissions Questions? Email us!
Financial Aid Questions? Email us!