All Church of the Brethren students in a degree program at Bethany Theological Seminary are eligible for financial aid equaling full tuition for courses taken at the main campus. 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 and financial aid amounts depend on the number of courses taken and where they are taken. Connections students pay full tuition for the online courses (although we are excited to announce that this is slated to change beginning Fall of 2009, as plans for scholarships for distance courses are taking shape), but are eligible for financial aid up to full tuition for intensives taken on campus. Each hybrid course counts as half of a course on campus for the purpose of calculating financial aid. The recommended schedule for the first year in the Connections program calls for four courses, including a two-week intensive on campus, two hybrid courses, and one online course. The tuition, fees, and financial aid for those four courses in 2008/2009 would be as follows:

The Brethren Student Scholarship is available for Church of the Brethren Students for 50% of tuition for classes taken at the Richmond campus, and for 25% of tuition for hybrid classes. The Alumni/ae Covenant Grant is available to all students enrolled in a degree program for 50% of tuition for classes taken at the Richmond campus, and for 25% of tuition for hybrid classes.

Both the Brethren Student Scholarship and the Alumni/ae Covenant Grant involve commitments by students to give to the Seminary. The Alumni/ae Covenant Grant involves a promise by the student to support the Seminary financially after graduation. The Brethren Student Scholarship requires four hours of volunteer work for the Seminary for every semester hour covered by the scholarship. In the above example, a student would complete 24 hours of volunteer work during their first year of study. Volunteer tasks are available that do not require students to be present on campus.

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.

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 many are at the student's expense. The Student Development Office can assist in arranging for lodging near campus at a reasonable cost.

• Back to the Connections main page
• Sample Connections Course Schedule (part-time, six years)
• Accreditation for Distance Education