Financial Aid
Finances should not be a barrier to pursuing your seminary education. PLTS offers generous need-based grants and merit-based scholarships to support the total cost of attendance for PLTS seminarians.
See below for a list of the scholarship and grant opportunities available for qualifying PLTS students. Each of these scholarships and grants are awarded based on a set of criteria set by the Office of Admission and the Financial Aid Office. If you have any questions, please contact Jill Disbro, Director of Admission at jillannedisbro@plts.edu.
The average amount of tuition covered by scholarships and grants
Scholarships and Grants
Each scholarship listed here requires that you submit your FAFSA or California Dream Act Application. Some scholarships require an additional application as indicated.
Note: Some of our scholarships cover more than the total cost of tuition and fees. Students should be aware that any scholarship or grant funds received and not used for tuition, books and fees (for example, funds used toward housing), may be considered taxable by the IRS. Students are encouraged to consider this and to consult a financial advisor if they have any questions about potential tax implications. For more information, please visit the IRS qualified education expenses website.
ELCA Fund for Leaders Direct Scholarship
Application Required - The ELCA has a special Fund for Leaders in Mission that provides scholarships for people seeking to be rostered ministers (pastors or deacons) in the ELCA who attend an ELCA seminary. The Fund for Leaders in Mission looks for people who show leadership promise and an ability to articulate a call to serve for the sake of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This scholarship is awarded by the ELCA, and not by PLTS or Cal Lutheran.
Amount:
Full tuition
Hans Petersen Memorial Scholarship
Application Required - This full-tuition renewable scholarship is awarded to a student who shows interest in the intersection of social justice and liturgy. Hans Petersen was a student at PLTS who was passionate about connecting social justice and worship. To be considered for this scholarship, an essay (500-700 words) is required that seeks to answer the question: How can liturgy speak to the most pressing social justice issues of our time?
Submit your essay to admissions@plts.edu.
Amount:
Full tuition
Lord of Life Lutheran Church Scholarship
Automatic Consideration - Consideration is given to people who display exceptional leadership and demonstrate financial need. This scholarship is funded by Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Sun City, AZ.
Amount:
Full tuition
PLTS Tuition Grant
Automatic Consideration - Grants are offered to support the cost of tuition for students with financial need. PLTS commits to meeting a student’s unmet need for tuition (as determined by the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application) by 100% with a PLTS tuition grant.
Amount:
Up to full tuition
Veterans Benefits
Application Required - As a participating institution in the Yellow Ribbon Program, PLTS of Cal Lutheran will fund tuition and fee expenses that exceed what is covered by the Post-9/11 GI Bill. The Yellow Ribbon Program was established by the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008. This program allows colleges and universities to voluntarily enter into an agreement with the VA to fund tuition and fee expenses that exceed the benefits payable under the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
Amount:
Up to full tuition
Year-of-Service Scholarships
Automatic Consideration - Many people who come to seminary have had experience with Young Adults in Global Mission, Urban Servant Corps, ALT Year, Lutheran Volunteer Corps, Peace Corps, or other year-long volunteer opportunities. This experience often prepares people to be thoughtful leaders. A $3,000 renewable scholarship is considered for any applicant who applies to seminary and has completed a year of service within the last five years.
Amount:
$3,000 per year
ELCA College Graduate Scholarship
Automatic Consideration - Renewable scholarships in the amount of $10,000 each are available to those who have earned their bachelor’s degree from an ELCA institution. These awards will take into consideration merit and service.
Amount:
$10,000 per year
Cal Lutheran Graduate Scholarship
Automatic Consideration - Renewable scholarships in the amount of $10,000 are available to Cal Lutheran alums. These awards will take into consideration merit and service.
Amount:
$10,000 per year
Congregational Partners in Education Award
Application Required - PLTS will match congregational support up to $2,500 for full-time students attending seminary. We encourage students to reach out to their congregations regarding this scholarship. If your church community is able to provide monetary support for your education, be sure to fill out the additional form to be eligible for matching funds.
Amount:
Up to $2,500 per year
PLTS Housing Grant
Automatic Consideration - PLTS offers a housing grant for eligible students living in PLTS student housing. Grants are contingent on students continued residence in PLTS student housing and based on small single studio cost (shared 2 bedroom living arrangement may reduce the amount).
Amount:
At least $2,500 per year