(Academic Year 2024-2025)
CARES Act Emergency Financial Aid Grants
COVID-19 has affected many of us financially. More information is available here.
The steps for financial aid at St. Bernard’s are simple!
- Apply to St. Bernard’s
- Fill Out your FAFSA
This will tell us what need-based financial aid you may be eligible for (here is a helpful guide for navigating the FAFSA application). St. Bernard’s FAFSA code: 002815 - Fill out the Financial Aid Application
- Acceptance Decision
Once we receive all of the required admissions materials, our team will review your application. We will contact you if we need more information! - Financial Aid Award Letter
96% of students at St. Bernard’s receive financial aid and scholarships! - Make your Decision!
Types of Scholarships
More information on all of our financial aid opportunities can be located in our Financial Aid & Scholarship Information packet.
Endowed Scholarships
In support of our strong commitment to excellence in preparing men and women for leadership within the Church, endowed scholarships have been established by support of wonderful individuals to assist St. Bernard’s students through the Benefactor Scholarships. By completing the Financial Aid Application, you are automatically considered for all of our endowed scholarships. We offer various types of endowed scholarships, including:
- The Knights of Columbus Scholarship Fund - Supporting Lay Ecclesial Ministers working in parishes and pursuing a degree in Theology at St. Bernard’s School of Theology and Ministry
- Basilian Scholarship
- G. Marion Kinget Memorial Scholarship
- O’Neil-Hennessey Scholarship
- Joan Pearson Scholarship
- James and Carolyn Russell Endowed Scholarship
- Grace Carnes Scholarship
- And many other scholarships are available as well
Diocesan Tuition Assistance
Roman Catholic students who reside in the Diocese of Buffalo may be eligible for the Jordan Parish Assistance Program (JPAP) by completing the Financial Aid Application. Roman Catholic students who reside in the Dioceses of Albany, Rochester, or Syracuse are eligible for tuition assistance from their respective diocese. The amount of aid that a student can receive from diocesan tuition assistance is specific to each individual diocese, and students are encouraged to reach out to their home diocese to further discuss this option.
Parish Sponsorship
Some pastors/pastoral administrators will contribute to the education of their staff and/or volunteers. Students are encouraged to discuss this option with their pastoral administrator.
External Scholarships
These scholarships are offered by benefactors not associated with St. Bernard’s. External scholarships can be found through a number of search engines including:
- Fast Web Scholarship Search
- CollegeNet Scholarship Search
- ScholarshipOwl.com
- CollegeScholarships.org
- Financial Aid Scholarship Search
Graduate Assistantships
The Graduate Assistantship Program was established to financially support students with outstanding character and ability who hold promise for achievement and distinction in their field of study. Nominees will be evaluated on the basis of their academic achievement, leadership potential, professional aspirations, and financial need. Assistantships require part-time work and are awarded to two selected full-time master's students at St. Bernard’s each year. Applications are accepted from full-time master’s students (nine credits or more per semester) who are accepted for enrollment into, or are currently enrolled in, a qualifying master’s degree program. The award provides payment that can be used for tuition, fees, and other academic expenses. Students interested in this opportunity can find out more by contacting the Office of Admissions.
Other Financial Aid Options:
Student Loan Program – Students who are enrolled in part-time study or more may apply for long-term, low-interest loans through the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program. To learn more about the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program and to apply to these programs please click on Student Loans.
Veteran’s Benefits – Benefits including tuition and housing allowances are available to veterans, spouses or children of deceased/disabled veterans or those in National Guard/Reserve, for full-time or part-time study. St. Bernard’s School of Theology & Ministry’s graduate degree programs are approved by the Department of Veteran Affairs and the New York State Division of Veteran Affairs. St. Bernard's participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program of the Post-911 Veterans’ Educational Assistance Act of 2008. Students eligible for Veterans Administration Educational Benefits should contact Mr. Matthew Brown, the VA Certifying Official for the school. More information on Veteran’s Educational Benefits please visit U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website.
Veterans Benefits and Transition Act of 2018, Section 103 Policy
This policy herby upholds the additional subsection of section 103, PL 115-147, 38 US Code 3679 of the Veterans Benefits and Transition Act of 2018. This additional subsection covers individuals receiving educational assistance under Chapter 31 or Chapter 33. Student receiving educational assistance under Chapter 31 or Chapter 33 and who are in compliance with necessary paperwork and appointments, will not receive any penalty by St. Bernard’s School of Theology & Ministry, due to any delay of disbursement of funding from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
FAQ
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Does St. Bernard’s offer financial assistance?
Yes, financial assistance is available for graduate students attending St. Bernard’s. Financial assistance may include grants, scholarships, Veterans Benefits, and government loans. -
Who is eligible for financial aid?
Scholarships are awarded based on demonstrated financial need. Both master’s degree and graduate certificate students completing the following programs on a part-time or full-time basis are eligible to apply: Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies, Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in Catholic Philosophy, Master of Arts (Theological Studies), Certificate in Catholicism and the Fine Arts, Certificate in Catechetical Leadership, Certificate in Catholic Bioethics, Certificate in Catholic Philosophy, Certificate in Catholic Biblical Studies. Students who have yet to commit to a degree program (non-matriculating) are also eligible for scholarships. -
Do I have to be a full-time student to receive financial aid?
No. Students requesting financial aid from St. Bernard’s must be taking courses for credit and working towards a graduate degree or graduate certificate within the graduate school. Students who are matriculated receive preference for financial aid. -
When can I apply for financial aid?
Current students: Students already receiving aid must renew their aid application during the yearly application process. Current students may apply for aid during early spring semester and are notified of awards late spring semester for the upcoming school year. Financial aid applications are due by April 1st. Applications for Financial Aid renewal can be found on the Student Resources page and submitted to the Director of Admissions and Financial Aid via email: matthew.brown@stbernards.edu. New students may apply for aid for the semester in which they enroll. Application deadlines can be found on our Academic Calendar -
Does the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Financial Aid) need to be completed in order to be considered for financial assistance?
Yes. In order to be considered for St. Bernard’s Scholarships, Tuition Assistance or Federal Student Loan Programs, students must complete the FAFSA application and have results sent electronically to St. Bernard’s. It is recommended that you complete the FAFSA online at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/ and keep a copy for your records before submitting to St. Bernard’s. -
What is the Federal School Code for St. Bernard’s?
The Federal School Code for St. Bernard’s School of Theology and Ministry is 002815. Students need to provide this code when completing the FAFSA form to insure that the information provided will be sent to St. Bernard’s. -
What does the EFC number on my Student Aid Report (SAR) mean?
The data reported on your FAFSA is used to calculate the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) value. This value is used to determine your federal aid eligibility. Eligibility is based on the difference between the estimated costs of attendance and what a student can reasonably be expected to contribute (Expected Family Contribution or EFC). -
How will my aid be disbursed to me?
Once all requested documentation has been received and processed by the Financial Aid Office, your awards will be disbursed to St. Bernard’s Finance Office to be applied towards any outstanding balance. Any credit balance will be disbursed to you by the Finance Office. -
More questions?
You can find more information by clicking Scholarships & Financial Aid, or contacting the Office of Admissions.
