Allison Clapp felt called to a life of active ministry within the Catholic Church. While exploring graduate studies programs, she was drawn to the School of Theology and Ministry at Boston College she said because of its commitment to educating the whole person.
“At the STM, your education involves not just your intellectual life but your entire life,” said Clapp. “I wanted to be in a place that would view me not just as a student but as a whole person with spiritual, social, and emotional dimensions.”
For Clapp, a native of Pasadena, Calif., who received a bachelor’s degree from Gonzaga University, the decision to move across the country to study in Boston was made easier when she was awarded an Arlan and Alice Fuller Family Scholarship from the STM. The endowed scholarship is earmarked for women pursuing graduate studies.
“It felt the STM had given me the gift of time to study what I love and gain critical skills for a life I feel called to at a place which supported me,” said Clapp, who is enrolled in the Master of Divinity degree program.
“Receiving financial aid felt like an affirmation that the admissions team shared in my discernment and wanted to empower me to act on it,” she added.
For many students contemplating graduate studies, cost is a major factor in the decision-making process. All applicants to the STM are automatically considered for any scholarships or fellowships for which they may be eligible. STM’s tuition scholarships, of varying amounts, are awarded based on academic achievement, potential for ministry, demonstrated leadership, and financial need.
“As students commit to living more fully into their vocation, we commit to doing all we can to support them—academically, spiritually, and financially,” said Anthony Russo, assistant dean for graduate enrollment management at the STM. “As we award scholarships, we look at many factors, including an applicant's potential for growth and capacity for courageous leadership. Each scholarship we offer is directly aligned with our mission to form agents of transformation in service to our Church and world, which is embodied through diverse interests and aspirations.”
For Nicholas Galiatsatos, who is pursuing a Master of Theological Studies degree, financial aid was critical in his decision to choose the STM.
“With these uncertain times, we all are confronted with the balance of pursuing advanced studies, particularly at a prestigious university, and managing finances, and not being swamped with debt,” said Galiatsatos. “STM fulfilled both of these criteria for me—a prized academic program coupled with incredible financial assistance.”
In addition to scholarships, the STM offers financial support to students through graduate assistantships, externships, and research assistantships. Clapp is a graduate assistant in the University’s Campus Ministry Office, where she helps to organize and facilitate the popular Kairos retreat offered several times a year to Boston College undergraduates.
Galiatsatos is working as an extern for Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Boston. Research assistantships support students who work on research projects with STM faculty members.
STM’s financial support for students also extends to funding for retreats, spiritual direction, and attendance to academic conferences.
Below is a sampling of the financial aid offerings at the STM. For more information on scholarships and all other available funding, visit STM’s Scholarships page.
Scholarships, Fellowships, and Financial Awards
Dean’s Scholarships are full-tuition scholarships that support students who demonstrate an exceptional academic record and commitment to pursue theology as a means of transformation for the world.
Agent of Transformation Awards are a new series of scholarships geared toward applicants committed to God’s vision of justice in one of six areas, including the intersection of theology and racial justice. These awards celebrate the myriad ways that students work creatively toward a more just and inclusive Church and world.
Magis Scholarships are awarded to students who are pursuing studies in ministry later in life and are committed to growing and discovering “something more,” integrating the riches of their work and life experiences with deep theological inquiry.
Works of Mercy Scholarship: Dorothy Day, founder of the Catholic Worker Movement, reminds us that “the Gospel takes away our right forever, to discriminate between the deserving and the undeserving poor.” These awards recognize students who respond to this call from the Gospel and embody one or more of the corporal works of mercy - feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, shelter the homeless, clothe the naked, care for the sick, visit the imprisoned, bury the dead, and care for creation. Recipients will seek to integrate these works into their graduate studies, such as through healthcare ministry, prison ministry, or social service work, growing into faithful disciples committed to compassionate ministry oriented toward a more just world.
Kathleen Sullivan | University Communications | October 2020