Economic Challenges Facing Future Ministers (ECFFM)
For students in theological institutions, student debt is becoming more of a problem. They start with greater debt, graduate with more debt, and can continue to carry that debt throughout their lives. In 2012, ATS began directing the ECFFM Initiative. Since then, the Association has collaborated with 67 member schools, including Vanderbilt Divinity School, to conduct research into student financial concerns.
About the Money Mindfulness Program
Vanderbilt Divinity School received a grant from the Lilly Endowment as part of the Economic Challenges Facing Future Ministers (ECFFM) Initiative to work towards the thriving of divinity school graduates by increasing financial well-being. The results are promising.
Total Indebtedness by Year and Degree
Debt Levels of First-Year Students
Hear from Students
We asked participants in the program a few questions, including: “How have your theological views of money evolved since participating in the program?” “How has Money Mindfulness changed your relationship to or the use of money?” and “How did the ‘Value determines value’ exercise change or form your values around finances/money?”