Gateway Seminary Reports Enrollment and Endowment Growth

Gateway Seminary President Adam Groza reported significant enrollment growth, increasing partnerships, and strong fundraising to trustees at the fall 2026 board meeting held in Denver. The meeting took place on October 12-13, 2026, and covered updates on the Seminary’s academic and institutional progress.

“Most importantly, serving more students fulfills our mission and has a positive effect on the churches we serve,” Groza stated. He noted that enrollment in fall 2026 reached a record high, with a 46% increase in new student headcount compared to the previous year. Core program enrollment totaled 1,095 students, the highest number in the Seminary’s history.

Enrollment in the Master of Divinity (MDiv) program increased by 9.4% in headcount and 12.2% in hours. Groza highlighted that Gateway has maintained a 90-hour MDiv degree, a standard that contrasts with recent trends among other seminaries to reduce required hours. “We often hear that the MDiv is declining across the country, but we are seeing strong demand for it at Gateway,” he said.

The new Master of Biblical and Theological Studies (MBTS) program saw a 37.5% increase in headcount and a 22% rise in hours. Designed for students with a bachelor’s degree in biblical studies and theology, the program is closely linked to California Baptist University’s Christian studies program. Many MBTS students transitioned through Gateway’s 4+1 program, which allows select students to complete a master’s degree in one year.

The Master of Missiological Essentials (MME), another new degree tied to the 4+1 program, launched in the fall with 20 students and 109 credit hours. This 36-credit master’s degree prepares students for overseas missions work and fulfills the educational requirements to serve full-time with the International Mission Board.

The Seminary’s Beyond Program, a short-term missions initiative, sent 86 students to ten international locations during the 25-26 academic year. Students reported over 800 gospel conversations and 15 conversions. Most of Gateway’s campuses experienced growth in both headcount and credit hours sold. The new campus in Hawaii, launched in partnership with the Hawaii Pacific Baptist Convention, opened with an inaugural class of 24 students.

New teaching sites were established in Kern County, Reno, and Lake Havasu since last fall. Additionally, a partnership with Agricola Theological Seminary (ATS) in Espoo, Finland, allows ATS students to enroll at Gateway and for Gateway faculty to teach courses at ATS.

“Expanding partnerships for enrollment growth remains a top priority,” Groza said. The California Southern Baptist Convention (CSBC) has completed the relocation of its seminary to Gateway, further strengthening the institution’s role in theological education and mission preparation.

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