United Theological Seminary posts record enrollment

United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities says fall 2026 brought its largest incoming class and highest total enrollment in its 65-year history. The milestone comes after a decade of growth that the seminary says has more than tripled enrollment.

Why it matters: - United Theological Seminary says the enrollment surge shows growing demand for its progressive theological programs. - The record numbers also increase pressure to add faculty and maintain academic quality. - The growth matters beyond campus because United trains students for roles in congregations, hospitals and other community settings.

What happened: - United welcomed 85 new degree-seeking students for fall 2026. - Total fall enrollment reached 288 degree-seeking students and 7 certificate students. - The seminary says both figures are the largest in its 65-year history. - This is the second straight year United has enrolled its largest-ever incoming class of degree-seeking students. - The school marked its 65th academic year.

The details: - Overall enrollment rose 25% year over year. - Enrollment is up 239% from fall 2016. - The Master of Divinity program now has 163 students, a 42% increase year over year. - United counts 63 students across its Master of Arts, Master of Arts in Leadership and Master of Arts in Ministry programs. - The Doctor of Ministry program has 62 students. - The MDiv in Interreligious Chaplaincy is the largest degree program with 73 students. - United said the interfaith focus helps distinguish the program from peers. - The seminary welcomed Dr. Ginger Morgan on July 1 as associate professor for Pastoral and Spiritual Care and program director for Interreligious Chaplaincy. - United’s curriculum is built around four pillars: public theology, social transformation, interreligious engagement, and theology and the arts. - The school says those pillars support ecumenism, religious pluralism and social justice. - United credits much of its growth to academic offerings, distance education and faculty strength. - Mason Mennenga, director of Admissions, said the enrollment gains reflect “a remarkable achievement in theological education.” - Dr. Hillary Vamstad, director of Student Services, said students feel supported during admissions and onboarding. - Dr. Kyle Roberts, vice president for Academic Affairs and Dean, said the seminary is conducting two faculty searches this year, including a new role focused on Ministry Practices. - Roberts said that specialty is needed to ground students in preaching, liturgy, religious education and institutional leadership. - Rev. Dr. Molly T. Marshall, who is beginning her final year as president, said the growth reflects the seminary’s progressive curriculum, theological hospitality and accessible delivery.

Between the lines: - United is trying to turn enrollment momentum into a stronger academic infrastructure. - The planned faculty hires suggest the seminary expects demand to keep rising and wants to preserve its student experience. - The school is positioning its interreligious and justice-focused identity as a competitive advantage in theological education.

What's next: - United will continue its 65th academic year with record enrollment and a larger incoming class. - The seminary will move forward with two faculty searches this year. - Leadership is preparing for the final year of President Marshall’s tenure. - United says it will keep expanding access to progressive theological education for students from varied traditions and backgrounds.