We're here to help

Financial Aid

Let’s Get Creative in Funding Your Education

From the outset, SES has maintained a core commitment to enabling students to graduate without the burden of debt, recognizing the challenges faced in ministry. Our dedication to affordability steers clear of government funding and large loans, prioritizing financial accessibility for as many students as possible. Notably, SES does not accept FAFSA applications or federal loans, ensuring an unwavering commitment to teaching truth without interference. While approved for V.A. benefits, even these are continually threatened by government mandates. To further support students, SES offers various discounts and scholarships as financial aid, emphasizing that if God calls you to ministry, provision for your education is part of His plan. For those needing even more additional financial support or exploring ministry partnerships, contact our Admissions Department. Please note, unless otherwise noted, scholarships and discounts cannot be combined.

Scholarships, Smart Tuition, & More

Frank Turek speaking

Frank Turek Scholarship Program

SAVE UP TO 75%

Thanks to some very generous donors, the Frank Turek Scholarship Program provides up to 75% tuition scholarships (based on the Master’s Degree tuition price) for qualifying for-credit apologetics courses and certificates. Applicants are expected to be currently serving in some ministry capacity. You may apply for the scholarship using the button below. Please note, while this application is maintained by SES, Gateway Church and the foundation funding the scholarship have sole discretion regarding scholarship application reviews and awards. SES is not involved in the scholarship application review or awarding process. Please follow the application instructions if you have questions.

Man Working Coffee Shop Cafe Concept

Smart Tuition Payment Plan

PAY MONTHLY, EARN A FREE COURSE

Exclusive to certificate students, our Smart Tuition Payment Plan is designed for those seeking a seamless and affordable educational journey. Here’s how it works: commit to 24 consecutive monthly payments for 15-hour certificates and receive your fifth course absolutely FREE. If you’re pursuing an 18-hour certificate, embark on 30 consecutive monthly payments and enjoy your sixth course on us. We believe in rewarding your commitment to continuous learning.

But that’s not all—our Smart Tuition Payment Plan is flexible and works in harmony with any discounts for which you qualify (excluding the Frank Turek Scholarship). Imagine the ease of spreading your tuition across manageable monthly installments and earning complementary courses along the way. Please note that additional charges apply for missed payments, so staying on track is not only financially prudent but ensures you make the most of this incredible opportunity. Joining the Smart Tuition Payment Plan is a straightforward step toward optimizing your education and minimizing financial strain.

Veteran

V.A. Benefits

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE

The degree programs of education at SES are approved by the North Carolina State Approving Agency for the enrollment of persons eligible for education assistance benefits from the U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs (V.A.). Entitled veterans, participants in the GI Bill® contribution programs, active duty military in voluntary education programs, drilling National Guard, drilling Reservists, and eligible spouses and offspring who have applied, met all admissions criteria, been fully accepted, and matriculated may be certified to the V.A. Regional office as enrolled and in pursuit of an approved program of Education. For information about monetary benefits contact your local U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office. For information, contact the Registrar.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

Public Servant Discounts

Active-Duty Military

25% OFF FOR-CREDIT COURSES

Active duty military, including Reserves and National Guard, are eligible for a 25% discount on all for-credit courses. Proof of active service is required.

Military Veterans

25% OFF FOR-CREDIT COURSES

Veterans in good standing from all branches of the military (not receiving V.A. benefits) are eligible for a 25% discount on all for-credit courses. Proof of veteran status is needed.

First Responders

25% OFF FOR-CREDIT COURSES

Full-time first responders (police, fire, rescue) are eligible for a 25% discount on all for-credit courses. Proof of current full-time status is required.

Full-Time Ministry

25% OFF FOR-CREDIT COURSES

Those serving as full-time pastors or missionaries are eligible for a 25% discount on all for-credit courses. Proof of full-time ministry is required.

Denominational Discounts

While SES is a nondenominational institution, we do have strategic partnerships (both official and unofficial) with certain evangelical denominations (other denominations will be added as available). We understand that some denominational institutions are either simply non-existent or are struggling with outside cultural pressures. SES is committed to remaining steadfast in the truth as we equip students in the broader evangelical world. Please contact the Admissions Department with any questions or suggested partnerships.

Master of Arts in Religion

Southern Baptist Convention Affiliated Church Member

25% OFF FOR-CREDIT COURSES

In honor of SES President Emeritus, Dr. Richard Land, members in good standing with a Southern Baptist church are eligible for a 25% discount on all for-credit courses. A letter from the student’s pastor indicating the student is a member in good standing is required.

Evangelical Free Affiliated Church Member

25% OFF FOR-CREDIT COURSES

Students who are members in good standing with an Evangelical Free affiliated church are eligible for a 25% discount on all for-credit courses. A letter from the student’s pastor indicating the student is a member in good standing is required.

Christian & Missionary Alliance Affiliated Church Member

25% OFF FOR-CREDIT COURSES

Students who are members in good standing with a Christian & Missionary Alliance affiliated church are eligible for a 25% discount on all for-credit courses. A letter from the student’s pastor indicating the student is a member in good standing is required.

Ministry Partner Discounts

We are pleased to partner with the following ministries and invite you to explore the work they are doing. Current and potential SES students associated with these various organizations may be entitled to tuition discounts. Contact SES for details. Various discounts cannot be combined. SES does not necessarily endorse every view promoted by any particular ministry partner.

BILLY GRAHAM EVANGELISTIC ASSOCIATION

Full-time employees of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association are eligible for a 25% discount on all for-credit courses. Proof of employment status can be uploaded during the application process.

SAMARITAN'S PURSE

Full-time employees of Samaritan’s Purse are eligible for a 25% discount on all for-credit courses. Proof of employment status can be uploaded during the application process.

CROSS EXAMINED INSTRUCTOR ACADEMY

Led by SES alum and CrossExamined.org President, Dr. Frank Turek, CrossExamined Instructor Academy (CIA) is an intense three-day program where you will learn how to present I Don’t Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist—which involves four main topics: Truth, God, Miracles, and the New Testament—and how to answer questions about those topics in a hostile environment. CIA graduates receive a 25% discount on all for-credit courses. Proof of CIA completion can be uploaded during the application process.

ONLINE CHRISTIAN COURSES

An Online Christian Courses (OCC) student who earns a certificate from a full-length Premium OCC Certificate Course (contact OCC for accepted courses list) may earn three (3) credit hours at SES for Introduction to Christian Apologetics (AP501/401) by completing the following:

• Present their certificate of completion
• Read I Don’t Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist [Geisler/Turek] (if not read already) 
• Read Answering the Music Man [Keltz/Scribner] (if not read already)
• Write a five (5) page report (double-spaced, 12pt font) for each book and submit to SES to be reviewed and accepted by a designated SES faculty member

This is a one-time benefit regardless of the number of OCC premium courses taken. The student must complete the SES application and be accepted into a degree or certificate program. Contact the Admissions Department for more information.

In addition, all OCC graduates receive a 10% discount on all for-credit courses. Proof of OCC course completion can be uploaded during the application process.

RATIO CHRISTI

Originally birthed at SES, Ratio Christi establishes apologetics clubs on college and high school campuses. Ratio Christi staff and missionaries receive a 25% discount on for-credit courses at SES. In addition, for those willing to commit to full-time service to this unique and important mission, the Ratio Christi Missionary Apologist Training Fellowship (RCMA Training Fellowship) is your path to get fully trained, fully funded, and fully equipped to join the fight. RCMA students receive the same 25% tuition discount in addition to training provided by Ratio Christi such as support raising, practical experience, and more. Contact Ratio Christi for details.

COLSON CENTER / COLSON FELLOWS

Graduates of the Colson Fellows program as well as full-time Colson Center employees are eligible for a 25% discount on all for-credit courses. Proof of Colson Fellows graduation or Colson Center employment status can be uploaded during the application process.

In addition, Colson Fellows graduates receive six (6) credit hours applied to elective courses in an SES degree program (not applicable to the SES certificate program as no electives are required) upon proof of Colson Fellows graduation

Bible College Partnerships

SES is pleased to partner with the following Bible Colleges in both articulation agreements and discounts for graduates. Credits from these institutions are accepted at SES, and graduates of these schools are eligible for a 25% discount on all for-credit courses at SES. Proof of graduation will be provided during the application process:

  • Alaska Bible College
  • Calvary Chapel Bible College
  • Carolina College of Biblical Studies
  • Fire School of Ministry
  • Fruitland Baptist Bible College (Fruitland discount cannot be combined with the Southern Baptist discount mentioned above)

International Student "Equal Sacrifice" Discount

DISCOUNT APPLICATION SUBMISSION DEADLINES

Discount application deadlines are as follows based on your start date:
Fall Terms – July 15
Winter/Spring Terms – December 15
Summer Terms – April 15

One amazing thing about our immersive digital campus experience is that it makes our apologetics-focused Christian education available to anyone with an internet connection throughout the entire English-speaking world. While every seminary student makes sacrifices to be equipped for his calling, we understand that many international students do not have the same buying power as US residents.

That’s why we are offering qualified international students the opportunity to apply for an “equal sacrifice” discount. We will have a limited number of these discounts available each year. They are awarded to qualifying students on the basis of financial need, Christian character, and the potential for academic success.

If awarded this discount, we will calculate your personalized tuition discount on for-credit courses based on the purchase power index rating of your country of residence at the time of your applying (rounded to the nearest whole number). For example, the PPI rating for South Africa is 20, a difference of 80 compared to 100 for the US. Hence, South African students would receive an 80% discount on for-credit courses.

Degree-seeking and certificate students may apply for this discount, but they will not be considered until granted academic acceptance. This discount cannot be combined with other discounts and will be valid for the completion of your degree or certificate unless there are substantial changes to your status warranting a reevaluation. Please contact the Admissions Department for more information.