Truett Seminary Achieves Record-Breaking Enrollment

Waco, Texas (September 16, 2024) – Baylor University’s George W. Truett Theological Seminary has reached and is celebrating a significant milestone. In its 30th anniversary year, the school has recorded a record-breaking enrollment for the fall semester.

According to statistical data provided by Truett’s Office of Student Services, Truett Seminary enrolled 407 students this term, a 4% increase over last year’s fall enrollment of 392. This marks the third consecutive year of enrollment growth for Truett. The previous enrollment record for the Seminary was 406 students during the fall of 2008.

“The landscape of theological education in North America continues to shift, and not a few of our peers are experiencing enrollment decline, even as we ourselves did during the previous decade,” said Todd D. Still, PhD, dean of Truett Seminary. “In light of the myriad of challenges and obstacles currently surrounding theological education, we are especially grateful for the enrollment record we have set this fall even as we are altogether mindful of the ongoing need to make a Truett theological education as affordable, accessible, and achievable as possible.”     

As an orthodox, evangelical, multi-denominational school in the historic Baptist tradition, Truett is committed to increasing gender and racial diversity within its student body. This commitment, which is articulated in the Seminary’s current strategic plan, OneTruett, is reflected in its incoming class, which is 41% female and 40% Asian, Black, and Latino/a.

Additionally, 22% of Truett’s student body is now enrolled at one of the Seminary’s extension campuses located in Houston or San Antonio or in an online degree program. These developments are in keeping with the Seminary’s stated goal to offer high-quality, relationally-based education beyond its main campus in Waco. Growth in these areas is particularly notable with the online Master of Arts in Theology and Sports Studies program, which now enrolls 30 students, more than double its enrollment last year. Also notable is that non-Baptist students are choosing and enrolling at Truett Seminary in increasing numbers. Over one-half of the entering class of 100 comes from a denomination other than Baptist. Relatedly, Truett’s current student body is currently comprised of 54% Baptists, 15% Methodists, and 13% non-denominational, with the other 18% of students coming from 23 other Christian communions. 

Regarding this news, Toby Osburn, EdD, assistant dean of student services, said, “This has been, in every way, a team effort. The entire Truett community, including faculty, staff, students, alumni, donors, and friends, is actively engaged in recruiting and retaining students, as our record enrollment suggests.” Osburn continued, “The global reach of our learning community is also encouraging as Truett’s newest class represents 13 countries compared to 10 in the prior year. Students from a total of twenty-five countries representing six continents are now enrolled at Truett.”

ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY
Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked Research 1 institution. The University provides a vibrant campus community for more than 20,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating University in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 100 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 12 nationally recognized academic divisions.

ABOUT GEORGE W. TRUETT THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY AT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY
George W. Truett Theological Seminary is an orthodox, evangelical, multi-denominational school in the historic Baptist tradition embedded into Baylor, a Christian R1 University. Truett’s mission is to equip God-called people for gospel ministry in and alongside Christ’s Church by the power of the Holy Spirit. Accredited by the Association of Theological Schools and affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas and the Baptist World Alliance, Truett Seminary provides theological education leading to the Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in Christian Ministry, Master of Arts in Contextual Witness and Innovation, Master of Arts in Theology, Ecology and Food Justice, Master of Arts in Theology and Sports Studies (online), Master of Theological Studies, Doctor of Ministry, and PhD in Preaching. In addition to a number of distinctive programs, institutes, and centers, Truett Seminary also offers joint degrees through Baylor University school/college partnerships in social work, business, law, music, and education. Besides its flagship Baugh-Reynolds Campus in Waco, the Seminary also has locations in Houston and San Antonio. Visit the Truett Seminary website to learn more.