Admissions and Tuition Information
The admissions policies for various SVMC academic programs are outlined below, as well as information on tuition and financial assistance.
Admission Procedures for ACTS
Licensed ministry candidates and laypersons seeking admission to the certificate program should contact Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center after the licensing interview with the District Ministry Commission. The student must then complete an application (available here), along with an essay of 2-3 pages describing his or her call to ministry, to begin taking classes.
Admission Procedures for TRIM
Interest in the TRIM Program through the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership can be explored through your district. Audrey Hollenberg-Duffy coordinates TRIM at the denominational level, while each partnering district of SVMC has its own TRIM coordinator.
Admission Procedures for Continuing Education
Ministers seeking units for Continuing Education (via ACTS courses) should contact SVMC and register to audit the course (one-third cost) for CEUs.
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ACTS Tuition
Tuition for ACTS courses is $270.00 for students enrolled in the certificate program. Audit fees are $90.00 per course. Each district has its own financial assistance plan for its ministry training program.
TRIM Tuition
Tuition for TRIM courses is $300.00. Each district has its own financial assistance plan. Please be in touch with your District Executive.
District Financial Assistance
Atlantic Northeast District
TRIM courses—The district will cover $150 of the student enrollment fee. It pays $220 per year of the program participation fee (students pay $200 per year), for up to six years. After the sixth year, the full participation fee becomes the student's responsibility. Additional assistance is available for course tuition upon request. For more information, please contact the district office and request a copy of the Financial Aid Plan for Licensed Ministers.
ACTS courses—Course work through SVMC is underwritten as follows: $80.00 per course will be paid by the district for all licensed ministers in good standing. The home congregation is encouraged to pay half of the remaining amount, and the licensed minister the other half ($80.00 each). The student will pay $180.00 if congregational support is not forthcoming. Any questions concerning ANE’s Financial Aid Plan for Licensed Ministers should be directed to the District Executive.
Mid-Atlantic District
Financial assistance for licensed ministers enrolled in the M.Div., TRIM, ACTS, and EFSM programs will be based on the guidelines of the Don Rowe Student Endowment Fund administered by the Calling and Credentialing Ministry Team. Assistance may vary in amount, depending on the number of classes in which a student is enrolled and the amount of funds available for a given year. Any questions concerning Mid-Atlantic's Financial Assistance Plan for Licensed Ministers should be directed to the District Executive Minister. Exceptions to this policy will be approved by the District’s Calling and Credentialing Ministry Team.
Middle Pennsylvania District
Seminary & TRIM courses—financial assistance is given to students based on need and available funds. Students should be in contact with the Ministers’ Education and Support Team to share educational plans and financial needs.
ACTS courses—Grants of 1/3 the cost of tuition for ACTS students ($90.00) are paid through the Middle PA District budget.
Southern Pennsylvania District
ACTS courses—Course work through SVMC is underwritten as follows: $200.00 per course will be paid by the district for all licensed ministers and discerned individuals who successfully complete the course.
Western Pennsylvania District
ACTS courses—A loan/grant for licensed ministers enrolled in SVMC course work is available by application to the Pastor and Parish Ministry Team. The goal is to help cover tuition costs for licensed ministers in ACTS work.