How to afford Columbia Theological Seminary
Answer your call without the burden of student debt
Columbia Theological Seminary offers generous institutional financial aid, though we understand that there are additional factors for you to consider. The cost of attending will vary depending on several aspects such as degree program, full-time or part-time study, academic excellence, and leadership potential.
As a matter of theological conviction, Columbia tries to cover as many educational costs as possible for the greatest number of students. All those admitted to the MDiv, MAPT, Dual MDiv/MAPT, MA(TS), or ThM programs who are enrolled full-time (9 credits or more per semester) receive 100% tuition coverage. In addition, those who apply by January 15th are eligible to be considered for our merit scholarships, which provide additional funding. This additional funding may contribute to housing costs, a food allowance, or personal expenses.
Those planning to enroll part-time in masters or doctoral programs are still eligible to receive financial support through our Working Scholars Program.
For information on Financial Aid, please contact financialaid@ctsnet.edu.
Those who apply to our MDiv, MAPT, Dual MDiv/MAPT, MA(TS), or ThM programs by the January 15th deadline and are admitted become eligible for our merit scholarships. These individuals demonstrate academic excellence, spiritual maturity, and a strong promise for leadership in the seminary, the church, and the world. Merit scholarship recipients are selected through the admissions process, and awards are renewable based on the candidate maintaining full-time enrollment and satisfactory grade point averages.
Presidential Scholarship
The largest and most prestigious award offered to first-level master’s degree students. This scholarship includes: full tuition, housing, a food allowance, and an annual stipend.
Columbia Scholarship
The second largest award offered to first-level master’s degree students. This scholarship includes: full tuition, housing, and a food allowance.
William Thomas Catto Scholarship
Named for the first Black student to enroll at Columbia, this award is rooted in our commitment to the flourishing of Black students at the seminary and beyond. This scholarship includes: full tuition and fees.
Promise for Ministry Scholarship
Given to PC(USA) students who posses a deep commitment to the life and future of the PC(USA). This scholarship covers the full cost of tuition.
Community Scholarship
Offered to master’s degree students who plan to serve the broader community. This scholarship covers the full cost of tuition.
For more information on scholarship eligibility and requirements, please contact financialaid@ctsnet.edu.
Try our cost calculator to estimate your annual expenses
Please note that this is only an estimate based on costs for the current academic year. Total expenses will also vary based on institutional scholarships, external awards, and the completion of the FAFSA.
Tuition and fees listed are for the 2025-26 academic year and are subject to change annually. These costs represent only a portion of the cost of theological education, and much of it is met through gifts from individuals and churches and by endowment income. Other services to the student are also provided on a subsidized basis.
More information about 2025-26 tuition and fees can be found here.
See our Refund Policy.
©2023 Columbia Theological Seminary
Popular Topics