Here at United, we believe that seminary education should be affordable. In addition to financial aid options, multiple generous scholarships are available for new and current students. Over 95% of new students received tuition aid and scholarships.
If you would like more information about financial aid or scholarships at United, contact our Student Enrollment team at financialaid@
Merit Scholarship (Dayton Scholarship)
A select number of master’s degree students are chosen to be Dayton Scholars. To be eligible, a student should demonstrate excellence in academic and intellectual achievement, personal characteristics and qualities, leadership capacity in both interpersonal and group contexts, service orientation, and religious or spiritual commitment. Applicants are considered from three perspectives: student information, a personal essay, and documentary evidence. Merit awards can cover a limited number of consecutive years, provided the student maintains financial aid eligibility and remains in good academic standing. Application materials are due on or before March 15.
Arts Scholarship
The Arts Scholarship is open to new, incoming master’s students who are practicing artists pursuing the Theology and the Arts Concentration. Preference is given to students who can clearly imagine and articulate their plans to better use the arts in ministry practice. The award amount varies and cannot be extended beyond the first year.
Mary Bigelow McMillan Scholarship
The Mary Bigelow McMillan Scholarship is awarded to one new, incoming Presbyterian master’s student at United each year. It is awarded to an individual who shows promise for pastoral ministry in the Presbyterian Church, Preference is given to students who can clearly articulate the importance of their Presbyterian identity and call to ministry. The Mary Bigelow McMillan Scholar will receive up to 100% tuition for the first year academic year after need-based and other forms of aid have been awarded.
Schilling Scholarship
The Schilling Scholarship is open to United Church of Christ (UCC) students who are enrolled full-time in a master’s degree program at United. Recipients must intend to serve congregations or ministries in the UCC after graduation. Preference is given to students who can clearly articulate the importance of their UCC identity and their call to ministry. The scholarship provides $2,500 for tuition for each trimester in which the student takes a minimum of 9 course credits. The award may be extended beyond the first year, but students must reapply each year to remain eligible.
Carpenter Scholarship
The Carpenter Scholarship is open to new, incoming master’s students who show promise for ministry, exhibit potential for outstanding academic achievement, and demonstrate financial need. Preference is given to students who can clearly imagine and articulate their call to ministry. Awards range from $500-2,000 and cannot be extended beyond the first year.
IFYC Scholarship
United offers up to two 50% tuition scholarships per year for IFYC alums or staff enrolling in any of United’s degree programs.
Mall Family Endowed Scholarship
An applicant for the Mall Family Scholarship must exhibit outstanding academic achievement and demonstrate financial need. Preference is given to students who exemplify Mall family values (philanthropy, education, hard work, family, and having fun) and who can clearly articulate their call to ministry. The scholarship provides $500-1,000 toward tuition per academic year. A recipient may reapply in subsequent years, but there is no guarantee of receiving the award more than once.
St. Lawrence Foundation Scholarship
The St. Lawrence Foundation Scholarship is open to students in a master’s degree program at United. One student will be selected and must be in candidate status with the Unitarian Universalist Association. Preference given to students who are cognizant of their Universalist heritage and mindful of the St. Lawrence Foundation mission. The scholarship provides tuition aid of $4,500. A recipient may reapply in subsequent years, but there is no guarantee of receiving the award more than once. The St. Lawrence Scholar is expected to write a one-page reflection on the influence of their Universalist heritage on their seminary studies.
UCC Local Ministries Scholarship
The UCC Local Ministries Scholarship is open to full-time students pursuing the M.Div. degree in preparation for ministry. UCC students are encouraged to apply, but the award is not restricted to them. Preference is given to students who can clearly articulate their call to ministry. The award provides $1,000 for tuition for that year. A recipient may reapply in subsequent years, but there is no guarantee of receiving the award more than once.
Schilling Scholarship
The Schilling Scholarship is open to United Church of Christ (UCC) students who are enrolled full-time in a master’s degree program at United. Recipients must intend to serve congregations or ministries in the UCC after graduation. Preference is given to students who can clearly articulate the importance of their UCC identity and their call to ministry. The scholarship provides $2,500 for tuition for each trimester in which the student takes a minimum of 9 course credits. The award may be extended beyond the first year, but students must reapply each year to remain eligible.
Merit Scholarship (Dayton Scholarship)
A select number of master’s degree students are chosen to be Dayton Scholars. To be eligible, a student should demonstrate excellence in academic and intellectual achievement, personal characteristics and qualities, leadership capacity in both interpersonal and group contexts, service orientation, and religious or spiritual commitment. Applicants are considered from three perspectives: student information, a personal essay, and documentary evidence. Merit awards can cover a limited number of consecutive years, provided the student maintains financial aid eligibility and remains in good academic standing. Application materials are due on or before March 15, 2023.