Commitment to churches is a priority at Abilene Christian University. A new affordability initiative, which launches next summer in ACU’s Graduate School of Theology, is the latest in a series of efforts to build upon that commitment.

Beginning in the 2015-2016 academic year, the ACU Graduate School of Theology will roll out a program pricing plan designed to reduce the cost of its master’s programs and make a graduate theological education more accessible to those considering a career in ministry.

Under the program pricing model, tuition will be calculated as a fixed price based on a student’s degree program.

“In setting the tuition rate for a particular program, program pricing allows us to consider both the cost to deliver a degree program and a student’s future earning potential,” Tim Sensing, associate dean of the Graduate School of Theology said. “Program pricing will also allow us to consider a student’s need for financial support and to make the best use of our scholarship resources.”

The plan will reduce the cost of the Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in Christian Ministry, Master of Arts in Global Service, and other Master of Arts programs by approximately 41 percent based on current tuition. Additionally, students will lock in a fixed program tuition rate for their degree that will not increase as long as they are continuously enrolled.

“Our affordability initiative in the Graduate School of Theology is the latest step toward ACU’s commitment to serving churches,” Ken Cukrowski, dean of the College of Biblical Studies said. “We know that ministers serve in contexts where they may earn less than other professions and we are committed to helping ministers graduate with less debt. Doing so helps reduce the burden of financial pressures and allows ministers to serve more effectively in churches and other ministry contexts.”

In addition to a reduction in tuition, the ACU Graduate School of Theology offers generous scholarship support. “In 2014, virtually every student received some form of scholarship support,” Sensing said.

For more information about the Graduate School of Theology’s affordability initiative, visit acu.edu/gst.