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Private nonprofit, 4-year

Covenant Theological Seminary

Saint Louis, Missouri · www.covenantseminary.edu

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About

Covenant Theological Seminary, located in St. Louis, Missouri, is a prominent institution known for its commitment to biblical education and theological training. Founded in 1975, the seminary is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) and aims to equip men and women for effective ministry in the church and society. The school’s mission is encapsulated in its motto, "To Know Christ and to Make Him Known," emphasizing a deep understanding of Scripture and a focus on discipleship, evangelism, and church leadership.

The campus provides a vibrant community for students, fostering an environment of spiritual growth and academic excellence. It offers a variety of degree programs, including Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in Theological Studies, and Doctor of Ministry, among others. Faculty members are not only academically accomplished but also bring extensive pastoral experience, enriching the learning experience with practical insights. Furthermore, Covenant Theological Seminary emphasizes the importance of community engagement, encouraging students to participate in local churches and outreach projects. This hands-on approach not only enhances students' theological education but also prepares them for impactful careers in ministry and related fields. The seminary's commitment to academic rigor and spiritual formation makes it a distinguished institution in theological education.

Trends in Graduate Tuition and Gender Ratios at Covenant Theological Seminary

Over the years, Covenant Theological Seminary has seen a noticeable increase in graduate tuition, which is a significant concern for prospective students. Starting from $12,750 in 2014, the tuition has steadily risen to $15,780 by 2024. This represents a total increase of approximately 24% over a decade. Such increases in tuition can potentially deter students from pursuing higher education, particularly in theological studies where funding may already be limited. This trend mirrors national concerns regarding the rising cost of higher education, which has outpaced inflation and family incomes.

Additionally, the gender ratio among graduate students has shown some intriguing changes. In 2013, the proportion of male graduate students was about 77%, which gradually decreased to approximately 62% by 2023. This shift suggests a growing inclusivity and diversity within the seminary, aligning with broader societal trends that emphasize gender equality in higher education. The increasing percentage of female students reflects an evolving landscape where women are increasingly pursuing advanced degrees in theology, which is a promising development for the field.

Furthermore, the total number of graduate students has fluctuated over the years, with a peak of 634 in 2022. This suggests a potential stabilization or resurgence in enrollment, possibly driven by the seminary's efforts to adapt its programs and financial structures to meet student needs. The combination of rising tuition and changing demographics highlights the need for institutions like Covenant Theological Seminary to carefully consider their strategies for recruitment and financial support to ensure they remain accessible to a diverse student body.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Suburb of a large city
Nearest major city
St. Louis, about 10 mi
Nearest international airport
St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL), about 9 mi
Saint Louis, Missouri
Also known as
Covenant, Covenant Seminary, CTS
Academic calendar
4-1-4
Religious affiliation
The Presbyterian Church in America
President
Thomas Gibbs (President)
Phone
3144344044
City
Saint Louis, Missouri
Address
12330 Conway Road, Saint Louis, MO 63141-8609

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Master's720 international (0.0%)
Doctoral130 international (0.0%)

Popular graduate programs

  • Theology/Theological Studies · Master's27 (0% international)
  • Divinity/Ministry · Master's19 (0% international)
  • Counseling Psychology · Master's19 (0% international)
  • Theology and Religious Vocations, Other · Doctoral13 (0% international)
  • Lay Ministry · Master's6 (0% international)
  • Theological and Ministerial Studies, Other · Master's1 (0% international)

Data insights

Analysis of Graduation Data at Covenant Theological Seminary

The graduation data from Covenant Theological Seminary for the year 2023 reveals some interesting trends, particularly in the field of theological studies. Notably, all bachelor's degree programs have zero graduates, which highlights a potential area of concern for the institution. The absence of graduates at the bachelor's level may indicate a lack of interest or enrollment in these programs, suggesting that the seminary might need to reevaluate its undergraduate offerings to attract more students.

In contrast, the master's programs show a more positive outcome, with a total of 26 graduates in Counseling Psychology and 24 in Divinity/Ministry. This shift towards advanced degrees may reflect a broader trend in theological education where students are more inclined to pursue higher qualifications. The presence of a single international student graduating from the master's program in Theology/Theological Studies indicates some level of global engagement, even though it remains low.

Interestingly, the data shows that there are no graduates at the doctorate level across all programs. This could imply a significant gap in doctoral studies, which might limit the seminary's ability to produce future leaders in theological education and research. As theological institutions worldwide face increasing competition and scrutiny, Covenant Theological Seminary may need to focus on enhancing its doctoral programs to ensure a robust pipeline of scholars and practitioners.

Overall, the data suggests the seminary has strengths in its master's programs but faces challenges at the undergraduate and doctoral levels, necessitating strategic planning to bolster these areas and maintain its relevance in theological education.

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

Theology has 66 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryMasterDoctor
Theology/Theological Studies.$57,009
Divinity/Ministry.$57,009
Theological and Ministerial Studies, Other.$57,009
Lay Ministry.-
Theology and Religious Vocations, Other.-
Psychology has 19 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryMasterDoctor
Counseling Psychology.$43,193

Students

550 students in 2025

Data insights

Demographic Insights of Covenant Theological Seminary Students in 2023

In 2023, Covenant Theological Seminary has reported a total enrollment of 608 graduate students, showcasing a gender distribution where 62% are male and 38% are female. This indicates a predominance of male students in the graduate programs, which is a trend observed in various theological institutions across the country. The skewed gender ratio may reflect broader societal patterns in seminary education, where men have historically outnumbered women in theological studies.

Examining the racial demographics, the majority of graduate students identify as white, accounting for 454 individuals, which represents approximately 74.6% of the graduate population. This significant representation of white students is consistent with national statistics indicating that white individuals continue to dominate enrollment figures in many higher education institutions. Additionally, the data suggests that there may be opportunities for increased diversity within the seminary, as it is crucial for theological education to reflect the multicultural society in which it operates.

As the seminary moves forward, it would be beneficial to consider initiatives that promote inclusivity and diversity among the student body. By fostering an environment that welcomes students from various racial and ethnic backgrounds, Covenant Theological Seminary can enhance its educational experience and better prepare future leaders for a diverse world. Emphasizing the importance of representation and inclusivity can ultimately lead to a richer theological discourse and a more holistic approach to ministry.

Analysis of Age Distribution Among Students at Covenant Theological Seminary

The age distribution data from Covenant Theological Seminary reveals intriguing insights regarding its student body. Notably, the majority of graduate male students fall within the 25-29 age bracket, with 97 individuals enrolled, indicating a substantial presence of young adults pursuing advanced theological education. This age group represents approximately 35.9% of the total male graduate population.

In contrast, the female graduate demographic shows a slightly different trend, with 66 enrolled in the same age group and 34 in the 30-34 range. This suggests that women may be entering graduate theological studies at a slightly older age, as evidenced by the notable 34 individuals aged 30-34. Overall, the average age of students reflects an increasing trend towards older candidates, especially in graduate programs.

The data also highlights an interesting gender composition, particularly in the graduate category, where male students significantly outnumber their female counterparts. For instance, in the 40-49 age group, there are 75 male students compared to only 39 females, illustrating a 65.2% male dominance in this category. This gender disparity raises questions about the barriers women may face in pursuing theological education and the potential need for targeted support and encouragement.

Moreover, the representation of older students, especially those aged 50-64 and over 65, remains minimal, accounting for only 6.1% of the total student population. This could indicate a trend where younger individuals are more inclined to seek theological studies, possibly due to the evolving nature of ministry and theological education in contemporary society.

In conclusion, Covenant Theological Seminary's age composition reflects a dynamic and diverse learning environment, yet it also highlights gender imbalances and the need for further exploration into the motivations and challenges faced by different age groups and genders within theological education.

International Students

International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 235 private faith-related institutions in the U.S.

Graduate students1.3%

7 in 2025 · 6.7% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 6.7%2017: 6.7%2018: 6.8%2019: 5.6%2020: 4.4%2021: 2.2%2022: 2.2%2023: 1.5%2024: 0.8%2025: 1.3%
2016Peer median 3.2%2025

Data insights

Trends in International Student Enrollment at Covenant Theological Seminary

The data from Covenant Theological Seminary presents a noteworthy trend regarding international student enrollment over the years. While the number of graduate students fluctuated, it is evident that the percentage of international graduates has shown a general decline from a high of 8.14% in 2014 to a mere 1.48% in 2023. This significant drop raises concerns regarding the seminary's ability to attract and retain international talent, particularly in a globalized educational landscape where diversity is increasingly valued.

In contrast, the number of international students in the graduate program initially rose, reflecting a growing interest in theological education among diverse populations. However, the sharp decrease in recent years could be indicative of broader issues such as changing immigration policies, increased competition from other institutions, or a shift in global interest in theological studies.

The international student experience is crucial not only for the students themselves but also for the educational environment they contribute to. A diverse student body enriches academic discussions and fosters cross-cultural understanding, essential components of theological education. As the seminary moves forward, addressing these trends and implementing strategies to enhance international recruitment will be vital to maintaining a vibrant and diverse academic community.

Overall, the data reflects a critical juncture for Covenant Theological Seminary, highlighting the need for proactive engagement with international students to reverse the concerning downward trend in their enrollment.

Cost

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$14.1M

Gifts and private grants
$5.4M38.1%
Investment return
$5.1M36.0%
Tuition and fees
$3.1M21.7%
Auxiliary enterprises
$587K4.2%

Expenses$10.0M

Instruction
$3.8M38.5%
Institutional support
$2.8M28.5%
Student services
$1.8M17.9%
Auxiliary enterprises
$896K9.0%
Academic support
$616K6.2%

Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)

Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 235 private faith-related institutions in the U.S.

All faculty
$60,238peers $51,151
Professor
$66,405peers $65,885
Associate professor
$58,439peers $62,250
Assistant professor
$52,101peers $57,312

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 institutions around Covenant Theological Seminary:

  1. Washington University in St Louis - Ranked 24th in the 2024 US News rankings, this comprehensive university is known for its rigorous academic programs and diverse student body.

  2. Saint Louis University - Holding the 105th position in the 2024 US News rankings, this comprehensive university offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, emphasizing a strong commitment to service and community engagement.

  3. University of Missouri-St Louis - Ranked 260th, this comprehensive university provides a variety of programs and is dedicated to serving a diverse student population.

  4. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign - With a ranking of 35, this comprehensive university is renowned for its research initiatives and vibrant campus life.

  5. Bradley University - Ranked 185th, this comprehensive university is recognized for its strong emphasis on professional preparation and student support services.

  6. Purdue University-Main Campus - Holding the 43rd rank, this comprehensive university is well-known for its engineering and technology programs, attracting students from around the globe.

These universities not only enhance the academic landscape of the region but also provide a wealth of opportunities for collaboration and community engagement.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

Peer median 0.0 · all 235 private faith-related institutions 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 Covenant Theological Seminary

The crime statistics from Covenant Theological Seminary reveal a generally low incidence of crime on campus over the past decade. From 2013 to 2023, the data shows that there were very few reported crimes, with only a couple of years recording any incidents. Notably, in 2016, there was one reported crime, which resulted in a rate of approximately 1.87 per 1,000 students. The following year saw a slight increase, with two crimes reported in 2017, leading to a rate of 3.62 per 1,000 students.

Interestingly, after 2017, crime rates dropped significantly, with many years recording zero incidents. This trend suggests that the campus environment may be relatively safe and that measures taken to ensure student safety could be effective. However, the isolated incidents that did occur included serious offenses such as gun-related arrests, which highlight the importance of ongoing vigilance and proactive safety measures.

In the years 2022 and 2023, one crime was reported each year, maintaining a low rate of 1.58 and 1.64 per 1,000 students, respectively. While these numbers indicate a low level of criminal activity, they also serve as a reminder for the administration and students alike to remain aware of their surroundings and to continue fostering a safe community.

Overall, these statistics are a positive indicator of campus safety, but they also underscore the necessity for continued attention to security measures in light of any incidents that may arise. For further details on calculating crime rates, one can refer to the following link: https://www.forwardpathway.com/33447.

Notable Alumni

Notable alumni of Covenant Theological Seminary include Todd Akin (U.S. Representative from Missouri), Kenneth Bae (American missionary imprisoned in North Korea) and Beatrice Kahai Adagala (Kenyan politician, Vihiga county woman representative).

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.