Financial Aid FAQ
What is the cost of tuition?
For the school year 2011-2012, tuition is $17,900. (Note: this tuition fee for students is less than one-third of the actual cost to the university.) With fees, books, living expenses, student health insurance, and loan fees, the estimated total cost of attendance is $42,034. 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 the financial aid section of this website.
Do most students receive a scholarship?
Yes. Each year Candler gives in the neighborhood of $5 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 are available in a range, with the top scholarships covering full tuition and fees, plus a stipend of up to $10,000 per year.
Eligible Master of Divinity (MDiv) students: 86 percent receive scholarships
Eligible Master of Theological Studies (MTS) students: 76 percent receive scholarships
Eligible Master of Theology (ThM) students: 33 percent receive scholarships
What are the top scholarships at Candler?
The top scholarship for Master of Divinity (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 annual stipend, and the Pitts Scholarship provides full tuition, fees, and a $7,000 stipend. Other Leadership Candler awards provide full tuition. Master of Theological Studies (MTS) students are eligible for a scholarship of up to full tuition, fees, and a $3000 per year stipend. International Master of Theology (ThM) applicants are eligible for a scholarship of up to full percent tuition; three types of scholarships are available to Doctor of Theology (ThD) students.
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 Master of Theological Studies (MTS) and Master of Theology (ThM) scholarships are given based on the application for admission. For Master of Divinity (MDiv) applicants, there are two groups of scholarships that require separate applications. For the Woodruff Fellowship and other awards conveyed through Leadership Candler, the Candler Scholarship Application is required. Applicants must submit the application for admission and all supporting materials and submit the Leadership Candler supplement and essay by January 15. United Methodist applicants, whether applying for Leadership Candler or not, should submit the Candler United Methodist Scholarship supplement, essay(s) and District Superintendent Certification Form no later than 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, and/or federal loans must also file the FAFSA by March 1 using Emory's school code of 001564.
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 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 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 Master of Theological Studies (MTS) and Master of Theology (ThM) students eligible for scholarships?
Yes. Many Master of Theological Studies (MTS) and Master of Theology (ThM) students do receive Candler scholarships. MTS applicants are eligible for scholarships ranging from $3,500 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 Student 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 Master of Divinity (MDiv) award, the Woodruff Fellowship—are open to all students.