There are three basic types of financial aid for graduate education:
- Title IV federal student loans
- Institutional grants and scholarships
- External scholarships
Most of the schools on IWS’s list of competitor schools offer a combination of federal student loans and
institutional aid. Just three, including IWS, B.H. Carroll, and New Orleans Baptist, only offer institutional aid and do not participate in federal financial aid or federal student aid (FAFSA).
Why IWS does not participate in Title IV federal student loans:
- IWS intentionally keeps tuition and fees very low in comparison with other ATS-accredited programs. In doing so, we help students avoid the significant level of student loan debt that is a significant issue in the United States. Federal funds for graduate studies are limited only to loans, which, of course, have to be repaid.
- Not participating in Title IV federal student funding greatly simplifies the application process and contributes significantly to keeping our tuition low.
- Third, not participating in Title IV federal student funding avoids governmental influence that can, at times, undermine IWS’ positions and commitments on issues of Christian behavior, orthopraxy, morality, and ethics.
What type of financial aid availability IWS does offer:
- Grants, scholarships, and payment plans
- Military and Veterans aid, up to 50% off tuition available
See the chart below for a comparison of financial aid that IWS offers versus the types of financial aid that our competitor schools offer:
| College/University | Institutional Financial Aid / Scholarships | Federal Financial Aid Available | Military / Veterans Aid Available |
|---|---|---|---|
| Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies | Yes | No | 50% |
| Baptist College of Florida | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| B.H. Carroll Theological Institute | Yes | Yes | No |
| California Baptist University | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cedarville University | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Dallas Baptist University | Yes | BGCT & Baptist-affiliated scholarships available. | Yes |
| Fuller Seminary | No | Yes | Yes |
| Lee University | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Liberty University | Yes | Yes | $275-300/hour |
| New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary | Yes | No | Yes |
| North Central University | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Seattle Pacific University (Seattle Pacific Seminary) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Southern Baptist Theological Seminary | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Trevecca Nazarene University | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Visible Music College | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| World Mission University | Yes | Yes | Yes |