AY27-28 Tuition Increase FAQs

1. What is changing?

   Beginning with the Summer 2027 term (MDiv, MAR, BLC) and the June 2027 term (MAC, MATS, TSC), tuition per credit will increase from $675 to $750 for Online Learning programs. This is the first tuition increase since the 2024-2025 academic year.

   When does the new tuition rate take effect?

   • MDiv, MAR, BLC: Summer 2027

   • MAC, MATS, TSC: June 2027

     All courses taken before these terms will remain at the current rate of $675.

2. Will this affect my current courses?

   No. Your current course(s), and any courses before the Summer/June 2027 term will be billed at the current tuition rate of $675.

3. Why is tuition increasing?

   Tuition is increasing so that Westminster can continue to provide excellent theological education and ministry training for Christ’s global church. Westminster has not increased tuition since the 2024-2025 academic year. When the tuition increase goes into effect for the academic year 2027-2028, it will have been three years of the same tuition rate. Over this time period, inflation and rising costs have significantly increased the expenses of delivering the excellent and formative theological education, including in faculty instruction, student support and advising, community life and spiritual care, and our technology for our online learning infrastructure.

4. How does online tuition relate to residential programs and the residential campus?

   While cost sharing exists across all seminary programs and modalities, the Online Campus and the Residential Campus are separate entities within the financial structure of the seminary. Tuition paid for Online courses supports Online programs; tuition paid for residential courses supports residential programs.

5. Is this tuition increase related to the completion and opening of Westminster Hall?

   No. Westminster Hall was funded by gifts designated specifically for the building by friends of the seminary.

6. How does the new tuition rate compare to other seminaries?

   Other seminaries that are a part of the same broad theological perspective as Westminster currently charge between $695-$1,000 per credit when including tuition and fees. The new tuition rate of $750 remains competitive. Westminster’s financial model is also all inclusive: unlike other institutions, Westminster does not charge fees. The tuition price is the price you pay.

7. Can I take more courses now to avoid the tuition increase?

   Yes, students are encouraged to take more courses in the terms before Summer/June 2027 to take advantage of the present tuition rate. However, we encourage you to take a sustainable course load in such a way that you can balance your family, vocational, church, and academic commitments. If you would like to discuss pacing options, contact support@wts.edu.

8. Will scholarships or financial support be available?

   Westminster’s policy is to award scholarships at the time of admission. However, Westminster is committed to supporting students, and we recognize that this tuition increase may cause an insurmountable obstacle for some students to complete their programs. If you are concerned about how this tuition increase affects your ability to continue in your program, please email support@wts.edu to discuss options available to you.

9. I’m not sure I can afford to continue. What should I do?

   We understand that this change feels significant. We encourage you to contact support@wts.edu to discuss your options.

10. Why announce this tuition increase now?

    We are announcing this change for academic year 2027-2028 now, at the beginning of the academic year 2026-2027, so that you have time to plan ahead, adjust the pacing of your courses, and make informed decisions about your studies. We also wanted you to have the most time possible to take courses at the present tuition rate.

11. Will tuition increase every year?

    Westminster reviews the tuition rate every year in our budgeting process, but increases are not automatic. The last tuition increase was for the academic year 2024-2025. Moving forward, students can expect an announcement of the tuition rate for the upcoming academic year in January. For example, in January 2028, the tuition rate for academic year 2028-2029 will be announced. If tuition increases, Westminster always aims to balance affordability and sustainability.

12. Whom should I contact with questions?

    For questions about how this affects your situation, contact support@wts.edu.