Denver Seminary

As you consider Denver Seminary, the are many questions about finances and costs that are sure to come up. This page is designed to help you think objectively about tuition and other associated costs so that you can make a financial plan for your degree. Below are common questions and helps to guide you through the process. 

What is Involved in Achieving My Degree?

The answer to this question may vary according to your specific circumstances, but here are some basic things that you will need to consider:

• Relocating to a new city
• Finding housing, employment and a new church family
• Deciding on a course of study
• Paying for tuition and books
  
• Completing papers and exams
• Committing time for personal prayer, devotions, and family

Pursuing a seminary education is certainly a challenge, but all things are possible with God. If He is leading you to earn a Denver Seminary degree, He will meet your every need.

Gaining financial wisdom, however, is essential. How? Begin by assessing your needs and resources:

• charting a graduation timeline and costs
• estimating future income and living expenses
• researching possible scholarship, grant and loan opportunities

The following worksheets will help you start to think in very practical ways about how you can afford a Denver Seminary education. Our counselors can walk you through the academic and financial planning process step-by-step, recommending degree, employment, housing and financial aid options so you can graduate in a minimum amount of time -- with a minimum debt load.

Keep in mind that these figures are estimates. For exact tuition costs, interest rates, details about living costs in Denver and other upcoming expenses, please contact our Admissions Office at 800-922-3040 ext. 1278 or 303-762-6937 or the Financial Aid Office at 800-922-3040 ext. 1226 or 303-762-6903.

Also keep in mind  that the most difficult challenge is the first: making the decision to enroll. Once you've taken that step of faith, God will move heaven and earth to perform His will -- with your prayers and hard work, of course. And we're here to help you, every step of the way.

What Will My Tuition Cost? 

Denver Seminary's costs are updated annually, so please refer to the [fees page]  for the most up to date information. You may want to compute the cost benefits of enrolling full-time and graduating in two or three years compared to enrolling part-time and requiring four to six to complete an M.A. or M.Div. respectively. Consider expediting your degree program through online, evening, January intercession, and summer classes.

Our goal is to help you graduate with a minimum debt load. Call our Admissions Office or Financial Aid Office to help you plan your course of study.

[financial aid caculator here?]

What Will My Living Expenses Be?

Denver Seminary will assist you with all aspects of relocation -- such as providing a housing database; information about local schools and churches; and job listings of part- and full-time ministerial and non-ministerial positions.

We'll also help you compare your current cost of living with costs in the Denver metropolitan area. Some expenses, such as utilities, are below the national average (due to Denver's mild weather). You can also research grocery, housing, utility, transportation and health care costs in the Denver area at such web sites as www.denvergov.org and www.jeffco.org.

Current monthly rental rates for on-campus housing are posted in the Student Life - Housing section of myDenSem. Off campus housing options are available from the Placement Office (303-762-6920) or by visiting the [Community Boards]. If you're a single student, you may consider sharing an apartment with a roommate or finding a live-in caretaking position with a local family. Local apartment complexes may also be in need of managers, who receive free rent.

Complete the Budget Worksheet to help you get a realistic picture of your expenses while you're at Denver Seminary. Estimate costs per 12-month period. 

What Are My Financial Resources?

Whether you are single or married with children, you may have more money for education than you realize. Make sure you factor in all possible scholarship, grant and work-study income, as well as support from your church, family and friends.

Also factor in savings you can gain by cutting down on extra expenses such as vacations, entertainment and restaurant meals; long-distance telephone and cable television costs, and credit card purchases. Following the call of God requires sacrifice...sometimes of a particular lifestyle and income level. Consider how you can simplify your life so you can realize the plans God has for you.

You may pay your tuition and fees in full prior to the beginning of the semester, or you may take advantage of our convenient payment plan. You must complete the payments for each semester before the end of that semester. Please contact the Business Office for more details.

Complete the Known Financial Resources Worksheet to estimate your total available funds for the period of your degree program. 

Do I Have  Sufficient Funds Right Now?

To determine you estimated unmet need, subtract your total financial resources (from the Known Financial Resources Worksheet) from your estimated 12-month living expenses (from the Budget Worksheet). You can use the Estimating Financial Need Worksheet to help you.

To offset your unmet need, you'll need to cut down on your living expenses; find additional grant and scholarship sources; or consider applying for a Federal Student Loan. Remember that the loan interest may increase your total loan principle by almost 50%: if you borrow $22,000 in a Federal Stafford loan, for example, your monthly payment at a variable interest rate opened at 8.25% will be $257. You will need to make payments every month for 10 years and your total repayment will be approximately $32,340. Accruing debt is a tremendous burden that will remain with you for years -- forestalling your ability to do mission work overseas, for example. Even if borrowing money is your only option, remember to borrow with caution and prudence. 

Financial Aid: Funding Your Vision

Denver Seminary is committed to helping you fulfill God's call on your life. We want to make every possible effort to award financial aid to students who have the greatest needs, as well as those who evidence outstanding academic ability.

Current and incoming students may apply for grants, scholarships, and Federal Stafford Loans using applications obtained through our Financial Aid Office. If you're applying for an award or loan based on need, you must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) with the Department of Education (available online at www.fafsa.ed.gov). Please allow at least six weeks for the return of the student aid report if you are completing and mailing a paper copy.  If you complete the application on line with your pin number the process will take about 48 hours to process.  This information must be received in the Financial Aid Office before the application deadline.

The priority deadline for all financial aid applications is April 1 for all continuing students . New students the deadlines are April 1, May 1 and June 1.  Please note that a majority of financial aid will be given with the April 1st deadline.  All scholarships and Denver Seminary grants are awarded based on this priority deadline, unless otherwise specified.

Am I Eligible for Financial Aid?

To be eligible for most types of financial aid, you must 1) be accepted into a degree program; 2) demonstrate financial need, as shown by the results of filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA); 3) be enrolled at least half-time each semester; and 4) maintain satisfactory academic progress. If you do not maintain eligibility, you will be required to return all institutional aid and may be required to start the repayment process on and Federal Loan you have received.

Can I Renew My Financial Aid?

Financial Aid is not automatically renewed and all applications must be resubmitted for each year in which aid is requested. Financial aid packets and  applications are normally available in January prior to the beginning of the following fall semester.

Where Can I Find Other Financial Aid Information?

Other financial aid information is available on the web pages listed below. Additional information is also available on myDenSem when you begin the application process.

1. General Financial Aid Information
2. Grants
3. Scholarships
4. Stafford Loans
5. Veterans' Benefits
   
6. Other Sources for Financial Aid

What is My Maximum Debt Load?

If you feel you must borrow money to finance your education, it's essential that you know the monthly repayment amount you can afford -- after you've met all of your other living expenses.

The following six-step calculation to help you estimate the maximum amount of money you should borrow.

 Loan Repayment Chart

Estimate your maximum monthly loan payment on the chart above by multiplying your net income by 8%. Find the figure under the "Monthly Payment" column on the left. The "Potential Loan Debt" is the maximum loan limit you should consider.