The Official Web Site for the Archdiocese of Detroit

Tuition Assistance For Lay Students

Tuition assistance is available for qualified lay students in a diploma or degree program of study at Sacred Heart Major Seminary. The following are possible sources.

1. Archdiocese of Detroit:
Archdiocesan Endowment set aside a portion of funds for SHMS education tuition grants and loans. (Funds raised in the "Stewards for Tomorrow" campaign.)

To begin the process, contact the Office for Catechesis/Religious Education. This is to be done as early as possible prior to each semester.

Who may apply? Those in catechetical ministry: DREs, catechists, RCIA Directors, Youth Ministers, Catholic School Teachers of Religion, High School Campus Ministers. These grants and loans are available to anyone who qualifies and are not based on financial need. Your pastor, principal or DRE may have the brochure describing the program and the process for applying.

Forms which will be sent to you include:

once each academic year:
- A federal form (FAFSA). Submit annually per academic year.
- A SHMS Application for Scholarship and Financial Aid form. (Submit annually.)
every semester
- The 'Tuition Assistance for Catechetical Leaders' form from the Office for Catechesis/Religious Education to be signed by your pastor.

2. The Parish:
Many parishes provide some tuition assistance for lay ministers who are serving in the parish.

3. Employers:
Some employers have a tuition assistance benefit. Check with your supervisor or Human Resources Department. Some provide tuition assistance only for non-religious courses. This could be especially helpful for those earning an Associate of Arts in Ministry Degree.

4. Sacred Heart Major Seminary and outside sources:
To apply for scholarship funds complete the SHMS form and FAFSA. Submit forms between January and March for tuition assistance the following September. After receiving the response to your FAFSA form email FinancialAid@shms.edu at SHMS, if you need assistance.

Examples of Seminary funds available for lay people:

Lay Student Scholarship Fund
SHMS Institutional Fund
There are several funds set up by private individuals. Some funds are available for both lay students and seminarians.

5. Federal and State Financial Aid: Available for those in degree programs.

Federal Pell Grant
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant
Federal Student Loan Programs
Michigan Tuition Grant
Michigan Competitive Scholarship

6. Other Financial Aid:

Veteran's Administration
Vocational Rehabilitation
National Service Trust

Notes:

Before mailing the FAFSA form make a copy for submission during class registration. Sacred Heart Major Seminary's school code: 002313. You must bring or send all forms when you register.
Funds are available. Consult with Institute for Ministry personnel. Apply January-June for the following academic year. Early application is important.
If a student who has received Archdiocesan tuition assistance withdraws from a class she/he is responsible for the full cost of the tuition.
Contact an Institute for Ministry advisor early to plan program of study and set goals. Having a plan may be helpful in getting some types of funding.
Call prior to each semester for the form to be signed by your pastor ("Tuition Assistance for Catechetical Leaders" form). FAFSA and Sacred Heart forms are submitted annually.
For scholarships available through the Seminary fill out the SHMS form and FAFSA government form.