Affording Seminary
At Wesley Theological Seminary we encourage good stewardship and seek to assist students as they prepare to enter the ministry and mission field, and to lead others.
Masters degree students may be eligible to receive scholarships and federal loans. Doctoral degree students may be eligible for federal loans with some scholarship funding available for specific tracks. Veterans’ tuition awards may be available for eligible veterans benefits towards pursuing graduate studies. Limited need based institutional assistance is available as well. Students enrolled in certificate or non-degree programs do not qualify for federal financial aid.
- The basic kinds of financial assistance are student loans and institutional awards.
- The FAFSA Application must be completed in order to request Federal Direct Loans. Learn how to apply here.
Tuition & Fees
Master's Degree Program Tuition & Fees
Master’s Degree Programs – Investment at a Glance (Part-Time/Full-Time)
Tuition $870 per credit hour
Fees $712 per semester
Housing Estimate^ – On/Off Campus $5,014/$10,028
Meals $2,463/$4,926
Books and Supplies Estimate $1,147/$2,294
Transportation $1,030/$2,060
Personal/Miscellaneous $889/$1,778
2026–2027 Total Cost of Attendance based on 9 months:
Full-Time – $38,174*
Part-Time – $31,214*
*Estimate does not include institutional scholarship aid and external aid. About 90% of students receive institutional scholarships from Wesley Theological Seminary
^ Housing estimate does not include utilities. On-campus housing includes utilities.
2025-2026
Academic Credit Tuition (July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026)
- $832 per credit hour for degree and special students
2026-2027
Academic Credit Tuition (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027)
- $870 per credit hour for degree and special students
Fees
- $712 per semester ($293 per term for students enrolled in less than 4 hours). For more information please visit the Catalog.
- Books and supplies estimate
- $150 per 3 credit course
- Housing visit our housing page for housing prices.
Audit and Continuing Education Units (CEUs)Tuition
- Course Audit Tuition – $100 per credit hour for Auditing a class
- Continuing Education Unit (CEU) Tuition – $100 per CEU for Continuing Education – Ordained clergy, diaconal ministers, or full-time lay professional employees of any denomination may enroll in individual regular semester courses and receive Continuing Education Units. For billing purposes, one academic credit hour is equivalent to 1.5 Continuing Education Units (CEU)
Doctor of Ministry Degree Program Tuition & Fees
2025-2026 Tuition
- $774 per credit hour
- Fees $76 per term
- Housing depends upon room arrangement
2026-2027 Tuition
- $774 per credit hour
- Fees $76 per term
- Housing depends upon room arrangement
Estimated Cost of Attendance (COA)
The expenses of individual students will vary considerably based on lifestyle and enrollment. The information below provides a reasonable picture of a student’s fixed and discretionary costs for the Master of Divinity (MDiv), Master of Arts (MA), Master of Theological Studies (MTS), and Doctor of Ministry (DMin) degrees. These estimates are used as the standard for financial aid purposes at Wesley.
Questions related to billing, for current students, may be directed to Businessoffice@wesleyseminary.edu.
Master's Degree 2026–2027 Estimated* Budget
| 25-26 Calculated | 26-27 Estimated | |
| DIRECT COSTS | ||
| Tuition | $9,984 | $10,440 |
| Fees | $712 | $712 |
| INDIRECT COSTS Indirect costs are only estimates of personal expenses related to educational costs required by institutions to estimate, and may be higher or lower based on individual households. |
||
| Housing (on/off campus) | $4,775 | $4,775 |
| Meals | $2,391 | $2,391 |
| Books & Supplies | $1,114 | $1,114 |
| Transportation | $1,000 | $1,000 |
| Personal/Misc | $863 | $863 |
| Total Estimated Cost of Attendance | $20,839 | $21,295 |
| *This is for informational purposes. Scholarships and grant aid must be subtracted from estimates when anticipating federal loan needs. | ||
Doctor of Ministry Degree 2026–2027 Estimated* Budget
| 25-26 Calculated | 26-27 Estimated | |
| DIRECT COSTS | ||
| Tuition | $4,644 | $4,644 |
| Fees | $76 | $76 |
| INDIRECT COSTS Indirect costs are only estimates of personal expenses related to educational costs required by institutions to estimate, and may be higher or lower based on individual households. |
||
| Housing (on/off campus) | $3,748 | $3,748 |
| Meals | $668 | $668 |
| Books & Supplies | $418 | $418 |
| Transportation | $702 | $702 |
| Personal/Misc | $138 | $138 |
| Total Estimated Cost of Attendance | $10,394 | $10,394 |
| *This is for informational purposes. Scholarships and grant aid must be subtracted from estimates when anticipating federal loan needs. | ||
Direct vs. Indirect Costs
- Direct Costs: Charges such as tuition, required fees, or on-campus housing (if applicable) will appear directly on your student bill.
- Indirect Costs: Estimates for transportation, food, and personal expenses are generally not payable to Wesley. These are included here to assist you in planning a comprehensive budget for the academic year.
Important Tuition Planning Notes
- Official Charges: This estimate is for planning purposes and is not an approximate bill. You can view tuition and fees at edu or current students via Student Self-Service under Student Accounts.
- Financial Aid Eligibility: Students must be enrolled at least half-time to qualify for financial aid.
- master’s students must be enrolled in at least 5 credits (Fall/Spring) or 3 credits (Summer).
- Doctoral students must be enrolled in at least 3 credits.
- Adjustments: Your total loan eligibility is reduced by any merit scholarships, need-based grants, or outside resources (such as annual conference funding) to ensure your total aid does not exceed the cost of attendance.
- If you do not qualify for federal unsubsidized loans, or are not interested in requesting federal loans, please contact the Business Office for payment plan options at BusinessOffice@wesleyseminary.edu or 202-885-8662.
- Federal regulations allow Financial Aid Administrators to update components of a student’s COA by making a professional judgment. This update may allow a student to receive additional financial aid. A COA update may be needed if any component of a student’s COA exceeds the estimated amount. Students who have a special circumstance can submit a PJ request form and supporting documentation to the Financial Aid Office. All PJ requests will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Scholarships and Awards
Merit-Based Scholarships
Wesley DC is committed to supporting the next generation of ministry and bi-vocational leaders. We offer a selection of merit-based scholarships available to students of all denominations. These awards recognize your past academic excellence and, more importantly, your potential to lead and inspire within the church. 90% of students at Wesley DC receive scholarship awards.
How to Apply
No scholarship application required! Merit Scholarships are awarded during the admissions process. Scholarships are awarded through a holistic review process that considers ministry and leadership experience, recommendations, academic GPA, and the strength of your entrance essay. We look at these factors to gain a complete picture of every applicant to our master’s programs. Please note that the GRE is not required for consideration. To be considered, please submit your application for admission by February 1 of the year you intend to enroll.
Our Commitment to You
We ensure that scholarship opportunities, grants, and employment are accessible to all qualified students regardless of age, gender, race, sexual orientation, or physical disability.
Note: While most awards are merit-based, certain scholarships are specifically designated for students with unique backgrounds or specific ministry objectives.
Student Employment
Part-time positions may be available throughout the year as department needs arise. Jobs typically average 10-15 hours per week. Student employees receive regular bi-weekly payroll checks. These funds are not applied to a student’s account and are not listed as pending aid on the student’s building statement.
Need Grants
Need grants are available to students who have not received merit scholarships and demonstrate need via the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and on the Wesley Financial Assistance Application. Both documents are due by the priority deadline of May 1 for consideration.
The FAFSA code is G01464 . The Wesley Financial Assistance Application can be found here.
Scholarships Information
To find the details about available Scholarship and Awards, click the button below.
Student Loans
Federal Student Loans
Federal direct loans are available to students who are U.S. Citizens or Eligible Non-Citizens. Most federal loan programs offer low interest and/or deferred interest payments. Most do not require re-payment of the principle and accrued interest until you graduate or cease to be enrolled at least half-time (5 credits, fall & spring; 3 credits in the summer). Students are encouraged to borrow conservatively, exhausting all other sources of aid first. Loans do need to be repaid. Federal Direct Loans provide students with the best borrower benefits, with a low fixed interest rate and low fees.
How to Apply for Student Loans
To receive Federal student loans as a Wesley Theological Seminary student, you must first complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and be sure to include our school code G01464.
- If you have questions while completing the FAFSA form you may contact the FAFSA help line at (800) 433-3243.
- You will have to maintain good academic standing.
- FAFSA Verification: Each year, approximately 30 percent of student applicants are randomly selected by the U.S. Department of Education for verification. A student may also be selected by the seminary. If selected for verification, students will initially be notified on their FAFSA submission summary. In addition, the Office of Financial Aid will notify the student via their WesleyDC student email if additional documentation is needed. Failure to provide all required documentation before the last day of classes in the semester may result in the cancellation of the student’s federal financial aid awards.
- If you do not qualify for federal unsubsidized loans, or are not interested in requesting federal loans, please contact the Business Office for payment options at BusinessOffice@wesleyseminary.edu or 202-885-8662.
Federal Financial Aid Requirements
- You must be enrolled in the following:
- For Master’s students: a minimum of 5 credits (half-time) per semester in fall and spring, and minimum of 3 credits in summer for master’s.
- For Doctor of Ministry students must maintain a minimum (half-time) enrollment in 3 credits per semester for eligibility.
- You must be in a degree program, in good academic standing, and making satisfactory academic progress as defined by Wesley Theological Seminary.
- Pace: Students must earn at least two-thirds of the credits that are attempted.
- For federal loans only: Master’s degree students must maintain at least a 2.70 GPA. Doctor of Ministry students must maintain a 3.00 GPA. A SAP appeal is required if you fall below the GPA threshold.
- You cannot be in default of any federal educational loans and/or owe a federal grant repayment.
Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans
The Unsubsidized loan is a guaranteed federal loan. It accrues interest while you are in school and during your six-month grace period. You may choose to make interest-only payments or allow the interest to be added to your principal balance (capitalized).
Beginning with the 2026-2027 academic year, there are significant changes to federal loan borrowing for students starting new programs.
- Eligibility: Students must be U.S. Citizens, U.S. Permanent Residents, Citizens of Freely Associated States, Refugees, or Persons granted Asylum. International students are not eligible for federal aid.
- Requirements: To qualify, you must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and maintain enrollment in a minimum of 5 credits (half-time) per semester in fall and spring, and minimum of 3 credits in summer for master’s. For Doctor of Ministry students must maintain a minimum(half-time) enrollment in 3 credits per semester for eligibility.
- Counseling: First-time borrowers must complete online Entrance Counseling before funds are released. Upon graduating, taking a leave of absence, or withdrawing from Wesley, Exit Counseling is required to review repayment options and total indebtedness.
- Master Promissory Note (MPN): New borrowers or those who haven’t borrowed in the last 10 years must complete an MPN. Instructions are sent to incoming students during the summer prior to enrollment.
Annual Borrowing Limits (Effective July 1, 2026)
For students beginning a new program in the 2026–2027 year (*subject to change):
- Professional Programs (MDiv, DMin)* Up to $50,000/year. (Lifetime limit: $200,000 for graduate direct loans).
- Graduate Programs (MTS, MA): Up to $20,500/year. (Lifetime limit: $100,000 for graduate direct loans).
- Legacy Rules: Students currently enrolled and remaining in the same program follow previous rules for unsubsidized loans (Maximum of $20,500 per year; $138,500 lifetime limit).
Interest Rates & Fees:
- 2025–26 Rate:94% (Variable rate capped at 9.50%).
- Origination Fee:057% (as of October 1, 2020).
Unsubsidized loans are low-interest loans that help eligible students pay for their education. This program enables you to borrow directly from the federal government. You must be enrolled at least half-time (4.5 credits) to be eligible. The loan amounts are determined by the results of the FAFSA. Repayment on unsubsidized loans begins six months after you are no longer enrolled at least half-time or leave school completely (i.e. graduation). The interest rates for Federal loans can be adjusted every July per federal guidelines (affecting new loans certified after July 1st of that year). The rate is capped at 9.5%. The current fixed interest rate can be found here.
The interest starts to accrue on unsubsidized loans as soon as the first disbursement is released. The interest must be paid by you during enrollment periods. You may defer interest payments on the unsubsidized loans as long as you continue to be enrolled at WesleyDC at least half-time.
If you are borrowing loans at Wesley DC for the first time, and if you accept an unsubsidized loan, you must complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN), also called a Loan Agreement, and graduate-level Entrance Counseling at studentaid.gov for the Direct Loan program. If you are a continuing student at WesleyDC who participated in the Federal Direct Loan program during a previous academic year, you do not have to complete an additional MPN or Entrance Counseling.
The financial aid process is complete once a student (1) accepts the aid they want to receive, (2) completes a master promissory note for the Direct Loan, (3) completes Direct Loan Entrance Counseling and any other requested documentation.
The Office of Financial Aid will process accepted aid so the Business Office can see pending (or anticipated) financial aid for an upcoming term. It is the student’s responsibility to make sure all charges are covered. The Office of Financial Aid will refer all questions regarding a balance, charges, and account holds to the Business Office.
Important Notes:
- If you are a recipient of a scholarship from Wesley Theological Seminary and also receive aid from an outside source, reduction of the Seminary’s full-tuition will be made in accordance with institutional requirements. If the total aid amount from all sources is greater than the total cost of attendance, the difference will be taxed by the government as income.
- Graduate students are not eligible for federal grants (e.g. Pell Grant and Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant) or Work Study. Make sure to visit the Scholarships page to view institutional and external scholarship opportunities.
Enrollment Changes
- Dropping one or all semester courses.
- Grading system changes. Ex. Changing from letter grade to pass/fail, or audit.
Deferment & Forbearance
- Deferment: A postponement of payment. You may qualify if you are enrolled at least half-time (5 credits), studying in a fellowship, or experiencing economic hardship (up to 3 years). Wesley participates in the National Student Clearinghouse, and enrollment is reported after the add/drop period to automatically update your status with lenders.
- Forbearance: If you don’t qualify for deferment but cannot make payments due to illness or financial hardship, you may request forbearance to temporarily stop or reduce payments.
The 6-Month Grace Period
Federal Graduate PLUS Loan
Important Note: Due to federal legislation, the Direct Graduate PLUS Loan Program will be eliminated on July 1, 2026.
- Continuing Students: Only those remaining in their current Wesley program who borrowed a Direct Loan before July 1, 2026, may continue to use this program for up to 3 years.
- New Students: Students entering for the 2026-2027 academic year will not have access to this program and should explore the updated Stafford limits or private loan options.
Loan Request Forms
Educational Loans
Educational loans enable many students to pursue their calling at Wesley, but it is important to carefully review all terms and conditions before signing a loan agreement.
Your loan offers may vary based on your credit history and current interest rates. We encourage you to consider the total cost of the loan (including fees and interest), repayment schedules, your personal risk tolerance, and options for deferring payments during school or periods of financial hardship.
Private Student Loans
Private loans are credit-based and can help bridge the gap between your student budget and your total financial aid.
- Eligibility (check with the lender): Most students must be enrolled in at least 5-6 credits per term.
- Borrowing Limit: Wesley can only certify loans up to your Total Cost of Attendance minus all other aid (scholarships, grants, and federal loans).
- Timeline: Private loan processing can be lengthy. We recommend starting the application process in mid-to-late June for fall enrollment.
Wesley Theological Seminary does not recommend specific private lenders (see the WTS Student Loan Code of Conduct). We encourage you to research interest rates (fixed vs. variable), repayment lengths, and deferment options to find the best fit for your needs.
Active-Duty Military/Veterans
Air Force Chaplaincy Scholarships
The Air Force offers scholarships for individuals who want to become service chaplains. To qualify applicants must:
- Meet Air Force commissioning requirements
- Receive written permission from a listed DoD ecclesiastical endorser
- Be in good academic standing
- be younger than 39 years of age upon completion of theological studies.
For more information, send a request to chaplains@rs.af.mil.
Yellow Ribbon Program
Wesley Theological Seminary participates in the Yellow Ribbon program in partnership with Veterans Affairs under the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill (Chapter 33). Contact VA for your certification of eligibility.
Enrollment Policies
Withdrawal Policy
If a student withdraws from a course during a regular Fall or Spring semester, the amount of tuition refund will be prorated based on how long the classes have been in session (the actual amount is based on the applicable percentage of the number of hours dropped). Financial aid will not cover courses that are dropped prior to the end of Add/Drop period. The following outlines the pro-rated withdraw schedule:
Tuition Refunds
- During the third full week – 75% refund
- During the fourth full week – 50% refund
- During the fifth full week – 25% refund
- No refunds will be granted after the fifth full week.
The specific drop deadlines for each semester are listed in the Important Dates section of the Catalog and posted at Academic Calendar. The only exception to this policy is in the case of courses that do not begin in the first week of a Fall or Spring semester. Such courses may be dropped with no tuition penalty through noon of the next business day after the first-class session is held. After this deadline, the tuition refund schedule in the table above will apply to any course drop. Fees will not be refunded after the final add/drop deadline (the end of the second full week of classes for Fall and Spring).
This scale also applies to refunds on tuition, fees, and housing rates for students withdrawing entirely from seminary enrollment. A refund schedule for J-Term and Summer sessions is available in the Business and Registrar’s Offices and on the J-Term and Summer Term web pages.
In general, the Registration deadline for intensive Summer and J-Term classes (Masters level) and all DMin intensive terms are two weeks before the start of class. Any student dropping after that date and up until the first day of class will be charged the $100 cancellation/late drop fee. After the first day of class the student will be responsible for paying the whole tuition bill.
Satisfactory Academic Progress
Students receiving Federal Direct Loans must be held to both qualitative as well as quantitative Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards set forth by the federal government as well as those of Wesley.
Qualitative Requirements
Master’s level Direct Loan recipients must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.3 in order to continue receiving Federal funding. Doctorate level Direct Loan recipients must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in order to continue receiving Federal funding. Institutional Needs Grant recipients must also maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.3 in order to continue receiving grant funding and merit recipients must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0.
Quantitative Requirements
Students are also evaluated to make sure they have not exceeded their maximum timeframe for receiving federal aid. Students are not to exceed 150% of the published length and must adhere to a cumulative completion rate of 70%.
If the annual SAP review makes it clear that a student is not meeting one of these components, then the student may not continue to receive federal funding. SAP is evaluated once per year, in June, once spring semester grades are posted and GPA’s updated. An exception to this is made on a case-by-case basis if a student did not start traditionally in the fall semester. Students have two semesters (or in the case of DMin, two 2-week intensive terms) before a SAP evaluation will be performed so for these students it may be mid-year in January.
The resulting output report allows the Vice President of Admissions and Financial Aid to analyze and compile a list of students who are not meeting SAP to notify the students themselves and the Financial Aid Committee.
Master's Level Academic Standing
The Dean’s Office in conjunction with the Office of the Registrar monitor academic progress of all students. Students who receive one F are put on academic warning.However, a student who receives an F and still has a GPA of over 2.3 as a Title IV or need grant recipient or 3.0 or greater as a merit recipient is considered to be making SAP for Financial Aid purposes.
A student who receives more than one F over the course of his or her academic program will be placed on Academic Probation by the Dean. A student is also placed on Academic Probation if he or she has a cumulative GPA of below a 2.3, which is required for graduation. Additionally, this student would be required to appeal the loss of his or her student aid (see SAP Appeals Process).
While federal regulations suggest that schools whose programs are greater than two academic years should require that students be maintaining a C or its equivalent or academic standing consistent with the school’s requirement for graduation at the end of the second year, Wesley DC requires this at the end of each academic year, when SAP is evaluated.
Doctoral Level Academic Standing
No credit is granted for courses with a final grade below a “B-“ and an overall average of “B” or 3.0 or better must be maintained for graduation. A grade of an “F” in any course results in automatic dismissal from the program.
Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeals Process (SAP)
At the conclusion of spring semester each year, SAP will be evaluated on each student receiving merit aid, need grants and/or Direct Loans. If the Financial Aid Committee makes the determination that a student is not meeting SAP requirements, either at the required pace or through the required GPA, the student is not put on financial aid warning.Students not meeting the minimum requirement will be notified and be given an opportunity to appeal.
Students must submit an appeal letter explaining the cause of the academic issues or mitigating personal circumstances that may have led to poor performance and academic plan to improve his or her GPA. The Financial Aid Committee will then render a decision on whether to grant the appeal. If the appeal is granted the student will be awarded his/her aid for the following academic year after which SAP will be re-evaluated. If at the end of the probationary/appeal year, if the student has met the required minimum GPA for the type of aid received, the aid will be reinstated.
If SAP is not met by the end of the probationary/appeal year, the aid will not be reinstated. Second appeals are rare and at the discretion of the Financial Aid Committee. If the student has not met SAP a second time but has shown significant progress over the probationary year rather than repeating the same level of poor performance, a second appeal may be granted.
Whether a student is granted an appeal or not, he or she may reenter the Federal Title IV loan program once the student regains eligibility with the minimum required GPA.
Resources
Wesley DC’s Financial Aid program is administered by the financial aid office. Information and appointments may be obtained by emailing financialaid@wesleyseminary.edu office or by leaving a voicemail message on our toll free number +1 (888) 616-8781. No person who meets our admission requirements shall be denied access to scholarships, grants, loan programs, or employment on the basis of age, gender, race, sexual orientation, or physical disability.
- Sample Customized Degree Plans. There are a wide range of options open to you with a Wesley FlexMA. Here are some of the ways you can design a flexible curriculum within the 36 credit hours of your degree:
- Explore the FlexMA for those seeking UMC Deacon’s Orders For members of The United Methodist Church, there are certain requirements towards ordination that the Wesley FlexMA can meet.
- Explore the FlexMA with a Children and Youth Ministry and Advocacy (CYMA) Specialization For those who plan to or currently work in youth ministry or for a child-centered non-profit, specialize in or earn your CYMA certificate.
- Explore the FlexMA with a focus on Homiletics Do you love to preach at your church, but haven’t taken a degree in Religion or Theology? Would taking courses focusing on preaching, worship and homiletics excite you and expand opportunities for you to serve either full or part-time?
- Explore the FlexMA with a Theology And The Arts Specialization Deepen your liturgical planning or faith expression through the arts
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Explore the FlexMA with the African American Church Studies (AACS) Specialization For those called to lead in African American contexts and communities, grounded in the social, historical, and theological nuances of African American religious culture select a focus in African American Church Studies
Explore the FlexMA with a focus on Pastoral Care Do you wish to be a chaplain, pastoral worker or volunteer in settings where a theological grounding would deepen your effectiveness? Are you a professional psychologist or counselor seeking to serve professional clergy or people of faith with a formation in theology and ministry?
Explore the FlexMA with a focus on Public Theology Do you have a passion for God and politics? Do you seek to work in Washington at the intersection of faith and politics? Are you a congressional staffer who wishes to bring a faith-based grounding to your work? Are you preparing for a ministry in social justice and want to connect to like-minded politician, advocates and others in Washington, D.C.?
Explore the FlexMA with a focus on Biblical Study Does Scripture come alive for you whenever you read it? Do you enjoy teaching Sunday School or leading Bible Study, or wish to but feel you don’t have the “school knowledge” of the Old and New Testament that would really make you the best teacher you are called to be?
Explore the FlexMA with a focus on Faith Foundations Are you curious about your faith? Do you want to learn more about the Bible, and understand the reasons why Christians believe and practice as they do?
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