Near record enrollment fuels changes at Grace College

WINONA LAKE, Ind. (Inside INdiana Business) — The 2020 class at Grace College is the second-largest in school history and leaders say the increase has led to more diversified accelerated master’s degree programs and a new partnership with Purdue University. Grace’s incoming class is 13% larger than last year and totals 1,901 students this semester. 

President Dr. Bill Katip says the college’s path forward involves new advanced degrees.

“We see it necessary to continue to invest in and diversify our accelerated master’s degree offerings. In light of the economic challenges, we are giving our graduates every advantage in the marketplace that we can. We want to develop service-oriented leaders with a high level of competence regardless of the field they pursue, from business to education, ministry to the arts and sciences,” said Katip.

Grace will start a partnership with Purdue in Spring 2021 through a consortium agreement to allow Grace students to earn online credits toward a master’s degree at Purdue. Grace Theological Seminary is also offering a new Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degree programs. 

Katip says several traditional undergraduate programs have new features this fall, including the Department of Engineering and the Exercise Science Program’s new equipment, which includes a Haas Mini-Mill, otherwise known as a computer numerical control machine. 

“In addition to these growing numbers, thriving programs, and new initiatives, we continue to hear stories of our graduates leading lives of purpose even in unfavorable circumstances,” said Katip. “These stories provide assurance that our mission matters and there is hope in our journey.”