This page describes the types of financial aid administered by the GTU Financial Aid Office and the eligibility requirements for each program, including Institutional Gift Aid, Federal Stafford Loans, Federal Work-Study and Federal Perkins loans.

Financial Aid Programs Listed by School *

*Financial Aid for students in the GTU Common M.A. is determined through the financial aid program of the affiliate institution. Please see the instructions on applying for financial aid for further detail.

Institutional Gift Aid
Commonly referred to as “grant-in-aid” or “scholarships”

Eligibility Requirements

1. Applicant may be a foreign or domestic student.
2. For merit-based aid, applicant must complete requirements established by the admissions office of the individual graduate school or seminary.
3. For need-based consideration, applicant must complete a Financial Aid Application.
4. Must be enrolled at least half-time.

Gift Aid, aid that does not have to be repaid, is a merit-based or a need-based form of aid that is intended to reduce the cost of a student’s tuition. The seminary or graduate school that the student is attending or affiliated with (in the case of the GTU Common M.A.) provides the institutional gift aid. The GTU Financial Aid Office administers each school’s gift aid according to its financial aid program and policy.

Federal Student Aid

Eligibility Requirements

1. Applicant must be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen;
2. Be working toward a degree or certification;
3. Be registered with Selective Service (if required);
4. Be making satisfactory academic progress;
5. Not be in default or owe a refund on a federal grant or federal loan;
6. Be enrolled at least half-time.

Federal Stafford Loans

The Graduate Theological Union participates in the Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP), a federal Stafford loan program funded by lenders and guaranteed by a California state agency or another private nonprofit institution.

Stafford Loans disbursed after July 1, 2006, have a fixed interest rate of 6.8%. Fees up to 3% may be deducted from the loan amount depending on the student loan lender. The standard ten-year repayment term begins six months after the student ceases to be enrolled on at least a half-time basis.

Graduate students may borrow up to an annual maximum of $20,500 through an unsubsidized Stafford loan or a combination of subsidized and unsubsidized Stafford loans.

Subsidized Federal Stafford Loan: Eligibility for a subsidized loan is based on need. Interest is paid by the federal government while the borrower is in school at least half-time, during the grace period and during periods of deferment. A graduate student may be eligible to borrow up to an annual maximum of $8,500 in a subsidized Stafford loan. The aggregate loan limit for graduate students is $65,500 (including undergraduate loans).

Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan: Unsubsidized loans are not based on need. Interest begins to accrue on the unsubsidized Stafford loan at the time of disbursement. Unsubsidized loan borrowers have the option of paying the interest while in school or deferring interest payments until repayment. At repayment, unpaid interest is capitalized onto the principal loan balance. Students who do not qualify for a Subsidized Stafford loan may borrow up to $20,500 in an unsubsidized Stafford loan. The aggregate loan limit for graduate students is $138,500 (including all undergraduate and graduate subsidized and unsubsidized Stafford Loans.)

Federal Work-Study Program

The Federal Work-Study Program (available to students attending or affiliated with CDSP, PLTS, PSR and SKSM and GTU Doctoral students) was established to stimulate and promote part-time employment for students who are in need of earnings to finance the cost of higher education. The law requires that participants be in good academic standing, be citizens or permanent residents of the United States, and demonstrate financial need. Students may work up to a recommended limit of 20 hours per week during school periods and up to 40 hours per week during vacation periods. The amount of the award is based on a student's need as determined by the Financial Aid Office and available funds. Federal work-study jobs may be on-campus or off-campus.

Federal Perkins Loans
GTU Doctoral Students only

The Federal Perkins loan program is a campus-based program, with the GTU acting as the lender and using a limited pool of money provided by the federal government. Doctoral students with significant financial need may be eligible to borrow up to the annual Perkins loan limit of $6,000, depending on the availability of funds. The Perkins loan does not accrue interest while the borrower is enrolled at least half-time and while the loan is in deferment. The Perkins loan has a nine-month grace period after which the loan enters repayment and accrues interest at a fixed interest rate of 5%. The aggregate Perkins loan limit, including any Perkins loan funds borrowed at another institution, is $40,000. The repayment term is 10 years.