The enrollment in the Grand Rapids Theological Seminary has gone up significantly. Currently, the head count at the seminary is 285 students. A data freeze (a final documentation of enrollment) occurs in two weeks so the official number of students at the seminary will be release then. This is up 20 students from just last year. The last time it was close to being that high was in the spring of 1983, when there was 282 student enrolled.

This year the seminary had a 6 percent increase in enrollment following a 17 percent increase in enrollment the previous year. These statistics show that the enrollment in the seminary has increased. Over the last six years the enrollment of the seminary has gone up by 55 students.

In 2003 there were 230 students. By 2004, there were 234 students. In 2005, there was a small increase, with 239 students and by the next it was up to 242. By 2007, the enrollment was up to 268 students and now it has 285 students. Also, this past summer the seminary had 145 students for a total 672 hours which is about 200 hours over budget. Enrollment for the summer was an all time high for the seminary.

Douglas Fagerstrom, president of Grand Rapids Theological Seminary, said the reason for the boom in enrollment is God. “God is the one who taps a future student on the shoulder and encourages them to select Grand Rapids Theological Seminary. It is the inner prompting of the Holy Spirit that confirms their decision through multiple issues such as finance, timing, housing, etc.”

Tara Kram, Director of Seminary Enrollment/Admissions, said “it is hard to pinpoint exactly why enrollment is up.”

God brings students from all over the country to the seminary. “There is no school, denominational background or geographical area which best represents where our students find their place of origin. They are from everywhere”, Fagerstrom said.

The work of the admissions team cannot be taken for granted. Also, the faculty and staff of the seminary go out of their way to meet future students, make phone calls and visit with students who come to campus. “It’s a team effort by the faculty, staff, and seminarian body.” Fagerstrom said. The seminary has strong academic programs, top of the line faculty, dedicated students, and is a school that is committed to serving Christ through education. “The momentum has been building and we are now seeing the fruit of that labor” Kram said.

The seminary has initiated several strategies to increase enrollment. One is the Urban Cohort Initiative which has brought 25 inner city leaders and five students from Sudan to the seminary.

Another initiative is word of mouth. Fagerstrom says he hears students talking about the quality of the seminarian faculty. They are delighted to hear from graduates as they speak of the excellent preparation they received for ministry and for life.

Kram said “it is common that admissions receives the recognition when enrollment is up. But the seminary as a whole should receive recognition for increased enrollment.” It takes every faculty member, staff member, alumni, student, etc. to provide the success we have seen at GRTS.

“All praise goes to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. May we be found faithful to the students God entrusts to us.” Fagerstrom said.

This statement is the perfect answer to the question of why the enrollment at the seminary has gone up over the years. Simply put: it is in God’s hands.