GST-Paying for College

Graduate School of Theology

The ACU Graduate School of Theology (GST) has a number of ways to help you pay for your education. Listed below are various forms of financial aid that can be awarded and applied for when attending the GST.

Student Loans

Federal Direct Loans

The Federal Direct Loan program consists of unsubsidized loans and is awarded regardless of demonstrated need.

Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan (GRAD PLUS)

This loan can be used to supplement other financial aid, such as the Federal Direct Loan. Repayment of this loan begins within 60 days after the entire loan has been disbursed. The GRAD PLUS Loan is subject to in-school deferment but it is not automatic. Deferment can be granted by the lender after providing proof of at least half-time enrollment.

Note: To qualify for federal aid, students must be enrolled at least half-time in the semester for which they are seeking aid. For master’s programs, full-time enrollment is defined as 9-credit hours per semester and half-time as 6-credit hours. For the D.Min. program, full-time is defined as 6-credit hours per semester and half-time as 3-credit hours.

You can also apply for federal financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) once it becomes available on October 1 (ACU school code: 003537).

Scholarships

The GST offers scholarship assistance to on-campus master’s students based on prior academic record, financial need and potential for ministry and further academic research. Scholarships are awarded on an annual basis and are re-evaluated at the end of each school year. Scholarship awards are offered as applications are completed, and amounts are determined based on the strength of each application. Feel free to contact us at gst@acu.edu with any questions or concerns.

To apply, please get in contact with your advisor for more information related to completing and submitting the GST Scholarship Application form.

Graduate Assistantships

For on-campus students, a number of Graduate Assistantships are offered at Abilene Christian University on a competitive basis. Graduate Assistants (GA’s) fall into three categories according to major responsibilities: academic support (including clerical work), research, and teaching.

Upon employment, GA’s are given a letter clearly stating responsibilities, remuneration and the expectations of the department and of the professor to whom they are assigned.

In the GST, GA’s are required to work 7.5 hours a week and are paid an hourly wage.

ACU Employee Tuition Benefit Program

This benefit program applies to all full-time and half-time employees at ACU and is designed to help employees, and their immediate family, obtain additional education. ACU employees, their spouses, and children are eligible to receive a discount on their tuition.

Ways to Pay for Your GST Education