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Cheapest Religion/Religious Studies Colleges in New York

Ranked by lowest net price after financial aid. See our methodology.

New York's most affordable Religion/Religious Studies programs reveal a striking divide between Orthodox Jewish seminaries and public colleges, with net costs ranging from just $1,525 at Talmudical Seminary of Bobov to $5,881 across 20 institutions. The Talmudical Seminary of Bobov leads with the lowest net price, though its 43% graduation rate contrasts sharply with CUNY Baruch College's impressive 72.1% completion rate at a net cost of $2,978. Several yeshivas report graduation rates below 20%, while CUNY schools consistently maintain rates above 49%. New York's religious studies graduates find opportunities in the state's extensive network of religious organizations, interfaith nonprofits, and cultural institutions, particularly in Manhattan where major religious denominations maintain headquarters and the city's 8.3 million residents represent nearly every faith tradition worldwide.
50
Programs
$1,525 – $17,622
Net Price Range
$14,972
Avg. Program Earnings
44.0%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Religion/Religious Studies Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $1,525 $13,200 43.0% 91.9%
2 $2,060 $14,000 33.3%
3 $2,446 $7,382 61.0% 47.9%
4 $2,943 $7,452 56.6% 54.5%
5 $2,978 $7,464 72.1% 49.5%
6 $3,074 $12,800 46.9%
7 $3,482 $7,410 49.3% 55.3%
8 $3,755 $16,975 8.1%
9 $3,830 $7,538 60.2% 69.5%
10 $3,964 $10,800 19.2% 95.6%
11 $4,382 $10,700 52.2% 92.1%
12 $4,479 $6,150 16.7% 100.0%
13 $4,596 $12,000 35.0% 86.2%
14 $4,843 $12,300 53.0%
15 $5,023 $15,000 78.4%
16 $5,360 $13,950 33.3% 92.5%
17 $5,800 $12,380 80.0% 100.0%
18 $5,815 $9,900 69.5% 89.1%
19 $5,823 $14,000 18.2%
20 $5,881 $7,352 22.3% 87.7%
21 $6,147 $9,000 51.5%
22 $6,253 $10,290 34.1% 100.0%
23 $6,266 $9,200 5.3% 31.8%
24 $6,465 $8,640 65.1% 78.0%
25 $6,500 $14,133 56.9%
26 $7,125 $10,040 17.6% 57.8%
27 $7,356 $21,000 34.6%
28 $7,784 $8,600 66.7% 64.0%
29 $7,975 $10,750 6.1% 100.0%
30 $8,174 $8,000 14.0% 78.3%
31 $8,328 $13,500 27.9% 95.0%
32 $8,602 $21,000 12.3%
33 $8,751 $10,100 75.0% 58.3%
34 $8,943 $10,000 97.1%
35 $9,215 $9,600 38.1% 52.3%
36 $9,400 $11,150 53.3% 66.7%
37 $9,683 $10,880 50.0% 58.8%
38 $9,757 $12,700 18.2% 64.4%
39 $10,079 $11,500 61.5%
40 $10,373 $13,560 16.7% 61.9%
41 $10,500 $9,400 12.5% 100.0%
42 $10,768 $12,600 49.2% 56.0%
43 $11,229 $16,150 45.5% 87.5%
44 $11,537 $10,550 27.3% 100.0%
45 $11,588 $12,300 85.7% 82.4%
46 $11,600 $11,700 100.0%
47 $11,613 $19,200 54.5% 75.6%
48 $11,641 $12,500 63.8% 80.0%
49 $15,444 $13,000 40.0%
50 $17,622 $34,535 64.2% 76.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $4,356 cost difference between the cheapest and most expensive programs?

The gap reflects institutional type differences, with Orthodox yeshivas like Talmudical Seminary of Bobov at $1,525 serving specific religious communities, while some private seminaries reach $5,881. CUNY schools cluster between $2,446 and $3,830, benefiting from state funding. Private religious institutions often provide substantial aid to students from their communities, creating these unusually low net prices.

How do graduation rates vary between different types of religious institutions?

CUNY schools show consistently higher completion rates, with Baruch at 72.1% and Hunter at 61%, while several yeshivas struggle with rates below 20%. Yeshiva Shaar Ephraim graduates only 8.1% of students, and Rabbinical Academy Mesivta Rabbi Chaim Berlin manages just 19.2%. These differences often reflect different educational models and student populations rather than program quality.

Is earning potential limited for Religion/Religious Studies graduates in New York?

Early career earnings range from $10,673 to $19,794 among reporting schools, with Bet Medrash Gadol Ateret Torah graduates earning the highest at $19,794 annually. These figures represent starting salaries and may not reflect long-term earning potential in religious leadership, education, or nonprofit work. Many graduates pursue advanced degrees in theology, counseling, or social work before entering their primary careers.

Does the high acceptance rate at religious seminaries indicate lower academic standards?

Most Orthodox seminaries maintain acceptance rates above 86%, with Talmudical Institute of Upstate New York accepting 100% of applicants, while CUNY schools range from 47.86% to 69.48%. These differences reflect mission rather than rigor, as many seminaries serve specific religious communities and evaluate candidates on religious commitment alongside academics. CUNY schools face broader applicant pools and space constraints.

Where do Religion/Religious Studies graduates find employment in New York?

New York's extensive religious infrastructure supports careers in congregational leadership, interfaith dialogue organizations, and religious education across all five boroughs. The state hosts headquarters for major denominations, hundreds of houses of worship, and significant Jewish, Catholic, and Islamic institutions. Graduates also find opportunities in nonprofit organizations, chaplaincy programs at hospitals and universities, and social service agencies with religious affiliations throughout the metropolitan area.

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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.