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70.5%Acceptance
$8,100Tuition
125Students
32%Grad Rate (6-yr)
Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Bais Medrash Toras Chesed

This Orthodox Jewish seminary in Lakewood serves 125 men dedicated to intensive Talmudic study and rabbinic training. The yeshiva accepts about 71% of applicants who seek traditional Jewish scholarship in one of America's largest Orthodox communities. Students immerse themselves in classical Jewish texts while preparing for careers in religious leadership and education.

The financial picture tells an interesting story about value in religious education. Students typically pay around $6,505 after aid, making this one of the more affordable paths to higher education. Five years after graduation, median earnings reach $123,565, suggesting strong career outcomes for those entering religious professions or related fields. About 32% of students receive Pell Grants, and the school keeps total costs low with $4,400 room and board.

The student body reflects the institution's mission with 100% male enrollment and strong retention at 88%. However, graduation rates present a challenge, with only 38% completing degrees in four years and 32% in six years. This likely reflects the unique nature of rabbinical studies, where some students may transfer to other yeshivas or enter religious careers before formal graduation. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio ensures close mentoring in this specialized academic environment.

Academics & Faculty

This Orthodox Jewish seminary dedicates itself entirely to Talmudic study and rabbinic training in the heart of Lakewood's thriving yeshiva community. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio allows for intensive one-on-one learning sessions called chavruta, where students pair up to analyze sacred texts. Only 37.74% graduate in four years, which reflects the school's rigorous approach to mastering complex rabbinical literature rather than rushing through coursework. Students spend their days immersed in traditional Jewish learning methods that have remained unchanged for centuries. The curriculum focuses exclusively on Torah study, Talmud analysis, and Jewish law preparation for future religious leadership roles.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
16:1
Graduation Rate (4-year)
37.7%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
32.1%
Retention Rate
87.9%
Carnegie Classification
Associate College (High Transfer)

Campus Life

This all-male Orthodox Jewish seminary houses its entire enrollment of 125 students on campus in Lakewood, a growing Orthodox community about 60 miles south of New York City. The student body is entirely white and follows a traditional yeshiva structure focused on intensive Talmudic study. You'll need winter coats for New Jersey's cold seasons, with snow common from December through February.

Daily life revolves around rigorous Torah study sessions that can last 12-14 hours. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio allows for close mentorship with rabbinical instructors. Students wake before dawn for morning prayers, then spend most daylight hours in the study hall analyzing ancient texts with learning partners. The $4,400 room and board cost reflects modest dormitory living typical of Orthodox seminaries. Weekends center on Sabbath observance rather than typical college social activities. Only 31.82% receive federal financial aid, as many families prioritize religious education despite the financial sacrifice. Despite the low 32.10% six-year graduation rate, graduates earn a median of $123,565 within five years, often entering rabbinic or religious leadership roles.
Setting
City-Small
Housing Capacity
125 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg
21°–41°F
July Avg
64°–85°F
Annual Precipitation
52.0"
Annual Snowfall
23.7"

Student Demographics

This all-male Orthodox Jewish seminary draws dedicated students from across the country for intensive Talmudic study. About 40% of the 125 students come from New Jersey, while the majority travel from other states to study in Lakewood's well-known yeshiva community. Nearly one-third receive Pell Grants, reflecting the school's commitment to making religious education accessible regardless of economic background. The student body consists entirely of Orthodox Jewish men pursuing rabbinic ordination and advanced Torah scholarship. Students typically view their time here as preparation for religious leadership roles within Orthodox communities nationwide.
Men
100.0%
Women
0.0%
White
100.0%
Black
0.0%
Hispanic
0.0%
Asian
0.0%
In-State Students
40.7%
Pell Grant Recipients
31.8%

Location

Bais Medrash Toras Chesed sits in Lakewood, New Jersey, about 60 miles south of New York City. The school draws students from across the region, with 40.74% coming from in-state. Lakewood has become the heart of one of America's largest Orthodox Jewish communities outside New York. The township transformed from a small resort town into a major center for Torah study over the past several decades. Multiple yeshivas and Jewish institutions call this area home. The community provides extensive kosher dining, religious services, and cultural amenities that support Orthodox Jewish life. Students considering colleges in New Jersey may also compare Bais Medrash Toras Chesed with similar schools in the region.
Address
Lakewood, New Jersey 08701

After College

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

Median Earnings (5 years)
$123,565

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Bais Medrash Toras Chesed?

The acceptance rate is 70.51%, making admission fairly accessible for students committed to Orthodox Jewish study. This Orthodox Jewish yeshiva in Lakewood focuses specifically on Talmudic study and rabbinic training for serious religious scholars.

How much does Bais Medrash Toras Chesed cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $6,505 annually, lower than the sticker price of $12,900. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $2,000 net, reflecting the institution's commitment to making religious education accessible.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Bais Medrash Toras Chesed?

The student-faculty ratio is 16:1 among the 125 enrolled students. This intimate learning environment supports the traditional yeshiva model of intensive Torah and Talmudic study with close mentorship from rabbinical faculty.

What are the graduation rates at Bais Medrash Toras Chesed?

The 4-year graduation rate is 37.74% and the 6-year rate is 32.10%. Despite these lower traditional metrics, graduates earn a median of $123,565 five years after graduation, reflecting the specialized nature of rabbinic careers and community leadership roles.

Does Bais Medrash Toras Chesed provide on-campus housing?

The school has housing capacity for all 125 students at just $4,400 annually for room and board. This residential component is essential to the yeshiva experience, fostering continuous religious study and community life in Lakewood's Orthodox Jewish center.

Is Bais Medrash Toras Chesed exclusively for men?

Yes, 100% of students are men, reflecting traditional Orthodox Jewish educational practices. The school serves exclusively white students within the Orthodox Jewish community, with 40.74% coming from New Jersey and the remainder from other states.