Student Finances
ETSPM is a non-profit school. Its purpose is to give help to the students and to promote the cause of Christ. The Karns church and other supporters underwrite the teachers’ salaries and other operating expenses.
Admission Policy: Any student applying for admission to ETSPM should raise at least 75% of his projected financial needs before final approval of his application is given. Any exceptions to this policy must be approved by the Dean of Admissions.
No Tuition: There are no tuition charges for an education at ETSPM. This means that students pay nothing to participate in classes. Their only school-related expenses will be for textbooks and supplies. Costs for comparable education at colleges that charge tuition would be several thousand dollars.
Students are required to perform various chores, such as helping with the buildings and grounds, helping with mail-outs, etc. These assignments will never require more than twenty hours per month, usually much less.
Living Expenses: Students are responsible for their own living expenses. The school does not assume financial responsibility for any student. Some students are self-supporting; some are supported by relatives and friends; some are supported by their working wives; most receive support from one or more congregations.
Students who need financial assistance should go directly to congregations and individuals with whom they are familiar and ask for help in preparing to preach. Before requesting such aid, one should be certain of his commitment to unselfishly give his life to the Lord's service. While some students are self-supporting, most depend upon the support of others for their living expenses. It is encouraging to see more churches recognizing the value of supporting ETSPM students.
Congregations and individuals who so desire may send student support to ETSPM for distribution to the student on a set schedule. For information about how to raise support, contact the school for a packet of suggestions. Students should make arrangements for their living expenses before entering the school. The school will advise and assist as much as possible.
Students receiving support from either congregations or individuals are required to keep their supporters informed of their progress. This will be monitored by the administration.
Financial Aid: Financial aid in limited amounts is sometimes available through ETSPM. Tuition is free and any additional funds provided are used for living expenses and books. These funds are limited, but students needing financial assistance should inquire on their applications as to the availability of such. Financial aid will not be considered unless there is a full disclosure of one's financial situation. The school reserves the right to cancel financial assistance as deemed necessary. Students applying for or receiving financial assistance must recognize that neither the school nor the Karns church has any obligation to provide it. A financial aid application may be requested from the school.
As a condition of their enrollment, students must understand that supporters will be informed of their progress and problems, regardless of whether the support was arranged by the student or the school.
Employment: Since full-time students are involved in thirty hours of class work per week and as many or more additional hours of outside study, it is not possible for them to engage in secular employment. It should be explained to potential supporters that because the program is so concentrated, it is not practical for one to hold a job while involved in sixty or more hours of schoolwork.
Employment for wives is often available in the Knoxville and Oak Ridge areas. If circumstances permit, a married student's wife is encouraged to work to help with living expenses.
Sunday preaching appointments are sometimes available in the area, and men may receive some income from these; however, this should not be considered in determining one's financial needs.
Housing: Students have primary responsibility for finding living quarters. The school will help in this as much as possible. Rental housing is available in Karns and surrounding areas. Area congregations also provide living quarters for a few students while they are in school.
ETSPM has a few efficiency apartments. These apartments are modern and convenient. Rental rates are reasonable. However, availability is limited. Students having questions about housing should inquire at the time of their application to enroll.
Insurance: It is expected that students arrange for some kind of health insurance in the event of illness or emergency. When preparing a budget, the student should include the cost of insurance. The school will not be responsible for medical expenses.
Practical Experience: While the courses at ETSPM are designed to make one more effective in the Lord's service, we believe that one should be actively involved in the work of the church during the time he is a student. Accordingly, students will be given the opportunity to participate in some projects which will enhance their ability. Students will be given assignments in keeping with their level of development. Much of this is in conjunction with the work of the Karns Church of Christ.
Many area congregations use ETSPM students for occasional or regular preaching assignments. The faculty assists students in determining when they are ready for such assignments and in arranging the appointments. This practical experience is one of ETSPM's greatest advantages. In choosing a school, one should give particular attention to the availability of such opportunities for meaningful experience.