A Foundation for Financial Health and Wellness Seminary of the Southwest establishes new programs to promote student success By Ashley Festa, Freelance Author Stephanie Knott will testify that staying debt-free while attending a private graduate school is almost as challenging as the coursework. During her first year at Seminary of the Southwest in Austin, Texas, Knott commuted from her home in San Marcos to Austin for classes, then to New Braunfels for her day job and back again to Austin for her overnight job. Sometimes she would be awake for 24 hours straight. Her determination to leave seminary without debt is palpable. At one point, she was working four jobs to keep afloat while pursuing a master’s degree in counseling.
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“It has been a roller coaster,” she said. “But I’m investing in myself and my future, so I don’t regret it.” Southwest never wants students to buckle under the financial stress of paying for an education. So the seminary has created a plan to help alleviate the monetary burden of following God’s call and to prepare students for a healthy financial future. Profound peace of mind The seminary has been committed to low student debt since its founding in 1952. For more than 60 years, Southwest hasn’t accepted federal financial aid; instead, it has offered generous scholarships to encourage students to remain debt-free. Last year, more than half of Southwest’s students received tuition scholarships averaging $7,500,
Vice President Jennielle Strother discusses financial aid with MDiv student, J.P. Arrossa.