Financial Award FAQ

If you are interested in receiving financial aid counseling, feel free to contact the Central Financial Aid Office at Regent University. Because the School of Divinity does not have an in-house Financial Aid Counselor, all questions related to Divinity financial awards, applications, loans, grants, etc. should be directed to the counselors in Central Financial Aid.

Here is their contact information:

Central Financial Aid
Student Center 241
1000 Regent University Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23464-9800

Phone: 757.352.4125
Fax: 757.352.4118
Email: finaid@regent.edu

Financial Aid Office Hours:
Monday, Wednesday - Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (ET)
Tuesday 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. (ET)
Closed on Wednesdays: Noon - 1:00 p.m. for University Chapel

Divinity Financial Awards are designed to advance the cause of Christ and the mission of the School of Divinity through financial investment in the lives and ministry training of our students. These awards provide a way for us to partner with you in your pursuit of a master’s or doctoral degree. The School of Divinity has established five general criteria regarding the Divinity Financial Awards. In addition to these general criteria, each individual award contains specific eligibility guidelines and stipulations.

Divinity Award Criteria

1. Academic Quality. Applicants must demonstrate a record of good academic standing and professional performance. Undergraduate and graduate grade point averages will be considered in determining awards. Students on academic probation and new students entering as provisional accepts are not eligible to receive Divinity Financial Awards.
2. Reasonable Need. Reasonable need is an important criterion in aid consideration. To determine need, the financial aid committee considers cost of attending (tuition and living expenses) and the student’s ability to contribute to his or her own education.
3. Ministry Potential. Documentation of ministry and professional experience, goals, and community service assist the committee in the awards process.
4. Commitment to Completion. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to complete their selected Divinity degree within a suggested and reasonable time frame.
5. Financial Initiative & Responsibility. Applicants must demonstrate personal initiative in the areas of employment, personal financial planning, and the development of outside financial support networks. Copies of replies from personal supporters, foundations, and grants are examples of demonstrated initiative. Applicants who do not meet basic living expenses will not be considered as candidates for financial awards.

The Central Financial Aid Office answers questions, distributes applications for loans and university-wide endowed scholarships, and works with students regarding their overall financial aid status. For information on these programs, contact the Central Financial Aid Office at 757.352.4125 or by e-mail at finaid@regent.edu.

Veterans and active duty military personnel may take advantage of their branch’s tuition assistance program, GI Bill, or the recent Post 9/11 GI Bill. In most cases, this covers more than 75 percent of a veteran’s educational expenses. However, VA benefits may require several weeks to activate, therefore early application is encouraged. Regent University and the School of Divinity qualify for all veterans benefits. The University Registrar's Office has more information about veterans benefits.

The School of Divinity offers a discount for active duty military, military chaplains and military chaplain candidates. More information about military discounts »

Advancing Toward a Degree
Satisfactory academic progress of all students will be reviewed each semester, and students placed on academic probation will not be eligible to receive School of Divinity scholarships and grants. Students failing to demonstrate suggested degree advancement may be disqualified from participation in the Divinity Financial Awards Program. The guidelines below indicate the course load requirements for the master’s and doctoral level programs. In special instances (i.e., a student’s last semester before graduation), requests may be submitted in writing by students not meeting these requirements. The Divinity Financial Awards Committee will review these requests and make decisions on a case-by-case basis.

Full-time Student Status for Master’s Level
Full-time students seeking financial award consideration must carry at least nine credit hours per semester in the fall and spring semesters, and six hours during the summer. Full-time students should complete their selected degree plan within the time frame suggested in the current catalog.

Part-time Student Status for Master’s Level
The School of Divinity recognizes that some of its students must study on a part-time basis. Therefore, several Divinity scholarships and grants are available for part-time students. Part-time students carrying at least six credit hours per semester in the fall and spring semesters, and three in the summer semester will receive half of their divinity financial award. Part-time students must complete at least fifteen credit hours each academic year.

Student Status for Doctoral Level
Doctoral students are expected to take six credit hours per semester to maintain full-time status during the coursework phase of their program, and a minimum of one credit hour per semester during the dissertation phase.

Tuition Installment Plan (T.I.P.) and Billing:
The Tuition Installment Plan is an interest-free payment plan designed to assist students in budgeting tuition and housing costs on a monthly basis per semester. The installment plan calculates the total of tuition, fees, and housing charges less any financial aid awarded, and divides the total into 4 equal payments for the Fall & Spring semesters (3 for Summer). Upon enrollment in TIP, the student's account will be charged a non-refundable $45 enrollment fee, which is due along with the first installment by the scheduled due date. Students are responsible for paying each installment on or before the scheduled installment deadlines. A $25 late payment fee will be assessed for each overdue installment. Payments can be made by cash or check in the Business Office, or by check or credit card online through Genisys. Payments made by mail must be received, not postmarked, by the due date in order to avoid late fee penalties. Students registered for the current term, whose previous balances have been paid in full, may utilize TIP as a payment option for the current semester. A student whose financial aid is currently available to cover the total amount of tuition and fees may not elect to participate in the TIP. Online enrollment through Genisys will be available for the current term approximately 30 days prior to the first day of class, and will remain open until the end of the 100% drop/add period. A $100 late payment fee will be assessed to the student's account if enrollment in TIP is not completed by the semester payment deadline. For more information, email the Business Office at: busoff@regent.edu.

Joint Degree Students
Regent University recognizes the unique nature of each individual’s ministry calling. The joint degree option is an ideal way to tailor your academic program to fit your ministry training needs. A Divinity financial award is available to joint degree-seeking students, however, the award will only apply toward Divinity courses, not courses taken in any other school at Regent University.

Financial award deadlines can be found on the 'Deadlines' page »

Church and Seminary Matching Grant
The School of Divinity recognizes the Church’s role in the development of church leadership. To foster this relationship, we created the Church and Seminary Matching Grant as a means for churches and ministries to invest in the ministry training of its members. The Church and Seminary Matching Grant is available to both part-time and full-time students who are supported by churches and ministry organizations.
Additional Church & Seminary Matching Grant

Please see the School's financial award program guidelines.

Please see the scholarship and grant awards page.

Exploring Additional Resources
As you develop your plan to fund your seminary education, be sure to explore many different options. Some students limit themselves to only one or two avenues of financial support, and as a result, their funds become limited. Take time to explore additional financial resources that may be available while you are enrolled as a student. These may include:

1. Developing a network of friends and family members willing to provide financial and prayer support while you are in seminary.
2. Contacting Regent University Central Financial Aid for information on university-wide scholarships, federal, and private loans.
3. Researching scholarship opportunities via the Internet or at your local library.
4. Taking on a full or part-time employment position while enrolled in your program.
5. Applying for any available doctoral teaching assistant positions.
6. Exploring any international student financial aid options that may be available.