Financial Aid FAQ

We sure do, and a lot of them! In 2021-22, Candler awarded $6.9 million in scholarships to its students. And here’s a helpful note about lingo: As we talk with students about financial aid, sometimes we say “Candler scholarship” and sometimes we just say “scholarship” to refer to aid that comes from the school itself. If it were a scholarship awarded by a group outside of Candler, we would call that an “external scholarship”—and Candler students got about $1 million of those last year in addition to the $6.9 million of Candler-based aid!

There’s a good chance you are! Scholarships are available for all degrees except the Master of Religion and Public Life program. While some scholarships are based on denomination, affiliation with a particular United Methodist annual conference, or vocational intent, most scholarships are open to all students. All scholarships are awarded based on merit and availability of funds.

Good news: Your application for admission doubles as your application for scholarships. Top scholarships are competitive, so give yourself the best shot possible by submitting your admission application by your chosen degree program’s priority deadline. Applications are reviewed for scholarships up to the final deadline for each degree program or until funds are no longer available.

Yes. If you’re a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form to be considered for a Candler scholarship or federal aid. And you have to fill out the form every year to continue receiving aid. Emory’s FAFSA code is 001564.

Yes! 95% of all degree-seeking students receive a Candler scholarship, and 100% of Master of Divinity students do.

Scholarship offers are made after the priority admission application deadline and continue on a rolling basis until the final application deadline. Those who apply by the priority deadline will be notified no later than March 31.

Heavens no! Unlike some schools, at Candler your scholarship is yours for the duration of your degree program as long as you maintain the vocational, GPA, denominational, and enrollment requirements for your award. However, you will need to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year.

Because we’re committed to guaranteeing your scholarship for the length of your degree program, we only offer scholarships at the beginning of your time at Candler. But fear not! Because we’re also committed to making theological education affordable, we help students pursue external scholarship opportunities and employment options, increase their financial literacy, and find ways to maximize your student budget.

Candler’s tuition and fees are comparable to peer institutions in theological education, and living expenses vary based on individual circumstances. See our cost of attendance page for details.

Typically, students’ financial support is made up of a combination of 1) a Candler scholarship; 2) grants or scholarships from outside sources, including churches, annual conferences and community organizations; 3) federal student loans; and 4) on- or off-campus employment. We work with you to ensure that no stone is left unturned in our effort to help you graduate debt-free.

Qualified students secure work as research assistants for Candler faculty, in program offices or Pitts Theology Library, or in one of hundreds of jobs elsewhere on Emory’s campus. Students interested in working as a Graduate Resident Assistant at Emory University should apply through the Office of Residence Life. See our employment opportunities page for additional information.