Offered On-Campus

Offered Online

PAYING FOR SEMINARY

TUITION & FEES

Your education is an investment in both you and the people God is calling you to serve. Because Maranatha Baptist Seminary understands that pursuit of advanced degrees can be costly, we carefully count the cost of tuition and fees as well as the development of scholarship and discount opportunities.

TUITION & FEES 2023-2024
Master’s Tuition per Semester Hour $ 345
Doctoral Tuition per Semester Hour $ 395
Comprehensive Fee per Semester Hour $ 25
Audit Fee per Class (Master’s Students-No Comprehensive Fee Charged) $ 100
Academic Assessment/Tech Fee (One Time Only) $ 100
Room and Board (University Residence Hall and Food Service) $ 4,400
Course Drop/Add Fee (per Class after the Semester has begun) $ 25
Graduation Fee $ 125

FINANCIAL AID

STEPS TO APPLY

STEP 1: Apply and be accepted to MBS.

STEP 2: Complete your FAFSA as early as possible. You must apply and be accepted before you can receive financial aid. Submit your FAFSA as soon as possible after January 1 of the year you plan to attend.

STEP 3: Apply online for a Federal Personal Identification Number (FPIN). The FPIN will allow you to electronically sign the FAFSA.

ELIGIBILITY

Seminary students may be eligible for government loans. All seminary students interested in government loans must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

General FAFSA eligibility requirements include the following:

Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen

Have a valid social security number

Have a high school diploma or GED

Enrolled in a degree program

Registered with selective service (if required) 

SCHOLARSHIPS

We strive to keep the tuition of the seminary low, and we offer several scholarships and discounts. We are happy to assist you in applying for scholarships and grants from other third-party providers. To be eligible for a scholarship, each time you register for classes you must also complete the scholarship request form. The form must be submitted before classes begin.

ETERNAL VISION 1ST COURSE SCHOLARSHIP

Who can apply: Pastors taking their first course in the Doctor of Ministry program
Details: Provides a grant up to $1,000

  • Scholarship applies to tuition only.
  • Student is responsible for comprehensive fees, books, materials, and other fees.
  • Only one scholarship or discount may be applied per credit hour.
  • Scholarship is applied in the form of an account credit approximately eight weeks after course starts.

 

ETERNAL VISION 2nd COURSE SCHOLARSHIP

Who can apply: Pastors taking their second course in the Doctor of Ministry program
Details: Provides a one-to-one matching scholarship for every dollar up to $500 contributed by the student’s church

  • Scholarship applies to tuition only.
  • Student is responsible for comprehensive fees, books, materials, and other fees.
  • Only one scholarship or discount may be applied per credit hour.
  • Scholarship is applied in the form of an account credit approximately eight weeks after course starts.
  • Please make the contribution to Maranatha Baptist Seminary with the designation to “Eternal Vision Match, Student’s Name”.
MINISTRY SCHOLARSHIP

Who can apply: Full-time* Christian workers—including senior pastors, youth pastors, missionaries, evangelists, Christian camp workers, and Christian school teachers
*“Full-time” is defined in this scholarship context as employed by a church, Christian school, or ministry, and paid for at least 35 hours per week for at least nine months of the year.
Details: Provides 6 hours of master’s-level education at a 50% tuition discount; may provide a 25% tuition credit on additional courses (contact MBS office for details)

  • Scholarship/discount applies to tuition only.
  • Student is responsible for comprehensive fees, books, materials, and other fees.
  • Only one scholarship or discount may be applied per credit hour.
  • Scholarship is applied in the form of an account credit approximately eight weeks after course starts.
SEMINARY SCHOLARSHIP

Who can apply: Full-time* Christian workers—including pastors, pastoral staff members, Christian school administrators and teachers, Christian camp workers, evangelists, or missionaries
*“Full-time” is defined in this scholarship context as employed by a church, Christian school, or ministry, and paid for at least 35 hours per week for at least nine months of the year.
Details: Provides 6 hours of master’s-level education at a 50% tuition discount; may provide a 25% tuition credit on additional courses (contact MBS office for details)

  • Scholarship/discount applies to tuition only.
  • Student is responsible for comprehensive fees, books, materials, and other fees.
  • Only one scholarship or discount may be applied per credit hour.
  • Scholarship is applied in the form of an account credit approximately eight weeks after course starts.
SEMINARY SPOUSE SCHOLARSHIP

Who can apply: The spouse of a full-time student taking 8+ credits at MBS
Details: Provides a 50% discount on all credit hours

  • Graduate assistant spouses are not eligible for this scholarship.
  • Scholarship/discount applies to tuition only.
  • Student is responsible for comprehensive fees, books, materials, and other fees.
  • Only one scholarship or discount may be applied per credit hour.
  • Scholarship is applied in the form of an account credit approximately eight weeks after course starts.
SENIOR CITIZEN (55+) SCHOLARSHIP

Who can apply: Men and women 55 years of age or older
Details: Provides a 50% discount on all master’s-level credit hours 

  • Scholarship/discount applies to tuition only.
  • Student is responsible for comprehensive fees, books, materials, and other fees.
  • Only one scholarship or discount may be applied per credit hour.
  • Scholarship is applied in the form of an account credit approximately eight weeks after course starts.
AUDIT

Who can apply: Men and women who want to take a class to learn—but not to gain credit—either online or on-campus
Details: Provides a discounted course rate of $100 per course.

  • Students interested in auditing a seminary course should note that preference when registering.
  • Audited courses have no requirements for completing papers or assignments.
  • Audited courses do not include any listing of credit on a transcript.

 

 

GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIPS

Maranatha provides a Graduate Assistant program for a limited number of seminary students. The Graduate Assistant program has been designed to provide compensation to enable a seminary student to complete a Master of Arts or Master of Divinity degree.

MASTER OF ARTS

Seminary

Two-year graduate
assistantship commitment
16-18 credit hours per year
Maximum = 34 total hours

MASTER OF DIVINITY

Seminary

Two-year graduate
assistantship commitment
22-24 credit hours per year
Maximum = 96 total hours

  • Graduate assistant job placement is determined by the Director of Human Resources in conjunction with department supervisors.
  • Graduate assistant work schedules are set by department supervisors.
  • Graduate assistants completing online degrees may adjust work hours accordingly.
  • Graduate assistants may not work outside their assigned duties or more than their assigned hours without approval.

QUICK FACTS ON FINANCIAL AID

How do I apply for financial aid?

You must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Maranatha recommends completing the form online. Be sure to include Maranatha’s school code 016394.

When do I need to apply for financial aid?

You should apply as soon as possible after January 1st of the year you plan to attend. Note that you will need your current tax information.

What is a PIN and where do I get one?

A PIN is a personal identification number that you will need to electronically sign your FAFSA. PINs can be requested online.

Do I need to file my taxes before I complete the FAFSA?

No, it is not a requirement; however, Maranatha recommends doing so. You may complete the FAFSA by using estimated income information. When you file your taxes, you should review the income information originally reported and make any necessary changes.

What is verification and why was I selected?

Verification is a process by which Maranatha verifies the accuracy of the FAFSA information that a student has submitted. FAFSAs can be chosen for verification by the Federal Processor or by Maranatha. You will need to complete a verification worksheet and submit signed copies of your federal tax forms. If you are chosen for verification, you should respond promptly to requests for information to prevent delays in processing.

Do I qualify for financial aid if I am attending part-time?

If you are enrolled for six credits hours (half-time status) or more, you will probably qualify for some form of financial aid. To be eligible to receive the aid you must complete a FAFSA.

How will I receive my financial aid money?

For most financial aid programs, the money is paid directly to Maranatha. Maranatha then credits your account for the amount of aid received. Loans, grants, and scholarships that are for the entire academic year often will be paid in two disbursements, half for each semester.

What is an entrance interview, and how do I complete one?

First-time Stafford loan borrowers are required to complete an entrance interview. The interview covers the borrower’s rights and responsibilities concerning his or her Stafford loan. Entrance interviews may be completed online.

PAYMENT & REFUND POLICIES

Making a Payment

All payments may be made electronically at MyMaranatha or by mailing a check payable to MBU to:
MBU Cashier
745 West Main Street
Watertown, WI 53094

Down Payment Dates and Policies

Fulltime students (taking eight or more hours) must make a down payment on or before the semester registration (Fall semester: August 15; Spring semester: January 5).

Payment Plan Full-Time Students

Plan 1) Payment in Full: Students pay the semester bill by the down payment due dates.
Plan 2) Semester Plan: Students pay $1,800 if on-campus or $750 if living off-campus by the down payment due dates. The balance of the semester will be divided into three monthly payments due on the 15th of each month. This plan has a $55 extended payment fee.

Payment Plan Part-Time & Online-Only Students

Part-time and online-only students, including those taking modules, online classes, and virtual classes must pay the course costs before the class begins.

Payment Plan Policies Financial Information
  • Final payment of the semester is due in full by November 15 for the fall semester and April 15 for the spring semester regardless of the payment plan.
  • A one percent per month (12 percent per annum) late payment charge will be assessed on any unpaid balance remaining after the end of each semester.
  • Anyone entering the seminary late must conform to the regular schedule of payments unless arrangements are made with the Seminary Office.
  • Accounts must be paid in full before transcripts or diplomas are issued. A candidate for graduation must have no outstanding balance owed to the seminary in order to participate in the commencement exercises.
Refund Policy for Semester-Based Classes
In the case of a student in a traditional or virtual class withdrawing from a class or the seminary either voluntarily or by dismissal (except for military service), the following applies:

  • During the first seven (7) weeks after Drop/Add week, the Tuition and Comprehensive Fee will be prorated at a rate of 12.5% per week, according to the withdrawal date.
  • Room and board will be prorated on a weekly basis from the beginning of the semester.After the first seven (7) weeks of a semester, the student will be responsible for the entire semester’s tuition and fee charges.
  • Veterans under Public Law 89-358 will be refunded on a daily prorated basis.
Refund Policy for Online Classes

In the case of a student withdrawing from an online class either voluntarily or by dismissal (except for military service), the following applies:

    • The student will owe the complete Comprehensive Fee.
    • During the first three (3) weeks of a class, the Tuition will be refunded as follows, according to the withdrawal date:
      • before the start of the 1st day of class: 100% refund
      • during the first week, days 1 – 7: 75% refund
      • during the second week, days 8 – 14: 50% refund
      • during the third week, days 15-21: 25% refund

After the third week of a class, the student will be responsible for the entire class’s tuition charges. Veterans under Public Law 89-358 will be refunded on a daily prorated basis.

Refund Policy for Module Classes

In the case of a student withdrawing from a module class either voluntarily or by dismissal (except for military service) or changing from Credit to Audit, the following applies:

  • The student will owe the complete Comprehensive Fee.
  • The Tuition will be prorated as follows, according to the withdrawal date:
    • after class begins and before the final day: 50% refund
    • on or after the last day of class: no refund
Request an Account Balance Refund

If you have a credit balance on your account, you may request a refund of that credit by e-mailing the Business Office Manager or contacting the Business Office at 920.206.2316.

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