Jewish Theological Seminary of America

50.8%Acceptance

$65,545Tuition

172Students

87%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$92,751Earnings

#24 in New YorkPrivate nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalStudy AbroadData: 2023-24Jewish

About Jewish Theological Seminary of America

The Jewish Theological Seminary trains the next generation of Conservative Jewish leaders in Manhattan. With just 172 students, this small seminary has been preparing rabbis, cantors, and Jewish scholars since 1886. The school sits in the heart of New York City, where students can access countless Jewish cultural institutions and communities. Notable graduates include biblical scholar Amy-Jill Levine and theologian Neil Gillman, who have shaped modern Jewish thought.

Students pay an average net price of $29,744 after aid, much less than the $65,545 sticker price. Graduates earn a median of $92,751 ten years after graduation, making the investment worthwhile for those entering Jewish leadership roles. Only 5.37% of students receive Pell Grants, suggesting most come from middle or upper-income families. The low percentage receiving federal aid (16.78%) reflects the specialized nature of the student body.

The 8:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate learning environment where every student gets personal attention. The school maintains a perfect 100% retention rate, meaning virtually all first-year students return for their second year. With 83.75% graduating in four years and 95.8% finding employment, JTS provides a clear path into Jewish professional life for those called to serve Jewish communities.

Academics & Faculty

Jewish Theological Seminary focuses entirely on training Conservative Jewish clergy and scholars, operating as a specialized graduate seminary rather than a traditional undergraduate college. The 8:1 student-faculty ratio means students work closely with rabbinical and academic mentors in small seminars. With only 172 students total, this institution prepares rabbis, cantors, and Jewish educators through intensive Hebrew, Talmud, and Jewish law coursework. The 83.75% four-year graduation rate reflects the demanding nature of rabbinical training, which requires mastering ancient texts alongside modern pastoral skills. Students spend years studying Jewish philosophy, liturgy, and community leadership. This is professional training for Jewish religious life, not general academic study.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 8:1
Full-Time Faculty: 49.2%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 83.8%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 86.8%
Retention Rate: 100.0%
Median Earnings (10 years): $92,751
Carnegie Classification: Associate College (High Transfer)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Religion/Religious Studies.	Doctoral	$69,338
Religion/Religious Studies.	Master	$57,318
Religion/Religious Studies.	Bachelor	$51,482

View all 9 programs →

Campus Life

The Jewish Theological Seminary sits on a compact campus in Manhattan's Morningside Heights neighborhood, just blocks from Columbia University and a short subway ride from midtown. With only 172 students total and housing capacity for 156, this feels more like a close-knit graduate program than a traditional college campus. About 91% of students can live on campus if they choose, creating a tight community where everyone knows each other.

You'll need a good winter coat for New York's cold months and layers for humid summers. The 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio means small seminars are the norm, often focusing on Jewish texts, history, and theology. Weekends blend study with exploring one of the world's great Jewish communities. Students often attend services at local synagogues, visit Jewish museums, or grab kosher food in the neighborhood. The 100% retention rate shows students rarely transfer once they arrive. This isn't a party school or a place for casual exploration. Students come here with a clear purpose: preparing for careers as rabbis, cantors, or Jewish educators in the Conservative movement.

Setting: City-Large
Housing Capacity: 156 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

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

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

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 27°–39°F
July Avg: 70°–84°F
Annual Precipitation: 49.5"
Annual Snowfall: 29.8"

Student Demographics

The Jewish Theological Seminary draws students from across the country who are serious about Conservative Jewish scholarship and religious leadership. With 172 students total and only 33% from New York, this school attracts people nationwide who want to become rabbis, cantors, or Jewish educators. The student body is 56% women, reflecting the Conservative movement's embrace of female religious leaders since the 1980s. Most students are white and Jewish, which makes sense for a seminary training Conservative Jewish clergy. The 8:1 student-faculty ratio means intense mentoring in this specialized field.

Men: 43.6%
Women: 56.4%
White: 79.7%
Black: 0.0%
Hispanic: 8.1%
Asian: 0.6%
In-State Students: 33.3%
Pell Grant Recipients: 5.4%

Location

The Jewish Theological Seminary sits in Manhattan's Morningside Heights neighborhood, sharing the area with Columbia University and other academic institutions. Just 33.33% of students come from New York state, meaning most travel from across the country to study here. The campus puts students in the heart of one of the world's largest cities, with easy access to museums, theaters, and Jewish cultural centers that complement their religious studies. The Upper West Side location means students can walk to Riverside Park along the Hudson River or take the subway anywhere in the five boroughs. Students considering colleges in New York may also compare Jewish Theological Seminary with similar schools in the region.

Address: New York, New York 10027-4649

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $92,751
Median Earnings (5 years): $93,346

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Jewish Theological Seminary of America?

The acceptance rate is 50.76%, making admission moderately selective. Students admitted typically score 1502 on the SAT, reflecting the seminary's focus on academically strong candidates preparing for Conservative Jewish leadership roles.

How much does Jewish Theological Seminary of America cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $29,744, lower than the full tuition of $65,545. Only 5.37% of students receive federal Pell Grants, indicating most come from higher-income families who can afford the specialized rabbinical education.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Jewish Theological Seminary of America?

The student-faculty ratio is 8:1, providing intensive mentorship crucial for rabbinical training. With only 172 total students, this creates an intimate learning environment where future Conservative rabbis and cantors receive personalized guidance.

What do graduates of Jewish Theological Seminary of America earn after graduation?

Graduates earn a median of $92,751 ten years after graduation with a 95.8% employment rate. The seminary has trained Conservative Jewish clergy since 1886, preparing graduates for leadership positions in synagogues and Jewish communities nationwide.

Where do students live at Jewish Theological Seminary of America?

Housing capacity is 156 students, accommodating most of the 172-student body. The campus sits in Manhattan's Morningside Heights, providing access to Columbia University's resources and New York's active Jewish cultural institutions.

Does Jewish Theological Seminary of America have high retention rates?

The retention rate is 100%, with 83.75% graduating in four years. This reflects both the school's supportive community and students' deep commitment to completing their rabbinical or cantorial studies at America's leading Conservative seminary.