Cost shouldn’t stand between you and the ministry preparation God is calling you to. Westminster Seminary California offers scholarships, grants, and student loans to help make seminary tuition affordable. Here you’ll find everything you need in order to plan for the cost of seminary.
Apply to WSC Today Financial Aid Forms
Your tuition is only part of the story. Donors give an average of $2.5 million a year to support WSC and reduce what students pay out of pocket. More than 50% of the seminary’s operating budget comes from the generosity of God’s people around the world, while tuition covers a little more than 35%.
of eligible students receive a scholarship or grant each year
awarded yearly in need- and merit-based tuition assistance
average share of tuition covered by scholarships and grants
given by donors each year to lower students’ costs
Additionally, up to $50,000 per year in Federal Direct Loans for U.S. MDiv students, and up to $20,500 for U.S. MA students, to cover tuition and living expenses.
The following tuition and fee schedule has been approved by the Westminster Seminary California Board of Trustees for the 2026–27 academic year. Tuition and fees are subject to change for subsequent academic years. See the Academic Policies and Academic Calendar for registration deadlines.
Priority Review Windows provide admitted students with a timely financial aid offer and housing placement. They are deadlines for housing and aid, not for admission. You can apply for admission any time before classes begin in your term. Admitted students should complete the WSC Financial Aid Application and the WSC Housing Application by the appropriate deadline for their preferred priority window. Application Links
To receive financial aid at WSC, you must:
We offer non-repayable scholarships and grants to our students that are awarded on the basis of a variety of factors including financial need, previous academic performance, denominational affiliation, and ministry interests.
How to Apply for Scholarships
We will consider you automatically for all scholarships and grants for which you are eligible. We consider your whole file: your admissions application and references, your current records, faculty and staff input when appropriate, and your WSC Application for Financial Aid. Criteria for individual scholarships and grants are listed in the Academic Catalogue, and you can see which scholarships might be a good fit for you in our Scholarship Quick Guide.
WSC participates in the Federal Direct Loan Program, so eligible students can borrow to cover tuition, fees, and most living expenses. Loans have fixed interest rates, and repayment is deferred while you are enrolled at least half-time and for six months after you graduate.
Limits and terms
Loan eligibility
How to apply for a loan
Students unable to pay the full semester’s charges should make prior arrangements with the Business Office to fulfill their financial responsibilities through a deferred payment plan. The deferred-payment plan allows students to defer a portion of their tuition and fees. A minimum payment for tuition and fees must be made one week prior to the start of the term. The remaining balance must be paid in two monthly payments. A $50 service charge will be added to the unpaid balance each month.
A Step-by-Step Guide
Complete the short form and you’ll receive a link to your full application by email. Your answers save automatically. Indicate that you’re interested in financial aid.
Review the Key Dates to find your preferred priority window. Financial aid is generally available up to the start of each term, but scholarships and grants are awarded by priority window, so applying early gives you the best chance at the full range of aid.
After you’re admitted, our Admissions Counselors will send the Application for Financial Aid for your start term. The WSC Application for Financial Aid for the coming academic term is available by Feb 1 and Sept 1. You’ll also need the Housing Application if you want on-campus housing. Always use the version for the year you’re applying for or renewing.
If your finances change (for example, loss of income for you or your spouse), tell the Financial Aid Office as it happens. If you receive outside help after your initial award (a third-party scholarship, church support, and so on), tell us right away. Need-based awards may be recalculated so funds are shared fairly among all students.
Submit these together with your financial aid application. The Scholarship Quick Guide lists what each award requires.
Send your materials to financialaid@wscal.edu.
The Financial Aid Committee begins reviewing completed applications for new students on November 1. Award letters showing the amount of each scholarship follow within 2–4 weeks of the committee’s decision.
You’ll have a window, generally 2–4 weeks, to accept, as stated in your award letter.
International aid helps degree-seeking students cover seminary costs. Grants and scholarships are limited to billed tuition, so living expenses, including housing, are your responsibility. Only students admitted to a master’s program are reviewed.
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