Asbury Seminary Breaks From Federal Student Loans

Faith Facts

• Asbury Theological Seminary is one of the first prominent seminaries to exit the federal student loan program.
• The decision aims to protect the institution from potential future government pressure and reduce student debt.
• The seminary seeks to uphold biblical stewardship and independence from federal influence.

Asbury Theological Seminary has announced it will no longer participate in the federal student loan program. The move places the institution among a small number of seminaries stepping away from federal funding.

School leaders say the decision reflects a commitment to keeping future graduates free from heavy debt burdens. They also cite concern that a future administration hostile to Christian institutions could use federal dollars as leverage against the school.

“We believe this is the right step to protect our mission and our students,” a seminary spokesperson said.

By removing federal loans from the equation, Asbury hopes to encourage alternative paths such as private scholarships, church support, and work-study programs. Officials believe these approaches better reflect the values of Christian community and personal responsibility.

The seminary’s leaders view the change as consistent with long-standing convictions about financial freedom and institutional autonomy. They argue that dependence on government funding risks compromising the school’s ability to teach and operate according to Scripture.

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