Financial Arrangements
Awards and Grants
Through the generosity of dedicated friends of Brite Divinity School and Texas Christian University, significant awards and grants are available for graduate professional theological education. A partial list of benefactors may be found elsewhere in this bulletin.
M.Div. Program
Master of Divinity students who are academically qualified, committed to service of the church, and who show high promise for Christian leadership are eligible for grants through the following awards programs. All awards programs may be adjusted during a student’s program based upon a variety of factors, including strength of academic performance and continued demonstration of promise for ministry.
The Dean’s Scholars Program provides that new Master of Divinity students, selected on a competitive basis, may be recognized each year as Dean’s Scholars. The awards will provide full tuition and a renewable stipend of $5,000. In order to be considered for this award an individual should have achieved an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.80, have a previous leadership record, be able to give evidence of promise for ministry, and have an affiliation with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). A personal statement, letters of reference, and personal interview are also required. The tuition award is renewable for a maximum of four years and the stipend for a maximum of three years. Full-time enrollment, maintenance of at least a 3.80 GPA, leadership in the life of the Brite community, and participation in denominational oversight programs related to the student’s affiliation are necessary for award continuance.
The Brite Divinity School Scholars Program provides, on a competitive basis, that new Master of Divinity students who hold baccalaureate degrees from TCU may be recognized as Brite Divinity School Scholars. The award will provide full tuition and a renewable stipend of $5,000. In order to be considered for this award an individual should have achieved a TCU undergraduate GPA of at least 3.80, have a previous leadership record, and be able to give evidence of promise for ministry. A personal statement, letters of reference and personal interview are also required. The tuition award is renewable for a maximum of four years and the stipend for a maximum of three years. Full time enrollment, maintenance of at least a 3.80 GPA, leadership in the life of the Brite community, and participation in denominational oversight programs related to the student’s affiliation are necessary for award continuance.
The Hall, Lindley, and Henson awards programs are named for three deans of Brite Divinity School.
The Colby D. Hall Awards Program provides, on a competitive basis, awards to new students each year which include full tuition and a renewable stipend of $2,000. The tuition award is renewable for a maximum of four years and the stipend for a maximum of three years. Consideration for this award requires an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.70, a previous leadership record, and promise for ministry. A personal statement and letters of reference will also be required. Fulltime enrollment, maintenance of at least a 3.70 GPA, and participation in denominational oversight programs related to the student’s affiliation are conditions for continuance.
The D. Ray Lindley Awards Program provides awards each year to new students which includes full university tuition plus a renewable stipend of $1,000. The tuition award is renewable for a maximum of four years and the stipend for a maximum of three years. Awarded on a competitive basis, the D. Ray Lindley program requires an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.60, a previous leadership record, and promise for ministry. A personal statement and letters of reference are also required. Award continuance requires fulltime enrollment, the maintenance of at least a 3.60 GPA, and participation in denominational oversight programs related to the student’s affiliation.
The Elmer D. Henson Awards Program provides a basic grant to seminarians of anywhere from 50% through 80% (with a limited number equaling 90-100%) of tuition for all required graduate study. Students must have a solid academic record at the baccalaureate level, a previous leadership record, and promise for ministry. Maintenance of a satisfactory academic record at Brite and participation in denominational oversight programs related to the student’s affiliation are necessary for award continuance.
The Granville T. and Erline Walker Foundation Scholarships are awarded every year to students preparing for ministry. Applicants should have as a vocational goal the parish ministry with a focus on preaching. Applications can be obtained from the Office of the Director of Admissions in March. Completed forms should be sent to the Foundation at University Christian Church, Fort Worth. An announcement of the recipients of the awards will be made in April of each year.
M.A.C.S., M.T.S., Th.M., and C.T.S. Programs
Master of Arts in Christian Service, Master of Theological Studies, Master of Theology, and Certificate of Theological Studies students who are academically qualified, show promise for leadership and service in congregation and community, and demonstrate financial need are also eligible for tuition grants.
Doctor of Ministry Program
Doctor of Ministry students are eligible to receive from Brite Divinity School tuition grants equivalent of up to the full amount of tuition. Further information is available from the Assistant Dean for Advanced Programs.
Students admitted to Brite Divinity School who fail to make satisfactory academic progress toward degree completion may be removed from program.
Tuition grants and awards are available for the summer terms.
Ph.D. Program
Students in the Ph.D. program are eligible to receive from Brite Divinity School tuition grants equivalent of up to 100% of tuition. Stipends from $2000 to $12,000 are available to some students based on academic credentials and potential. Further information is available from the Assistant Dean for Advanced Programs.
Ph.D. in Biblical Interpretation
The William Baird Fellowship was established in honor of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) New Testament scholar, historian, and distinguished member of the Brite Divinity School faculty. The fellowship includes full tuition, a renewable stipend, and eligibility for a student assistantship of $1,500. The award is renewable for a maximum of four years.
The Walter Harrelson Fellowship was established in honor of the noted Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Hebrew Bible scholar and dean of the Vanderbilt University Divinity School. The fellowship includes full tuition, a renewable stipend, and eligibility for a student assistantship of $1,500. The award is renewable for a maximum of four years.
The James Philip Hyatt Fellowship was established in honor of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Hebrew Bible scholar and first dean of the Disciples House at Vanderbilt University. The fellowship includes full tuition, a renewable stipend, and eligibility for a student assistantship of $1,500. The award is renewable for a maximum of four years.
The M. Jack Suggs Fellowship was established in honor of the distinguished Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) New Testament scholar and dean of Brite Divinity School. The fellowship includes full tuition, a renewable stipend, and eligibility for a student assistantship of $1,500. The award is renewable for a maximum of four years.
The Herbert Lockwood Willett Fellowship was established in honor of a noted biblical scholar among the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and first dean of the Disciples House at the University of Chicago. The fellowship includes full tuition, a renewable stipend, and eligibility for a student assistantship of $1,500. The award is renewable for a maximum of four years.
Ph.D. in Pastoral Theology and Pastoral Counseling
The William Clayton Bower Fellowship was established in honor of an influential Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) educator of the College of the Bible and University of Chicago. The fellowship includes full tuition, a renewable stipend, and eligibility for a student assistantship of $1,500. The award is renewable for a maximum of four years.
The Edward Scribner Ames Fellowship was established in honor of a Disciples scholar who was a leading figure in the “Chicago School” of theology. The fellowship includes full tuition, a renewable stipend, and eligibility for a student assistantship of $1,500. The award is renewable for a maximum of four years.
The Charles F. Kemp Fellowship was established in honor of a distinguished Brite Divinity School faculty member who established the Pastoral Care and Counseling Center and Program at Brite Divinity School. The fellowship includes full tuition, fees, a renewable stipend, and eligibility for a student assistantship of $1,500. The award is renewable for a maximum of four years.
The Mattie Hart Younkin Fellowship was established in honor of a Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) leader in organizing women’s participation in the National Benevolent Association (1889). The fellowship includes full tuition, a renewable stipend, and eligibility for a student assistantship of $1,500. The award is renewable for a maximum of four years.
Limits of Awards and Grants
Tuition grants are provided for all students through the completion of their regular programs. However, financial aid is limited to three hours beyond the degree requirements in the M.A.C.S., M.T.S., Th.M., C.T.S., and D.Min., programs, and is limited to six hours beyond the degree requirements in the M.Div. and Ph.D. programs.
Brite Endowed Scholarships
A number of named scholarships and designated scholarships are assigned each year out of revenue from Brite endowed scholarship funds and ministerial education funds. Special application for these grants and scholarships is not required, since they support the regular financial assistance programs. A list of these scholarships may be found elsewhere in this bulletin.
Federal and State Student Financial Aid
Graduate students may be eligible for the State Tuition Equalization Grant (for Texas residents), the Federal Work-Study Program, or the Federal Student Loan programs. Interested applicants must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid by March 15 for fall entry and September 1 for spring entry to ensure the results are received by TCU’s deadlines of May 1 and November 1 respectively. Grant and Work-Study funds are limited and may not be available after established deadlines.
Graduate applicants eligible for the Federal Stafford Loan may select TCU as their lender. For borrowers who choose TCU as lender, TCU will pay the 3% origination fee that is charged to the student by the federal government. This results in a zero fee loan with borrower savings of up to $555.00 per year. After a student has been awarded and has accepted a loan on my.tcu.edu notification will be received by e-mail explaining the Loans By Web application process. To select TCU as lender, enter the lender ID 834140 during completion of the Loans By Web application process.
Applicants selected for verification will be required to submit a copy of the previous year’s federal tax return. Additional documents may be required in individual cases. Contact the Graduate Financial Aid Advisor in the Office of Scholarships and Student Financial Aid, TCU Box 297012, for additional information. The following Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Policy applies to graduate students receiving state or federal aid (including loans).
Financial Aid Statement of Satisfactory Academic Progress for Graduate Students Participating in Federal or State Financial Aid Programs
All students are required to maintain certain requirements to receive federal or state financial aid. Credit hours attempted, credit hours completed and TCU grade point average are reviewed in June to determine whether satisfactory progress is being maintained. Additionally, a student on Academic Warning will be reviewed at the conclusion of each academic semester.
The following points outline, for federal or state financial aid, the requirements for satisfactory progress and how these requirements are monitored.
Section I-Full-Time Graduate Student
- Complete and receive academic credit for at least 18 hours annually.
- Maintain minimum Brite grade point average necessary for continued enrollment in the graduate programs as determined by the Dean.
- Avoid academic warning for a second semester.
Section II-Part-Time Graduate Student (Less than 9 hours/semester)
- Complete and receive academic credit for a prorated percentage of the number of hours for which enrolled, compared to full-time enrollment.
- Maintain minimum Brote grade point average necessary for continued enrollment in the graduate program as determined by the Dean.
- Avoid academic warning for a second semester.
Section III-Criteria Used To Evaluate Grades
- The following will be counted as credits competed: A, B, C - if offset by an “A” in the same semester or a subsequent semester, P- if counted toward degree completion
- The following will not be considered as credits completed: F, W or Q, I (except when applied to Thesis or Dissertation hours), NC
Section IV-Schedule of Completion of Degree Requirements
Full-time is normally defined as nine semester hours of course work per semester. However, a student in full-time research and enrolled in 3 hours of thesis or 6 hours of dissertation, will be considered full-time. A maximum of five years is permitted for the completion of a master’s degree program and six years for the completion of a doctoral degree program. Transfer work is normally not accepted and must be approved by the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.
Section V-Financial Assistance Probation
A student will be expected to maintain satisfactory academic progress as defined in Section(s) I-IV while in attendance. If a student does not progress at the required rate, he/she will be placed on financial aid probation. Should the student not obtain the required elements to remove himself/herself from probation or if the student is placed on academic warning a second time, the student will be placed on financial aid suspension (See Section VI).
Section VI-Financial Assistance Suspension
Financial assistance suspension is the loss of aid for a specific period. The student will not be allowed to participate in any state or federal programs, including all educational loan programs. A student will remain on financial aid suspension until he/she is removed from academic warning.
Section VII-Appeals Procedure
If a student is denied federal or state financial aid because of a lack of satisfactory academic progress, he/she may appeal the denial of such assistance. The appeal must be made in writing to the Scholarship Advisory Committee. (Appeal applications are available in the Office of Scholarships and Student Financial Aid.) The Scholarship Committee will meet in mid-July and mid-August to review appeals for the fall semester and in early January for the spring semester. Appeals must be received in the financial aid office by July 1 for the July meeting and August 1 for the August meeting. Contact the Office of Scholarships and Student Financial Aid for the deadline to submit appeals for the January meeting. The student will be notified of the decision as soon as possible after the Committee meets.
Section VIII-Reinstatement of Financial Aid
If an appeal for federal or state financial aid is not approved or if a student does not appeal, one of the following conditions must be satisfied before the student is eligible to receive federal or state financial aid again: A student must attend Brite without the benefit of federal or other financial aid (See “Financial Assistance Suspension”, Section VI for duration). In addition to maintaining the grade point average, the student must also satisfy the requirements of the “Schedule of Degree Requirements” (see Section IV) before aid is reinstated.
Tuition and Fees
The following charges are for the 2007-2008 academic year. Costs are likely to change each year. Current charges are available from the Office of the Director of Admissions.
Tuition: Brite Divinity School tuition in 2007-2008 is $640 per semester hour. The basic Brite tuition grant under provisions of the Elmer D. Henson Awards program is available to all admitted students in the Master of Divinity program. That grant normally provides from 50-80 percent of tuition, or, in 2007-2008, $320-$512 per semester hour. The student's cost is $128-$320 per semester hour. Scholarship assistance is also available for Master of Arts in Christian Service, Master of Theological Studies, Master of Theology, Certificate of Theological Studies, Doctor of Ministry and Doctor of Philosophy students.
NOTE: Tuition grants will be awarded for all the hours required for the student’s degree program plus an additional three hours (M.A.C.S., M.T.S., Th.M., C.T.S., and D.Min.) or six hours (M.Div. and Ph.D.) should a student be required either to repeat courses or to choose to take courses beyond the number required for a degree. For credit hours beyond this limit, the student will be expected to pay full tuition. Ph.D. students are also eligible for remission of audit fees for up to two audit courses. All such courses must be related to the student’s program, and must be approved by the Assistant Dean for Advanced Programs.
Regular Fees (per semester)
Brite Student Government Fee....................................................... $10
Divinity School Fee ..............................................(9 or more hours) $770
For part-time students (less than nine semester hours) the Divinity School Fee is $90 per semester hour and the BSG fee is $5.00.
NOTE: Students should also be prepared, at time of registration, to pay their Health Insurance Premium, if covered through TCU’s plan.
Graduation Fees
For M.Div., M.A.C.S., M.T.S., and Th.M. degree candidates ......................$65
For D.Min. degree candidates .............................................................$100
For Ph.D. degree candidates...............................................................$100
Summer School
Tuition is the same as in the fall and spring semesters of the following academic year. The Divinity School Fee is $90 per semester hour. Tuition grants and awards are available for the summer terms.
Student-Initiated Withdrawal and Refund
For a fall or spring semester, a student who withdraws from a course on or before
the semester's fifth day of classes may receive a 100 percent tuition refund. If
withdrawal from a course occurs on or before the semester's tenth day of classes,
a 75 percent tuition refund is made. A 50 percent tuition refund is made upon
withdrawal from a course on or before the semester's fifteenth day of classes,
and a 25 percent tuition refund is made if withdrawal occurs on or before the
semester's twentieth day of classes. No refunds are made after the semester's
twentieth day of classes, although students may withdraw from a class on or
before the thirty-second day of classes.
The summer session refund and withdrawal schedule varies according to the length
of the class. Students enrolled in a one week course may withdraw from the course
on the first class day for a full refund. No refunds or withdrawals are permitted
after the first class day of one week courses. Students enrolled in summer courses
longer than one week may receive a 100 percent tuition refund if withdrawal occurs
on or before the second class day. A 75 percent refund is made upon withdrawal on
or before the third class day and a 50 percent refund is made upon withdrawal on or
before the fourth class day. If withdrawal occurs on or before the fifth class day,
a 25 percent refund is made. No refunds are made after the fifth class day of summer
session courses. The final day to withdraw from two week courses is the fifth class
day. Students may withdraw from three week courses on or before the eighth class
day and from five week courses on or before the thirteenth class day.
Normally fees are not refunded when a student withdraws from a course.
Seminary Housing
Students enrolled full time in any degree program of Brite Divinity School (M.Div., M.A.C.S., M.T.S., Th.M.. D.Min., and Ph.D.) are eligible for housing in Leibrock Village, the seminary’s residential apartment community. Master of Divinity students receive highest housing priority until May 31st.
The recently built, 56-apartment complex is located a short, ten-minute walk through a residential neighborhood from the Brite Divinity School academic building. Except for refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, garbage disposal, and mini-blinds, the one- and two- bedroom apartments are unfurnished. Living room and bedrooms are carpeted in a neutral pattern. A laundry on each floor serves eight apartments. Smoking is not allowed in any Leibrock Village building. Absolutely no pets are allowed in Leibrock Village, except fish in a 20 gallon or smaller fish tank. This rule is strictly enforced. Violators are heavily fined. Village scenes and floor plans can be viewed online at www.brite.tcu.edu/leibrock.
Since space is limited and in high demand, students interested in securing accommodations in Leibrock Village are encouraged to apply immediately after being accepted to the Divinity School. Application for housing by May 1st is recommended.
Housing Application. Students are eligible to apply for residency in Leibrock Village after acceptance to Brite Divinity School. Housing applications forms are available at www.brite.tcu.edu/leibrock or by calling 817-257-7338. Forward the completed housing application to the Director of Brite Housing, TCU Box 298140, Fort Worth, Texas 76129, with the security deposit ($350 in 2007-08). The non-refundable after May 1st security/damage deposit will be held for the duration of occupancy and may be refunded to the student’s account subject to the terms and conditions of the Brite Housing Agreement when the student vacates Leibrock Village. Apartments are assigned on a space available basis. Priority is established by the date the housing application and security deposit are received. Questions concerning the housing application process may be directed to the Director of Brite Housing, n.grieser@tcu.edu, 817-257-7338, FAX 817-257-7171.
Housing Fees. The Brite Housing Fee is charged to the student’s University Student Account by the semester, and is paid as a part of the regular billing system at TCU. Electric service, water, local telephone service, cable TV, computer access to the TCU network, and parking at Leibrock Village are included in the housing fee.
Off-Campus Housing. Apartments and houses are available for rent in the vicinity of the TCU campus. Local listings are maintained in a courtesy book in the Office of Residential Services, located in Brown-Lupton Student Center, room 223.
Student Services
Health Insurance. Brite Divinity School is concerned that all students be adequately protected by health and accident insurance. Students currently enrolled in classes may elect to enroll in TCU’s plan, which has been developed especially for TCU and Brite students and their dependents.
Health Center. The University’s Brown-Lupton Health Center is designed to provide for the various health needs of TCU students. It is comprised of an outpatient clinic providing ambulatory care and a licensed thirty-bed hospital. Emergency care is available 24 hours a day during the regular academic year. Students enrolled in credit hours are eligible for care at the Brown-Lupton Health Center. There is no charge to see a physician; however, charges may be incurred for services such as laboratory tests, x-rays, and dressings.
Counseling Center. The staff of the TCU Counseling Center helps students with personal concerns that occur as they are involved in their academic, professional, social and personal activities. The staff includes five psychologists and a consulting psychiatrist. In accordance with professional ethics, confidentiality is maintained. Students are not charged for counseling services.
Pension Fund. Students preparing for ministry in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) are eligible to participate in the Pension Plan offered through the Pension Fund of the Christian Church. A student gift membership grant will pay part of the dues whether or not the student is serving a congregation.
- The employer can pay the 11% church dues with the student paying 1/2% of the salary; or
- The employer can pay 11.5% dues on the salary; or
- The student can pay 3.5% of the salary or of a “named” salary if there is no church employer.
Information concerning the Pension Plan and enrollment forms may be obtained from the Director of Field Education and Supervised Ministry.
Student Employment. There are a number of ways in which a student may earn part of his or her support during seminary years; student pastorates, internships and assistantships in many of the churches in North Central Texas provide stipends. Many student spouses find part time or full time employment in the area. A number of part time work assignments are available in the University for those who can qualify. The Director of Field Education and Supervised Ministry stands ready to assist students in finding employment. Entering students should have sufficient resources to care for themselves for several months. All students, particularly those with families, will need to plan carefully and make arrangements in advance.
