PTS MDiv funding

[mamastudent]

I applied late to PTS MDiv (got in just under their REAL cut off) and was wondering what folks have heard about funding. I know it's usually very generous but I wasn't sure how the recession has affected what they are able to offer.

And while we're on the subject, any mommy's with babes working towards the MDiv at PTS want to chime in on their experience? I'm feeling a bit of cold feet all the sudden....

[thisistheyear]

I applied late to PTS MDiv (got in just under their REAL cut off) and was wondering what folks have heard about funding. I know it's usually very generous but I wasn't sure how the recession has affected what they are able to offer.

And while we're on the subject, any mommy's with babes working towards the MDiv at PTS want to chime in on their experience? I'm feeling a bit of cold feet all the sudden....

I think with their MDiv they've always been able to offer full tuition at least. I haven't heard differently, but I graduated from there a little while ago though. In terms of moms, the friends I had did feel some strain at times but were always able to find good support from the community in general. I think when a seminary is residential that makes a big difference with the support system. There is a well-established Women's Center, and in general, some nice opportunities for connection. There's a couple of admins who are really accessible, too.

It's a great place, I loved every second of it.

[gnlamp]

I think with their MDiv they've always been able to offer full tuition at least. I haven't heard differently, but I graduated from there a little while ago though. In terms of moms, the friends I had did feel some strain at times but were always able to find good support from the community in general. I think when a seminary is residential that makes a big difference with the support system. There is a well-established Women's Center, and in general, some nice opportunities for connection. There's a couple of admins who are really accessible, too.

It's a great place, I loved every second of it.

I graduated fewer than 5 years ago and know that it is certainly NOT the case that PTS offers most MDiv students full tuition at least, as implied above. With a few highly selective exceptions (merit scholarships and the like) that do offer tuition + stipend, almost all MDiv tuition grants are need-based and adjusted every year. More than a few of us received full-tuition grants our first year in the MDiv program only to see the grants decline steadily in each successive year. And if a partner/spouse works, it can be hard to demonstrate need given the relatively high wages paid in NJ, despite the fact that cost-of-living is so high. So just because one is offered a free ride going in does not mean that ride will continue once they've got you in the door, unless it is so stated in your offer letter. Also, some have suggested that the PTS president (installed 2004) wants to see tuition grants to non-Presbyterians reduced even further.

All that being said, even if one is only awarded a meager grant, PTS's tuition is still insanely cheap ($10K or so per year) compared to its perceived peer institutions.

FYI...

[thisistheyear]

I graduated fewer than 5 years ago and know that it is certainly NOT the case that PTS offers most MDiv students full tuition at least, as implied above. With a few highly selective exceptions (merit scholarships and the like) that do offer tuition + stipend, almost all MDiv tuition grants are need-based and adjusted every year. More than a few of us received full-tuition grants our first year in the MDiv program only to see the grants decline steadily in each successive year. And if a partner/spouse works, it can be hard to demonstrate need given the relatively high wages paid in NJ, despite the fact that cost-of-living is so high. So just because one is offered a free ride going in does not mean that ride will continue once they've got you in the door, unless it is so stated in your offer letter. Also, some have suggested that the PTS president (installed 2004) wants to see tuition grants to non-Presbyterians reduced even further.

All that being said, even if one is only awarded a meager grant, PTS's tuition is still insanely cheap ($10K or so per year) compared to its perceived peer institutions.

FYI...

I graduated a while ago, early 2000's so I'm sure that it has adjusted over the years, but I know a few of the administrators very well, and they are always willing to help find financial assistance. It is definitely by far the cheapest tuition especially compared to programs of the same caliber. Yes, it does help to be Presbyterian.

[grammercie]

gnlamp is correct. I graduated last year. 100% tuition grants are not always the case, it depends a lot on your financial situation. Most spouses work--and are expected to unless you have preschool age children.

But thisistheyear is also correct that tuition is insanely cheap compared to most other places at $10,000/yr. Family housing is also insanely cheap compared to the surrounding area.

Also, look into New Jersey Family Care for health insurance. In NJ, if you make below a certain threshold, the state will cover children and their parents. Friends who have been on it say its great, and the premiums & co-pays are either extremely low or non-existent. That can save a lot for families on one income.