Enrollment at Disciples-Related Higher Education Institutions Increases
Division of Higher Education web site

Enrollment at colleges, universities, and theological institutions related to the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) has increased, according to annual reports provided by institutions to the Division of Higher Education.

Among the 14 colleges and universities in covenant with the denomination, the total enrollment (full-time equivalent) is 24,414, an increase of 6.7 percent from the same semester a year ago. A standard measurement of enrollment in higher education, full-time equivalent enrollment is the number of total hours taken by students divided by 12, which represents the minimum full-time classload for an undergraduate student. At the seven theological institutions affiliated with the denomination, the total number of students enrolled is up 1.4 percent to 934 students.

Colleges and universities:
Enrollment increased at 11 Disciples colleges and universities. Noting significant increases were William Woods University (23.4 percent), Hiram College (22.9 percent), and Drury University (16.4 percent). Among all 14 institutions in covenant with the church, the average enrollment increased by 117 students. Eight institutions have more than 1,000 students enrolled. Texas Christian University continues to be the largest university, with an enrollment of 7,843. Chapman University (3,022) ranks second, followed by Drury University (2,810).

Overall, Disciple enrollment at colleges and universities declined by just three students. Institutions reported that 1,312 students indicated they were members of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). When combined with the significant increase in enrollment by non-Disciples, Disciple students comprise 5.4 percent of all students attending Disciples colleges and universities, down 0.4 percent from 2000.

Disciple enrollment is up or stable at nine universities and colleges. TCU has the most Disciple students (442) followed by Drury University (166) and Transylvania University (110).

Culver-Stockton College counts the largest percentage of Disciples among its student body (94 of 802, 11.7 percent) followed by Bethany College (86 of 766, 11.2 percent) and Transylvania University (110 of 1,048, 10.5 percent).

Fourteen graduates of Disciples-related institutions subsequently enrolled in seminaries. Institutions sending students to seminaries were Culver-Stockton College and TCU (3), Transylvania University (2), Bethany College, Chapman University, Drury University, Jarvis Christian College, Lynchburg College, and Midway College (1 each).

Funding is distributed based on the number of Disciple students, with extra money provided for graduates who continue into theological institutions. See Table 1 for a complete listing of both overall and Disciple enrollment at colleges and universities in covenant with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

Overall, the enrollment figures are encouraging.

"This is good news for our institutions," said Dennis Landon, President of the Division of Higher Education. "In general, they are thriving just as higher education is thriving nationally. While there is a minor decline in Disciple enrollment, the fact that it is a decrease of only three students is heartening. It is our goal to see Disciple enrollment begin climbing again, and this is a good sign."

To see trends in Disciple enrollment at colleges and universities in covenant with the church, see Table 2.

Institutions of Theological Education:
Overall enrollment at the seven theological institutions was 934 students, an increase of 13 from 2000. The three largest seminaries affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) each showed enrollment gains. Brite Divinity School counts 260 students, an increase of 15 from last year. Enrollment increased by six students each at Christian Theological Seminary's (230 total enrollment) and Phillips Theological Seminary (156). The four other institutions reported no change or small declines.

The number of students seeking a Master's of Divinity degree (572) increased by seven over 2000. Of them, 257 are Disciples, while 32 are members of the United Church of Christ, with whom the Disciples have an ecumenical partnership. In addition, 162 Disciples are pursuing a Master's of Divinity at other institutions not affiliated with the denomination. A Master's of Divinity degree is generally considered the degree that leads to ordained ministry. For complete statistics on theological institutions, see Table 3.

"Despite the increase in overall enrollment, there are still not enough students on track to become ministers to meet the expected demand over the next two decades," Landon said. "The denomination is forecasting significant retirements, and the initiative to start 1,000 new churches will require a substantial increase in enrollment at Disciples theological institutions. We still have our work cut out for us."

Fourteen universities and seven theological institutions in 12 states are in covenant with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), serving 24,000 students. In addition, three schools and three theological institutions maintain historical or associate ties with the denomination. Also, DHE is affiliated with more than 80 campus ministries programs across the country.

For more information, contact Brad Lyons, Director of Communications, at (314) 991-3000 or blyons@dhedisciples.org