Why Calvin Is One of the Best Seminary Schools Around

Hoping to study theology? It is important to evaluate potential seminary schools based on a variety of factors. Calvin Theological Seminary (CTS) consistently provides the educational, community, spiritual formation, and faculty expertise that make it one of the best seminary schools for students like you.

10 Reasons Why CTS Is One of the Top Seminary Schools

1. Our Faculty Are Experts in Their Fields

When you choose CTS, you choose to learn from world-class faculty. These scholars are experts in Scripture, biblical languages, theology, and more. Though our professors are renowned in their field, they welcome student questions and collaboration and are always willing to get to know you as a person and help you reach your goals. Your faith formation matters to them—they will be mentors and friends to you along your seminary journey.

2. We Foster Community Both In and Out of the Classroom

CTS is dedicated to fostering a sense of community among students, faculty, and staff. Our community is large enough to offer a variety of resources and programming, but also small enough that faculty and staff know students by name. You can expect to make lifelong friends here and to be valued, seen, and supported in your calling.

Would you like to learn more about this kind of welcoming, Christian community? Visit us to see firsthand what life is like at CTS!

3. CTS Is an Accredited Seminary with a Variety of Top Degree Programs

When it comes to higher education, accreditation matters. The process of accreditation ensures that schools are held accountable for the quality of their coursework and the legitimacy of their programs. If you pursue a seminary degree from an unaccredited program or school, there is a possibility that a future employer or graduate school may not accept your degree or credits.

Accreditation is important at CTS. We take the quality of our degree offerings very seriously. To explore the variety of degrees CTS offers, be sure to visit our programs page.

4. Every Student Receives Discounted Tuition

Currently, no CTS student pays the full price of tuition. Thanks to the generosity of the seminary’s supporters, everyone in the student body is starting with a leg up in paying for a seminary education—either through a tuition discount, a scholarship, or both.

Students often report that they choose CTS in part because of generous financial aid support. We would love for you to discover how Calvin’s scholarships and financial aid can support your seminary journey.

5. We Provide Support for Students Discerning Their Vocations

More than just a job or a paid role, everyone in God’s kingdom can live into their vocation. The Christian Reformed Church in North America (CRCNA) identifies vocation as referring to the “things God calls us to do, things we love to do and are passionate about.” The resources of the Vocational Formation Office are available to all students who would like to assess their strengths, discern their vocational calling, and practice experiential learning in an internship-like setting.

6. Our Programs Prepare Students for Ordination in Any Denomination

Calvin Theological Seminary partners with the CRCNA to offer educational paths to ordination in the denomination through our Master of Divinity (MDiv) and Ecclesiastical Program of Ministerial Candidacy (EPMC) programs.

As more than half of CTS students come from outside of the CRCNA, many students prepare for their ordination in other Christ-centered traditions through our world-class Master of Divinity (MDiv) program.

7. CTS Offers Spiritual Direction for All Students

At Calvin Theological Seminary, your mental and spiritual health is a priority. That’s why CTS offers spiritual direction and counseling services and resources for students. Enrolled students may learn more through their Populi account, and prospective students can inquire about available resources through the admissions contact form.

8. We Award Innovation in Neo-Calvinist Scholarship

When you become a student at CTS, you will be part of an institution that recognizes and awards excellence in Reformed theology and practice. For example, Calvin Theological Seminary is proud to partner with Calvin University, Calvin’s de Vries Institute for Global Faculty Development, and other institutions to offer the Kuyper Prize.

The award, funded by a grant through the estate of the late Rimmer and Ruth de Vries, is awarded each year to a scholar or community leader practicing a Neo-Calvinist vision of religious engagement with society. Past recipients include Makoto Fujimura, Rachael Denhollander, and Dr. John M. Perkins. The Kuyper Prize is awarded during the annual Kuyper Conference, which draws participation and interest from across North America and around the world.

9. Our Campus Possesses One of the World’s Largest Collections on Calvin & Calvinism

Through the H. Henry Meeter Center of Calvin Theological Seminary and Calvin University, you will discover one of the world’s largest collections of materials on John Calvin, Calvinism, the Reformation and early modern studies. A wealth of resources is available to you, in physical and digital form, through this center, which is unique to the Calvin learning communities.

10. CTS Provides One of the Best Online Seminary Experiences

You will receive a quality CTS education regardless of whether you’re an on-campus student or an online student. CTS offers high caliber residential and distance learning options, so you’ll never have to sacrifice quality education to use flexible learning options.

Questions to Ask When Evaluating the Best Seminaries in the US

When considering your future seminary, the following questions may help you in understanding each campus and their offerings:

• How does this seminary foster faith formation?
• Is the school accredited?
• Does this institution offer financial support?
• How do the online programs differ from the on-campus ones?
• Will I have the support I need to succeed?
• Do I have a clear path to ordination if that is what I desire?
• Will faculty and staff help me discern my calling?
• What experiences will I have to build community inside and outside of the classroom?
• Does this seminary offer concentrations in my areas of interest?

Learn More About One of the Best Seminary Schools in the World

Experience a globally recognized education, within a dynamic Christian community. Start your seminary journey with CTS today.