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Best Value Religion/Religious Studies Colleges in New York

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

New York's religious studies programs reveal a striking economic divide between traditional yeshivas and secular institutions. At the Talmudical Seminary of Bobov, students pay just $1,525 net annually but earn $10,673 after graduation, while Jewish Theological Seminary graduates command $51,482 despite the $29,744 net cost. This gap reflects different career trajectories within New York's religious market, where the state houses major interfaith organizations, theological institutions, and nonprofits serving varied communities from Wall Street chaplaincy programs to Brooklyn's Orthodox enclaves. The graduation rate spread tells another story, ranging from 22% at CUNY Medgar Evers to 87% at Jewish Theological Seminary. Public options like CUNY Hunter College offer middle-ground value at $2,446 net cost, while Fordham University represents the premium secular path at $42,581. Students choosing religious studies in New York must weigh traditional seminary training against broader academic preparation for careers in education, social services, and religious leadership across the state's incredibly varied faith communities.
50
Programs
$1,525 – $47,560
Net Price Range
$20,164
Avg. Program Earnings
54.0%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Religion/Religious Studies Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $1,525 $10,673 $13,200 43.0% 91.9%
2 $4,382 $19,794 $10,700 52.2% 92.1%
3 $5,023 $18,074 $15,000 78.4%
4 $5,815 $16,323 $9,900 69.5% 89.1%
5 $4,843 $13,380 $12,300 53.0%
6 $6,500 $13,599 $14,133 56.9%
7 $29,744 $51,482 $65,545 86.8% 50.8%
8 $15,444 $12,961 $13,000 40.0%
9 $42,581 $25,194 $61,992 80.3% 54.1%
10 $20,466 $9,600 9.5% 64.3%
11 $5,823 $14,000 18.2%
12 $9,757 $12,700 18.2% 64.4%
13 $2,060 $14,000 33.3%
14 $38,182 $67,805 89.1% 18.7%
15 $36,000 $66,456 85.3% 46.5%
16 $26,556 $21,810 65.0% 71.3%
17 $10,079 $11,500 61.5%
18 $4,479 $6,150 16.7% 100.0%
19 $8,174 $8,000 14.0% 78.3%
20 $41,026 $63,061 81.4% 51.8%
21 $18,430 $10,560 77.8% 49.1%
22 $20,470 $10,782 73.4% 67.7%
23 $21,364 $10,363 83.6% 41.8%
24 $18,486 $10,408 63.9% 67.9%
25 $28,150 $39,666 74.4% 73.1%
26 $17,622 $34,535 64.2% 76.7%
27 $34,581 $65,030 81.7% 25.5%
28 $32,697 $44,405 75.8% 80.4%
29 $11,600 $11,700 100.0%
30 $10,500 $9,400 12.5% 100.0%
31 $24,711 $11,000 85.7% 100.0%
32 $7,356 $21,000 34.6%
33 $5,800 $12,380 80.0% 100.0%
34 $8,602 $21,000 12.3%
35 $7,784 $8,600 66.7% 64.0%
36 $11,588 $12,300 85.7% 82.4%
37 $11,537 $10,550 27.3% 100.0%
38 $3,755 $16,975 8.1%
39 $10,768 $12,600 49.2% 56.0%
40 $7,975 $10,750 6.1% 100.0%
41 $11,613 $19,200 54.5% 75.6%
42 $6,147 $9,000 51.5%
43 $9,215 $9,600 38.1% 52.3%
44 $18,970 $10,800 71.2% 71.7%
45 $7,125 $10,040 17.6% 57.8%
46 $6,266 $9,200 5.3% 31.8%
47 $6,465 $8,640 65.1% 78.0%
48 $30,561 $63,870 79.7% 63.5%
49 $9,683 $10,880 50.0% 58.8%
50 $47,560 $49,900 83.7% 63.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the huge earnings gap between different religious studies programs in New York?

Career paths vary dramatically between institutions, creating earnings that range from $10,673 to $51,482 annually. Traditional yeshivas like Talmudical Seminary of Bobov typically prepare students for Orthodox Jewish community roles, while Jewish Theological Seminary graduates often pursue higher-paying positions in interfaith work, academia, or nonprofit leadership. The difference also reflects geographic factors, as graduates working in Manhattan's financial district chaplaincy or major nonprofits earn more than those serving local religious communities.

How do public CUNY schools compare to private religious institutions for value?

CUNY schools offer the lowest net costs, with Hunter College at just $2,446 and Brooklyn College at $2,943 annually. However, graduation rates vary significantly, from 22% at Medgar Evers to 61% at Hunter College. Private yeshivas often cost less than expected due to substantial financial aid, with several charging under $6,000 net annually. The choice depends on whether students want broad liberal arts training or specialized religious education.

Is Fordham University worth the $42,581 annual cost for religious studies?

Fordham's high cost reflects its position as a research university with broad career preparation beyond traditional religious roles. Graduates earn $25,194 annually with an 80% graduation rate, but also carry $25,247 in average debt. Students choosing Fordham typically seek careers requiring broader academic credentials, such as teaching, social work, or graduate school preparation. The Jesuit institution's Manhattan location provides access to internships and networking opportunities unavailable at smaller religious schools.

Does acceptance rate indicate program quality in New York religious studies?

Acceptance rates span from 40% at Yeshiva Shaarei Torah to 100% at Bais Medrash of Dexter Park, but selectivity doesn't always correlate with outcomes. Jewish Theological Seminary accepts 51% of applicants yet produces the highest-earning graduates at $51,482 annually. Many yeshivas maintain high acceptance rates because they serve specific communities rather than compete broadly. The 87% graduation rate at Bais Medrash suggests that institutional support matters more than selectivity for student success.

Where do religious studies graduates find work in New York's job market?

New York's religious diversity creates unique opportunities across interfaith organizations, hospital chaplaincy programs, and community nonprofits throughout the five boroughs. The state hosts major religious institutions, from the Union Theological Seminary to Buddhist and Islamic centers, requiring trained religious professionals. Educational roles abound in the extensive network of religious schools, while social service organizations value graduates' cultural competency. Many also pursue graduate study in theology, social work, or counseling to expand career options within the region's competitive job market.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.