In just two months Andrew Lewis has gone from running Australia's naval operations for tsunami-ravaged South Asia to deciphering ancient Greek in a Newtown library.

The 38-year-old Commander in the Royal Australian Navy is putting down his anchor for three years to study a Bachelor of Theology at Moore College.

He is one of 98 first year students entering the theological college in 2005.

The father of two was stationed in Somalia for six months in 1994, on duty in East Timor in 1999 and served in Afghanistan in 2002.

But the highlight of being on the high seas was the people he met along the way.

"When I look back at my career, the most significant moments have been relational," he says. "I've had the opportunity to make a difference to people's lives."

Andrew is a member of St Paul's, Castle Hill and will work as a catechist there for the next two years.

After completing his degree and his two years as a curate at the end of 2009, Andrew will become a chaplain to the Australian Navy, losing all his ranks and starting at the bottom of the pecking order.

Last year saw a record number of students enter and graduate from Moore College, and despite a slight dip in graduate numbers this year, Principal John Woodhouse says next year will again see a record number of graduates.

The Federal Government's new HECS-style student financial assistance program, Fee-Help, has also increased the availability of Moore College study to more people.

Dr Woodhouse expects people will be able to enter college at a younger age due to not having to save up as long to raise tuition fees.

"Fee-Help has made coming to college much more affordable to a greater number of people. It's a very positive move from the government to provide that sort of support for students in private tertiary education," he says.

As student enrolments increase, so do running costs, and Mr Woodhouse has appealed to Anglicans to help meet their budget.

The college is also receiving submissions to expand the campus in Newtown or relocate to provide for the influx of students.

"Lecture rooms are chock-a-block. The campus is as full as it can be. We are taking the first six months of this year to re-examine things," he says.