Church Seminary and Institute Enrollment Tops 1 Million

The 'unprecedented milestone' comes as the church's religious education program celebrates its centennial year.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 9:49pm

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An abstract, impressionistic photograph showing the blurred silhouettes of several young people gathered around a table in a softly lit room, the scene rendered in a hazy, dreamlike palette of warm colors.The church's religious education programs have fostered a sense of community and spiritual growth for over 1 million students worldwide.Salt Lake City Today

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced that enrollment in its Seminaries and Institutes of Religion programs has surpassed 1 million worldwide, including around 75,000 people of other faiths. This milestone comes as the church's religious education program marks 100 years of providing free scripture study classes for youth and young adults.

Why it matters

The growth in seminary and institute enrollment reflects the church's emphasis on gathering and inviting others to learn about Jesus Christ. The programs are open to all faiths and provide an opportunity for young people to deepen their spiritual understanding and connection to the church.

The details

In seminary, youth ages 14 through 18 meet with teachers each weekday during the school year to study scripture. Young adults between the ages of 18 and 30 are invited to enroll in institute classes, which cover a range of gospel topics and typically meet once or twice a week. Enrollment has increased in recent years, with nearly 200,000 new students joining in the past two years alone.

  • The church announced the 1 million enrollment milestone on March 30, 2026.
  • Institutes of Religion is celebrating 100 years of its religious education programs this year.

The players

Chad H. Webb

Administrator of Seminaries and Institutes of Religion for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Dallin H. Oaks

President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who extended an invitation to young people to make institute a priority.

Poda Diornité

The French region director of Seminaries and Institute for the Africa West Area of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

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What they’re saying

“We are deeply grateful for parents, leaders, instructors, and especially our youth and young adults who are inviting others to learn about Jesus Christ. We express our sincere gratitude to the Lord and to devoted disciples around the world for their love, their invitations, and their ministering efforts that are helping to gather and teach His children.”

— Chad H. Webb, Administrator of Seminaries and Institutes of Religion

“My dear young adults, in a day of noise and confusion, I invite you to consistently attend institute. I also encourage you to invite friends to share in these same blessings. I promise that your time in institute will bring the Savior's peace, joy and divine love.”

— Dallin H. Oaks, President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

The takeaway

The growth in seminary and institute enrollment highlights the church's commitment to providing spiritual education and community for youth and young adults, as well as its efforts to invite people of all faiths to learn about Jesus Christ. The milestone reflects the enduring value of the church's religious education programs, which have served as a cornerstone of faith formation for generations.