ADMISSIONS
EQUIPPING SERVANT LEADERS FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY
At Shepherds, you’ll get to explore what a life of ministry is all about. Our impactful classes taught by experts in their respective fields, will expand your Bible understanding, equip you to serve in vocational ministry, train you in personal discipleship, evangelism, and more!
We’re excited that you’re exploring the possibility of attending Shepherds at one of our various teaching sites! Learn more about the admissions process below.
EQUIPPING SERVANT LEADERS FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY
At Shepherds, you’ll get to explore what a life of ministry is all about. Our impactful classes taught by experts in their respective fields, will expand your Bible understanding, equip you to serve in vocational ministry, train you in personal discipleship, evangelism, and more!
We’re excited that you’re exploring the possibility of attending Shepherds at one of our various teaching sites! Learn more about the admissions process below.
Admissions FAQs
What Are Admissions Requirements?
- Online application
- All undergraduate transcripts (if applicable)
- Three recommendations (using form in online application)
- Background check (administered during application process)
- DMin applicants can see additional requirements and considerations here
Learn more about options for students without an undergraduate degree.
What Are the Application Deadlines?
- Applications should be submitted at least 1 month prior to the start of a semester
- Contact the Registrar to request application consideration after the deadline
- Separate one-year program application deadlines for Cary, NC, and Bryan, TX, campuses
See our current academic calendar for semester start dates.
What Degrees Are Offered Online?
- All degrees can be completed online (except for cohort programs, such as the DMin and the one-year MTS)
- Online students attend virtually at the same time the class is being held live
- Online learning utilizes Zoom platform and conferencing tech
- No additional fees for online learning
- Plan to attend in person if you live within 1 hr of campus
- Students in CA are not eligible for distance learning due to national reciprocity agreement
What Are Tuition & Fees?
Current rates:
- $445 full-time tuition rate
- $470 part-time tuition rate
- $590 DMin tuition rate
Estimated total degree costs:*
- DMin (over 3 years): $22,940
- ThM (over 2 years): $12,825
- MDiv (over 4 years): $43,500
- MABLL (over 4 years): $35,920
- MABS (over 3 years): $28,610
- MACM (over 2 years): $22,750
- MTS (over 2 years): $20,170
- One-Year MTS: $24,915
See the full list of STS tuition & fees.
* Estimates are based on full-time tuition rate and include recurring and one-time fees.
What Types of Financial Aid Are Available?
- Federal unsubsidized direct loans under Title IV
- Military and VA education benefits
- In-house scholarships & aid
Learn more about the types of financial aid available at STS
Is the Seminary Accredited?
- Accredited by ATS
- Authorized to grant degrees
- Authorized for online learning
- Accredited by the ECFA
Learn more about STS accreditation.
What Is the Block Class Format?
- Fall & spring classes meet once a week for 2-3 hr blocks
- Most classes are in the evenings (M – Th)
- Morning, afternoon, & evening classes on Mondays
- Monday schedule enables students to take up to 9 credit hours in a single day
- Allows for flexibility in work and ministry schedules
See the current class schedule.
I'm an International Student, How Do I Apply?
- Online application
- Approved English language proficiency test may apply
- Validated transcripts
- Must prove financial ability to fund education
Learn more about the admissions requirements for international students.
Do You Accept Transfer of Credits?
- Credits from other institutions can be reviewed for transfer into STS degree programs
- Number of credits accepted, if any, is decided after review (official transcripts must be reviewed by Chief Academic Officer)
Can I Audit a Class?
Yes! Auditing offers:
- A cheaper way to attend courses
- Full access to course materials and lectures
- No attendance or assignment requirements
However, Auditing does not count for credit.
How to become an audit student:
- Shortened online application
- Pastoral recommendation letter
- Background check (administered during application process)
See the full list of STS tuition & fees for our current audit rate.
Tuition & Fees — 2025/2026
Tuition Per Credit Hour
| Full-time Student (9+ hours) | $445 |
| Part-time Student (<9 hours) | $470 |
| Winter & Summer Courses | $445 |
| DMin Student | $590 |
| Audit Student | $80 |
Student Fees
| Application Fee (one-time; non–refundable) | $65 |
| New Student Orientation Fee (one-time) | $35 |
| Graduation Fee | $340 |
| LOGOS Bible Software Fee (one-time) | $345 |
| Student Services Fee (due every fall/spring semester) | $360 |
| Add/Drop Fee (due if making course change after registration deadline) | $30 |
| Late Tuition Payment Fee (due each month after tuition payment deadline) | $30 |
| Extended Payment Setup Fee | $25 |
Additional One-Year Cohort Fees
| Program Fee* | $760 |
| Teaching Site Fee (per course)* | $330 |
| Bible Institute Fee (for The WEST Institute)* | $105 |
| Outdoor Equipment Rental Fee | $60 |
Additional DMin Fees
| Doctoral Library Development Fee Per Semester | $315 |
| Doctoral Dissertation/Research Project Continuation Fee | $630 |
*For a detailed breakdown of local church teaching site fees, reach out to a specific teaching site director here.
All published tuition and fees subject to change as needed.
Financial Aid
Shepherds Theological Seminary understands the cost of a seminary education can be daunting, but we are committed to helping you navigate the costs and provide guidance and direction. Find information below about what financial aid is and who qualifies to receive aid. For specific questions not addressed here, please contact our Financial Aid Office.
What is “Financial Aid”?
Financial aid is federal, state, or additional funds that help you pay for your college expenses. Some financial aid is based on need, while some is available to students regardless of family income.
Who qualifies for financial aid?
Almost every student qualifies for some financial aid. What aid you qualify for and how much will depend on multiple factors including information on your FAFSA, desired degree program, and more.
Title IV Federal Student Loans
- Authorized to participate in Title IV federal unsubsidized direct loan program
- First step is to submit FAFSA
- Previous federal student loans may be deferred if enrolled at least half-time
Learn more about Title IV federal student loans at STS.
Military & Veteran Education Benefits
- Authorized to participate in military & veteran educational assistance programs
- 25% tuition discount for current active duty service members
- Approved for GI Bill® and other VA education benefits
Learn more about military & veterans benefits at STS.
In-House Scholarships & Aid
- Limited pool of in-house scholarships & aid
- Applications sent out to students prior to each fall & spring semester
- Scholarship committee reviews applications & determines awards
- Students must be eligible to be considered for awards
Learn more about eligibility requirements and see a list of in-house scholarships & aid.
Ministry Benefits
- 10% tuition discount for full-time ministry workers
- Up to 50% tuition discount for recognized missionaries
- 10% tuition discount for members of supporting churches
Learn more about our ministry benefits and their qualifications.
Extended Payment Plan
- $25 setup fee per semester
- No interest charged
- Fall & spring semesters only
- Tuition & fees are paid over 4-month period
Learn more about the extended payment plan.
CARES Act, ARP, & HEERF Reporting
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the seminary was awarded with various federal grants to assist both the seminary and its students during that time of trial.
View required STS reporting for CARES Act, ARP, and HEERF expenditures.
STS Policies, Reports, & Complaint Procedures
Learn about our non-discrimination, privacy, and severe weather policies, along with other important procedures, information and reports.
View full list of all STS policies, reports, and complaint procedures.