Financial aid
All eligible admitted students may apply for AMBS need-based financial aid.
Need-based financial aid is distributed according to demonstrated financial need, with higher amounts of aid given to students with greater need. It is granted on a year-to-year basis, with reapplication and review each year.
Eligible admitted students may apply for AMBS need-based financial aid of up to 50 percent of tuition — whether they are studying full time or part time in a degree or certificate program. The amount awarded applies to courses taken in Semester One, Semester Two and Summer Term.
AMBS financial aid, including matching grants, will not exceed the cost of a student’s tuition for the semester.
Apply for financial aid
U.S. and Canadian students planning to begin studies at AMBS can apply for financial aid. (International students should fill out the Scholarship Application first.)
U.S. students should complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) online by April 1 or within 30 days of their admission to AMBS (if after April 1). Every student who completes the FAFSA will receive a minimum of 10% off of tuition in AMBS need-based financial aid for the coming academic year. Students who are eligible for additional aid may receive up to 50% off of tuition.
Federal School Code: 001823
School name: Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary
School address: 3003 Benham Avenue, Elkhart, IN 46517
Financial aid policies
Need-based financial aid may not apply for students who are enrolled in AMBS degree programs through one of the seminary’s partnering institutions; please consult with the Financial Aid Office.
Please see also our Scholarships page for more information.
Eligibility for church matching grants
- Eligible full-time admitted students may also receive dollar-for-dollar matching grants of up to $3,000 per academic year from their congregation or regional church/conference ($1,000 per term for Semester One, Semester Two and/or Summer Term).
- Eligible part-time admitted students may also receive a 25-percent matching grant of up to $1,500 per academic year from their congregation or regional church/conference ($500 per term for Semester One, Semester Two and/or Summer Term).
- A student’s eligibility for matching grants depends on the percentage of scholarships and need-based financial aid they receive.
- Please note that AMBS financial aid, including matching grants, will not exceed the cost of a student’s tuition for the semester.
See also Church matching grants for more information.
Student responsibilities
Students should expect to use a portion of their savings to pay the costs of their study. However, home equity and retirement savings will not decrease a student’s eligibility for need-based financial aid.
Students are responsible to:
- Apply for need-based financial aid each year for the following academic year by using the Financial Aid Application. (Note: Prospective students have until April 15 to apply for financial aid. If they are admitted after April 15, their Financial Aid Application is due 30 days after their admission date. Returning students must turn in their financial aid applications by April 15 each year for the following academic year.)
- Maintain a satisfactory academic standard (minimum grade-point average [GPA] of 2.50) to continue to receive need-based financial aid.
- Write notes or letters of appreciation to the donors of the funds when requested to do so. AMBS financial aid comes from a variety of sources, including gifts from churches and individual donors. Acknowledging their generosity helps ensure good relations with AMBS’s supporters and builds goodwill toward the seminary.
Effects of financial aid on U.S. Income Tax
The U.S. Internal Revenue Code states that individuals who are candidates for a degree may exclude scholarship income from their gross income. This is true as long as the amount excluded does not exceed the cost of tuition, fees, books and supplies required for the student’s course of study. Any payment for which services are required is taxable. This could include student assistantships and on-campus jobs. (Ref: TITLE 26, Subtitle A, CHAPTER 1, Subchapter B, PART III, Sec. 117). Students should consult their tax advisor for details.
Student loans
U.S. Federal Student Loans
AMBS encourages students to explore all other sources of funding before applying for a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan. Sources include AMBS need-based financial aid, scholarships, earnings, savings, and gifts and loans from church and family. If need remains, a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan may help to close the gap. However, we encourage students to borrow as little as possible so as to reduce debt load following graduation.
Students who do not have an undergraduate degree should consult with the Financial Aid Office about eligibility for Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans.
Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans for AMBS students are certified through the AMBS Financial Aid Office.
Canada Student Loans
Canada Student Loans, funded by the government of Canada and administered with participating provinces, are available to Canadian citizens enrolled in full-time study. Repayment is deferred while students maintain full-time status. Canadian students may contact their local banks for information. AMBS is registered with the provincial administrative offices for enrollment of students with Canada Student Loans.
Looking for more information?
Questions? Contact the Financial Aid Office!
