Frequently Asked Questions
What if I already have another scholarship award coming from a source outside of the seminary?
The Gateway Financial Aid Program application requests disclosure of any/all pending financial aid. The seminary reserves Financial Aid Program funds primarily for students without such assistance. In some cases, depending on the amount, seminary scholarships could be retracted, adjusted, or denied as students are granted additional aid from outside sources. Common examples include gifts from home churches (restrictive if exceeds 60 percent of tuition) or other institutions (restrictive if exceeds 40 percent of tuition).
Will the seminary defer my federal loans from my undergraduate degree?
Yes, Gateway cooperates with federal authorities for loan deferment status. Contact the Registrar's Office for further information/documentation.
Is there a special scholarship for church planters?
The Caskey Church Planting Scholarship is available to any SBC master's level student at Gateway Seminary who is either currently serving in a church plant or is committed to serving in a church plant upon graduation. Eligible students may receive up to a 100% tuition scholarship, and may be either full time or part time students, taking either on campus or online classes. Apply through the standard financial aid application!
I heard that Gateway offers scholarships for entering Journeyman/ISC students?
Gateway is committed in support of the sacrifice and calling of mission personnel. Entering students who are returning Journeyman/ISC or MSC/U2-C2 missionaries may qualify for tuition assistance through the Caskey Mission Experience Scholarship, depending on eligibility. Information and application for this special entering student scholarship are available through the Student Services office or online.
What if I am graduating and I don't need to be enrolled full-time during my last semester?
The Financial Aid Program is dedicated to full-time enrollment. However, in some cases, under-enrolled graduating students are allowed to retain a portion of the semester financial award.
What else can I do to help cover the cost of seminary?
There are lots of option. Click here to learn about them.
What if I am applying for financial aid for next year, but I will graduate in winter? Do I still qualify?
Yes, but your award is based on one semester, instead of two, and you should maintain full-time status.
I missed the financial aid deadline. Am I still eligible to apply?
Yes! You can apply and it’s possible that you can still be awarded a scholarship. It’s always best to apply and we will evaluate your application in light of available funding.
Is my financial aid issued for a year or just for a semester?
All awards are factored on a single term. When awards are initially granted, students will be notified if the award is for fall, spring, summer, or for all three terms.
Will my spring award be affected if I am unable to attend during the fall, or if during the fall semester I have to drop to part-time status?
Non-enrollment for a semester cancels out the award for that semester only. So if you fail to enroll for the fall, your spring amount is still available. The same goes for part-time status. Since financial aid is dedicated to full-time enrollment, any reduction to part-time hours affects your award amount for that semester only.
Can I use my scholarship money to pay for my campus rent or other charges?
The Gateway Financial Aid Program exists for tuition only—not fees, books, or rent—as funds are limited.
Why does the seminary not offer full program loans to cover my education, then let me pay it back after I graduate—like my undergraduate loans?
We prefer all Gateway students graduate with no debt to the institution. Far too many students are hampered for years with unmanageable educational loans. It's a matter of stewardship. However, the seminary does offer payment options on a semester-by semester basis. Contact the seminary Business Office for further details.
I am a veteran. Can I use VA education benefits for seminary tuition?
Gateway does not accept Tuition Assistance payments from the military for active duty personnel. Veteran’s benefits are accepted.
Certificates of Eligibility (COE) documents will need to be provided to the Business Office prior to the term's payment deadline to hold the student in classes. Any amount not covered by the VA benefits is payable by the student on the term's payment deadline. Please contact the Business Office for further information.
Certificates of Eligibility (COE) documents will need to be provided to the Business Office prior to the term's payment deadline to hold the student in classes. Any amount not covered by the VA benefits is payable by the student on the term's payment deadline. Please contact the Business Office for further information.
What if I posted delinquent seminary accounts in the fall? Does this affect my spring award?
Yes, in order to remain eligible for financial aid you must maintain good standing with all seminary accounts. Your spring award amount will likely be withheld if you are not in good financial standing.
If financial aid amounts are posted during the summer and my financial situation changes during the semester, is there any way to re-evaluate my award amount for additional aid?
It is not likely that we could adjust your aid in mid-semester, as all financial calculations are conducted on an annual basis. Once the funds are distributed they are gone. We suggest you speak directly to the VP of Enrollment and Student Services and explore other means of emergency aid.
I hope to get accepted into a doctoral program at Gateway. Does the Seminary Financial Aid Program apply to Advanced Studies?
Scholarship resources for doctoral studies are limited and exist outside the Financial Aid Program. For information, contact the Ph.D. office or D.Min. office directly.
Ph.D.: (909-687-1631)
D.Min.: (909-687-1609)
Ph.D.: (909-687-1631)
D.Min.: (909-687-1609)
What about financial aid for summer term or January classes?
Gateway Financial Aid Program may apply to Fall, Spring, and/or Summer terms.