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69Students
31%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$61,954Earnings
Private nonprofit4-yearLiberal ArtsData: 2023-24Jewish

About American Jewish University

American Jewish University focuses intensively on Jewish studies and preparing future leaders for Jewish education and community work. With just 69 students enrolled, this small Los Angeles institution offers an intimate academic environment where nearly every student receives personalized attention. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio ensures close mentorship as students dive deep into Jewish texts, history, and contemporary issues. The university has built its reputation around training rabbis, educators, and nonprofit professionals who go on to serve Jewish communities worldwide.

Only 11.90% of students receive federal financial aid, suggesting most families pay close to full price for this specialized education. Graduates earn a median of $41,844 five years after completing their degrees and $61,954 after ten years. These earnings reflect the university's focus on service-oriented careers in education and religious leadership rather than high-paying corporate roles. The 50% loan repayment rate indicates some graduates struggle with debt relative to their earnings in the nonprofit sector.

The student body is overwhelmingly female at 95.65%, reflecting the university's strong programs in Jewish education where women increasingly serve as teachers and community leaders. With a 30.80% six-year graduation rate, students should expect rigorous academic demands in this specialized field of study.

Academics & Faculty

American Jewish University centers its academic mission on Jewish studies, education, and community leadership training. With just 69 students total, the 10:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intensely personal learning environment where professors know every student by name. The university specializes in preparing future Jewish educators, rabbis, and community leaders through programs deeply rooted in Jewish scholarship and tradition. However, the 30.80% six-year graduation rate suggests students face significant challenges completing their degrees. The small size means limited course offerings but maximum individualized attention. Students here aren't just studying Jewish texts and history, they're training to preserve and transmit Jewish culture to future generations through careers in synagogues, schools, and community organizations.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
10:1
Full-Time Faculty
100.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
37.8%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
30.8%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$61,954
Carnegie Classification
Liberal Arts College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Theological and Ministerial Studies. Master $94,408

View all 22 programs →

Campus Life

American Jewish University sits on a compact 24-acre campus in the Bel-Air neighborhood of Los Angeles. You'll need sunscreen year-round as temperatures rarely drop below 50 degrees. The campus is about 15 minutes from UCLA and 30 minutes from downtown LA.

With only 69 students total, you'll know everyone on campus within your first semester. Women make up 95.65% of the student body, creating a unique campus active. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio means professors will notice if you skip class. Most students commute from the broader LA area rather than living on campus.

The school focuses heavily on Jewish studies and preparing students for careers in Jewish education. Students often spend weekends at local synagogues, Jewish cultural events throughout LA, or exploring the city's beaches and entertainment districts. The Lions may be the team nickname, but don't expect packed stadiums. Campus life revolves more around study groups, Shabbat dinners, and community service projects. Many students work part-time jobs in Jewish education while completing their degrees.
Setting
City-Large
Calendar System
Semester
Founded
1947

Campus Safety (2023)

8 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Aggravated Assault 5 0 0 0
Rape 2 0 0 0
Motor Vehicle Theft 1 0 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
52°–66°F
July Avg
59°–80°F
Annual Precipitation
18.2"
Annual Snowfall
0.0"

Student Demographics

American Jewish University draws students primarily interested in Jewish studies and community leadership careers. Women make up 96% of the student body, reflecting the school's strong programs in Jewish education where women often pursue teaching and administrative roles. The diverse ethnic composition includes significant Hispanic and Black representation alongside Jewish students, showing the university's appeal beyond traditional Jewish communities. With only 69 total students, everyone knows each other well. The 12% Pell Grant rate indicates most families can afford private tuition, though the small size limits financial aid distribution.
Men
4.4%
Women
95.7%
White
56.5%
Black
10.1%
Hispanic
17.4%
Asian
2.9%
Pell Grant Recipients
11.9%

Location

American Jewish University sits in Los Angeles, one of the nation's largest metropolitan areas with over 4 million residents. The campus operates within a sprawling urban environment known for its entertainment industry, diverse communities, and year-round Mediterranean climate. Los Angeles offers extensive internship and career opportunities across multiple sectors, from media and technology to nonprofit organizations. The city's significant Jewish population of approximately 600,000 provides a rich cultural context for the university's mission. Students have access to beaches, mountains, and desert within driving distance. The urban setting contrasts sharply with the intimate campus environment of just 69 students. Students considering colleges in California may also compare American Jewish University with similar schools in the region.
Address
Los Angeles, California 90077-1519
American Jewish University campus
American Jewish University campus
American Jewish University campus

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years)
$61,954
Median Earnings (5 years)
$41,844
Loan Repayment Rate
50.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the student body like at American Jewish University?

The university enrolls just 69 students, creating an intimate academic environment. Women make up 95.65% of the student body, reflecting the school's focus on Jewish education and community leadership programs that historically attract female students.

How much financial aid do students receive at American Jewish University?

Only 11.90% of students receive financial aid, which is unusually low for private universities. The school's specialized mission in Jewish studies means it attracts students from specific communities who may have alternative funding sources.

What are the academics like at American Jewish University?

Students benefit from a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention in small classes. The university specializes in Jewish studies and prepares graduates for careers in Jewish education and community leadership roles.

What are the graduation outcomes at American Jewish University?

The four-year graduation rate stands at 37.84%, while the six-year rate reaches 30.80%. Despite these challenges, graduates earn a median of $61,954 ten years after graduation, reflecting the specialized nature of Jewish community leadership careers.

Where is American Jewish University located?

The campus sits in Los Angeles, providing students access to one of the largest Jewish communities in America. The large city setting offers extensive internship and career opportunities in Jewish organizations and cultural institutions.

Is American Jewish University a religious institution?

Yes, it maintains a Jewish religious affiliation and was founded in 1947 to serve the Jewish community. The school's mission centers on Jewish education and preparing students for leadership roles within Jewish organizations and communities.