Financial Aid
Cooperative Program
Southern Baptists support theological education by giving to the Cooperative Program. As a result, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary students pay lower tuition-based fees as compared to fees in non-SBC evangelical seminaries.
Federal Student Aid
NOBTS is an approved and participating institution with Title IV federal student aid programs through the Department of Education. NOBTS is only approved to receive federal Pell grants. NOBTS does not participate in or accept any federal student loans. All undergraduate students are required to submit a FAFSA to determine their Pell grant eligibility in order to be considered for NOBTS scholarships. Students should contact the NOBTS Financial Aid Office with any questions or concerns regarding federal student aid.
Student Loans
As mentioned above, NOBTS does not participate in any federal loan programs provided through U.S. Department of Education Title IV funding. Additionally, NOBTS does not offer any institutional loan programs. However, NOBTS does accept most private student loans and will work with private student loan providers to perform services such as enrollment certifications for students seeking a loan via a private student loan option. Contact the Financial Aid Office at financialaid@nobts.edu or 504.816.8276 to get more information about student loans.
Enrolled students do qualify for deferment of payment of existing federally guaranteed student loans and should contact their lender for specific information as well as the Registrar's Office for enrollment verification.
NOBTS Scholarships and Grants
Annual applications are available for scholarships to assist with current tuition costs and may be provided in Fall and Spring semesters, as well as Summer terms. Awards are determined by considering both the need and merit of applicants, available funding, and in accordance to the stipulations of each scholarship agreement. Submission of an application does not guarantee that an award will be made. In order to be awarded a grant, each applicant must have a zero balance on his/her student account. Students who qualify for particular scholarships may be asked to complete additional scholarship application to determine further necessary qualifying information.
Scholarship deadlines are provided via the NOBTS Financial Aid website. Applications submitted after any posted deadlines are not guaranteed consideration for scholarship or grant.
For most NOBTS scholarships, students must maintain enrollment in the minimum number of qualifying credit hours per semester, respective to their current and immediate degree program (12 credit hours for undergraduate students, 9 credit hours for graduate-level students, enrollment in a tuition-bearing course load for doctoral students). Audit courses do not count towards financial aid qualifying hours. Independent studies courses do not count towards financial aid qualifying hours unless it is determined by both the financial aid office and the registrar's office that the course is necessary for the completion of a student's declared degree program. The minimum number of qualifying hours requirement is not applied to those in their graduating semester.
The minimum number of qualifying hours for financial aid requirement is assumed for all NOBTS scholarships unless otherwise stated in a student's award offer or if a student is in their graduating semester.
Miscellaneous Scholarships
Various non-seminary sources for financial assistance may also be found on the Financial Aid website. Often included in the information will be access to applications, necessary contact information, and/or requirements. This may include various state and private foundations. Make sure to check with those sources directly for the most current and up-to-date information regarding deadlines and requirements.
Any church, organization, or donor may contribute funds for a particular student by including written instructions with their donation. For more information on the deductibility of the gift for tax purposes, please contact the NOBTS Office of Institutional Advancement at 504.816.8224. Additional options for making a gift are also available.
Emergency Student Aid
The seminary maintains an active program of assistance for students who are experiencing short-term financial emergencies. Students seeking such assistance may contact the Financial Aid Office for more information on how to request emergency financial assistance. Students may be required to have a one-on-one meeting with the Director of Financial Aid upon the submission of their request.
Financial Counseling
NOBTS is aware of the unique pressures associated with college or seminary life in the area of personal finance and family relationships. Members of the financial aid office are available to meet with current students and students approved for admission to discuss budgeting, provide financial counseling, or offer encouragement in other areas of student family life.
Payment Plans
The Business Office maintains a monthly payment plan program for students who are interested in this arrangement. The payment plan is not a loan, and no interest charges are assessed.
Veteran Education Benefits
NOBTS is approved to receive VA education benefits for qualifying veterans. All eligible students should contact the financial aid office for more information on how to find out if they are eligible for VA educational benefits and how to apply them towards NOBTS tuition and fee charges.
Complaint Policy for Students Receiving VA Education Benefits. Any complaint against the school should be routed through the VA GI Bill Feedback System by going to the following link: http://www.benefits.va.gov/GIBILL/Feedback.asp. The VA will then follow up through the appropriate channels to investigate the complaint and resolve it satisfactorily.