Hebrew Theological College: 71.4% Acceptance Rate

71.4%Acceptance

$14,700Tuition

81Students

73%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$33,291Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalLiberal ArtsStudy AbroadData: 2023-24Jewish

About Hebrew Theological College

Hebrew Theological College serves as both an Orthodox Jewish college and rabbinical seminary in the Chicago suburb of Skokie. The institution combines traditional Jewish religious studies with undergraduate and graduate programs for just 81 students. This dual mission creates an intimate academic environment where students can pursue both secular and religious education. The college accepts about 71% of applicants, drawing primarily from Orthodox Jewish communities across the Midwest.

Students pay an average net price of $11,197 after aid, making this one of the more affordable private college options. However, graduates face financial challenges with median earnings of $33,291 ten years after graduation. The typical graduate carries $14,000 in debt with monthly loan payments of $148. These earnings lag behind national averages, reflecting the college's focus on preparing students for careers in Jewish education and religious leadership rather than high-paying secular fields.

The student body is 61% female and 88% white, with most students coming from Illinois and surrounding states. Every student who enrolls returns for their second year, showing strong satisfaction with the program. The 5-to-1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention, though only about 32% graduate within four years as many students balance intensive religious studies with secular coursework.

Academics & Faculty

Hebrew Theological College operates as an Orthodox Jewish seminary and undergraduate institution focused on dual curriculum education. Students pursue both religious studies and secular undergraduate degrees in an intensive academic environment. The 5:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention in both Talmudic studies and liberal arts coursework. However, only 32.45% of students graduate in four years, reflecting the demanding nature of the dual curriculum program. The college is known for its rabbinical ordination programs and teacher training for Jewish day schools. Students typically balance rigorous religious scholarship with bachelor's degree requirements. The 100% retention rate indicates strong student commitment to the program despite its academic challenges.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 5:1
Full-Time Faculty: 40.6%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 32.5%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 73.1%
Retention Rate: 100.0%
Median Earnings (10 years): $33,291
Carnegie Classification: Liberal Arts College

Campus Life

This Orthodox Jewish college serves just 81 students with an intensive 5:1 student-faculty ratio. The Skokie campus sits 15 miles north of downtown Chicago, putting students close enough for weekend trips to the city while maintaining a suburban setting. Only 11.88% of students receive federal Pell Grants, reflecting the school's specialized religious mission rather than broad economic diversity.

With housing for 120 students but total enrollment under 100, most students can live on campus if they choose. The semester calendar balances rigorous Talmudic study with undergraduate coursework. Students spend long hours in the beit midrash (study hall) engaging in traditional Jewish learning methods like chavruta (paired study). The 100% retention rate suggests students find their niche in this tight-knit community.

Chicago winters demand heavy coats and boots for the snowy months from December through March. The school's Orthodox environment means Shabbat observance shapes weekend rhythms, with communal meals and prayer services central to campus life. Students often continue religious discussions that began in formal classes.

Setting: City-Small
Housing Capacity: 120 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

1 total reported incident. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Motor Vehicle Theft	1	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 16°–32°F
July Avg: 63°–83°F
Annual Precipitation: 39.5"
Annual Snowfall: 33.6"

Student Demographics

Hebrew Theological College draws primarily from Illinois, with 87.5% of students coming from in-state. The student body is 60.5% women and 39.5% men, reflecting the school's dual focus on rabbinical training and undergraduate programs that attract students across gender lines. Nearly 90% of students are white, consistent with the Orthodox Jewish community the college serves. Only 11.9% receive Pell Grants, indicating most students come from middle to upper-middle-class families within the Orthodox community. The small enrollment of 81 students creates an intimate learning environment centered on Jewish scholarship and tradition.

Men: 39.5%
Women: 60.5%
White: 88.9%
Black: 0.0%
Hispanic: 2.5%
Asian: 0.0%
In-State Students: 87.5%
Pell Grant Recipients: 11.9%

Location

Hebrew Theological College sits in Skokie, Illinois, just 15 miles north of downtown Chicago. The school draws 87.50% of its students from in-state, reflecting strong ties to the local Jewish community. Skokie is a diverse suburb known for its significant Jewish population and proximity to Lake Michigan beaches. Students can easily access Chicago's cultural attractions, internships, and job opportunities via the CTA. The college's small city setting provides a tight-knit community feel while maintaining urban conveniences. With only 81 enrolled students, the intimate campus contrasts sharply with the bustling metropolitan area nearby. Students considering colleges in Illinois may also compare Hebrew Theological College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Skokie, Illinois 60077

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $33,291
Median Earnings (5 years): $47,563
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $25,800
Monthly Loan Payment: $148/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $14,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Hebrew Theological College?

Hebrew Theological College accepts 71.43% of applicants, reflecting its role as a specialized Orthodox Jewish institution. The 5:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate learning environment for the 81 enrolled students.

How much does Hebrew Theological College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $11,197 annually, below the $31,124 total cost of attendance. Only 11.88% receive federal financial aid, as many families handle costs privately within the Orthodox community.

What makes the academics unique at Hebrew Theological College?

The college combines traditional Orthodox Jewish religious studies with undergraduate and graduate programs in a dual-curriculum approach. Students benefit from an exceptionally low 5:1 student-faculty ratio that enables intensive Torah study alongside secular academics.

How do graduates of Hebrew Theological College perform financially?

Alumni earn a median of $33,291 ten years after graduation, with typical monthly loan payments of just $148. The 73.10% six-year graduation rate reflects the school's commitment to helping students complete their religious and academic studies.

Where do students live at Hebrew Theological College?

The campus housing capacity serves 120 students, more than the current enrollment of 81. Located in Skokie, Illinois, the small-city setting provides access to Chicago's larger Orthodox Jewish community while maintaining a focused academic environment.

Is Hebrew Theological College primarily for men or women?

Women make up 60.49% of the student body while men comprise 39.51%, reflecting the school's co-educational Orthodox approach. The 100% retention rate shows students find the religious and academic combination meets their expectations.