Thanks to generations of generous benefactors, a wide variety of scholarships are available. Prospective students do not apply for these scholarships: Awards are made by a campus committee based on a student’s financial need and the donor’s requirements.
CDSP Scholarships and Grants
Presidential Scholarship: This competitive scholarship will be awarded to one entering residential MDiv student. The student will need to be 35 or under and have demonstrated exceptional leadership prior to entering seminary. The Presidential Scholarship includes full tuition, room and board, meal plan, and books. No special application is required.
Excellence in Ministry: Each year, two Excellence in Ministry scholarships are awarded to incoming residential MDiv students based on merit. The scholarship includes full tuition and a $1000 stipend per year.
Diversity Scholarships: Each year, several full-tuition scholarships are available for racial and ethnic minority students.
International Students: International student applicants meeting requirements for admission are eligible for full tuition grants. Depending on the number of international applicants, room and board may be covered as well. International student scholarships are renewable with full time status and satisfactory academic progress.
Bishop's Scholarships: CDSP awards up to 10 full tuition scholarships each year to residential Master of Divinity students who are nominated by their Bishop. This scholarship will provide an opportunity to the diocese to nominate individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership for the future church. We encourage persons of color and those of indigenous backgrounds to apply. To further explore the possibility of becoming a bishop's scholarship recipient, please contact the Rev. Andrew Hybl at 510-204-0715.
Joint Degree Program MDiv/MA: Scholarships are available for residential MDiv students who are admitted to the joint degree program with the Graduate Theological Union. The MDiv/MA program can be completed in 4 years instead of 5.
Special interest scholarships: Additional scholarships are available for federal chaplaincy, music, Women in Ministry, leadership, and many more.
Need-based aid: CDSP awards need-based financial aid to students in degree and certificate programs. Eligibility is based on the federal FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form. Federal work study programs are available for qualifying students to reduce debt.