For the 2010-2011 academic year, all students in a degree or certificate program at Bethany Theological Seminary are eligible for financial aid. Connections students also benefit from this generous financial aid program, made possible by donations from congregations and individuals in the Church of the Brethren. 

Tuition Costs and Scholarships

All students will pay a base tuition amount of $800 per session, regardless of how many classes aren taken, where the classes are taken or what format they are. Financial aid is available to cover any remaining tution costs. 

    The Academic Excellence Scholarship is available for either 40 or 50% of tuition costs after the base amount has been paid. Eligibility for new students is based on their incoming GPA (minimum 3.0), faculty interviews, academic reference and admissions essay. Eligibility for continuing students is based on academic progress, with particular focus given to the narrative evaluations. 

    The Church Service Covenant offers a 50% tution scholarship after the base amount has been paid based on a students vocational calling to serve the church. Eligibility for new students will be based on their church reference and essay. Current students will be aseked to submit an updated essay.

   Students who demonstrate financial need may also apply for a Need-based Grant to cover any remaining tution costs not met by the two programs listed above. 

     The Cross-Cultural Bank helps students to pay for the cross-cultural experience that is required in Bethany's M. Div. curriculum. Students contribute a total of $600 to the bank over their first six semesters. The Seminary matches that amount, giving students a total of $1,200 to be used for a cross-cultural course at any time during their program of study.

As a suggested schedule for the first year in the Connections program calls for four courses, including a hybrid course, an online course, a two-week intensive on campus, and a weekend intensive, we base the following example on that assumption. The tuition, fees, and financial aid for those four courses in 2010/2011 for someone receiving 50% aid from the Academic Excellence Scholarship and 50% aid from the Church Service Covenant would be as follows:

Sample Cost Breakout:

Other expenses for Connections students include the cost of a computer with a reliable internet access, books, and travel to Richmond for intensive sessions. Some meals are provided free of charge, but most are at the student's expense. The Student Development Office can assist in arranging for lodging near campus at a reasonable cost.

Please feel free to contact us if you have further questions!

• Back to the Connections main page
• Sample Connections Course Schedule
• Accreditation for Distance Education