Accreditation
The Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools and the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). More information about accreditation here.
Consumer and Safety Information
LSTC posts policies and procedures related to consumer and safety information in compliance with federal regulations. These policies and procedures are described:
- Academic Catalog, All Students Handbook, and Degree Program Manuals
- Title IX Information
- Campus Security and Fire Report
- Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA): Contact Chris Huang, Director of Institutional Effectiveness and Registrar for information. FERPA information is also posted here.
Emergency Financial Aid Grants through CARES Act
The Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago acknowledges that the institution signed and returned to the Department the Certification and Agreement and the assurance that the institution has used, or intends to use, no less than 50 percent of the funds received under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students.
The Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago received $11,203 in funds from the Department pursuant to the institution’s Certification and Agreement for Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students.
A total of $4,840 in Emergency Financial Aid Grants have been distributed to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act as of the date of submission (of the latest report available).
105 students at the institution are or could be eligible to participate in the Federal student financial aid programs under Section 484 of the Higher Education Actof 1965, as amended, and thus are eligible to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act.
10 students who have received an Emergency Financial Aid Grant to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act.
Emergency Financial Aid Grants are distributed based on need, which is determined on a student by student basis.
For further information, please email Scott Chalmers, Dean of Student Services, at schalmers@lstc.edu.
Please find LSTC's report for the first quarter: Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting under CARES Act Sections 18004(a)(1) Institutional Portion, 18004(a)(2), and 18004(a)(3)
Student Complaints
LSTC is committed to providing a positive educational experience for our students. Enrolled and prospective students can file a complaint related to the accrediting standards, ecclesiastical commitments and/or applicable state or federal laws and regulations with the Dean of Student Services:
Dean of Student Services
Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago
1100 East 55th St.
Chicago, IL 60615
773.256.0685
schalmers@lstc.edu
LSTC also operates in compliance with the Illinois Board of Higher Education. Register an institutional complaint with the Illinois Board of Higher Education here:
http://complaints.ibhe.org
Once the complaint is filed, the Dean of Student Services will follow the grievance policy as outlined in the All Students Handbook. The complaint will be shared with the Director of Human Resources for submission to the appropriate agency (ATS, HLC, ELCA, state of IL or the federal government). Both the Dean of Student Services and the Director of Human Resources will maintain a record of the formal complaints. The Director of Human Resources will maintain the outcomes of any review completed by an outside agency.
Student Diversity
To obtain a copy of the report on student diversity contact Scott Chalmers at schalmers@lstc.edu.
Graduation Rates
For students who enrolled and graduated from the same degree program (transfers between degree programs not counted). Time intervals defined by the Association of Theological Schools.
Master of Divinity Graduation rate within six years of enrollment: 73% (2019 -2020), 80% (2018-2019) and 100% (2017-2018)
Master of Arts in Ministry Graduation rate within four years of enrollment: 50% (2019-2020), 50% (2018-2019) and 43% (2017-2018)* *Includes affiliate or Lutheran Year students, some who choose not to receive a degree
Master of Arts (Theological Studies) Graduation rate within four years of enrollment: 33% (2019-2020), 50% (2018-2019) and 40% (2017-2018)
Doctor of Ministry Graduation rate within six years of enrollment: Not reported (2019-2020), 70% (2018-2019) and 80% (2017-2018)
Master of Theology Graduation rate within two years of enrollment: 75% (2019-2020), 100% (2018-2019) and 72% (2017-2018)* *Does not include students who completed ThM requirements in the process of obtaining a PhD
Doctor of Philosophy Graduation rate within eight years of enrollment: 50% (2019-2020), 67% (2018-2019) and 45% (2017-2018)
Vocational Placement Rates
For graduates serving in positions for which the degree program prepared them. Includes graduates placed prior to graduation or within 12-18 months of graduation.
Master of Divinity: 100% (2017) and 100% (2016)
Master of Arts in Ministry: 50% (2017) and 50% (2016)
Master of Arts (Theological Studies): 33% (2017) and 50% (2016)
Doctor of Ministry: placed prior to enrollment
Master of Theology: 0% (2017) and 6% (2016); 100% (2017) and 88% (2016) pursued higher study
Doctor of Philosophy: 83% (2017) and 67% (2016)