Priority Scholarship Deadline for Fall: February 1
CTU proudly supports more thanof our lay and women religious students with either a full or partial scholarship. Thanks to a large and growing group of dedicated donors, Catholic Theological Union has many generous scholarship opportunities, awarded by both need and merit, to support our students in their studies and formation.
Application Guidelines
- The scholarship application is part of the Admissions Application. To apply for all relevant scholarships, complete the questions in the “Additional Questions” section of the online application. You will be asked to supply the following information:
- Income, partner/spouse’s income, relevant debts, dependents, and other potential sources of funding.
- Why you are seeking scholarship funds
- For all competitive scholarships requiring an essay, including Bernardin, Pathways@CTU, International Women’s, Ladies of Bethany, Romero and Tolton, please submit your essay to admissions@ctu.edu.
- Scholarship decisions will be awarded within two weeks of an admissions decision.
Should you have further questions or concerns contact us at admissions@ctu.edu or 773.371.5451.
Pathways @ CTU Living-learning Community
Participants in the Pathways@CTU living-learning Community work with the program director and a staff or faculty mentor to develop assistantship roles around their growing edges, interests, and opportunities in the CTU and wider communities. Assistantships are available to students accepted into the Pathways@CTU program.
Research Assistantship – Bernardin Center
The research assistant for the Bernardin Center will provide support for creation of events and research assistance to faculty on themes related to Bernardin Center priorities. This position is prioritized for Bernardin scholars enrolled full-time at CTU.
Haciendo Camino Fellowships
Hispanic young adults looking to pursue graduate studies in theology and ministry are eligible for fellowships of up to $30,000 to cover additional costs of attendance through the Haciendo Caminos program. Our fellows will also work with CTU and the Chicago community to develop and support formation opportunities for young Hispanic Catholics. Fellowships are prioritized forstudents enrolling full-time at CTU. The application is included in the scholarship section of the admissions application.
Post-graduate Volunteer Benefits
Applicants who have participated in a Catholic Volunteer Network program in the last five years will receive at least a 50% tuition scholarship.
Former post-graduate volunteers also receive priority consideration for the Bernardin Scholarship, Pathways@CTU Living-Learning Community, and the Rev. Donald Senior, CP Endowed Scholarship.
Federal Student Aid
Any student who is enrolled at least half-time in a graduate degree program at CTU, who is in good academic standing with the school, and who is a citizen or permanent resident of the United States may be eligible to receive federal student loans. Information on federal direct loans is available from the Federal Student Aid website.
CTU’s financial aid and loan policy reflects our commitment to helping you follow your call to service. Although it may be necessary to borrow money to pursue your education, CTU urges students to do so with great care and only apply for loans that meet your needs when you have a clear strategy for repaying any loans after graduate school. Salaries of ministry graduates are generally modest and may not be enough initially to support a large loan repayment program.
Financial aid and loan decisions are important. Please do not hesitate to contact the admissions office at admissions@ctu.edu to set up a time to speak with a staff member.
In accordance with Federal Guidelines, CTU has adopted a Direct Loan Quality Assurance Policy and Procedure.
To apply for Federal Student Aid:
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) here
- Contact admissions@ctu.edu to begin the process, stating that you would like to take out a loan, and would like to begin the Student Initiated Packaging process.
- The financial aid officer will send you a link to register with our loan servicer, CampusIvy.
- After receiving the link, fill out the forms to create a Student Record.
- At the same time, Financial Aid will contact you regarding the specifics of your loan packaging. Please be prepared with the following information:
- Pertinent biographical information – Name, Birthdate, Current Address, Preferred Email, Preferred Phone Number.
- Credits: How many credits is the student looking to cover? Which semesters will this be applicable to?
- Needs for living expenses, if applicable.
- Financial Aid will produce a funding estimate. CampusIvy will notify you when this estimate is ready. Sign and agree to the estimate.
- The following additional documentation is needed to complete the loan packaging. Please complete the following:
- Master Promissory Note – available here
- Entrance Counseling, available either through the CampusIvy Portal or directly from FSA itself here
- Once these are all in, any changes to funding needs must be communicated to Financial Aid before disbursement dates for the academic term. Financial Aid will revise your funding estimate to reflect the amount. The dates are, as following:
- Fall: September 19, 2023
- Spring: January 23, 2023
- May: May 21, 2023
- Summer. June 30, 2023
- If you have any questions regarding your financial aid, contact Financial Aid at admissions@ctu.edu or contact Justin Glenn at (773) 371-5451.
For Graduating Students
You must complete exit counseling to fulfill the terms of your loan. You can do this through the CampusIvy Student Portal or directly from FSA here.
For Students Enrolling Less than Half Time
You are no longer eligible for student loans for the academic term. If you must, complete exit counseling here or through the CampusIvy Student Portal if you do not enroll more than half time.
Veteran Funding
Qualifying CTU students may seek funding for their education through the GI Bill®. GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.
Leadership in Ministry Scholarship
Applicants working in full-time ministry who wish to study part-time can be considered for a full-tuition scholarship. Awards are contingent on the availability of funds. Applicants are automatically considered for these funds when available.
Archdiocese of Chicago Cooperative Programs
In addition to the Romero and Tolton Pastoral Scholarship programs, CTU collaborates with the Archdiocese of Chicago to provide financial resources for lay ministers.
The Critical Needs Scholarship provides tuition assistance to lay employees of the Archdiocese of Chicago who are undertaking studies which relate to the critical areas of need in the Archdiocese. For more information, contact the Archdiocese of Chicago.
The Lay Ecclesial Ministry Formation program (LEM) supports Chicago-based lay, Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies students in Chicago in their studies through formation and a partial scholarship. The scholarship covers 2/3 of the recipient’s tuition – 1/3 from the Archdiocese and 1/3 from CTU.
Full-Tuition Scholarships
The Bernardin Scholarship
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The Bernardin Scholarship provides graduate theological education to lay men and women who are committed to the same spirit of faithful service that Cardinal Bernardin showed to the Church and the world.
Bernardin Scholars commit to growing in and realizing the vision of Cardinal Bernardin:
- Reconciliation and Peacemaking
- Interreligious Dialogue
- Consistent Ethic of Life
- Leadership Commitment for the Catholic Church
The scholarship is available for Master of Arts programs or the Doctor of Ministry program. Priority consideration is given to those who apply by the February 15 deadline.
Requirements (to be submitted as part of the degree application)
- A reference from someone who can directly speak to your interest and potential to grow in the areas of reconciliation/peacemaking, interreligious dialogue, and/or consistent ethic of life (this may also serve as a reference for your degree application).
- A 500 word essay that describes your understanding of and motivation to further explore any/all of the following key areas of Cardinal Bernardin’s vision:
- Reconciliation and peacemaking
- Interreligious Dialogue
- Consistent Ethic of Life
- Leadership Commitment for the Church
The International Women’s Scholarship
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Catholic Theological Union (CTU) offers a limited number of full scholarships to lay women from developing countries who want to enhance their existing ministerial experiences through the study of theology. These scholarships cover tuition, single student housing, health insurance, and a book allowance, as well as providing a personal stipend for up to two years. This scholarship is available to women who are willing to enter into an educational partnership between the community in which they minister, themselves, and Catholic Theological Union. The terms of this partnership center on a firm commitment to serve the Church in one’s country upon completion of the educational component.
Requirements (to be submitted as part of the degree application):
Eligible applicants are lay women from developing countries who complete the following:
Essay
Please provide an additional one-page typed essay describing the following:
- Why the applicant deserves this scholarship
- How she hopes to use her CTU theological education when she returns to her country
Statements
- A statement of commitment to serve the Church in one’s country.
- A statement from a church, community, or faith-based organization willing to enter into an educational partnership with CTU and the International Women’s Scholar.
- A statement from a sponsor indicating a willingness to financially support additional emergency expenses, up to $3,000 US dollars.
Reference
- Please provide an academic letter of reference (this may also serve as a reference for your degree application).
Interview
- Finalists may be required to participate in an online interview.
Please contact us at 773.371.5412 or at admissions@ctu.edu with any questions. We are here to help!
The Ladies of Bethany Endowed Scholarship
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The Ladies of Bethany Endowed Scholarship supports lay or vowed religious women who demonstrate ministerial commitments to “creating an open heart to the reality of God”, developing the spiritual dimension, promoting attention to ecumenism, relating inter-culturally, and enriching each other spiritually from the richness of all cultures and religious traditions.
This scholarship covers 12 credit hours per academic year. Priority consideration is given to those who apply by the February 15 deadline.
Requirements (to be submitted as part of the degree application):
Please provide an additional 500 word essay that expresses a specific interest in the following:
- Ecumensm
- Interreligious Dialogue
- Intercultural Relations
- Spirituality
- Catechesis
- Justice and Peace
- Ecology
- And/Or Pastoral Care
The essay should also include the education and co-curricular involvements that have enhanced your theological study and preparation for ministry.
The Linnan Endowed Scholarship
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The Linnan scholarship endowment fund will provide funds for graduate theological education to those inspired by and drawn to the vision of the Clerics of St. Viator. The full-tuition scholarships will be made available to premier students who are committed to preparing for ministry and leadership in service to the church with the ecclesial vision of Vatican II and Pope Francis. Preference will be given to those individuals affiliated with the Viatorian order: international seminarians and lay Associates.
Please contact us at 773.371.5412 or at admissions@ctu.edu with any questions. We are here to help!
Leadership in Ministry
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The Leadership in Ministry scholarship offers full-tuition scholarship to part-time students in the Archdiocese of Chicago who are working in full-time ministry. Awards are contingent on the availability of funds. Applicants are automatically considered for these funds when available.
Pathways@CTU Living-Learning Community
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Pathways@CTU is a new Living-Learning community of students who will serve as a catalyst to help deepen CTU’s institutional commitment to justice and activism with new programming, new outreach, and new insights to bring to their classrooms and the Church. The Pathways@CTU program is focused on forming young adults, especially those from Hispanic/Latin@, African American, Asian American/Pacific Islander, and LGBTQ+, and other marginalized groups, for ministry in today’s Church.
Over the course of a two year mutual commitment, this community of students will earn a Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies while receiving:
Full-tuition scholarship
Graduate assistantship
Intentional community living with housing provided
Living stipend
Integrated personal and community formation
Leadership development
Learn more about Pathways@CTU and how to apply.
The Oscar Romero Scholarship
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The Oscar Romero Scholars Program prepares Hispanic and Latinx lay men and women for professional ministry.
- Applicants from the Archdiocese of Chicago are eligible for a full-tuition scholarship.
- Applicants from the Diocese of Joliet are eligible for a 2/3 tuition scholarship.
- Applicants outside of the Chicago and Joliet dioceses are encouraged to apply for the Romero program and will be considered for other scholarship funds.
Please contact us at 773.371.5412 or at admissions@ctu.edu with any questions. We are here to help!
The St. Gaspar Scholarship in Precious Blood Spirituality
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- a lay student studying full-time toward a Master’s degree
- interest in pursuing the Certificate in Reconciliation and Restorative Justice as part of their degree
Please contact us at 773.371.5412 or at admissions@ctu.edu with any questions. We are here to help!
The Augustus Tolton Pastoral Ministry Scholarship
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The Augustus Tolton Pastoral Ministry Program provides an opportunity for Black Catholics to receive academic, personal, spiritual and professional education and training in preparation for professional ministry for the specific needs of Black Catholics.
- Applicants from the Archdiocese of Chicago are eligible for a full-tuition scholarship.
- Applicants outside of the Chicago dioceses are encouraged to apply for the Tolton program and will be considered for other scholarship funds.
The Waraich Catholic Muslim Scholarship
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The gift was established to support and augment Catholic-Muslim Studies Program (CMSP)’s 20-year commitment to recruiting and educating talented and highly motivated Muslim students for a variety of careers in interreligious and intercultural leadership. Specifically, the gift affords CTU with the opportunity to award two full tuition scholarships dedicated to the recruitment of Muslim students to any one of our degree programs at either the masters or doctoral level.
Partial-Tuition Scholarships
Alumni Scholarship - Doctor of Ministry
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This 75% tuition scholarship is awarded to all CTU alumni who have been admitted to the Doctor of Ministry program. Applicants are also welcome and encouraged to apply for relevant full tuition scholarships.
Maryjean Burke Endowed Scholarship
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Candidates for the Burke scholarship must be men and women of character and competence who demonstrate a significant financial need, a strong chance for success, and an appreciation of the Roman Catholic tradition of CTU and our mission of preparing men for priesthood and lay men and women for ministry.
The Dorothy Colucci Scholarship
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The Colucci scholarship follows the same guidelines used for CTU’s general scholarship endowment.
The Coluccis found that the seminal work of CTU in educating seminarians for ordination and preparing lay men and women for lives of ministry and leadership within the Church aligned with their deepest values. Bequeathing a large portion of their estate to CTU was a natural extension of their deep love for the Catholic faith and the Church’s future.
Columban Missionaries Scholarship
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Through the Missionaries of St. Columban, CTU will provide additional scholarships for students engaged in Latinx ministries to pursue a Master of Arts in Hispanic Theology and Ministry, or a Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies or Doctor of Ministry with a concentration in Hispanic Theology & Ministry.
Candidates with the following interests qualifications will be given preference:
- Interest in youth ministry
- Commitment to leadership in the Latinx community
- Dreamer/DACA
- Willingness to travel to El Paso to visit the Columban Ministries on the border
- Open to taking Spiritual Direction
- Open to building a relationship with the Columban representatives and report on their studies
Dominican Sisters Scholarship for Lay Women
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Candidates for the Dominican Sisters Scholarship Fund for Lay Women must be women of character and competence who demonstrate financial need and provide references to recommend their candidacy and capacity for ministerial leadership. They must appreciate the mutually reinforcing missions of CTU and the Dominican congregations of women, in preparing for ministry in an intercultural and ecumenical environment. They must also demonstrate a commitment to social justice in their experience and desired ministry.
General Scholarship
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The General Scholarship Fund offers need-based tuition scholarship awards to lay men and women, women religious, and diocesan priests.
Lay Women’s Scholarship
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Candidates for the Lay Womens scholarship must be lay or women religious of character and competence who demonstrate a significant financial need, a strong chance for success, and an appreciation of the Roman Catholic tradition of CTU and our mission of preparing men for priesthood and lay men and women for ministry.
Catherine McAuley Scholarship
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The McAuley Scholarship was established by the Sisters of Mercy to support the preparation of women for ministry.
Rev. Donald Senior, CP Endowed Scholarship
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The Rev. Donald Senior, CP Endowed Scholarship is designed to support lay women and men who are seeking master’s level degrees in theology and ministry and are committed to serving in a leadership position.
Wheeler Scholarship
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Candidates for the Wheeler scholarship must be men and women of character and competence who demonstrate a significant financial need, a strong chance for success, and an appreciation of the Roman Catholic tradition of CTU and our mission of preparing men for priesthood and lay men and women for ministry.
Sr. Barbara Bowe, RSCJ Memorial Scholarship
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“The scholarship recipient must be a lay woman, a lay man, or a religious sister who is pursuing a master’s degree with a concentration in Bible. The Sr. Barbara Bowe, RSCJ Memorial Scholarship recipient will be decided upon by the CTU Scholarship Committee.
Chapin-May Foundation Scholarship
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Candidates for the Chapin-May Foundation scholarship must be men and women of character and competence who demonstrate a significant financial need, a strong chance for success, and an interest in serving or working with diverse populations and/or low income communities. These scholars must demonstrate an appreciation of the Roman Catholic tradition of CTU and our mission of preparing men for priesthood and lay men and women for ministry. They must also respect the racially and religiously diverse nature of our student body.
Dolezal Endowed Scholarship
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The Dolezal scholarship follows the same guidelines used for CTU’s general scholarship endowment.
Dr. Richard Dolezal was a legendary educator at the Latin School of Chicago, deeply committed to his weekday vocation of high school English. Rev. Dolezal had studied for the priesthood before beginning his teaching career, returning to the seminary and was ordained in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee in 1976. He was a weekend assistant at several parishes before being assigned to St. Catherine, serving from 1994 to 2009.
Diocese of Gary Scholarship
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The scholarship fund supports the Lay Ministry Formation Program of the Diocese of Gary. The Gary Diocese provides a $200 scholarship per CTU course for Gary Diocese students taking courses for credit at CTU. Diocese of Gary names the scholarship recipients and CTU matches the Gary Scholarship Fund donation from General Scholarship Fund.
International Religious Scholarship
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In order to encourage enrollment of international religious of our Corporate communities, CTU will offer a 1/3 scholarship to those religious of CTU Corporation communities who are not a member of the US provinces. Many communities are trying to promote internationality among its members, and CTU’s resources and expertise, with a student body of more than 40 countries represented, is a wonderful place for formation.
Mazza Scholarship
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Candidates for the Mazza scholarship must be men and women of character and competence who demonstrate a significant financial need, a strong chance for success, and an appreciation of the Roman Catholic tradition of CTU and our mission of preparing men for priesthood and lay men and women for ministry.
Father Gil Ostdiek, OFM Scholarship
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This scholarship provides full tuition for one course annually in the area of liturgy. It is open to CTU degree students with a concentration in liturgy, students completing a certificate in liturgy, or to directors of parish liturgy seeking continuing education.
Mary Rose Shaughnessy Endowed Scholarship
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The family of Dr. Mary Rose Shaughnessy (her twelve nieces and nephews) established an Endowed Fund Scholarship at Catholic Theological Union (CTU) to be awarded annually to Lay Ministers seeking advanced degree from CTU, in programs similar to Mary Rose’s own pursuit of an advanced degree in religious studies from CTU.
Carroll Stuhlmueller Endowed Scholarship
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Awarded each year to student(s) who show interest in combining study of Sacred Scripture with applications to the spiritual life, characteristics typifying the teaching and writing career of Fr. Stuhlmueller. First priority in the award of scholarship assistance is given to women from developing countries, who otherwise meet the qualifications stated above.
In addition to their coursework, all CTU students participate in spiritual formation that helps them integrate their theological coursework into their daily lives. For more information about formation programs at CTU, click here.
