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Private nonprofit, 4-year

Denver Seminary

Littleton, Colorado · www.denverseminary.edu

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About

Denver Seminary, located in the vibrant city of Denver, Colorado, is a distinguished institution known for its strong commitment to theological education and spiritual formation. Founded in 1950, the seminary offers a variety of graduate-level degrees, including Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in Theology, and Doctor of Ministry programs. The seminary's robust curriculum is designed to equip students with a deep understanding of the Christian faith, practical ministry skills, and the ability to engage thoughtfully with contemporary issues. One of the hallmarks of Denver Seminary is its emphasis on integrating academic rigor with real-world application, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for ministry in diverse contexts.

The seminary fosters a vibrant campus culture characterized by a strong sense of community and collaboration among students, faculty, and staff. The school's mission is encapsulated in its motto, "Preparing Servants for the Church," which reflects its dedication to nurturing leaders who are committed to serving both the church and society. With a diverse student body representing various denominational backgrounds, Denver Seminary provides a rich environment for theological dialogue and personal growth. The faculty is composed of experienced scholars and practitioners who are deeply engaged in their fields, providing students with mentorship and guidance as they pursue their vocational calling. Additionally, the seminary's location in Denver offers students access to a dynamic urban setting, enhancing their educational experience with opportunities for community involvement, internships, and professional development. Overall, Denver Seminary stands out as a premier institution for those seeking to deepen their faith and impact the world through effective ministry.

Trends in Tuition, Enrollment, Gender Ratio, and Graduation Rates

The data from Denver Seminary reveals significant trends in tuition fees, graduate enrollment, gender ratios, and graduation rates over recent years. Notably, tuition for graduate students has shown an upward trajectory, increasing from $15,910 in 2014 to $12,840 in 2024. This gradual rise in tuition may reflect broader trends in higher education where institutions are facing rising operational costs. The increase in tuition can be a concern for prospective students, as it may further exacerbate the student debt crisis plaguing many graduates today.

In terms of enrollment, the number of graduate students has seen a decline from 990 in 2014 to 874 in 2023. This downward trend could indicate a shift in market demand for graduate programs, potentially influenced by job market conditions or changes in prospective students' perceptions of the value of graduate education. The decline in enrollment is a critical factor for the institution as it can affect funding and resources available for students.

The gender ratio among graduate students has also shifted, with male representation decreasing from about 59.9% in 2015 to 51.5% in 2023. This shift towards a more balanced gender representation may reflect broader social changes and increased opportunities for women in higher education.

Finally, the graduation rates have not been explicitly provided but the trends in retention and enrollment suggest that maintaining high graduation rates will be essential for the institution’s reputation and attractiveness to future students. Overall, these dynamics highlight the multifaceted challenges and opportunities that Denver Seminary faces in the evolving landscape of higher education.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Suburb of a large city
Nearest major city
Denver, about 15 mi
Nearest international airport
Denver International Airport (DEN), about 25 mi
Littleton, Colorado
Academic calendar
Semester
Religious affiliation
Other Protestant
President
Dr. Don Payne (Vice President of Academic Affairs / Academic Dean)
Phone
3037612482
City
Littleton, Colorado
Address
6399 S. Santa Fe Drive, Littleton, CO 80120

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Master's1326 international (4.5%)
Doctoral172 international (11.8%)

Popular graduate programs

  • Counseling Psychology · Master's62 (6% international)
  • Divinity/Ministry · Master's28 (0% international)
  • Bible/Biblical Studies · Master's25 (0% international)
  • Religion/Religious Studies · Master's7 (14% international)
  • Counseling Psychology · Doctoral7 (0% international)
  • Christian Studies · Master's4 (0% international)

Data insights

Analysis of Graduation Data from Denver Seminary 2023

The graduation data for Denver Seminary in 2023 reveals a significant focus on advanced theological studies, particularly at the master's level. Notably, the most graduates were seen in Bible/Biblical Studies, with 49 individuals earning their master's degrees, followed closely by Divinity/Ministry, which produced 40 master's graduates. This trend highlights a growing interest in theological education, reflecting an increasing demand for trained ministers and church leaders in a rapidly evolving religious landscape.

Interestingly, there is minimal representation of undergraduate degrees, with no graduates reported in the associate or bachelor categories across various programs. This could indicate that prospective students are opting for more advanced degrees, possibly driven by the perception that a master's degree is essential for effective ministry or theological leadership. Moreover, the presence of international students, albeit limited, suggests a global interest in these theological programs, particularly in pastoral counseling and specialized ministries, which attracted two international master's graduates.

The absence of doctoral graduates in most programs may also signal a potential gap in advanced academic pursuits within the seminary, raising questions about the pathways available for those seeking to engage in scholarly research or high-level ecclesiastical leadership.

Overall, the data underscores a strong commitment to master's level theological education at Denver Seminary, reflecting broader trends in religious education where the emphasis is increasingly placed on equipping individuals for leadership roles within faith communities. This may well position the seminary at the forefront of shaping future leaders in the field of theology.

All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard

*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes

Psychology has 69 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryMasterDoctor
Counseling Psychology.$43,472
Theology has 69 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryMasterDoctor
Bible/Biblical Studies.$47,812
Theology/Theological Studies.$46,616
Divinity/Ministry.$46,616
Theological and Ministerial Studies, Other.$46,616
Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries, Other.-
Theology and Religious Vocations, Other.-
Philosophy has 11 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryMasterDoctor
Religion/Religious Studies.-
Christian Studies.-

Students

847 students in 2025

Data insights

Student Demographics at Denver Seminary in 2023

In 2023, Denver Seminary showcases a diverse and balanced student body, particularly among its graduate students. With a total of 874 graduate students, the gender distribution is notably equitable, with approximately 51.5% identifying as male and 48.5% as female. This near parity highlights a progressive trend towards inclusivity in theological education, which is critical in preparing future leaders who can resonate with a diverse range of communities.

Delving deeper into the ethnic composition, the majority of graduate students are White, constituting about 66.6% of the total graduate population. This significant representation raises important questions about the broader implications for diversity within theological institutions. As the demographics of the United States continue to evolve, seminaries like Denver are challenged to attract and support a more varied student body that reflects the rich tapestry of society.

In recent years, the importance of representation in education has come to the forefront, with many institutions actively seeking to enhance their diversity initiatives. The presence of various ethnic groups can enrich the learning environment, fostering a broader understanding of theology that incorporates different cultural perspectives.

As society grapples with issues of racial and ethnic inequality, the commitment of institutions like Denver Seminary to embrace and promote diversity among their student body is essential. This commitment not only prepares students for ministry in an increasingly diverse world but also contributes to the ongoing dialogue about inclusion and representation within religious communities. Overall, the student demographics at Denver Seminary reflect a positive step toward fostering an inclusive educational environment for future leaders in faith.

Demographic Analysis of Student Age Composition at Denver Seminary

The age distribution of students at Denver Seminary reveals a significant concentration of graduate students, particularly within the 22-24 age bracket, which comprises 35 male and 56 female students. This trend continues into the 25-29 age group, where the figures rise dramatically with 102 male and 112 female graduate students. The representation of younger undergraduates remains absent, indicating a potential trend where individuals pursue graduate education directly after completing their undergraduate studies or opt for work experience before returning to academia.

The data also shows a noteworthy decline in the number of students as the age increases, particularly noticeable in the 30-34 and 35-39 age groups, where male graduate students number 99 and 60 respectively, while their female counterparts total 49 in the same age bracket. This could suggest that as individuals progress in their careers and personal lives, they may have less flexibility to engage in full-time studies, which is a common theme in higher education demographics.

Interestingly, the oldest group, those aged 65 and above, still maintains a presence with 20 male and 16 female graduate students. This may reflect a growing trend in lifelong learning, where older adults seek to enrich their knowledge or pivot careers, aligning with broader societal shifts towards valuing education at all stages of life.

Overall, the findings underscore the importance of understanding age dynamics within educational institutions, as they can inform recruitment strategies and program offerings tailored to diverse student needs.

International Students

International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

Graduate students2.6%

22 in 2025 · 2.5% in 2016

0% 7.5% 15% 2016: 2.5%2017: 0.9%2018: 0.6%2019: 0.5%2020: 0.1%2021: 0.2%2022: 3.0%2023: 9.2%2024: 3.0%2025: 2.6%
2016Peer median 2.2%2025

Data insights

Trends in International Student Enrollment at Denver Seminary

The data on international student enrollment at Denver Seminary reveals significant trends over the years, particularly in the graduate program. From 2004 to 2023, the percentage of international students in the graduate program has seen a noticeable decline, dropping from 5.68% in 2004 to a mere 0.12% in 2020. This decrease may reflect broader national trends affecting international student enrollment in the United States, including visa restrictions and shifting geopolitical dynamics.

However, a slight recovery seems evident in the most recent years, with the percentage of international graduate students rising to 9.15% in 2023. This resurgence might indicate a more welcoming atmosphere for international students or improved recruitment strategies by the seminary. The fluctuation in numbers underscores the importance of adaptability in higher education institutions in response to changing global circumstances.

In contrast, the data for undergraduate international students remains largely absent, suggesting that Denver Seminary may not have prioritized this demographic or that data collection for this group has not been consistently maintained. It raises questions about the seminary's strategies for attracting international undergraduates and whether this is an area for potential growth.

Overall, the trends indicate a complex relationship between global events and enrollment figures, highlighting the need for educational institutions to remain responsive to international student needs and changing policies. The increase in the percentage of international graduate students in recent years may serve as a positive sign for Denver Seminary's future in fostering a diverse educational environment.

Cost

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$22.7M

Gifts and private grants
$9.7M42.8%
Tuition and fees
$6.6M29.2%
Investment return
$5.8M25.7%
Auxiliary enterprises
$482K2.1%
Government grants and contracts
$53K0.2%

Expenses$15.8M

Instruction
$7.2M45.4%
Institutional support
$2.1M13.3%
Student services
$2.0M12.6%
Academic support
$1.9M11.9%
Public service
$1.4M8.6%
Auxiliary enterprises
$292K1.8%
Other
$1.0M6.5%

Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)

Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

All faculty
$39,602peers $68,006
Professor
$48,441peers $78,041
Associate professor
$51,299peers $70,202
Assistant professor
$47,695peers $63,827
Instructor
$22,721peers $55,171

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · EADA

No athlete data available for 2025.

No athlete data available for 2024.

No athlete data available for 2023.

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable educational institutions near Denver Seminary:

  1. University of Denver - Ranked 124 in the 2024 US News rankings, this comprehensive university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, emphasizing research and community service.

  2. Regis University - This university is ranked 260 and is known for its commitment to Jesuit education, focusing on academic excellence and service to others.

  3. Colorado School of Mines - With a rank of 76, this institution specializes in engineering and applied science, particularly in the fields of energy, minerals, and the environment.

  4. University of Colorado Boulder - This comprehensive university ranks 105 and is renowned for its research initiatives and beautiful campus located at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.

  5. United States Air Force Academy - Ranked 7, this prestigious military academy trains future leaders of the U.S. Air Force, combining rigorous academics with military training.

  6. Colorado College - A highly regarded liberal arts college ranked 33, known for its unique Block Plan that allows students to focus intensively on one course at a time.

These institutions provide a diverse range of academic programs and opportunities for students in the Denver area.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

Peer median 4.0 · all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

Incidents, 2023–2025

Motor vehicle theft
1

From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.

Data insights

Analysis of Crime Data at Denver Seminary

The crime data from Denver Seminary exhibits a notably low crime rate over the years, particularly from 2013 to 2023. In the early years, specifically 2014 and 2022, the average crime rate per 1,000 students reached 3.03 and 3.34 respectively, indicating a slight uptick in criminal activities during these years. However, the overall trend reveals significant fluctuations, with several years recording no incidents at all.

In terms of specific crime types, arrests related to firearms and drug offenses were noted, albeit in limited numbers, suggesting that while incidents do occur, they are relatively rare in this academic environment. The absence of major violent crimes such as murder or robbery in the reported data is particularly encouraging, reflecting a generally safe campus atmosphere.

These statistics might correlate with the measures that the institution has in place for maintaining safety and security on campus. Continuous efforts in enhancing safety protocols and promoting a culture of awareness could be pivotal in sustaining this low crime rate.

Overall, the data indicates a commendable record for Denver Seminary, which can be an attractive aspect for potential students and their families. As educational institutions continue to navigate issues surrounding campus safety, the reported figures serve as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and proactive measures in fostering a secure learning environment. For more insight into crime rate calculations, you can visit this link: Crime Rate Calculation.

References and Data Sources

Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.