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Admissions

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Take the next step in your call to ministry by applying to Mid-America Reformed Seminary. Begin your application today and join a community committed to faithful, confessional Reformed training.

February 1Early application deadline for the Fall semester
May 1Deadline for the Fall semester
December 1Deadline for the Spring semester

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Start your application and join a community committed to faithful ministry.

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Visit

Schedule a visit to Mid-America and experience the community and training firsthand.

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Financial Aid

Learn about tuition, financial aid, scholarships and raising funds.

Explore aid

Areas of interest

The journey ahead

Mid-America works closely with you in the admissions process, making sure you have everything you need for the journey ahead.

Discern Your Calling
Tuition & Fees
Financial Aid
Transfer Students
International Students

Discern your calling

A weighty and deeply personal process

Discerning a call to ministry is a weighty and deeply personal process, best undertaken with prayer, counsel, and thoughtful reflection. Prospective students are encouraged to read Called to Preach by John R. Sittema as a helpful guide in considering the nature of this calling. A curated prospective reading list is also available to further aid in discernment. As you seek clarity, we invite you to take the next step by scheduling a visit to Mid-America Reformed Seminary, where you can experience the community and training firsthand.

Schedule a visit Called to Preach

The cost of seminary

Tuition is due at registration. Students expecting to receive financial assistance from any external source should make arrangements in advance to have the minimum payment in time for registration. If the source cannot meet the financial requirements by registration, then the financial requirements become the student’s responsibility.

Deferred payment is allowed, but students must pay a minimum of 25% of tuition at registration. A finance charge of 0.5% per month (6% APR, accrued monthly) will be charged on the balance of all unpaid accounts.

Current student cost
Description	Amount
Tuition (per credit hour)	$290
Annual Activity Fee	$100
Application Fee	$40
Graduation Fee	$60

9-month estimated cost
Description	Married	Single
Tuition & Fees	$8,600	$8,600
Books	$750	$750
Housing	$9,000	$7,250
Utilities	$2,500	$1,500
Food	$3,000	$1,500
Transportation	$1,000	$1,000
Medical	$4,500	$1,000
Miscellaneous	$2,000	$1,000
Total	$31,500	$22,600

Financial aid

Graduate without seminary debt

Mid-America students have a long history of finishing their studies without taking on student debt. Our goal is to keep it that way: that no student graduates with more debt than they had when they began, that they may be able to serve Christ and not their creditors.

This is possible because tuition covers only a small portion of what it costs to educate you. The rest is carried by the sacrificial giving of God’s people, so every student receives significant aid simply by enrolling.

Affordability is a partnership. Alongside the church’s generosity, we ask students to raise support from churches, family, and friends, to draw on their own savings where possible, and, where it fits their family’s situation, for spouses to seek employment.

Instructions for financial aid

Fill out the Financial Worksheet using your projected financial situation for next year. Use the completed form and the attached letter to speak with your diaconate about your finances. Your deacons should help you budget if you need help. The Seminary can help estimate cost of living for those who are coming from out of the area. Please do this promptly so your church can include this in its budgeting process.
Fill out the Financial Aid Application. Forms will not be processed until you have been admitted. The application deadline is May 1. Any applications received after that date will be considered at a reduced rate based on the availability of funds. Aid is awarded for one academic year at a time. The financial aid committee reserves the right to reevaluate aid should your financial situation, degree program, or intended course load substantially change. Priority for aid is given to full-time M.Div. students.
Turn in the Financial Aid Application and a signed copy of the Financial Worksheet.

Note that the scholarship application is part of the financial aid application. If you would like to be considered for scholarships, but are not requesting a grant, please note that on the form. To be eligible for a scholarship based on financial need, you must fill out all the financial information and outside assistance information.

Financial aid awarded by Mid-America is confidential between the student and the Student Aid Committee. Aid may be discussed with your council or session, but should not be discussed with other students. Any such discussion with students could result in the forfeiture of financial aid.

Work Study

On-campus employment, which includes grounds and maintenance, library assistance, audio recording, security, and more. Preference is given to Canadian and international students. Applications for work study can be filled out at registration.

Grants & Scholarships

Grants are based on financial need. They can be applied to tuition or in some cases given directly to the student to help with living expenses.

Scholarships are made in the summer and are based on high academic standing and other criteria as specified. Scholarships are available for full-time M.Div students who meet the stated criteria. The scholarship applications are included in the Application for Financial Aid. The following scholarships are available to students:

Mid-America Alumni Entrance Scholarship: Awarded each year to an incoming full-time junior student who demonstrates, in word and deed, an aptitude for pastoral ministry. Financial need is a secondary consideration for this scholarship. More information
Mid-America Alumni Association Scholarship for Pastoral Ministry: Available to full-time second and third year students based upon the student’s involvement in ministry related labors over the previous few years, his demonstration of academic aptitude, and pulpit skills as judged by a committee of alumni. More information
Russell E. Horton Ministerial Scholarship: A tuition scholarship offered to a full-time seminary student on the basis of financial need. Preference will be given to students who are enrolled in the Master of Divinity program and who are members of the Presbyterian Church in America.
Iowa Falls Foreign Student Scholarship: Through the generosity of the Iowa Falls Christian Reformed church of Iowa Falls, Iowa, this scholarship will be available to foreign students applying for study at Mid-America Reformed Seminary. If no foreign student applies, this scholarship may be awarded to a North American student.
Albert M. and Eleanor Rodenhouse Scholarship: Offered to one or more full-time upperclassmen on the basis of personal resume and academic transcript, upon recommendation of the faculty in consultation with Mr. & Mrs. Rodenhouse.
Garrit and Kathryn Schiebout Tuition Scholarship: An academic scholarship awarded, upon recommendation of the faculty, to a full-time Master of Divinity junior student (non-transfer) who receives no other academic scholarship.
Garrit and Kathryn Schiebout Biblical Exegesis Award: Offered to the upperclassman whose exegesis paper on an assigned text is judged by the faculty to be superior in format and content. Application should be made to the Registrar.
Garrit and Kathryn Schiebout Mission Essay Award: Offered to the upperclassman for superior essays on an assigned topic in missions or evangelism as evaluated by the faculty. Application should be made to the Registrar.
Tuininga Scholarship: Through the generosity of the Trinity Reformed Church of Lethbridge, Alberta, this scholarship has been established in loving memory of the late Rev. Jelle Tuininga. This tuition scholarship is designed to assist qualified Master of Divinity students preparing for the ministry in a confessionally Reformed church. Consideration will be given to full-time students with financial needs who exhibit Christian character and submit a suitable academic resume.
Roger Vander Veen Memorial Scholarship: A tuition scholarship offered to a full-time upperclassman on the basis of personal resume, academic transcript, and financial need. Preference will be given to Canadian students.
Kay Ribbens-Vogelzang Scholarship for International Students: A tuition scholarship offered to a first-year foreign student on the basis of financial need and academic transcript.
Carrie Van Surksum Venema Memorial Scholarship: Offered to students on the basis of academic transcript and financial need. Preference will be given to a student from New Zealand when possible.
Albert & Janet Vedders Memorial Scholarship: Offered to a student on the basis of financial need.
Bartel Zandstra Memorial Scholarship: Offered to a student on the basis of financial need. Preference will be given to a US citizen.
Nelson Sterken Memorial Scholarship: Awarded to a student enrolled in the Master of Divinity program.
Richard & Edna Darby Memorial Scholarship: Offered to a student on the basis of financial need. Preference will be given to a member of an Orthodox Presbyterian Church.
Harold and Wilma Den Besten Scholarship: Awarded to any full-time student on the basis of academic qualifications and financial need.

Raising Funds

Raising funds from family, friends, and other outside sources is important as you go through seminary. The sooner you begin to communicate with family and friends and apply for outside scholarships, the better your chances of receiving assistance. Below is a list of potential outside scholarships. The Seminary also encourages writing support letters to family, friends, those you have ministered to, etc.

These scholarships are offered by external sources, and Mid-America does not have any additional information on, or applications for, these scholarships. Use the links provided for more information. Application deadlines vary; it is the student’s responsibility to apply on time. The listing of an organization should not be interpreted as an endorsement of the organization.

Veterans Education Benefits: Mid-America participates in GI benefits.
Acton Institute Calihan Fellowship: The Calihan Academic Fellowships provide scholarships and research grants to future scholars and religious leaders whose academic work shows outstanding potential. Applicants must demonstrate the potential to advance understanding in the relationship between theology and the principles of the free and virtuous society. Such principles include recognition of human dignity, the importance of the rule of law, limited government, religious liberty, and freedom in economic life.
Champions for Christ: Champions for Christ Foundation, Inc. exists to assist students who are preparing for Christian ministry by granting scholarships to those committed to going into full time Christian service.
Christian Community Credit Union: You must be a member of the Credit Union to apply. You may, however, open an account when you apply for the scholarship.
Fund for Theological Education: FTE’s mission is to call and cultivate a new generation of leaders to serve the church and the world. FTE offers three different fellowships to seminarians.
Harvesters Scholarship: The Harvesters Scholarship Foundation aims to provide for the needs of missionaries in training.
International Order of the King’s Daughters and Sons: Student Ministry Scholarships are provided to students preparing for full time religious vocations enrolled in M.Div. programs and who are citizens of the U.S. or Canada.
Korean American Scholarship Foundation: The Korean American Scholarship Foundation helps to meet the financial needs of Korean American Students seeking higher education.
Wm. B. Leonard Scholarship: Given on behalf of the Presbyterian and Reformed Commission on Chaplains and Military Personnel, this scholarship is available for men sensing a call to the civilian or military chaplaincies.
Leopold Schepp Foundation: Scholarships are given to U.S. citizens or legal residents who exhibit excellent character, scholastic achievement and need. An interview in New York is required.
Marguerite Young Endowment Fund: Offers scholarships to assist seminary students preparing for full-time ministry in a Protestant Church.
Military Chaplain Association: Chaplain Candidate Scholarships are available to students who are enrolled full time, have an ecclesiastical endorsement for future ministry as a military chaplain, and have an appointment and active service as a “Chaplain Candidate” in one of the Armed Services.
New Life Church of Chicago Scholarship Program: Awarded to Korean Americans preparing for pastoral ministry.
Opal Dancey Memorial Foundation: Scholarships are awarded to students pursuing a Master of Divinity from an accredited seminary within the Great Lakes region.
Roothbert Fund, Inc.: The fund was created to help men and women who are primarily motivated by spiritual values and who are in need of financial aid to further their education. Preference will be given to those who can satisfy high scholastic requirements and are considering teaching as a vocation. Preference will also be given to students who live in eastern United States.
Schumaker Foundation: Offers scholarships to students of ATS accredited schools for both tuition and textbooks.
SeminaryScholarship.com: The website offers a $1,000 scholarship with an added digital theological library. Scholarship is not based on degree track, need, denomination, or demographic. Interested students must visit the website and view a demonstration of Logos Bible Software, and then fill out a brief application.

Transfer students

Honouring the work of other schools

The Seminary strives to facilitate a student’s transition from another seminary into the curriculum and program at Mid-America. Transcripts of previous seminary work and a catalog containing course descriptions from the previous institution must be presented to the Registrar prior to registration so that they may be evaluated individually. The Registrar may ask to examine course syllabi or other materials that demonstrate content and requirements of work for which transfer credit is requested.

Transfer Credit Details

Credit transfers and program placement are discussed with the student in an attempt to honor the work of other schools and be as flexible as possible. Master’s level course work that does not require the use of biblical languages will not be granted transfer credit toward any of Mid-America’s courses in the departments that require use of Hebrew and Greek.

Students seeking transfer credit from an unaccredited institution must supply a copy of the course syllabus and a sample of coursework for each course for which transfer credit is requested. Acceptance of transfer credit for one course from an unaccredited institution does not imply the acceptance of other courses from that institution.

Only courses with a grade of B or above will be considered for transfer credit. No transfer credit is granted for course work completed at the bachelor’s level. Competency exams may be offered occasionally (at reduced tuition rate). Sustaining such exams frees more hours for the student to pursue elective courses.

For students receiving educational benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Seminary will initiate a review of transcripts of any master’s level work in order to determine which and how many credits partially fulfill Mid-America’s requirements. All transferable coursework will be accepted into the student’s Mid-America program. The Registrar determines course equivalence on the basis of course descriptions, syllabi, prerequisites and requirements, and in consultation with the relevant instructors.

Credits for Master of Divinity

At least 36 semester units of courses, taken over a period of two years at Mid-America, are required of all candidates for the Master of Divinity degree. Although no transfer credit will be given for work which was previously used as a basis for a master’s degree from another institution, students holding a Master of Arts degree in biblical or theological studies or a Master of Arts in Religion degree from an accredited theological seminary may be granted advanced standing toward the Master of Divinity degree. Students who receive advanced standing must take at least 36 credits at Mid-America over a period of at least two academic years. If Hebrew or Greek courses are needed, those will be in addition to the 36 credits needed for the M.Div degree.

Credits for Master of Theological Studies

Master of Theological Studies students may transfer in up to 16 semester units.

International students

Welcome from around the world

Students from other countries and cultures are accepted on the same basis as those from the United States and Canada. Mid-America invites and welcomes applications from qualified persons around the world who desire to further their theological education. Since processing international applications involves several additional steps, applications should be submitted no later than six months prior to the desired entry date. International students are required to pursue a full course of study during normal enrollment periods (Fall, Interim and Spring).

Mid-America is a certified academic institution with the Student Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Mid-America is authorized under Federal law to enroll non-immigrant students.

English Language Skills

All prospective students for whom English is not their first language are required to take a standardized test that measures one’s competency of English as a Foreign Language. A minimum score of 80 on the TOEFL or its equivalent is required for admission. While the TOEFL and IELTS are standards, Mid-America will also accept results from a comparable test. Contact the registrar (registrar@midamerica.edu) if you are interested in an alternative examination.

Finances

International students must demonstrate adequate resources for financing their education by providing official bank statements or letters from sponsors. Acceptable demonstration of financial support for the first year of study must be submitted.

Most scholarships apply only to tuition and do not cover expenses such as housing, food, and books. Limited scholarships and aid are available for assistance with living expenses. All transportation costs are the responsibility of the applicant.

Immunizations

For the protection of everyone in the Mid-America community, current physician documentation are required for the following immunizations: infant series DPT (diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus), a tetanus booster (within the last 10 years), polio series, two MMRs (measles, mumps, and rubella), hepatitis B series (a series of three shots), chicken pox (anyone older than 12 who has not had chicken pox needs one dose), and a TB skin test. Also recommended are the meningitis vaccine and a seasonal flu shot.

Apply Today

Apply

Visit

Financial Aid

The journey ahead

A weighty and deeply personal process

Recommended Reading List

Research and Writing

Philosophy

Worldview (Weltanschauung)

New Testament

Old Testament

Church History

Western Civilization

Western Philosophy

Apologetics

Systematic Theology

Prolegomena

Theology

Catechetics

Homiletics

Liturgics

Pastoral Care and Counseling

Missions and Evangelism

The cost of seminary

Graduate without seminary debt

Instructions for financial aid

Honouring the work of other schools

Welcome from around the world