Scholarships, Grants, and Loans
This information is for students matriculating in the 2012–2013 academic year and following.
Based on the degree or certificate that I am pursuing, for what kind of aid might I be eligible?
*See below for specific eligibility requirements and application forms.
Please note: To be considered for all types of aid, except academic scholarships and the Church Matching Grant, it is required that you complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). It can be completed online; you will need a PIN to sign your form electronically.
Scholarships
Academic Scholarships
For degree-seeking students, the following academic scholarships are automatically awarded shortly after admission. These scholarships cannot be combined with a Presidential Scholarship.
- Nyvall Scholarship: Students with a college GPA of 3.7 are eligible for a 30% tuition discount.
- Lund Scholarship: Students with a college GPA of 3.3 are eligible for a 20% tuition discount.
Covenant Presidential Scholarships
Presidential Scholarships are offered by North Park Theological Seminary for the purpose of helping selected degree-seeking students prepare for vocational ministry in the Evangelical Covenant Church (ECC). These awards are intended to help full- and part-time students pursue and complete studies at the denominational seminary of the ECC as quickly as possible while reducing the need for student debt.
Presidential Scholarships vary in amount, and the most generous awards are only offered to full-time students at the Chicago campus.
Call or intention to serve in vocational ministry through the ECC, previous academic record, references, and other criteria will be reviewed in addition to the scholarship application. For more information or to apply, please review the special Presidential Scholarship application. Presidential Scholarships are funded by donors to the Seminary Annual Scholarship Fund.
Mosaic Leadership Scholarship
Mosaic Leadership Scholarships are designed to support leaders, with multicultural or multi-ethnic backgrounds, who desire to become further equipped through theological education in order to strengthen the mosaic tapestry of the church. These awards recognize men and women who have demonstrated, through previous leadership, the potential for significantly expanded and more effective work and ministry in the church and/or society.
The Mosaic Leadership Scholarship may be awarded alongside the Nyvall or Lund Scholarship, some Presidential Scholarships, and/or need-based grants. For more information or to apply, please review the special Mosaic Leadership Scholarship application.
Grants
North Park Need-based Grants
Limited need-based grants may be available after submission of the FAFSA (domestic students) or the International Student Financial Resources Form (international students).
Church Matching Grant
Many churches offer both prayer and financial support to men and women who emerge within the ministry of the local church and have an initial sense of call into ministry. All degree or certificate students may take advantage of this program.
Through the Church Matching Grant program, North Park will match a gift from a home church up to $500 per semester ($1,500 per academic year over three semesters). We offer resources to help you approach your home church to ask for their partnership through prayer and financial support.
Ministry Partner Grants
Full time employees of partner organizations may be eligible for specific grants or scholarships. Current Ministry Partner organizations are:
Contact the Office of Seminary Admission for details regarding any of these partnerships. A letter of confirmation from the respective ministry partner may be required.
Federal Student Loans
Domestic degree-seeking seminary students are eligible to apply for federal student loans. Federal rules require enrollment in at least 4 hours of credit for each semester in which borrowing takes place. Students enrolled in certificate programs, including the Spiritual Direction or Urban Ministry certificates, are not eligible for federal loans.
North Park counsels students to minimize student borrowing and debt. More information about student borrowing is available here.
Other Ways to Fund Your Education
Campus Employment: Residential Seminary students are eligible to apply for campus jobs, including both full- and part-time jobs in the Seminary or across the University campus.
Off-campus Employment: Seminary students often find part time work in Chicago-area churches or organizations. A job opportunity posting board is maintained in Nyvall Hall.
Costs Not Covered by Scholarships or Grants
Students are responsible for other fees beyond the hourly tuition rate. These can include:
- Community services fee
- Field Education costs
- CPE tuition
- Housing
- Books
- Insurance
- Other routine fees that may be charged (i.e. course add fees)
- Required psychological testing fees
The financial aid letter issued to you by North Park applies only to regular tuition charges, not to other costs.