Information updated on December 14, 2023.
United Theological Seminary is one of 13 United Methodist theological schools in the United States. It was founded in 1871 by Milton Wright, a Bishop in the Church of the United Brethren in Christ and father of aviation pioneers Wilbur and Orville Wright. United offers accredited, innovative graduate and non-degree education programs for both clergy and laity.
547 Students
45% Doctoral students
55% Masters students
61 International students from 19 countries*
Students from 36 states
39% Female*
61% Male*
43% Black or African American*
27% White*
18% International
9% Hispanic*
2% Asian or Pacific Islander*
1% Two or more races*
<1% American Indian, Alaska Native or Inuit*
43 Denominations*
* Figures represent those who responded. All figures rounded to the nearest whole number.
United conducts an alumni/ae survey.2 In 2023, 24% of the 2,321 alumni/ae contacted responded to the survey.
United’s dedication to providing an educational experience that values the local church and prepares people for pastoral ministry is recognized by judicatories and borne out in levels of ordination and service in local churches.
According to responses to this survey:
90% Would recommend United to a prospective student.
87% Are currently employed in or retired from ministry.
75% Serve in local parishes.3
15% Work in either denominational offices or chaplaincy positions.4
In the 2022-23 academic year, 95% of United students received scholarships. These students received, on average, $5,552 in scholarship aid.5
[1] Represents unduplicated headcount enrollment for the 2022-2023 academic year.
[2] The 2023 alumni/ae survey was sent in April 2023 to alumni/ae who graduated with a degree or certificate from United in years ranging from the 1940s to 2022, for whom the seminary had email contact information (2,321 of 5,305 living alumni/ae). Data collected represents a 24% response rate of the 2,321 alumni/ae contacted.
[3] Or if retired, were serving in this capacity at time of retirement.
[4] Or if retired, were serving in this capacity at time of retirement.
[5] Scholarship data includes student scholarships and waivers; excludes student loans, employee benefits, and special circumstances waivers. Previously published data indicated that “83% of United students received non-loan assistance in the form of scholarships or waivers. These students received, on average, $1,552 in student aid.” This data was representative of Fall 2023 student aid.
