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The seminary attempts to provide as many students as possible with financial assistance. It believes that no one should be prevented from studying at the seminary for financial reasons. Eligible applicants are therefore encouraged to apply for financial assistance. To qualify, a student normally must be enrolled on a full-time basis as a degree candidate or registered auditor.

Need-Based Scholarships

Within its limited abilities, the seminary seeks to provide grant assistance to students demonstrating financial need. Assistance comes from endowed funds and annual gifts from individual supporters and organizations. Some scholarships are unrestricted while others are designated for certain categories of students. The seminary administers these funds based on the number of students applying for aid and the amount of scholarship money available in any given year. In FY'04, two-thirds of the seminary students received some form of financial aid from seminary scholarships.

As stated above, financial aid is administered on the basis of demonstrated need.  Need is determined as the total cost in a given year minus the total resources available to the student from all other sources in that year. Once need is determined, assistance will come in the form of direct scholarship aid. Debt retirement (with the exception of automobile payments, transportation needed for field education assignments) may not be included in a budget designed to show financial need.

For financial aid to be given, applicants must complete a financial aid application. A financial aid application form is included with the academic application packet, or may be downloaded from the seminary’s website.  Please see “Financial Aid Application”. In addition, copies of the student and spouse's most recent federal income tax returns (form 1040 with attachments if any) must be submitted with the application. The deadline for completing and submitting this form to the Student Affairs Administrator is April 1, preceding the academic year for which assistance is sought. Applicants will be notified of action on their requests by June 15.

Using Your Own Initiative to Obtain Financial Aid

Applicants are asked to do their part in seeking other sources of support to finance their education. Outside sources may include national and diocesan church organizations, parishes and parish organizations, fraternal and cultural organizations, civic organizations, and/or personal and family assets.

As a resource, a seminary brochure is available to help spouses find off-campus employment. Occasionally, full or part-time work on-campus becomes available for student spouses, as a means of subsidizing family needs. Applicants should inquire with the Chief Financial Officer to see if such positions are available.

Finacial Aid FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Question: What type of financial assistance is available?

Seminary Scholarship Grants: Your largest single source of aid will probably come from the seminary's Annual Named Scholarship Grants. These grants come from generous friends and supporters, along with earnings from endowments that have been arranged with the seminary.

Outside Gifts and Scholarships: You can take some initiative by seeking other sources of funding and scholarships. These may come from national churches, dioceses, parishes, parish organizations, fraternal and cultural organizations, civic organizations, etc. These gifts must be indicated on the financial aid application.

Summer Employment: Students are strongly encouraged to help their own cause by using the summer months to seek gainful employment.

Federal Stafford Loans: The seminary encourages students to seek information about federal loans. These are low interest loans available from local banks and are guaranteed by the federal government. Payments on these loans are deferred while you are in school at least halftime. The seminary can certify eligibility for Federal Stafford Loans. To be considered, you must complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and submit it to the Federal Student Aid Programs in Iowa City, Iowa. Be sure to file your FAFSA after January 1. As a graduate student, you may be eligible to borrow up to $8,500 in subsidized loans and an additional $10,000 in unsubsidized loans per year.

Internet Search: Search the web to find other possible sources of funding.

Question: Do I need to complete a scholarship form for each scholarship I receive?

No. There is only one financial aid application. The seminary receives scholarship funds from outside sources and has the responsibility of administering these funds for student aid. Applicants are reminded that it is advantageous for them to apply for such aid as early as possible. Applicants coming from the Antiochian and Serbian Orthodox Churches are encouraged to contact their central church administrations for particular scholarships administered by them.

Question: What criteria must be met in order to apply for financial aid?

To be eligible for financial aid from the seminary, a student normally must be enrolled on a full-time basis as a seminary degree candidate or registered auditor. Financial aid to a student enrolled on a part-time basis, but at least half time, will be pro-rated. See the Academic Catalog for specific information.

Question: How do I apply for financial aid?

• Please request a Financial Aid Application from the seminary, at admissions@svots.edu or download the form from this website. 
• Complete the form and return it to the seminary with a copy of your latest federal tax return (1040). The postmark must be by April 1 for consideration to be given.
• You will receive an award notification by June 15.
• Make sure to report all awards you receive from outside the seminary.
• Seek outside sources to help with financial aid.
• Complete the FAFSA form to begin the process of financial aid from the Federal Government. Forms may be obtained from the Student Affairs Administrator or from any library.

International students must submit a complete statement of financial support demonstrating that all of the costs associated with their study at the seminary (i.e., tuition, housing, board, transportation from their country and back to it, and funds for incidentals) are secured. Appropriate documentation includes bank accounts, family assets, financial guarantors in the United States and/or national or international church agencies.

Question: Is there any cost to apply for financial aid?

No. St. Vladimir's Seminary only asks that you fill out the forms completely and to pay close attention to the deadlines.