Tuition & Fees
Our motto is "biblical education for effective Christian ministry." FBS believes you cannot have an effective ministry if you are swimming in debt, so our emphasis is on providing a quality education while keeping costs affordable.
A Breakdown of Costs per Program
The Master of Divinity is priced by the year for students in ministry; the Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling is priced by the credit hour.
Master of Divinity
M.A. in Biblical Counseling
Estimate: the Full MABC Degree
How the "approximately $12,935" figure adds up for the 39-credit, 13-course program:
- Tuition 39 credits × $310
- $12,090
- Administration fees 13 classes × $65
- $845
- Total tuition and fees
- ≈ $12,935
Total per the seminary's FAQ. The application fee, graduation fee, and any distance module fees are listed separately in the table above.
Good to Know
- M.Div. students in ministry pay $2,000 a year — an 86-credit degree over three years.
- Veterans benefits accepted. FBS is a VA-recognized institution.
- MABC scholarships can reduce tuition by up to $1,000 a year or 50% of class tuition.
See the FBS catalog for the complete fee schedule and policies.
How the M.Div. Rate Works
The M.Div. is designed to be affordable. The lowest rate is reserved for students in ministry or a church internship, because the program's church internship is half of the educational experience, not a side job.
In ministry or an internship: $2,000 per year
Full-time students serving in a church internship or full-time ministry pay a flat $2,000 per year in tuition. This is the lowest rate FBS offers, and it is how the seminary keeps the M.Div. affordable.
Not in ministry: $250 per credit hour
Students who are not in a ministry internship or full-time ministry pay $250 per credit hour instead of the annual rate.
Outside employment forfeits the lowest rate
Students can work while enrolled, but outside employment prevents a student from receiving the lowest tuition rate. The $2,000 rate is reserved for those whose work is ministry.
Church contribution for interns
Churches with enrolled interns or full-time ministers are asked to contribute $100 per month ($1,200 per year) toward the cost of training their student.
Financial Aid at FBS
- FBS does not offer direct financial aid; the lowest rate comes through ministry involvement.
- Veterans benefits are accepted — FBS is a VA-recognized institution.
- A three-year commitment is required of paid interns.
Course Withdrawal & Refund Schedule
Students who withdraw from a course receive a tuition credit on their account according to the schedule below, based on the week of instruction in which they withdraw.
8-Week Courses
| Withdrawal | Tuition credit |
|---|---|
| Before the end of week 1 | 45% |
| Before the end of week 2 | 40% |
| Before the end of week 3 | 35% |
| Before the end of week 4 | 30% |
| Before the end of week 5 or later | 0% |
MABC online courses run eight weeks.
15-Week Courses
| Withdrawal | Tuition credit |
|---|---|
| Before the end of week 1 | 90% |
| Before the end of week 2 | 80% |
| Before the end of week 3 | 70% |
| Before the end of week 4 | 60% |
| Before the end of week 6 | 50% |
| After week 7 or later | 0% |
MABC residency courses run 15 weeks. The residency week of a module is considered the seventh week of the course even if more than seven calendar weeks have elapsed since the first day of the semester.
A tuition credit is a credit on the student's account that can be applied to future charges from FBS (tuition, fees, etc.). Any tuition credits on a student's account will be refunded at the end of the semester in which it was invoiced.
Transfer Credits & Advanced Standing
FBS may accept graduate-level credits from other institutions toward either degree. Transfer credits lower both the time and the cost of finishing your program.
Transfer Credit Requirements
- Course content must be very similar to the FBS course
- Must be graduate-level credit (not undergraduate)
- Credit hours must be equal to or greater than the FBS course
- No more than 40% of the program may be transferred
- Evaluated and approved by the registrar before enrollment
Advanced Standing
Greek and Hebrew language proficiency testing is available for M.Div. students who already know the biblical languages. CCEF coursework may be eligible for credit under a separate policy.
How to Request an Evaluation
Send official transcripts with your application. The registrar evaluates and approves transfer credits before you enroll, so you know your remaining requirements from the start.
Ask the registrarScholarships & Questions
Up to $1,000 a Year, or 50% of Class Tuition
The Leadership in Counseling Matching Program pairs $500 from your church with a $500 FBS match. The Joyful Journey Podcast Scholarship covers half of class tuition each semester for women. Applications are due October 15 each year.
Scholarship details & eligibilityTalk with the Seminary Office
Not sure which rate applies to you, or how transfer credit or veterans benefits would work? The seminary office can walk you through it.
Equip Yourself for a Lifetime of Faithful Ministry
Take the first step toward a biblical education that will shape your ministry for decades to come.