“The numbers this year have been very exciting. We haven't seen these numbers since back in 2012- 2013.”
Director of Admissions and Enrollment Management for Calvin Theological Seminary, Justin Denouden believes there are several factors at play.
“Some of it is there's a fear of a recession and across higher education there are students who go back to school during that kind of situation.”
International students have also been a key component, enrolling from more than 30 countries.
“We really strive to be a global seminary. So, we are reaching out to those international students, and they are seeking a prestigious U.S. school that has a strong reformed connection.”
As a denominational seminary, leaders have been building partnerships within the Christian Reformed Church assisting prospective students envision life at the seminary.
“Especially in theological education there has been growing trend in second career students.”
And many of those second-career students come with families in tow, leading Calvin to invest in a $20 million student housing project with apartments for individual students and families with up to three bedrooms along with a playground, outdoor space and study areas.
The housing center opens this month.
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