Scholarships, Fellowships, Etc?

[Seatbelt Blue]

How the hell are all of you paying for school? One of the main reasons -- not *the* main reason, but it's definitely a factor -- that I'm applying to BC is that it's a well-financed program that offers a lot of aid. But Seton Hall, to which I've already been accepted, while much less expensive, offers no aid. I'm worried about paying for SHU if I don't get into a program with financial aid; I'm trying to avoid increasing my already-punishing college debt from undergrad, but I can't seem to find much in way of scholarships or fellowships for theology students that aren't ministry-oriented. Anybody got any tips?

[sacklunch]

As an alumnus of the program all i can say is, well, good luck. Most of the folks I knew took out substantial debt for their MTS. In fact I think only one of my good friends there (I know there was more, overall) got a full ride for her MTS. The rest of us went into crushing debt, to be honest. Unfortunately if you have no interest in ministry (as I don't) the fact remains that going into debt is a very real solution (or problem) for most of us. Sadly (or not?) I knew a lot more MDivs who had full rides. Which seemed odd given that many of them had absolutely no background in theology, philosophy, classics, ect.

Not to get too deep into my finances, but I will just flat out never be able to pay off my debt. From what I owe from undergrad, dept from BC, and now debt at Duke (no total funded spots), I have come to the conclusion that I will be one of those sad bastards paying the minimum payment for most of my life. This, unfortunately, is how many of my peers will live out their days. Is it worth it in a terrible economy with terrible job prospects? To me it is. But to you it might not be.

My only 'tip' would be try to sell yourself as someone unique. Those MTS folks I knew that got the most money/full rides were those studying hot issues, which generally included (in the Catholic realm) sexual ethics, feminism, et cetera.

cheers

Edited November 12, 2012 by jdmhotness

[Seatbelt Blue]

Yay.

[Seatbelt Blue]

I'm trying to knock this out in two years. I'm going to be married at this point. How on earth am I to do this without taking out $80,000 in debt or winning on Millionaire?

[sacklunch]

I'm not sure if there is any other solution than taking on debt. You might consider applying to more schools in hopes of not having to take on so much debt (or at all). Or even consider an MDiv just to get more aid. Also, maybe apply to fully funded programs like ND?

good luck

[Perique69]

Apply to Notre Dame's MTS. All get full funding there. But Notre Dame only accepts about 20 MTS students per year. This is in stark contrast to the hoards of massive debt-accruing students attending other theology schools. Few MA/MDiv level programs offer much funding aside from a handful of select applicants. Such programs, on the other hand, are quick to accept credulous students willing to "pay to play." Theology / divinity schools depend on students paying dearly to get a degree. Without such willing-to-pay students, the schools would dry up. To me, no MTS is worth anywhere near $80k, because it won't produce a job that will help you comfortably pay off the debt. If it's worth it to take on that debt in hopes of getting into a fully-funded PhD, know the risks and the gamble. Such PhD programs typically accept less than 5% of their applicants. Here's a fairly helpful article about the meaning of $80k in student loans: http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/insight-therapy/201208/student-debt-moral-issue

[11Q13]

Simple. Don't apply to schools that won't fund you.

[sport01]

I've never had any luck with this, but you might:

Fellowship for Theological Education Fund Finder

http://www.fteleaders.org/fundfinder

[Lux Lex Pax]

You shouldn't rule out winning on Millionaire, since someone at Princeton Seminary was recently on the show. You have a shot.

[DivSkool]

Have you applied to Chicago? Some of their MA slots are fully funded; most are 50% or 25% funded. Better than nothing.

[canjecricketer]

Harvard and Yale Divinity Schools typically offer very good funding to all admitted students. When I was at YDS (2010-2012), it was at least 75% for all typical (ie non-wealthy) students.

[Clare]

Yes, as Decaf said, Yale Divinity School has very good funding. I have quite a few friends who also have full-tuition rides.

[MBIGrad]

11Q13 is right on this one, I believe. For all those planning on entering the academy via the humanities, I think it would does us all well to plan on not getting a job and not being able to pay anything back. Seriously. Any type of college debt, undergrad or graduate, is one of the worst among many viable options for us. There are a number of things that can be done other than school for a year. I applied to 15 Master's program (all of which had the possibility for full funding), got into 11 or 12, and only got 1 with full funding. I am not at Duke, but neither am I in debt. This has to be balanced against the probability that those getting anything like decent jobs upon dissertation will be attending the top 20 schools. Look at the schools that wil pay for your grad school and get you valuable experience. People should not be paying for graduate school. It is bad statistics, bad business, questionable decision making. These remarks sound cynical and arrogant, yes; but the truth is we all would do well to remember these things and take them to heart.