LSTC is committed to equipping growing numbers of students who are well prepared academically, practically, and spiritually. These three dimensions ensure that the next generation of leaders will be expertly trained for ministry in local communities of faith and be able to lead others in their witness to Jesus Christ.

Tuition covers about 30% of the cost to educate students and half of that amount is given back as scholarship assistance to students. The rest is covered by support from the ELCA and synods, endowments, and gifts from individuals, congregations, and foundations.

The cost of seminary, while modest compared to other graduate programs, may well prevent highly qualified candidates for ministry from answering their call to professional leadership in the church.

Tuition and cost of living expenses have and will continue to increase. As the costs have gone up, the number and size of student loans have risen as well. When students graduate from seminary, a large debt load may prevent them from taking a call in a congregation unable to pay them enough to pay back their loans. Endowed scholarships relieve student debt by providing funds for tuition, books, and housing.

In addition to equipping students for parish ministry, LSTC has an international reputation for preparing scholars who wish to teach in seminaries, colleges, and universities in the United States and around the world. To attract the best students, LSTC must be able to provide scholarships for graduate students who also apply at Duke, Emory, Yale, and other high-profile schools.

This webpage was last modified on June 5, 2007

LSTC’s vision is to be able to provide endowed scholarships for every student in need so that all qualifi ed candidates might be prepared for ministry and that graduates might
answer God’s call, wherever it takes them. Its graduate study scholarships will help prepare the next generation of teachers and scholars for the worldwide church.