FINANCIAL AID

SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary offer low tuition.  Financial aid is available should students need assistance.  Below are some of the financial aid programs available.  For additional types of aid, please also check our scholarship and Veterans Assistance links on this website.

• Grants
• Work-study programs
• Scholarships

Federal Grants

Unlike loans, grants do not need to be repaid. Two types of Federal grants available are:

Federal Pell Grant
This need-based grant is available only to undergraduate students that demonstrate financial need based on completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).  Award amounts are based on your Student Aid Index (SAI), the Cost of Education, and number of credit hours you are attending as determined by your FAFSA and the Financial Aid Office.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant
This Federal need-based grant is available to undergraduate, Pell-Grant-eligible students that demonstrate financial need according to a federal eligibility formula.  Award amounts are based on a student’s “Student Aid Index (SAI),” the Cost of Education, and number of credit hours.  Funds are limited funds and awarded to Pell Grant recipients that demonstrate a high financial need based on their SAI.

Work-Study

Federal Work Study (FWS)
FWS is a need-based financial aid program designed to assist students with employment opportunities on campus or within the community. Funds are limited.  This is a regular paid position in which a student will receive a bi-weekly paycheck. The FWS earnings are taxable; however, are excluded in the need calculation on the FAFSA.

Requirements for the Federal Work-Study program:

• To be eligible for a FWS work-study award, applicants must complete a FAFSA, demonstrate financial need after all other aid applied, and be enrolled in six or more credit hours.
• Applicants must have a minimum 2.0 cumulative grade point average and be in good academic standing
• Students cannot begin work until all personnel paperwork has been completed (I-9, W4, etc.)
• Students cannot work more than 20 hours a week while classes are in session
• Students must remain enrolled in at least six credit hours during the time that they are employed
• Students must submit accurate time sheets on a regular and timely basis
• Student cannot exceed their work-study award

Veterans Benefits

From federal tuition assistance to the Montgomery GI Bill and Post 9/11 GI Bill, there are many ways for active-duty service members, veterans, and their dependents to get financial support to help pay for their tuition at SUM Bible College & Theological Seminary. Our Financial Aid office will help you understand the military and veteran funding available to you.

Vocational Rehabilitation

Vocational rehabilitation (VR) programs are state-run, federally state-run programs that offer a way for people with mental and physical disabilities to get the help they need to become more independent and go back to work.

To apply for VR services, contact the agency in your state that administers the program. (Some states Department of vocational rehabilitation falls under the Health and Human Services agency, while others come under the Department of Education.) Also, your local Social Security field office can help you find the closest VOC rehab office in your state.

Scholarships

A scholarship is a form of “gift” assistance you can apply for that does not have to be repaid. Scholarships may be counted towards your total financial aid award package and used to meet your financial need.

Most all scholarships require you to complete their application, write an essay, have references, or have a certain GPA.  Check with each donor for their specific criteria.

Please see the scholarship page for additional information. In addition, please check with your high school and congregation on what scholarship opportunities they may offer.

Scholarships – SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary

Consider the SUM Payment Plan:

If your full-term tuition would be too much for you all at once, consider the four $400 payments per trimester. For more information contact the Business Office at [email protected].

Congregational/Church Scholarships:

Check with your local congregation to see if they offer scholarships or tuition assistance for its members. You may also wish to visit private scholarship searches like ScholarshipOwl: The fastest path to college scholarships

Third-Party Scholarships:

Thousands of dollars in potential scholarships go unclaimed every year. That’s money you could be using to pay for your tuition. You may search for third-party scholarships via our website at: Scholarships – SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary

Employer Paid Tuition Benefits:

Often our Partner Organizations will offer to pay the remaining tuition for their employees or members as part of a job training or educational benefit program. Check with your site to see if there is program funding available for you. Please email  [email protected]  to get it set up on your account.

Military TA & VA Benefits:

If you are an active-duty Servicemember or Veteran, a member of the National Guard or Reserves, or a qualified survivor or dependent, you may be eligible to receive Educational & Training funding from the Military Tuition Assistance program or the Post – 9/11 or Montgomery GI Bills. Visit vets.gov to determine your VA eligibility and apply or contact your base’s Educational Center for TA funding details.

Private Student Loans:

We highly recommend students not take out loans because we know that the future financial burden of taking on debt is not without risks. This is one reason why we don’t participate in the federal student loan program.

In instances where some students may need to obtain a loan to pay for living expenses, they are encouraged to pursue private student loan funding by visiting their local bank or a national student loan provider. You can find out more by performing a Google search or visit: Best Private Student Loan Rates 2025 | BestMoney  for more information on what to consider when looking for a private student loan and how to apply. Note: SUM does not refer to or can recommend any private student loan lenders.