PSR offers a comprehensive financial aid program for eligible students that includes merit scholarships, need-based grants, work-study, and loans.
Applying for Financial Aid
To be considered for financial aid, all students should apply by the February 1 priority deadline for the fall semester and by October 1 for the spring semester:
US citizens and eligible non-citizens:
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online by clicking here. School code is G01256.
- Continuing students must reapply for financial aid each year.
International Applicants:
- Financial aid application
- Bank statements (translated into English) from the past three months
- Continuing international students must reapply for financial aid each year.
Completed forms should be sent to:
Office of Admissions
Pacific School of Religion
1798 Scenic Avenue
Berkeley, California, USA
As a Title IV-approved graduate institution, PSR offers direct unsubsidized loans to help meet costs.
When a student applies for aid, eligibility to receive a direct loan is automatically considered by the financial aid office upon processing a financial aid application. Should the applicant meet federal eligibility for the loan, it will be awarded to the student as part of their aid package to accept or decline as the student sees fit.
Because direct unsubsidized loans are not awarded based on a student’s financial need, up to $20,500 a year can be awarded, so long as the student has not received other aid in excess of their Cost of Attendance for the year.
Disbursements of direct loans are made in the amount of $10,250 in the fall and $10,250 in the spring, minus the “origination fee” set by the federal government each year, although students are welcome to request alternate disbursements should the need arise.
In order to remain eligible to receive direct loans, students must apply for aid each year via the FAFSA, must be enrolled at least half time at PSR, must not have received aid in excess of their Cost of Attendance, and must be meeting satisfactory academic progress in their program. Please refer to the academic catalog for details on satisfactory academic progress.
Need-Based Grants
Each year, Pacific School of Religion distributes scholarships to qualified students with financial need. Students are eligible for a percentage of tuition, based on demonstrated financial need and availability of funds. International students are eligible for these scholarships. These scholarships are not available for Doctor of Ministry students.
Scholarships are available to eligible students who are enrolled at least half time.
Federal Work-Study
The Federal Work-Study Program was established to promote part-time employment for students who are in need of earnings to finance the cost of their education. Students may work up to 20 hours per week while school is in session.
Students interested in Federal Work-Study may contact the Financial Aid department at financialaid@psr.edu to determine eligibility. Please note, in order for the Financial Aid department to determine a student’s eligibility, the student needs to have completed the current academic year Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Eligible students will also need to complete the “On-Campus Federal Work-Study Employment Authorization” form.
After the student secures a Federal Work-Study eligible position, funds are disbursed via the student’s paycheck (twice a month).
Students remain eligible for Federal Work-Study so long as they fill out a FAFSA each year, have not exceeded their award for the academic year, and are meeting satisfactory academic progress in their program.
