Wartburg is blessed with a sizable endowment built by faithful donors over the course of many years. Interest from this endowment is used to assist eligible students in funding their seminary education.
Explore Scholarships
Wartburg Theological Seminary
Wartburg Seminary offers tuition scholarships to eligible full-time, degree seeking students during their years of study. These scholarships are renewable, in the original amount, for subsequent years, subject to eligibility criteria.
For more information on Wartburg’s Tower scholarships,please see Wartburg Grossman Tower Scholarship Policy.
Wartburg Theological Seminary is committed to making theological education accessible and affordable through a combination of tuition support, scholarships, and estimated living costs.
Cost of Attending Chart ›
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) generously offers a variety of scholarship opportunities for seminary students. Many Wartburg students have received support over the years through these programs.
Broad support tied to degree programs or long-term formation.
Fund for Leaders Full-Tuition ScholarshipsFull tuition scholarships for the duration of required coursework for MDiv and MADM students.
TEEM Scholarships
Annual awards for students in the TEEM program; eligibility determined by the program director
Focused, often shorter-term funding tied to a particular ministry path or nomination.
Mission Developer Scholarships
One-year, renewable awards for students identified as potential mission developers.
Federal Chaplaincy Ministries Scholarships
One-year awards for students pursuing military, VA, or federal prison chaplaincy.
Synod or Congregation Scholarships
Awards from ELCA synods or congregations, based on nomination and available endowments.
For detailed eligibility, application links, and deadlines, please visit the ELCA Fund for Leaders scholarship webpage.
Connect with our Director of Financial Aid to learn more about other scholarship possibilities.
Students who do not meet federal loan eligibility criteria may explore alternative options, including institutional loans, or other non-federal funding sources.
For guidance on federal loans, alternative funding opportunities, or to discuss a personalized funding plan, contact our Director of Financial Aid, Caren Sellers at csellers@wartburgseminary.edu.
The Financial Aid Office can help you navigate processes, understand requirements, and determine what options are best for you.
Explore Candidacy
Wartburg Theological Seminary
Throughout candidacy, you can expect a commitment from your home congregation, your synod, your seminary, and the ELCA to both nurture and challenge your call and gifts for ministry while keeping in mind the missional needs of the ELCA.
Candidacy includes many partners, including your seminary faculty and staff, synod staff, contextual education partners, and your own colleagues and mentors.
Students lead their candidacy process with strong communication, collaboration, and awareness of the next step in the process.
If you are called to leadership in the church but do not feel called to be rostered, you are very welcome to apply for a degree or certificate program through Wartburg Seminary.
How the candidacy process often takes shape for Wartburg students:
Wartburg Theological Seminary forms valued leaders for God’s mission through a worship-centered community of critical theological reflection, where learning leads to mission and mission informs learning.
Explore Resources
Formation happens in many dimensions of life and faith, including how we understand and steward our financial resources. Wartburg supports the personal financial wellness and stewardship formation of all students.
We are committed to increasing awareness, skills, and confidence in financial decision-making. Students, spouses/partners, and families are encouraged to make use of resources provided throughout the seminary journey and after graduation.
Financial wellness involves understanding your financial situation, practicing healthy stewardship, and preparing for financial changes in ways that reduce stress and support long-term sustainability.
These resources are offered to help students build faithful, informed, and confident financial habits. Below you will find links, tools, and resources for your exploration.
Managing finances well is an important part of stewardship and personal wellness. The following practices can help you strengthen your financial health and build habits to last into ministry and beyond.
Borrow only what you need, - Limiting debt and paying attention to terms can save significant money over time.
Know your Debt
Keep track of who you owe, how much, and when payments are due.
Check Your Federal Loans
View loan amounts, lenders, servicers, and contact information at Studentaid.gov. Note that private student loans will not appear here.
Explore Repayment Options
You can apply for federal repayment plans through your loan servicer.
Create and Stick to a Budget
Develop a budget that allows you to live within your means and understand where money is spent each month. Review your progress regularly and adjust categories as needed, increasing savings and reducing expenses where possible.
Even small amounts each week can help cover unexpected expenses. Clearly define what type of expense your savings/emergency fund is for, and replenish after any use.
Pay Off High-Interest Debt First
Focus on paying off the most expensive debts first, generally credit cards. Once one debt is cleared, apply the same payments to the next highest-interest debt.
Protect Your Assets
Review and maintain insurance coverage: life, health, auto, home/renters, and disability (if not provided by an employer).
Know Your Credit Score
Establishing and maintaining a healthy credit score can help you qualify for lower interest rates on loans.
Seek Expert Advice
Speak with a financial professional when setting goals, creating a budget, or considering new debt. Expert guidance can provide an unbiased perspective and help you make informed decisions.
Managing money in seminary can feel overwhelming, but the right tools make it easier to stay on top of expenses, track debt, and plan for the future. Below are a few resources designed to support financial wellness and help make informed choices about spending, saving, and borrowing
The CFPB offers a range of practical financial tools, including a financial well-being questionnaire, a bill calendar, spending tracker, and debt log. Students can explore guidance on paying off student loans and connect with non-profit credit and financial counselors, as well as other helpful consumer education resources.
View Website ›Consumer.gov provides straightforward financial education, including a downloadable budget worksheet, tips for improving credit, explanations for resolving debt, and advice for paying back student loans. It’s a helpful place for anyone learning to manage personal finances.
View Website ›The WTS Financial Aid Office has created a downloadable budgeting spreadsheet to help students track monthly income, expenses, and savings by semester. It includes built-in formulas that automatically calculate totals and balances, making it easy to see where money is going.
Download Now ›The external resources linked below provide guidance on a variety of financial topics including student loans, budgeting, credit, and long-term financial wellbeing.
The Institute of Student Loan Advisors (TISLA)
Advice on student loan repayment, forgiveness, servicer issues, and more.
Visit Website
Federal Student Aid – Loan Consolidation
Guidance on whether consolidation makes sense and how to apply through the U.S. Department of Education.
Visit Website
Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas – Credit Card Repayment Calculator
Estimate payoff timelines and total interest for credit card debt.
Visit Website
U.S. News & World Report – Student Loan & Credit Information
Educational articles and comparisons on loans, refinancing, rates, and credit cards.
Visit Website
Lutheran Social Services – Financial Counseling
Free, confidential financial counseling for individuals facing debt or credit challenges.
Visit Website
Portico Benefit Services
Information on benefits offered by faith-based employers, including health coverage, retirement, and financial wellbeing tools.
Visit Website
Thrivent Financial
Educational resources on budgeting, saving, investing, and debt management.
Visit Website
External resources offering education and guidance for developing healthy, faithful stewardship practices in ministry settings, including fundraising, resource management, and congregational leadership.
Stewardship of Life Institute (SOLI)SOLI is dedicated to teaching and equipping leaders for holistic, faithful stewardship that goes beyond fundraising. Topics include discipleship, generosity, and resource care within congregational life. The Institute provides articles, tools, and curriculum for pastors, seminarians, and church leaders.
Visit Website
“How Much is Enough?” (E-Book)
SOLI is dedicated to teaching and equipping leaders for holistic, faithful stewardship that goes beyond fundraising. Topics include discipleship, generosity, and resource care within congregational life. The Institute provides articles, tools, and curriculum for pastors, seminarians, and church leaders.
View E-Book
ELCA Stewardship
The ELCA’s stewardship page offers guidance, downloadable tools, and educational materials for congregational leaders, including resources on stewardship planning, giving, and leadership development.
View Website
Student Housing
Wartburg Theological Seminary
Wartburg Seminary offers a variety of comfortable and affordable housing options designed to support students, families, and their unique needs while fostering community life on campus.
The residence hall provides various sized affordable, fully furnished rooms for single students and commuters, featuring private bathrooms, central air, and shared community amenities.
These two-bedroom homes offer space for individuals, couples, and families — including those with pets — in Wartburg’s quiet campus community.
These spacious duplex-style homes are designed for students with children, offering multiple levels of living space, pet-friendly options, and proximity to Wartburg’s Kinder Castle playground.
Your monthly rental rate includes water, high speed internet, gas, electric, and basic level of curbside garbage and recycling. Our residential community contributes to a lively environment of study, worship, and fellowship.
In order to apply for on campus housing, please complete the Wartburg Seminary Housing Application. For housing costs and an overview of the units, please see our Student Housing Chart.
Wartburg welcomes your furry family members as well. One dog, one cat, or two cats are allowed in designated units. A pet fee of $31 per month, per pet will be added to your monthly rent. For those with animal allergies, there are pet-free housing units available.
Schedule Visit
Wartburg Theological Seminary
The best way to experience Wartburg is to visit! Explore our campus, meet our community, and discover how Wartburg Theological Seminary can become part of your formation for ministry.
When you visit, you’ll be welcomed into the daily life of our worship-centered community.
Join us Monday through Thursday during the semester to worship in the chapel, tour the campus, sit in on a class, and meet with faculty, staff, and students who will walk with you on your discernment journey. This visit can also be done virtually as well!
Visits Can:
We’ll arrange your visit around your schedule — with meals and accommodations provided. You’re welcome to bring a spouse, partner, pastor, friend, or family member to share the experience as you actively discern and explore your call to ministry.
If travel costs are a concern, please let us know. Wartburg is happy to assist with travel expenses to make your visit possible.Contact Admissions to Plan Your Visit.
Wartburg offers weekend events called Considering Your Call that invites participants to explore discernment and vocation, and to discover if seminary and Wartburg is the right fit!
These weekends take place twice a year in the fall and the spring. We also host Online Open Houses throughout the year for folks to visit virtually in the evening from the comfort of their home.
View Our Events ›
We’d love to introduce you to Dubuque, the “Masterpiece on the Mississippi.” Extend your visit to explore local parks, schools, and historic downtown as you imagine life in our vibrant community.