Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $4,382 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $17,528 |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 52.2% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,149/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $4,200/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $4,200/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $4,740/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Religion/Religious Studies. | Bachelor | $19,794 |
The Risk Factor
52.2% of students at Bet Medrash Gadol Ateret Torah graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Bet Medrash Gadol Ateret Torah offers an unusually low cost of attendance but with concerning earnings outcomes that make the financial case complicated. Your net price of $4,382 annually puts total education costs well below most alternatives, but graduates in the school's primary program earn just $19,794 per year.
The school's focus on religious studies creates a narrow career path that typically leads to roles in religious education, community leadership, or rabbinical positions. These careers emphasize spiritual fulfillment over financial compensation, which explains the low earnings data. If your primary goal is maximizing income, this program will disappoint you financially.
The 52% graduation rate signals academic or financial challenges that prevent nearly half of students from completing their degrees. Combined with the specialized curriculum, this creates risk that you could leave without credentials that transfer easily to other career paths.
This school makes financial sense if you're committed to a religious vocation and value the extremely low cost structure. The 58% of students receiving financial aid suggests additional support may be available to reduce costs further. Your four-year investment could total under $18,000, making it one of the cheapest bachelor's degrees available.
You should look elsewhere if you need higher earnings to support a family or pay off existing debt. The earning potential simply won't cover substantial financial obligations. However, if you're called to religious service and want to minimize educational debt, the low cost structure provides a path to credentials without the financial burden that burdens graduates of more expensive programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bet Medrash Gadol Ateret Torah worth the cost for career prospects?
The school's religious studies program leads to median earnings of $19,794, which is extremely low compared to most college programs. With a 52% graduation rate, many students don't complete their degree, making the financial investment risky even at the low net price of $4,382 per year.
What is the ROI for Bet Medrash Gadol Ateret Torah graduates?
The return on investment is poor for traditional career metrics, with graduates earning under $20,000 annually. However, students typically attend for religious education rather than financial gain, so ROI depends entirely on whether you value the religious training over earning potential.
Does Bet Medrash Gadol Ateret Torah provide good financial aid?
The net price of $4,382 per year suggests decent financial aid, making the school affordable upfront. However, the low graduation rate means many students may not complete their studies despite the lower cost.
What debt risk comes with attending Bet Medrash Gadol Ateret Torah?
The low annual cost reduces debt risk compared to expensive private colleges. The bigger risk is the 48% chance of not graduating and the very limited earning potential even for those who do complete the program.