The Divinity Clearing the Path Fund provides an opportunity for professional students experiencing a financial hardship that poses significant risks to their educational success to apply for financial support. Funds are limited but help manage unexpected expenses for active, currently enrolled Divinity professional students who have demonstrated need.
Applicants must confirm that all other resources, including additional financial aid through the Office of Student Financial Aid (OSFA), payment plans, insurance or associated benefits, assistance from family/friends, and other personal resources are insufficient, unavailable, or not available in a timely manner. In some circumstances, students may be asked to provide documentation based on needs. Applicants must agree to disclose financial aid eligibility and status to determine eligibility for funds.
Funds awarded from the Divinity School typically will not exceed $2,000 per student each academic year and are based on availability of donor funding.
Expenses NOT covered include:
- Tuition, fees, health insurance premiums, university fines, or study abroad costs
- Costs for entertainment, recreation, or other non-essential expenses
Please note that awards are credited to the student account, posting as a refund, and any outstanding balance on the account will be subtracted from the award. The refund balance on the account will automatically pay through direct deposit to the bank account set up in YES. This process usually takes about two weeks. Students can access their student account via YES, and then the Billing tab. The award deposit will list as a negative dollar amount. If students have not set up direct deposit or would like to make changes to the direct deposit account, they may login to their YES account to access direct deposit information.
Funds do not need to be repaid and are not intended to be used as a consistent and/or ongoing supplement to a student’s educational funding sources. Funds must be used within the academic year granted. Decisions regarding funding through the Divinity Clearing the Path Fund may not be appealed. Submitting an application does not guarantee receipt of funds.
Tax Information:
- Non-US residents may be subject to taxes by the IRS via ITO, which can be as high as 30%, depending on the home country.
- For US residents this type of award is considered taxable income; check with a tax consultant.
Please note that if students’ plans change after they are awarded the funds, they are obligated to return funds to the Divinity School.