Wake Forest University School of Divinity

Wake Forest University School of Divinity School has a generous financial aid program. Awards are made to degree-seeking students based upon merit and need. Scholarships are awarded through the School of Divinity and range from full tuition and a stipend to one-third tuition. A typical financial aid package includes scholarships or grants, federal student loans, and federal work-study employment.

No additional application is required to be considered for scholarships or grants awarded by the School of Divinity. Candidates are encouraged to apply by the priority deadline of February 1, 2012 for full consideration for financial aid.

Fellowships

Samuel and Sarah Wait Graduate Fellowship

The Samuel and Sarah Wait Graduate Fellowship in Theology and Ministry is the most selective and comprehensive of the School of Divinity’s merit awards. It is named for the University’s principal founders and is awarded to entering students who demonstrate strong potential for graduate-level work and exceptional promise for Christian ministry. Generally two Wait Fellowships are awarded each year to applicants with an undergraduate GPA of 3.6 or higher. In addition to covering the costs of tuition, the Wait Fellowship provides a $10,000 stipend to assist with living expenses.

Ed and Jean Christman Fellowship

The Ed and Jean Christman Fellowships cover the cost of tuition and are renewable for up to three academic years. Applicants must demonstrate an outstanding promise for ministry and excellent preparation for graduate-level studies. Three to five Christman Fellowships are awarded each year to applicants with an undergraduate GPA of 3.3 or higher. In addition to covering the costs of tuition, the Christman Fellowship provides a $5,000 stipend to assist with living expenses.

Merit Awards and Scholarships

The School of Divinity is committed to assisting students in meeting basic educational and living expenses while they are enrolled. Most students receive grants and scholarships to cover at least fifty percent of the cost of tuition. The average award is about 80% of tuition. Merit scholarships are granted to candidates who demonstrate in their application high academic achievement and outstanding promise for ministry. These scholarships are awarded only to full-time students enrolled in degree programs. Most are renewable for three years, but there is no automatic increase in amount awarded to compensate for increases in tuition and fees. Merit scholarships only cover tuition and fees, not living expenses. All candidates for admission are considered for these awards. Scholarships are funded by several endowed scholarships from generous donors.

Federal Aid

Need-based financial aid is granted by the Financial Aid Office of Wake Forest University. This includes state and federal loans, grants, and work-study. All students who are U.S. citizens and wish to be considered for scholarships and other financial aid must complete the FAFSA form. Students use their tax return from the previous year to complete the FAFSA. Divinity students are considered independent students on the FAFSA even if they are still claimed as dependents on their parents’ tax returns. Learn more about applying for financial aid as a graduate student at Wake Forest University.

Federal student loans pay directly to a student’s account immediately before the first day of class each semester. If a student’s grants, scholarships, and loans exceeded their WFU charges, then he or she is eligible for a refund from Student Billing to use for living expenses. Refund checks are prepared the week after classes begin. Please plan accordingly.

Federal Work Study positions are available in the School of Divinity for qualified students. Students may earn up to $3000 per year. Positions are posted the first week of classes. Students apply by contacting Jo Ann Trethaway in the School of Divinity.

Non-Institutional Aid

Many divinity students receive financial aid from other agencies, such as local churches, denominational offices, and foundations. Students need to apply for such funds directly to the agencies involved. The Fund for Theological Education offers a variety of fellowships and grants.

The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship offers financial aid through the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid to divinity students who are members of that body.

More Resources

Additional Aid Resources

Graduate Hall Director

Divinity students are invited to apply for Graduate Hall Director positions at Wake Forest University. Compensation includes a stipend and a one-bedroom efficient apartment. Learn more about becoming a Graduate Hall Director.

Job Listings and Internships

The Office of Admissions and Student Services provides job postings for part-time work in local churches and internship opportunities. Full-time students should not work more than twenty hours per week.

Useful Information on Borrowing

With the introduction of the Debt Ceiling Bill there have been changes to Graduate Student Financial Aid.

Elimination of the in-school loan interest subsidy for graduate and professional students on Federal Subsidized Loans. Amounts of loan eligibility will stay the same, but only unsubsidized loans will be offered for graduate students.
Elimination of Direct Loan repayment incentives (interest rate reduction for automatic payments, etc.)
Direct Lending. All federal student loans will originate through the Department of Education’s Direct Loan Program. Private lenders like SallieMae, College Foundation of NC, and Citibank will no longer administer federal Stafford and PLUS Loan programs.

Below you will find helpful links as you consider borrowing. You can view your loan history and calculate repayment options based on the amount you have borrowed (or will borrow), your income and family situation, and any additional repayment options that may interest you, such as graduated, extended, and income sensitive. For more information on borrowing, contact us.

Admissions

Residence Life & Housing