Scholarships & Awards

Aquinas Institute of Theology is committed to educating the next generation of theologically well-formed ministers to serve the US Church in fulfillment of our mission to "educate men and women to preach, to teach, to minister, and to lead." We know that for most students, the cost of graduate school can seem daunting and out of reach and that incurring significant debt is a hardship.

We do not want finances to keep you from answering your call to ministry and we are committed to helping you fund your education.

Aquinas Scholar Award

Established in honor of our patron, St. Thomas Aquinas, this award is offered to lay men and women and provides multiple full tuition scholarship with a housing stipend, book award, and work-study opportunities for two or three years, depending on the student's degree program.

"There is such a range of experience among people at Aquinas Institute. It is wonderful to be in this environment because you know everyone wants to be here and is invested in it."

Mary Raquel Schulenberg, 2020 Aquinas Scholar Award Recipient

Download Scholarship Award Brochure

What's Included

Full Tuition for all Required Courses

Housing
Stipend

Books
Stipend

Employment Opportunities

Why the Aquinas Scholar Award?

Eligibility and Requirements

Applications for the Aquinas Scholar Award are evaluated in four key areas.

ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT

STRONG RECORD OF SERVICE TO CHURCH AFFILIATED MINISTRIES

COMMITMENT TO FUTURE MINISTRY IN THE CHURCH

LEADERSHIP CAPACITY

There is no separate application for this Award. Students who wish to be considered should focus their personal assessment and reflection paper on strengths in these areas. Applicants should also share these areas of evaluation with those from whom they are requesting letters of recommendation and ask that the letters highlight qualities in these areas especially.

Aquinas Scholars are required to study full-time, as defined by degree program, and live in Saint Louis while a student at Aquinas.

How to Apply

To be considered for the Aquinas Scholar Award, individuals must apply to their selected degree program for the Fall term by January 28th, the feast of St. Thomas Aquinas.

Start your application

Scholarship Award Opportunities

In addition to the Aquinas Scholar Award, Aquinas Institute of Theology has established three merit-based scholarship awards offered to potential full-time lay students.

St. Martin de Porres Award

Established in honor of St. Martin de Porres, this award is offered to Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and provides a 100% tuition award for BIPOC students admitted to the MAPS or MDiv programs.

St. Martin de Porres (1579-1639) was a Peruvian Dominican lay brother of mixed race. Known for his humility and love for the poor, and extraordinary healing powers.

St. Catherine of Siena Award

Established in honor of St. Catherine of Siena, this award is offered to women who have demonstrated interest in the intellectual life and scholarly pursuits. This award provides 100% tuition for emerging female scholars admitted to the MA in Theology program.

St. Catherine of Siena (1347-1380) was a Dominican laywoman, Doctor of the Church, Italian Medieval mystic and spiritual writer. Known for her service to the poor and commitment to Church reform.

St. Albert the Great Award

Established in honor of St. Albert the Great, this award is offered to lay men and women with an interest in the Domincan charism and intellectual pursuits that engage theological studies and diverse disciplines. This award provides up to 100% tuition for students admitted to the MA, MDiv or MAPS program.

St. Albert the Great (1207-1280) was a Dominican friar and Doctor of the Church. He was a Brilliant polymath in multiple disciplines including theology, philosophy, and the natural sciences. Know as teacher and mentor to his star pupil, Thomas Aquinas.

Degree Program Options

Students applying to one of our three core degree programs will be considered for merit-based awards.

Master of Arts in Theology (MA)

An intellectually rigorous, 36 credit hour course of study provides a strong academic foundation for students interested in pursuing advanced theological studies and those who desire an academic grounding for teaching, pastoral ministry, and Church leadership.

Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies (MAPS)

This 48 hour program prepares students with the skills and competencies to be effective ministers and lay leaders in different ecclesial settings. The MAPS curriculum offers a learning experience that seamlessly integrates a strong theological foundation and ministerial formation.

Master of Divinity (MDiv)

This 81 hour program provids a rigorous academic education designed to prepare theologically informed and professionally competent ministers for service to the Church.

Taxability of Scholarships and Stipends

If a student receives scholarships and/.or stipends during any calendar year which exceed the cost of tuition, fees, books, supplies, and equipment, the amount that exceeds those costs should be reported by the student as taxable income. Aquinas Institute is required to send information to students and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regarding scholarship and stipend payments on Form 1098T. Students are responsible for using this information as well as their own records to complete their tax returns.

Non-U.S. Citizens and non-permanent resident aliens may be subject to U.S. taxation. Any portion of institution granted scholarships/stipends that exceed the cost of tuition, fees, books, supplies, and equipment may be subject to a tax withholding rate of up to 14 percent for students with an F1 visa.

Students with questions about the taxability of their award should contact our Financial Aid Administrator at 314.256.8807 or finaid@ai.edu

Questions?

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314-256-8800

admissions@ai.edu

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