Tuition & Aid
We're committed to helping students afford an excellent graduate education. Each year, generous funding is provided to students through several types of assistance—supporting candidates who have the strongest academic credentials, most devoted ministerial commitment, and greatest financial need.
Applying for Financial Aid
When you submit your application for admission, you are automatically considered for CSTM scholarships, fellowships, graduate assistantships, and research assistantships. There is no separate aid application for CSTM.
100%
of master's students receive financial aid
Financial Aid Opportunities
50+ Scholarships/Awards
Tuition scholarships are awarded based on considerations of academic achievement, potential for ministry, demonstrated leadership, and financial need. They are awarded at the time of admission and are usually renewable at the same level in years following your initial award year, assuming your need and academic standing do not change markedly. In addition to the named awards below, CSTM offers many general tuition scholarships. Some awards have designated amounts; the rest range from 25% to 100%.
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These full-tuition scholarships seek to support students who approach theological study with rigor and zeal, and who demonstrate an exceptional academic record. Recipients of this award demonstrate potential for further study in theology and are committed to the discipline of theology as a means of transformation for our world. Applicants must have at least a 3.8 undergraduate GPA and significant theology or philosophy study to be considered for this award.
Dorothy Day, founder of the Catholic Worker Movement, reminds us that “the Gospel takes away our right forever, to discriminate between the deserving and the undeserving poor.” These awards recognize students who respond to this call from the Gospel and embody one or more of the corporal works of mercy - feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, shelter the homeless, clothe the naked, care for the sick, visit the imprisoned, bury the dead, and care for creation. Recipients will seek to integrate these works into their graduate studies, such as through healthcare ministry, prison ministry, or social service work, growing into faithful disciples committed to compassionate ministry oriented toward a more just world.
Karl Rahner, S.J. notes that “mystery is not just an unfortunate remainder of what is not yet known but rather the blessed goal of knowledge which comes to itself when it is with the incomprehensible One, and not in any other way.” CSTM is committed to the intensive study of theology and pursuing a more adequate understanding of our incomprehensible God. As aspiring theologians and ministers, recipients of this award are driven by intellectual curiosity and academic rigor. They have identified a theological focus area, which they desire to explore more deeply during their degree program with the hopes of eventually pursuing further studies in theology. Applicants are inquisitive, courageous, and faithful – willing to ask challenging questions with an openness to where the answers may lead them.
Named for the Jesuit value of magis (Latin for “more”), this scholarship award honors applicants who are pursuing studies in ministry later in life. Recipients of this award have committed to growing and discovering this “something more,” integrating the riches of their work and life experiences with deep theological inquiry.
Boston and its healthcare network—rich in history and in contemporary innovation —offer a distinctive setting for formation in ministry. Recognizing the unique opportunities this context provides, the CSTM supports the legacy of Boston and its healthcare system through a commitment to the education and formation of professional chaplains. Through this award, CSTM supports students who recognize the important role that chaplaincy can play in holistic healing in hospitals and healthcare settings today, thereby helping shape the future of whole-person care in Boston and beyond. Candidates for this scholarship demonstrate interest in advancing hospital chaplaincy work and spiritual care ministries that are rooted in rigorous theological study and are aligned with the dynamic work for which Boston healthcare is renowned.
Nearly 500 years ago, in Messina, Sicily, the young Jesuit order founded its first school, known today as St. Ignatius College. The College would revolutionize the order, positioning education at the heart of the Jesuit mission and re-envisioning the Society as a teaching order—the first of which within the Catholic Church. The Jesuit mission today remains committed to facilitating education that forms whole persons, prepared to serve the world in its multivalent joys, challenges, and surprises. CSTM furthers this mission through its commitment to the intellectual, ministerial, spiritual, and human formation of future Catholic school educators. Recipients of this award display a commitment to providing whole-person learning and formation to their own students in diverse Catholic educational placements through a dynamic appropriation of this educational legacy.
- The Thomas and Mary Donnelly Fellowship provides scholarship assistance for students pursuing a career in campus ministry.
- The Fruscione Foundation Endowment provides scholarship assistance for two qualified students enrolled in the M.A. in Theology and Ministry program. Each year, one scholarship generated by the endowment is named the Father Patrick Connor, SVD, Scholarship and is awarded to a student committed to pursuing urban ministry upon graduation.
- The Forster Family Fellowship Fund provides financial assistance to up to eight students enrolled in the Clough School of Theology and Ministry who are pursuing studies in Hispanic ministry.
- The Arlan and Alice Fuller Family Endowed Scholarship Fund provides financial assistance to two women pursuing graduate studies at the Boston College Clough School of Theology and Ministry (CSTM).
- The Anne M. Kitz Lay Scholarship Endowment Fund provides financial assistance to a lay student interested in Biblical studies.
- The Joseph and Winifred Amaturo Graduate Fellowship established in Honor of Thomas Groome provides scholarship assistance to four students enrolled in the M.A. in Theology and Ministry in need of financial aid.
- The Baker-Arrupe Lay Scholarship provides scholarship support to two lay students of the Boston College Clough School of Theology and Ministry.
- The Michael E. Murphy Fellowship supports need-based financial aid for qualified graduate students, with a preference for students from an underrepresented community in the Clough School of Theology and Ministry.
- The Kathryn M. Leonard Memorial Scholarship Fund provides scholarship assistance to two students enrolled in the Boston College Clough School of Theology and Ministry (CSTM), with first preference to lay students who have served with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps; otherwise to any other lay student needing financial aid.
- The E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation supports financial aid for Women in Ministry.
- The Fr. Joseph Redfield Palmisano, SJ Memorial Scholarship supports a student studying theology, specifically interreligious dialogue.
- The V. Eugene and Rosalie DeFreitas Charitable Foundation supports financial aid for international students studying at the Clough School of Theology and Ministry.
- The L. Douglas Nolan Scholarship Fund provides financial assistance to students enrolled in the Clough School of Theology and Ministry, with preference for international students, particularly those from Ireland.
- The Henry R. Cavalieri '50 Jesuit Fellowship Fund provides support to Jesuits pursuing a degree at CSTM.
All CSTM applicants are eligible for the following scholarships:
- Dean Thomas D. Stegman, S.J. Scholarship
- Claire Lowery Memorial Scholarship
- Cura Personalis Fellowship
- Fr. Joseph T. Nolan Scholarship
- McNiece Foundation Scholarship
- Mostello Family Financial Aid Fund
- The Robert E. Manning, S.J. Fund (three scholarships given)
- The Raymond Zeitz Fellowship Fund (two scholarships given)
- The Negri Family Endowed Fellowship (two scholarships given)
- Pops on the Heights Fellowships (ten scholarships given)
Agent of Transformation Scholarships
We seek to form faith-filled leaders committed to transformation in our Church and world. The Agent of Transformation Scholarships are for applicants committed to God’s vision for justice in one of six areas. Though certainly not exhaustive, the following awards and fellowships celebrate the myriad ways our students work creatively toward a more just and inclusive Church and world. These awards cover 100% of the recipient's tuition costs.
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"What does it mean to be Black in the Church in society?” In 1989, Sr. Thea Bowman gave a moving speech to the USCCB and raised this important question. She goes on, “It means that I come to my Church fully functioning...I bring myself; my black self, all that I am, all that I have, all that I hope to become." This scholarship recognizes the need for transformative ministry and amplified voices in pursuit of racial justice and reconciliation – working to heal the sins of our Church and nation. Candidates for this scholarship should demonstrate a commitment to the work of anti-racism and show potential for critical thinking and advocacy around the intersection of theology and race.
In Laudato Si, Pope Francis invites humankind to hear the “cry of the earth” and the “cry of the poor,” calling each of us to care for our common home. This scholarship seeks to provide support for students who hear both cries and act with courage and conviction to meet creation’s urgent need for care. Applicants must demonstrate interest in the intersection of theology and ecological ethics and/or demonstrate a deep commitment to ecological justice in pursuit of care for our common home in order to be named a recipient of this scholarship.
Throughout the Christian tradition, women have served as prophetic witnesses to the inbreaking of the reign of God. In the spirit of Mary’s Magnificat, they have bravely proclaimed that God uplifts the poor and scatters the proud. Like the women at the tomb, who were the very first to recognize and announce the resurrection, they have perdured in the face of many obstacles to announce the good news of love and justice. This scholarship remembers all of the named and unnamed holy women who have followed their examples as ministers, leaders, and prophetic proclaimers of Good News. Through this scholarship, CSTM recognizes students who witness and advocate for the powerful ways that women lead, minister, and inspire our Church.
In 2019, the Society of Jesus announced four apostolic preferences for the next decade, one of which is to walk with the “poor and outcasts of the world.” Central to this is a commitment to caring for migrants and refugees, seeking “to create conditions of hospitality, to accompany all these people in their process of integration into society, and to promote the defense of their rights.” With this scholarship, CSTM honors deserving recipients who are committed to welcome for the weary and hospitality for the stranger. Applicants considered for this scholarship will be candidates who demonstrate interest in the intersection of theology and issues facing immigrants globally and/or demonstrate a commitment to ministry within migrant communities.
In 2017, Fr. James Martin, S.J. (M.Div. ‘98, Th.M. ‘99) published Building a Bridge, which sparked pivotal conversations in the ongoing effort within the Catholic Church to affirm the dignity of LGBTQ+ Catholics. Through this scholarship, CSTM recognizes applicants who seek to serve as bridge-builders within our Church in pursuit of greater inclusion and justice for the LGBTQ+ community. Candidates for this scholarship must have a demonstrated research interest in the intersection of theology and sexuality through areas such as systematics, Christian ethics, or practical theology, and/or demonstrate a commitment to inclusive ministry within the LGBTQ+ community.
In his 1995 encyclical Ut Unum Sint, Pope Saint John Paul II notes, “This unity, which the Lord has bestowed on his Church and in which he wishes to embrace all people, is not something added on, but stands at the very heart of Christ's mission.” Attentive and committed to this mission, the Clough School of Theology and Ministry seeks to cultivate meaningful conversation as a community that welcomes students of all denominations (and faith traditions) to study and worship. This scholarship aims to provide support for students who demonstrate a commitment to ecumenical dialogue, and who are passionate about seeking out ways to integrate ecumenism into their own ministry practices – serving as bearers of hope for our world.
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As a school community, we are enriched each year by students who have engaged in full-time service, seeking to better understand our society and world and to integrate these realities with core themes of justice, spirituality, and community. In recognition of the value of this service, CSTM is committed to providing scholarship funds to cover at least 75% of tuition costs for lay students in our M.A., M.T.S., or M.Div. programs who have served in a Catholic Volunteer Network member program in the last five years.
Committed to the vital role that parishes play in the renewal of our Church and the lifelong faith-formation of Catholics, the Boston College Clough School of Theology and Ministry is excited to offer a 50% tuition scholarship for qualified lay applicants working full-time in parish ministry across the U.S. and world who are admitted to a CSTM master's or 18-credit certificate program. Opportunity for more aid is also available.
Catholic education has always been at the heart of the Church’s mission in the world, animated by educators who are committed to honoring the dignity of each student, ultimately helping to form compassionate, faith-filled disciples committed to the common good. In honor of their steadfast work, CSTM is delighted to offer at least a 50% tuition scholarship for qualified lay Catholic school teachers and administrators in a CSTM master's or 18-credit certificate program.
The Clough School of Theology and Ministry (CSTM) at Boston College offers a thorough curriculum in Hispanic ministry and theology. This partnership will prepare or renew people – academically, professionally, and spiritually – to render effective ministry within Hispanic communities in pastoral settings. Qualified lay applicants, Hispanic and non-Hispanic, who demonstrate a clear commitment to Hispanic ministry and theology, and who intend to work with Hispanic communities after completing their studies are eligible for at least a 75% tuition scholarships. Scholarships are awarded based on merit, promise and availability.
20+ Assistantships
CSTM has more than 20 graduate and research assistantship positions available, with offerings expanding nearly every year. In addition to the financial benefits of these positions, our students and alumni often report on the professional and ministerial skills gained from their time as graduate assistants. The majority of these positions last for one year and are reserved to support entering, first-year students.
The application process for these positions begins during the admissions process. If you are interested in being considered for the positions we have available, make sure to indicate that on your application form (there is a question that asks about assistantships).
CSTM Assistantships
- CSTM Service Center (multiple positions available)
- CSTM Admissions Office (multiple positions available)
- Continuing Education
- Liturgy
- Student Affairs
- International Student Liaison
- New Testament Abstracts
- Academic Affairs
Assistantships in Partner Offices
- BC Campus Ministry (multiple positions available)
- Institute for Advanced Jesuit Studies
- Roche Center for Catholic Education
- Graduate Ministry Corps (multiple positions available)
- Volunteer and Service Learning Center
Other BC Positions
In addition to positions through CSTM, there are many positions offered throughout the Boston College campus. Boston College's Office of Graduate Student Life maintains a listing of these positions, which are open to all BC graduate students. Recent positions held by CSTM students include working with the Church in the 21st Century Center, BC President's Office, Center for Teaching Excellence, Center for Digital Innovation in Learning, Information Technology Services, Center for Student Formation, Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs, Provost's Office, and the Women's Center.
The Office of Student Services at Boston College provides the option for students to apply for need-based loans and federal work-study. Students can borrow up to their total calculated cost of attendance (minus any scholarship/assistantship funding they are receiving from CSTM) through the Stafford Loan Program.
Graduate students are advised to complete the BC Graduate and Law Supplemental Information Form or the BC Graduate Student (Non Law) Enrollment Form.
Graduate students seeking federal financial aid will need to complete the FAFSA application online. The BC code is 002128
You can find the Graduate and Law Students Supplemental Information for Financial Aid on the Office of Student Services website. Complete the form and return it to the Office of Student Services:
Boston College Financial Aid Processing Center
P.O. Box 67486
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
Please note that Federal Stafford loans are only available for U.S. citizens and permanent residents. Federal loans are not available to S.T.B., S.T.L. or S.T.D. degree seeking students.
You should submit your application for federal financial aid as soon as possible. You do not have to wait to be admitted to a degree program to apply for federal financial aid, however notification of your loan package will occur after you receive an admissions decision from CSTM.
If you receive a scholarship or assistantship, this may affect your federal financial aid. If adjustments are needed your financial aid counselor will notify you.
The total financial aid awarded to you cannot exceed your cost of attendance, which includes assistantships, fellowships, grants, scholarships, non service stipends, tuition remission and your federal financial aid.
If you have questions about any adjustments you can contact your Financial Aid Counselor at the Office of Student Services 617-552-3300 or email them at studentservices@bc.edu.
Cost of Attendance
How much will it cost?
For the 2024–2025 academic year, the tuition cost per credit at CSTM is $1,318.
To help you budget the cost of your graduate program, we've provided this breakdown of expenses. Additionally, the Office of Student Services has resources to help you calculate an approximate cost of attendance, which includes both tuition and living expenses.
The amounts shown here are estimates.
| Expense | Estimated Cost per Academic Year |
|---|---|
| Tuition and fees | $31,632 (24 credits, before financial aid) |
| Rent and utilities | $12,000 |
| Meals | $3,000 |
| Transportation | $1,000 |
| Personal expenses | $2,000 |
| Books and supplies | $600 |
| Total | $50,232 |
100%
of M.Div., M.A., & M.T.S. students found a placement within six months
(Class of 2023)
97%
of all degree program graduates found a placement within six months
(Class of 2023)
Financial Aid FAQ
Are there opportunities to work on campus?
<p>There are multiple opportunities to work on campus through graduate assistantships and other on-campus employment options. In addition to the financial benefits of these positions, our students and alumni often report on the professional and ministerial skills gained from their time as graduate assistants. Both the BC Office of Graduate Student Life and the BC Office of Student Services maintain listings of potential assistantships and work-study positions open to all Boston College graduate students.</p>
<p><a href="/content/bc-web/offices/student-affairs/sites/graduate-student-life.html"><span class="btn btn-default btn-gold">Graduate Student Life</span></a></p>
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Do CSTM students have off-campus jobs?
<p>Yes! Multiple CSTM students supplement their incomes with off-campus jobs! There are many different employment opportunities in the Boston area, ranging from food services to hospital and mental health facilities. While on-campus jobs only permit students to work a maximum of 20 hours per week, often only during normal office hours, off-campus employment can be a good option for flexible hours.<br>
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How does funding work for dual degrees?
<p>Dual degree students receive separate financial aid packages from both schools as part of their admission decisions. Each term, dual degree students will have a "home school" in which they are enrolled. During that term, the student will pay tuition to the school in which they are enrolled and the financial aid package that they receive from that school will apply to all credits being taken during that term, regardless of if you are taking classes at both schools during that term. For example, if a M.A./M.S.W. student is enrolled at the CSTM and taking classes at both schools, their CSTM financial aid package would apply to credits from both schools for that term.</p>
<p>For the M.A./M.S.W. and M.A./M.A. programs, the CSTM's financial aid package will apply to Academic Year I and both summers of the dual degree program, while the other school's financial aid package will apply to Academic Year II and Academic Year III of the dual degree program. </p>
<p>For the M.A./M.B.A. program, the CSTM's financial aid package will apply to Academic Year I, Summer I, and the Fall semester of Academic Year III. The Carroll School of Management's financial aid package will apply to Academic Year II, Summer II, and the Spring semester of Academic Year III. </p>
<p>For students in the M.A./M.Ed. program in partnership with BC's Urban Catholic Teacher Corps, the CSTM's financial aid package will apply to Academic Year II and onwards, and the Lynch School's financial aid package will apply to Summer I, Academic Year I, and Summer II.</p>
<p>If a student starts at Boston College in one graduate program and then later adds the second, the funding schedule may need to be altered. The admissions office will discuss specific details with each applicant. Never hesitate to reach out if you have any questions!</p>
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How likely is it to receive a scholarship?
<p>We understand the value of a strong theological education, which is why we do our best to make sure that our students have opportunities for financial assistance, whether it be through scholarships, federal aid, externships, or graduate assistantships. We are pleased to offer 100% of our M.A., M.Div., and M.T.S. students some level of scholarship aid for their studies with us, all the way up to full-tuition scholarships. We do all what we can to minimize financial barriers to studying with us.</p>
<p>For all applicants, there is a financial aid page on the application, and we encourage you to be as detailed as possible as to why you would like to be considered for funding. Over 90% of all applicants to all programs receive scholarship support. If you are concerned or have questions about your financial situation, please speak with a member of the admissions staff.</p>
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I want to attend CSTM but don’t know if I can swing it financially!
<p>Please get in touch with us! We want to make sure we’ve explored all possible options to help you make studying with us a reality. Please email <a href="mailto:cstmapply@bc.edu">cstmapply@bc.edu</a> and our team will direct you to the right person!<br>
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What do graduate/research assistantships offer a student?
<p>The CSTM is proud to offer over 20 graduate and research assistantship positions each year to incoming students. In addition to the financial benefits of these positions, our students and alumni often report highly on the professional and ministerial skills gained from their time as graduate assistants. The majority of these positions last for one year and are reserved to support entering, first-year students. The application process for these positions begins during the admissions process. If you are interested in being considered for the positions we have available, make sure to indicate as such on your application form.</p>
<p><a href="/content/bc-web/schools/stm/admission/tuition-aid.html#tab-graduate_research_assistantships"><span class="btn btn-default btn-gold">Graduate & Research Assistantships</span></a></p>
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What financial aid is available?
<p>Each year, the CSTM awards scholarships to new students, supporting those candidates who have the strongest academic credentials, ministerial commitment, and greatest financial need. Most students fund their studies through a combination of tuition scholarship, on-campus work, and federal student loans. 100% of master's students receive scholarship support.</p>
<p><span class="btn btn-default btn-maroon"><a href="/content/bc-web/schools/stm/admission/tuition-aid.html">Tuition & Aid</a></span></p>
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What is the application fee?
<p>The application fee is $75. We provide fee waivers for Jesuits, current CSTM students, veterans, individuals completing a year of service with a Catholic Volunteer Network program, and individuals who are Pell Grant-eligible. If any of these situations apply to you, please reach out to the Admissions Office at <a href="mailto:stmadm@bc.edu">stmadm@bc.edu</a>.</p>
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What scholarships and on-campus job opportunities are available as an international student?
<p>Higher education in the United States is expensive. However, CSTM is proud to award tuition grants, as well as graduate and research assistantship opportunities, to international students, depending on availability, to help ease their financial burden. For consideration, students must be enrolled in a degree seeking program, and should exhibit an exemplary academic record and personal potential. Students should be aware that, even if receiving a tuition grant, they still must obtain support to pay for their living expenses. Unfortunately, federal loans are not available to those who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents.</p>
<p>All international students must show that they have sufficient funds or resources to pay for their tuition and living expenses during the course of their studies, whether support comes in the form of scholarships, grants, or support from a religious order or a personal bank account. Applicants do not need to supply evidence of sufficient resources with their applications. Once accepted, the admissions office will send a form where one can document resources.</p>
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What type of housing and living options are available?
<p>The city of Boston and its surrounding communities offer an array of housing options. Although the CSTM does not offer on-campus housing, we do all that we can to provide support throughout the process, including helping students find roommates and local listings. Boston College is located 6 miles from downtown Boston, so many CSTM students live closer to campus where rents can be less expensive than in the center of the city.</p>
<p>Graduate students are also welcome to apply to be Resident Assistants for Boston College.</p>
<p><a href="/content/bc-web/schools/stm/community/living-in-boston.html"><span class="btn btn-default btn-maroon">Living in Boston</span></a></p>
<p><a href="/content/bc-web/offices/student-affairs/sites/residential-life/about/job-opportunities/ResidentAssistantApply.html"><span class="btn btn-default btn-gold">Being an RA</span></a></p>
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Contact CSTM Financial Aid
- Your scholarship is a tuition remission award and can only be used to cover courses required for the completion of your degree. Your scholarship does not cover auditing classes or classes taken that do not fulfill your degree requirements.
- Your scholarship is available to you for the number of semesters specified in your award letter, provided that you maintain satisfactory academic progress at CSTM (3.0 GPA or higher). Please note that your scholarship will not renew beyond this.
- Your award cannot be converted into a cash stipend.
- CSTM cannot award funding to a student enrolled in another graduate school.
- Students are not eligible for CSTM financial aid or funding while on a leave of absence. When they return to the CSTM, students continue to receive the tuition remission that they were granted upon entrance into their degree program.
- If you decide to defer your enrollment, please note you cannot defer this financial award. Your aid will be reconsidered along with the pool of applicants entering that semester.
- CSTM funding decisions are final and your tuition scholarship will not be revised once you enroll.
As a graduate student at Boston College, many additional financial aid options are available to you. In accepting a CSTM award you are still eligible to explore these additional opportunities. However, the total financial aid awarded to you cannot exceed your total estimated cost of attendance. If you receive a graduate assistantship from Boston College, your CSTM scholarship may be adjusted to accommodate the funding you receive from the assistantship.
Many of our students fund their studies through a combination of CSTM aid and federal student loans. Please make sure you complete both the FAFSA and the Graduate and Law Students Supplemental Information for Financial Aid.
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Our Commitment to Financial Aid
Investment + Impact
We make a steadfast commitment to helping students afford our programs—especially students looking to serve diverse and underrepresented populations and work in high-need areas. Funding resources provide both financial support and, in the case of assistantships, opportunities for ongoing formation.