lumpengrad

Just accepted my offer to YDS, MAR- History of Christianity with full tuition. So excited! I do, however, feel for people still feeling the sting from rejections. That was me last year- 9 rejections and no acceptances. It hurts and it is hard and it was a really long year. This is just to say that I'm very grateful for the offer from YDS. 

So, is it crazy to worry that funding packages could be revoked in the midst of a new Great Depression...? Or is that just paranoid me

This was such a helpful comment, thank you. And, congrats on the baby who is on the way! That's wonderful. I imagine you're thrilled. 
You've framed my question in a very helpful way, and one that gives me a sense of peace. As a philosophy undergrad, I tried to frame things in the way you've described (how will this degree help change -me-, and not simply my financial situation?), and it gave me peace in the face of financial uncertainty. No one in my family gave me a hard time over it because the plan for a while was law school, and while that seemed somewhat esoteric to many of them, they figured a philosophy degree seemed logical enough for that end. 
Now that I'm set on Div school, they've gotten a little more critical, and I think that's rubbed off on me too, and thus given me some anxiety. Keep in mind, I'm a first-gen student coming from rural America, so I can understand their concern over finances. 
I am very much interested in the personal growth the degree will offer, and how it'll put me closer toward working in education or a non-profit. Even if those careers don't pay super well. And truth be told, while the PhD --> university prof path is the way I've -thought- I want to go, I certainly -feel- I'd much rather get my MDiv and begin teaching at a classical academy, or Catholic school. I think getting the MDiv will help me wrestle with that conflict. I'm rambling a bit now. In more relevant news: I think I've decided on YDS! Part of the reason is because it isn't as... I guess you might say post-christian as HDS? So while it might not be as conservative as I am, I think it'll both challenge and nurture me in the ways I specifically need. Plus, I'm deeply interested in the post-liberal Christian theology that got started there (my undergrad education basically centered around post-liberal economics! Thrilled to work with Kathryn Tanner. Ah!). I've considered Duke for similar reasons, but they didn't offer as nice a financial aid package, though I was smitten with Duke's campus when I visited last October. Thankfully, Yale is gorgeous too.
Anyway, I'm rambling again. Thank you for taking the time to share your opinion and give a stranger a good reminder and some peace about such a big decision.

Just received an acceptance to the phd at UChicago! I'm history of Christianity, and received an email to check the portal this evening. I was at a movie theater when I got the notification, and decided to wait until the movie was over to log in to the portal because I was expecting a rejection. I'm still in shock! 

Just received an acceptance to the phd at UChicago! I'm history of Christianity, and received an email to check the portal this evening. I was at a movie theater when I got the notification, and decided to wait until the movie was over to log in to the portal because I was expecting a rejection. I'm still in shock! 

Just received an acceptance to the phd at UChicago! I'm history of Christianity, and received an email to check the portal this evening. I was at a movie theater when I got the notification, and decided to wait until the movie was over to log in to the portal because I was expecting a rejection. I'm still in shock! 

Just received an acceptance to the phd at UChicago! I'm history of Christianity, and received an email to check the portal this evening. I was at a movie theater when I got the notification, and decided to wait until the movie was over to log in to the portal because I was expecting a rejection. I'm still in shock! 

Just received an acceptance to the phd at UChicago! I'm history of Christianity, and received an email to check the portal this evening. I was at a movie theater when I got the notification, and decided to wait until the movie was over to log in to the portal because I was expecting a rejection. I'm still in shock! 

Just received an acceptance to the phd at UChicago! I'm history of Christianity, and received an email to check the portal this evening. I was at a movie theater when I got the notification, and decided to wait until the movie was over to log in to the portal because I was expecting a rejection. I'm still in shock! 

congrats, @lumpengrad! post it on the results page and break up that sea of red

Just received an acceptance to the phd at UChicago! I'm history of Christianity, and received an email to check the portal this evening. I was at a movie theater when I got the notification, and decided to wait until the movie was over to log in to the portal because I was expecting a rejection. I'm still in shock! 

Just received an acceptance to the phd at UChicago! I'm history of Christianity, and received an email to check the portal this evening. I was at a movie theater when I got the notification, and decided to wait until the movie was over to log in to the portal because I was expecting a rejection. I'm still in shock! 

Just received an acceptance to the phd at UChicago! I'm history of Christianity, and received an email to check the portal this evening. I was at a movie theater when I got the notification, and decided to wait until the movie was over to log in to the portal because I was expecting a rejection. I'm still in shock! 

Got the call this morning from BUSTH and was accepted to the PhD program (History & Hermeneutics)! And my friend in theology & ethics got in, as well! An offer is to come later via email and details to come via post. 
I cried happy tears and I'm still in disbelief! 

Just reactivated my old Gradcafe account to share this information.
My dearest friend is a phd student at Harvard’s religion program and he has just sent me a message saying that the official offers of admission WILL NOT be sent out today (unlike 2019). 
He said the reviewing process at Harvard(religion) has been quite slow this year and the adcom finally recommended their finalists for admission to the Graduate School only few days ago- which he said his friend working for Harvard’s GSAS confirmed as well. It may take up to a week for the Graduate School to release official decisions. He mentioned that everyone may receive a notification of acceptance or rejection either next Wednesday or Thursday at the earliest.
I hope this information will help you to relieve any anxiety you have been feeling about Harvard decision and to have a less-anxious Valentine’s day. 
Good luck folks!