Fuller Seminary Freezes Tuition as It Launches New Scholarships

Fuller Seminary has announced it will not raise tuition for the next academic year, even as inflation and rising costs strain institutional budgets nationwide.

The decision comes alongside the launch of five new named scholarship funds created during the 2024-2025 academic year. Together, the initiatives signal Fuller’s commitment to financial accessibility for seminarians.

“Every named scholarship is a gift of hope,” Fuller Seminary President Dr. David Emmanuel Goatley said in a statement. The funds will support students “across programs and degree levels,” according to the seminary.

The scholarships honor various benefactors and leaders. The Rev. Dr. Dan Meyer Scholarship Fund was created by Dave and Karen Beré and members of Christ Church Oak Brook. It recognizes Meyer’s service as former chair of Fuller’s Board of Trustees.

The Jerry H. Stoller Scholarship Fund was established by the Stoller Foundation. The foundation focuses on nonprofits devoted to evangelism and volunteerism.

Fuller alum Arthur Fritz created the Fritz Family Scholarship Fund. Fritz serves as director of RCIA and coordinator of Friends in Faith at St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church in Pasadena.

Current Fuller student Esther Ching Mei Yau established the Rev. Joseph Y. L. Yau and Juanita K. K. Yau Memorial Scholarship Fund. The fund honors her parents.

Paul Schultheis created the Paul and Linda Schultheis Scholarship Fund. He created it to honor his late wife, Linda.

Fuller’s decision to hold tuition steady reflects growing financial pressures students face. Many seminarians struggle with mounting costs and economic insecurity while pursuing their studies.

The tuition freeze, the statement said, demonstrates Fuller’s commitment to student welfare beyond the classroom. The seminary also recognizes that financial stress can undermine academic performance and vocational pursuits.

The new scholarships and frozen tuition expand access to theological education and enable students from around the world to pursue their callings with fewer financial obstacles.

The statement also expressed gratitude to donors, alumni, churches and families who made the initiatives possible. The seminary emphasized the scholarships reflect “a growing movement of generosity” from its supporter community.

Goatley noted the impact of Fuller graduates extends far beyond the seminary. Fuller alumni work as ministers, academics, clinicians and therapists across the country and internationally.