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Presbyterian Study Grant is the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s financial aid program for students planning for careers in the church. The program serves approximately  100 students per year. Because the number of students awarded is significantly less than the number of students enrolled in seminary, there are additional restrictions. Only MDiv and MACE/F students are eligible for award and those students must be enrolled full-time and demonstrate need.

MACE/F students must be a member of a Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) congregation.

MDiv students and MDiv/Dual degree students must be under care of Presbytery.

  • Inquirers may be awarded twice.
  • Candidates are eligible for award until the requirements for the MDiv degree are met or the student graduates, whichever occurs first.

Presbyterian Study Grant applications are evaluated by staff to determine completeness and eligibility. Complete and eligible applications are are considered by reading committee if there are more than 100 eligible applicants. No more than 100 students are awarded each year.

After a student is selected for a Presbyterian Study Grant award, the student is evaluated for supplemental grants based on need. Supplemental grants are awarded to promote diversity, and/or to observe donor restrictions.

Criteria

  • Active member of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
  • Enrolled full time at an ATS accredited seminary (May include field education, and less than full-time in final year of studies)
  • Demonstrate Financial Need after the student has been considered for aid by the seminary or divinity school. 
    To learn more about “need” and use a calculator to estimate Expected Family Contribution and Need, visit Federal Student Aid Estimator.

Range of awards 
Up to $6,000.00

Supplemental awards

  • People of Color Supplemental Award up to $2,000.00
  • Native America/Alaska Native Education Grant awards are based on availability of funds and the number of students eligible to receive aid from funds restricted for the support of Native American and Alaska Native students.

The application for 2025-2026 will be available in January. Students must apply no later than the second Monday in May.

Endorsers have until the first Friday in June to respond to requests for recommendations.

Award announcements will be available after August 1

Managing Educational Debt

Federal Student Loan borrowers working at least 30 hours a week for a 501(c)3 organization are eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness. If you have student loans and want to learn more about Public Service Loan Forgiveness for church workers visitStudent Loan Assistance.