Hartford International University for Religion and Peace

Hartford International University for Religion and Peace (HIU), formerly Hartford Seminary, is a private nonprofit graduate institution in Hartford, Connecticut. Its focus is graduate-level interreligious studies, chaplaincy and peacebuilding—not a broad undergraduate college experience. Students learn alongside peers from multiple religious traditions, and the school connects theological study with dialogue, leadership and work in diverse communities. This specialized setting may suit future chaplains, religious leaders, researchers and peacebuilders; applicants seeking a bachelor’s degree or a conventional residential undergraduate campus should look elsewhere.

Current programs and the Doctor of Ministry question

HIU’s current program pages describe the M.A. in Interreligious Studies, M.A. in Chaplaincy, M.A. in International Peacebuilding and Ph.D. in Interreligious Studies, along with graduate certificates such as Interreligious Studies and Eco-Spirituality. Some master’s coursework is available online or in hybrid formats; the International Peacebuilding M.A. is a one-year residential program. Program-level accreditation is not identical across every offering, so read the school’s degree descriptions and accreditation information together.

One item needs direct confirmation before applying: HIU’s degrees and financial-aid pages still list the Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.), but its accreditation page says the D.Min. is retired, in teach-out status and no longer accepting new applicants. Current course and tuition pages also refer to the program. Ask Admissions whether any new D.Min. cohort is accepting applications and request the answer in writing; do not assume that a tuition listing means the program is open. HIU’s degrees and graduate certificates directory shows the program menu, while its accreditation page identifies approved and retired programs.

2026–27 tuition and financial aid

For the 2026–27 academic year, HIU lists $3,150 per three-credit course ($1,050 per credit) for certificate, M.A. and D.Min. study, and the same course rate for the Ph.D. program. The listed comprehensive fee is $100 per semester; application fees are $50 for most programs and $100 for the Ph.D. A retreat fee may also apply. Course-based pricing makes the number of credits you take central to the total, so ask the program for a term-by-term estimate that includes fees, housing and books. The tuition and fees schedule gives the current figures.

For the M.A. in Interreligious Studies and M.A. in Chaplaincy, domestic applicants may apply for need-based university grants by filing the FAFSA and HIU’s supplemental scholarship-and-grant form. The university says admitted students taking at least six credits may receive up to 40% off tuition based on demonstrated need; this is an eligibility ceiling, not a guaranteed award. Merit scholarships are separate and competitive. HIU describes a dedicated funding package for eligible students admitted to the 2027–28 International Peacebuilding cohort, including possible help with campus housing and a small living stipend. Reapply for aid each academic year and compare your written offer with the total cost. See the financial-aid guide for program-specific rules.

Campus, comments and contact

The main building is at 77 Sherman Street, Hartford, CT 06105-2260. Other campus buildings include 80 Sherman Street (Hartford Institute for Religion Research), 74–76 Sherman Street (Women’s Leadership Institute), 72 Sherman Street (Ecumenical House), and 60 Lorraine Street (the Martin and Aviva Budd Interfaith Building and Macdonald Center). Additional Sherman Street properties are residential units. Confirm the building for your class, meeting or appointment before visiting; regular public campus hours are not posted.

The university’s public review record is limited. A few comments commend its interfaith lectures, faculty and welcoming atmosphere; another describes the environment as warm while expressing concern about its perceived political tone and the Islamic chaplaincy program. These are individual viewpoints, not a representative student survey. Ask Admissions to connect you with a current student in your program and inquire about the size and format of the cohort, field placements and access to faculty. HIU is accredited by both the Association of Theological Schools and the New England Commission of Higher Education.

For questions about programs, applications or aid, contact Admissions at 860-509-9549 or admissions@hartfordinternational.edu; the main university number is 860-509-9500. Use the school’s application and enrollment page to start or review the process. Before submitting, verify the program’s active admissions status, modality, total credits and current aid deadlines directly with the relevant office.