Federal, state and private loans are available for full and part-time students. Some of these loans are available to U.S. citizens or permanent residents only.
Applicants can file the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) beginning October 1 of each year for the following academic year. The FAFSA is available at www.fafsa.gov.
In addition to the Federal Stafford Loan Program, graduate students may be eligible for the Federal Graduate PLUS Loan, College Access Loan (state loan) or private education loans. Further information is available at https://www.financialaid.tcu.edu/. Students are encouraged to borrow no more than is absolutely necessary to cover their educational costs.
Citizens of other countries with a qualified U.S. or permanent resident co-signer may be eligible for private student loans. For information on private educational loans go to www.financialaid.tcu.edu – Education Loans – Private Education Loans.
All individuals whose FAFSA is selected for verification will be required to submit appropriate tax information and other documentation as needed to confirm the accuracy of the application. Contact the graduate financial aid adviser in the Office of Scholarships and Student Financial Aid for additional information.
The following Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Policy (SAP) applies to Brite students receiving state or federal aid (including loans):
• Brite students are subject to the academic performance standards established by the institution. Both qualitative and quantitative measurements are reviewed by the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs before certifying continued eligibility in the program.
• Students enrolled in the M.Div., M.T.S., M.A.T.M., and Ph.D. programs are expected to complete all degree requirements within a period of seven years from the date of the earliest credit to be counted on the degree (including transfer credit, if any). Th.M. students must complete all degree requirements within four years and D.Min. students must complete all requirements within six years from the date of the earliest credit to be counted on the degree (including transfer credit, if any). Extension of time must be applied for in writing through the Office of the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.
Students who fail to meet these standards, due to significant extenuating circumstances may appeal for reinstatement of aid eligibility by submitting a request to the financial aid office.
Brite and TCU’s SAP policy for graduate students who receive Title IV aid is at least as strict as the standards for students enrolled in the same educational program who are not receiving Title IV aid. See https://financialaid.tcu.edu/consumer-information/policies/academic-satisfactory-progress.php
All students are required to maintain certain requirements to receive federal or state financial aid. Credit hours attempted, credit hours completed and GPAs are reviewed by the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs to determine whether satisfactory progress is being maintained.
Return of Federal Financial Aid
A student who withdraws from the Divinity School before the 60 percent point in the enrollment period (summer, fall or spring) may have to return a pro-rated portion of the financial aid they received or that TCU received on his/her behalf. Detailed information about the federal policy on the Return of Title IV Funds is available at https://financialaid.tcu.edu/consumer-information/policies/withdrawal-return.php
Other Scholarships/Loan Funds
Student Assistantships. A limited number of student graduate assistantships are awarded to students who provide assistance to professors or staff with instructional, administrative or research responsibilities.
Normally, these assistantships are awarded to full time students. Contact the Office of the Associate Dean for Academic Administration for more information.
Brite Emergency Grants and Loans. Students experiencing unexpected financial hardships may obtain a small grant or short-term loan from funds which have been provided by several dedicated persons and organizations. Arrangements for these grants and loans are made through the Office of the Dean.
Further information on numerous grant and loan sources administered by agencies and organizations outside the Divinity School is available through the Forum for Theological Education at https://www.fteleaders.org/grants-and-fellowships