Zero Student Loans — Again

For the third semester in a row, no students at Bethany Theological Seminary are taking out federal student loans. This milestone, which follows a yearslong, institution-wide effort to remove the financial barriers that often keep students from pursuing theological education. By keeping tuition low, by providing students with advising and education related to financial issues, and by enacting policies that have affordability as a key goal, Bethany has helped students find ways to afford to enroll and complete their degrees without borrowing.

“When we started this process, a debt-free seminary education was a pretty audacious goal,” notes President Jeff Carter. “A decade later, we have made a lot of progress. The good news is the students are making this goal a reality.”

Bethany currently has 115 students, most of whom study at a distance. A decade ago, fewer than 60 students were enrolled at the Seminary, and the student body borrowed a total of  $300,000 in a year.

Today, tuition is capped at $1,100 per semester for full-time students, with scholarships available for students who meet certain requirements. Residential students who qualify can participate in Bethany BOLD, a service-based program that offers students the opportunity to put their education and faith into practice by volunteering with local non-profits while enrolled as students. Participants in BOLD (which stands for Build, Organize, Love, and Dare) receive full-tuition scholarships, free housing, and a living stipend. 

Connor Ladd, a 2025 Master of Divinity graduate who participated in Bethany BOLD, says that Bethany’s approach not only allowed him to avoid additional debt, but also pay off his student loans while attending Bethany.

“Money ended up being a factor in the decisions I made as a seminary student, but not in the way I expected,” says Ladd. “Because my basic needs were met, I was able to take more risks and try new things.” Ladd’s time at Bethany included a study trip to Iona, Scotland, and serving as associate pastor at Bethel AME church, in addition to volunteering at such organizations at Hope House and Townsend Center.  

The Seminary hopes that no-debt education will remain a normal, everyday feature of a Bethany education, and staff members continue to work with each student to help make enrolling as affordable and accessible as possible.

“I am really proud of our students,” says Terri Mitchell, financial aid and student services assistant. “They looked at all the pros and cons, and they decided to make it work without loans. I also think they are grateful to the donors who make it possible for them to make that choice.”

Founded in 1905, Bethany Theological Seminary is the only seminary of the Church of the Brethren. Bethany offers four master degrees and nine graduate certificates, preparing students for ministry and service in a wide variety contexts. Read about our mission and vision. Explore our academic programs.

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