Graduate Tuition Costs & Financial Aid

Graduate Need-Based Grant

Accepted, full-time, degree-seeking graduate students may apply for University aid.

Aid amount:
Varies according to need

How to apply:
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and Grant Application

Christian School Educators Scholarship

Educators and employees who work in a Christian school are eligible for a scholarship up to 50% of tuition each semester.

Aid amount:
Up to 50% of tuition.

How to apply:
Complete Christian School Educators Scholarship Application

Master of Divinity Scholarship

Accepted, full-time, degree-seeking MDiv students may be eligible for a competitive, merit-based scholarship.

Aid amount:
50% off MDiv program

How to apply:
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and Scholarship Application

Church Matching Scholarship

Cairn University will match up to $1,000 the amount given by a church in support of a student. This award is for the fall semester only.

Aid amount:
Up to $1,000/year

How to apply:
A church official must submit the Church Matching Scholarship Application with payment to the Financial Aid Office. Deadline: August 1 for the fall semester.

SAGE Prime

Cairn University is a member of SAGE Prime, a continuing education solution designed by SAGE Scholars for adult learners. The SAGE Prime discount applies to any of Cairn’s online or on campus Degree Completion or graduate programs.

Aid amount:
10% discount on tuition 

How to apply:
Complete the online application for your program of choice at https://cairn.edu/apply/. Make sure to select “SAGE” under the “How did you hear about Cairn?” field on the application.

Your SAGE member ID will be required to verify your participation in the SAGE Prime program at the time the student applies for admission.

Alumni Discount

New, incoming graduate students who are alumni of Cairn undergraduate, graduate, or Degree Completion programs may be eligible for a discount on graduate program tuition.

Aid amount:
10% discount on graduate tuition.

How to apply:
Complete the online application for your program of choice at https://cairn.edu/apply/. Make sure to complete Educational Background section in full.

Scholarship America Matching Scholarship

Scholarship America is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to make a college education possible through scholarships and educational support.

Cairn University is pleased to offer Scholarship America client employees and their immediate family members a discounted tuition rate for Graduate and Degree Completion programs, as well as a matching scholarship opportunity for undergraduate student applicants. Applicants must meet the University’s standard admissions requirements.

Aid amount:
8% discounted tuition rate per credit for all graduate and Degree Completion programs.

Cairn University will also provide a matching scholarship to employees or dependents of employees at Scholarship America partner companies who enroll in full-time traditional undergraduate programs. An employer contribution of $1,000 will be matched by the University for a total scholarship award of $2,000 for eligible students. This scholarship may be applied for annually.

How to apply:

• Graduate and Degree Completion: Complete the online application for your program of choice at https://cairn.edu/apply/. Make sure to select “Scholarship America” under the “How did you hear about Cairn?” field on the application.
• Undergraduate: Complete the Scholarship America Matching Scholarship application.

Spouse Discount

Married couples who register in the same semester may apply for a tuition discount.

Aid amount:
Graduate: 30% discount for spouse taking fewer credits

How to apply:
Complete the Spouse Discount Request

Federal Direct Loan

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan is a loan which is not based on a students’ financial need. Students pay the loan interest while enrolled or the student can elect to have it deferred and capitalized upon graduation.  Students need to attend at least half time.

Aid amount:
Annual borrowing range up to $20,500 for full-time graduate students.

How to apply:
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

Complete the Federal Direct Loan entrance counseling and a Direct Loan Agreement (MPN) at StudentLoans.gov.

Trade Adjustment Assistance Program (TAA)

Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) is a federal program, administered by the state, which provides assistance for workers adversely affected by foreign trade. The TAA Program seeks to provide adversely affected workers with opportunities to obtain the skills, credentials, resources, and support necessary to (re)build skills for future jobs. 

Aid amount:
Aid amount varies, depending on applicants’ certified eligible status for TAA benefits with their local American Job Center. Funding is available for training, extended income support, and/or other benefits as outlined in the TAA Program.

How to apply:
Applicants must apply and be accepted to one of Cairn University’s approved degree programs listed on Pennsylvania’s EPTL list of approved education providers and programs, which currently includes Cairn’s online MBA program.

Applicants must also be certified as eligible for TAA benefits with their local American Job Center and maintain compliance with TAA program requirements to receive ongoing benefits. Visit the Department of Labor’s website for guidelines on applying for TAA Program benefits.

Cairn University is committed to helping veterans secure the GI Bill funds they are eligible for under any of the following VA chapters:

• Post 9/11 GI Bill^® (Chapter 33)
• Chapter 35 Dependents’ Education Assistance
• Chapter 1606 Selected Reserve (Guard)
• Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment Services

Yellow Ribbon Program

The Yellow Ribbon Program (YRP) was established by the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008. This program provides supplemental education funding to veterans by matching contributions made by participating colleges and universities.  Learn more at http://www.benefits.va.gov/GIBILL/yellow_ribbon.asp

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 Web site at www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.