Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago

What Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago does

Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago (LSTC) is a private, not-for-profit graduate theological seminary affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Founded in 1966 through the merger of earlier Lutheran seminaries dating back roughly 150 years, LSTC is one of a small number of ELCA-aligned seminaries preparing candidates for ELCA rostered ministry. The institution awards the Master of Divinity (MDiv), Master of Arts (MA), Master of Arts in Ministry (MAM), Master of Theology (ThM), Doctor of Ministry (DMin), and a currently paused PhD, with reported Fall 2025 enrollment of 91 students drawn from 60 countries and an 11:1 student-faculty ratio.

LSTC's revenue model relies on a combination of tuition ($22,980 for MDiv/MA programs; $25,600 for ThM/PhD), annual giving, endowment income, denominational funding administered largely through the ELCA Fund for Leaders scholarship program, and external foundation grants. LSTC operates on shared facilities at the Catholic Theological Union (CTU) campus in Chicago's Hyde Park neighborhood following the 2023 sale of its former South Michigan Avenue building to the University of Chicago. It remains an accredited member of the Association of Theological Schools (ATS), holds the Reconciling in Christ designation, and participates in the nine-school ACTS consortium.

In Summer 2025 LSTC launched Project Starling, a distance-learning platform built on the D2L Brightspace learning management system, extending course delivery beyond the Chicago residential model to remote and international learners. The institution operates under a 2024–2029 Strategic Plan introduced alongside a presidential transition from James Nieman to Shauna Hannan and following a capital campaign that exceeded its $7.5 million goal.

Name

Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago

Legal name

Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago

Website

https://lstc.edu

Company type

Private

Founded year

1966

Operating status

Operating

Short description

Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago is a private, ELCA-affiliated graduate seminary in Chicago offering MDiv, MA, MAM, ThM, and DMin degrees to roughly 91 students drawn from 60 countries, with online delivery via Project Starling.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Theological Education / Seminary Education

NAICS

Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113), Educational Support Services (611710), Educational Services (611)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Core LMS Platforms (Academic & Corporate) (EDAFAAAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Compliance, Certification & Continuing Education LMS (EDAFAAAD), Extended Enterprise LMS (Customer/Partner/Franchise Training) (EDAFAAAC), Educational Digital Courseware & Learning Platforms (LMS-Integrated) (MPAJABAH)

Keywords

• Theological education
• Seminary programs
• Graduate theological degrees
• Ministry formation
• Online theological learning

Headquarters

HQ city

Chicago

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Tuition and Fees: Primary revenue stream from tuition charges per credit/course. MDiv and MA programs charge $2,500 per course (9 courses = $22,500 tuition). ThM and PhD charge $4,200 per course (6 courses = $25,200). Additional fees include institutional student fees, student association fees, and program-specific charges. Housing fees also contribute revenue from student apartment rentals.
2. Donations and Campaign Gifts: The Campaign for LSTC (From Promise to Impact) raises funds for scholarships, Project Starling, technology & treasures (video production studio, rare books digitization), and Centers & Initiatives. The seminary exceeded its preliminary campaign goal of $7.5 million ahead of schedule.
3. Scholarship Endowment Income: Endowed scholarship funds (Visionary Scholarship Fund, Emerging Leaders Fund, Global Leaders Fund) supported by alumni, friends, and congregations provide student financial aid.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

LSTC is a private theological seminary offering graduate degree programs (MDiv, MA, MAM, ThM, PhD, DMin) and competency-based certificate programs (TEEM, SAM Development) for ELCA ministry candidates and lay leaders. Educational delivery spans residential, hybrid, and fully online asynchronous formats via its Project Starling platform, supported by theological centers, fellowship programs, and academic support services in Chicago's Hyde Park.

Product overview

LSTC offers a comprehensive theological education portfolio centered on Project Starling, an innovative asynchronous online learning platform launched in Summer 2025, which delivers certificate programs (TEEM and SAM Development), courses, and modules. This digital platform complements traditional residential degree programs including Master of Divinity, Master of Arts, Master of Arts in Ministry, Master of Theology, Doctor of Ministry, and a dual degree partnership with University of Chicago. The institution also operates specialized centers focused on Christian-Muslim engagement, intersectionality studies, and leadership development, alongside a Writing Center, JKM Library, Public Church Fellows program, and the Currents in Theology and Mission journal.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Project Starling An asynchronous online learning platform providing theological education through courses, certificate programs, workshops, and training opportunities. Designed for rostered ministers, lay leaders, TEEM candidates, SAMs, and lifelong learners with both free and paid options that award digital credentials.
• TEEM Certificate Program A 12-course competency-based certificate program for Theological Education for Emerging Ministries, designed for ELCA emerging ministry leaders. Covers theology, pastoral care, worship, leadership, and Lutheran identity with practical formation through CPE and internship. Delivered fully online through Project Starling for bi-vocational and context-based ministry candidates serving underserved communities.
• SAM Development Training Program A competency-based training program for Synod Authorized Ministers (SAMs), delivered fully online and asynchronously through Project Starling. Includes six core competency units covering Bible, theology, ministerial practices, cultural context, and formation. Total tuition is $4,000 with bishop authorization required for enrollment.
• Master of Divinity (MDiv) Full pastoral preparation degree with hybrid or residential coursework and internship, preparing students for ordained ministry. 9 courses at $2,500 per course. 86-90% graduation rate within six years.
• Master of Arts (MA) Academic theological study degree providing foundation for academic vocations or faith nourishment through study. 8 courses at $2,500 per course. 100% graduation rate.
• Master of Arts in Ministry (MAM) Practical leadership development degree preparing students for ministry as a deacon in the ELCA.
• Master of Theology (ThM) Advanced post-MDiv theological study for academic enrichment or future doctoral work. 6 courses at $4,200 per course.
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Research doctoral degree preparing students for teaching ministries or deeper understanding for pastors. 6 courses at $4,200 per course. Program currently paused. 50-75% graduation rate within eight years.
• Doctor of Ministry (DMin) Professional doctorate for experienced leaders deepening their vocation through applied theological reflection. 100% graduation rate within six years.
• MDiv/AM, MA/AM, or MAM/AM Dual Degree Dual degree program allowing students to earn an LSTC degree (MDiv, MA, or MAM) and the AM degree from University of Chicago (equivalent to master of social work) in partnership with the University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration.
• Public Church Fellows Program Program combining community non-profit service with small group reflection and faith formation. Fellows serve 7 hours/week, receive $500 monthly stipend during academic year, and gain ministry leadership experience in a competency-based, holistic formation model.

Quantifiable outcome

• 90% MDiv graduation rate; 100% MA graduation rate
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• ELCA Synods (SAM Program Licensing)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 June 2025ELCA synods can license Project Starling SAM Development Training content for cohorts or wider use. Synods pay for learners and sponsor candidates. Bishop authorization required for SAM participation. Synods form cohorts through facilitator-led training pathways.
• ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024LSTC is a seminary of the ELCA. ELCA candidacy processes (TEEM, SAM) are delivered through LSTC. The ELCA Fund for Leaders provides full-tuition scholarships at ELCA seminaries including LSTC. LSTC's mission is to form visionary leaders to bear witness to the good news of Jesus Christ for the ELCA and wider church.
• Catholic Theological Union (CTU)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 11 January 2023LSTC relocated its campus in summer 2023 to the 4th floor of CTU's building at 5416 S. Cornell Avenue, Hyde Park, Chicago. Under a mutual letter of intent, LSTC leases from CTU through at least 2048. LSTC and CTU work together through 'Life Together' groups (students, faculty, and staff organized by thematic priorities) to establish community collaboration. The institutions remain structurally distinct and separately governed.
• Church of the Blessed Sacrament (Seattle, WA)minorOthers · 1 January 2023Church of the Blessed Sacrament, a Roman Catholic parish in Seattle, purchased the Ruth and Paul Manz organ (Bigelow Opus 31, 25 feet tall, 16 feet wide) from LSTC following the seminary's relocation. The organ was gifted to LSTC in 2004 through donor generosity. The parish maintains the organ name and will use it in weekly liturgies and musical instruction.
• University of Chicago School of Social Service AdministrationminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Dual degree partnership enabling students to earn MDiv, MA, or MAM from LSTC and the AM (Master of Social Work equivalent) from the University of Chicago's School of Social Service Administration. Prepares leaders at the intersection of theology and social work.
• University of ChicagocoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 May 2022University of Chicago purchased LSTC's former campus building at 1100 East 55th Street (and McCormick Theological Seminary's campus) in 2022-2023. Approximately 150,000 items from the JKM Library collection were identified for consolidation into the University of Chicago Library System. LSTC retained the Gruber Rare Book Collection. The University assumed building services after the sale closed.
• Association of Chicago Theological Schools (ACTS)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1984ACTS is a consortium of 12 theological seminaries in Chicago. LSTC is a member and students can cross-register at any of the 12 member seminaries, gaining access to over 700 additional courses. The consortium has served students studying theology since 1984 and provides ecumenical educational opportunities.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Catholic Theological Union: Ecumenical Roman Catholic graduate school of theology sharing the Hyde Park campus with LSTC since 2023. Direct peer in mission, degree offerings, and urban theological education; uniquely intertwined as LSTC's landlord and ecumenical partner through 'Life Together' groups.
• Pacific School of Religion: Multidenominational Protestant seminary in Berkeley, CA, offering MDiv, MA, and DMin degrees. Direct peer in ecumenical Protestant identity, social-justice orientation, and small-scale graduate theological education model.
• Wartburg Theological Seminary: ELCA seminary in Dubuque, Iowa, offering MDiv, MA, and TEEM pathways. Directly comparable as an ELCA sister seminary with similar degree portfolio, candidacy processes, and target audience of Lutheran ministry candidates.
• United Lutheran Seminary: ELCA seminary formed from the merger of Gettysburg and Philadelphia seminaries, with campuses in Pennsylvania. Direct ELCA peer offering MDiv, MA, DMin, and TEEM pathways, sharing the same ELCA Fund for Leaders scholarship and candidacy ecosystem.
• Luther Seminary: The largest ELCA seminary, based in St. Paul, MN. Directly comparable as an ELCA-affiliated seminary offering MDiv, MA, DMin, and continuing education to Lutheran candidates, competing with LSTC for the same national ELCA candidate pool and ELCA Fund for Leaders scholarships.
• Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary: ELCA seminary affiliated with California Lutheran University, offering MDiv and MA degrees. Direct peer in denomination, degree offerings, and target candidates; competes with LSTC for West Coast and national Lutheran candidates.
• McCormick Theological Seminary: Historically Presbyterian seminary also located in Hyde Park, Chicago, that sold its own campus to the University of Chicago around the same time as LSTC. Direct peer in geography, ecumenical orientation, and the unusual experience of campus divestiture and relocation.
• Trinity Lutheran Seminary: ELCA-affiliated seminary at Capital University in Columbus, Ohio, offering MDiv and MA programs. Comparable as a smaller ELCA seminary competing for the same candidate pool and offering similar candidacy and TEEM pathways.
• Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary: United Methodist seminary on the campus of Northwestern University in Evanston, IL. Direct peer in Midwestern location, MDiv/MA/DMin portfolio, and small-seminary operating model, with overlapping continuing education and online programming.

Broad incumbents

• Princeton Theological Seminary: Large, well-endowment mainline (PCUSA) seminary offering MDiv, MA, ThM, and PhD. Broader incumbent in the same graduate theological education category, with overlapping degree programs and an established research-doctoral mission that LSTC's paused PhD reflects.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/lstchicago
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCaOHFwkYOLsta6dpga5fU4Q
• Facebookfacebook.com/58947616764
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/lutheran-school-of-theology-at-chicago
• Instagraminstagram.com/lstchicago

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago