We offer one of the most robust financial aid programs in theological education because we want Candler to be a real possibility for you.
In the 2023-24 academic year, with the support of generous donors, we awarded $6.3 million in financial aid, with 92% of all students and 100% of Master of Divinity students receiving scholarship assistance. Additionally, in the 2023-24 academic year, incoming MDiv, MTS, MRL, and ThM students received even more assistance than the previous year.
How does that level of support happen?
It starts with our belief that we are partners with you in making seminary affordable. We listen to your personal story and then we talk together about making sound financial decisions for your education—decisions that suit you and your unique situation. And we make it easy for you: your application for admission also serves as your application to a host of scholarships; there’s no need for multiple applications.
What does a typical package look like?
The typical financial aid package includes a combination of a Candler scholarship; grants or scholarships from outside sources like churches, annual conferences, and community organizations; and federal student loans. Each year, Candler students receive nearly $1 million in external funding, which we can help you find. Many students also take advantage of on- or off-campus part-time employment—and we can help you find that, too!
A continuing conversation
At other schools, the financial conversation stops after aid packages are awarded, but not here. For one, most Candler scholarships are awarded for the full length of the degree program (by credit hours), so you don’t have to reapply each year. Plus, Candler continues to partner with you as you go through seminary, offering a comprehensive financial literacy training program tailored to MDiv students and additional events open to all students to sharpen your money management skills—skills that will serve you while you’re in school and well beyond.
Candler Firsthand
Hear from students and alumni about the impact Candler’s financial aid had on their ability to follow their call.
“Candler has completely changed the trajectory of my life for the better. I came here with a vague calling of simply wanting to help people, but I didn’t know how. Candler’s generous financial aid package made it possible for me to come, and I’ve been given so many opportunities, including a job I love in Candler Communications and an internship at The Carter Center.”
Olivia Starks
MDiv '24
“Candler has completely changed the trajectory of my life for the better. I came here with a vague calling of simply wanting to help people, but I didn’t know how. Candler’s generous financial aid package made it possible for me to come, and I’ve been given so many opportunities, including a job I love in Candler Communications and an internship at The Carter Center.”
Olivia Starks
MDiv '24
“Accepting one’s call to ministry can be spiritually awakening and financially unsettling. Upon my arrival at Candler, I found myself at a unique intersection of pursuing my life’s work and finding the resources to acquire it. Candler’s Office of Financial Aid extended first-class service in helping me to secure funding so that my commitment to social change and justice becomes a reality.”
Donnell Williamson
MDiv '19
