Presbyterian Theological Seminary in America: $8,839 Tuition

$8,839Tuition

38Students

80%Grad Rate (6-yr)

Private nonprofit4-yearData: 2023-24Presbyterian Church (USA)

About Presbyterian Theological Seminary in America

This intimate theological seminary trains Korean-American ministers and church leaders in the Presbyterian tradition. With just 38 students, Presbyterian Theological Seminary offers an strongly close-knit learning environment in the Los Angeles suburb of Santa Fe Springs. The school maintains a 6:1 student-faculty ratio that enables intensive mentoring and personalized theological education. Nearly 58% of students are Asian, reflecting the seminary's strong roots in serving Korean immigrant communities across the West Coast.

Tuition runs $8,839 annually regardless of residency status, making this one of the most affordable seminary options in California. About 47% of students receive financial aid, with the same percentage qualifying for federal Pell Grants. Only 11% receive institutional grants averaging $5,600, but the low base tuition keeps costs manageable for most students. The school reports an 80% six-year graduation rate despite serving many working adults balancing ministry responsibilities.

Women comprise 63% of the student body, reflecting broader trends toward female leadership in Presbyterian churches. The semester calendar accommodates students who may be serving part-time pastoral roles while completing their degrees. Only 3% of students take federal loans, suggesting either strong family support or the affordability of the program compared to other graduate theological education.

Academics & Faculty

This theological seminary focuses exclusively on training Presbyterian ministers and religious leaders. With only 38 students total, the 6:1 student-faculty ratio means every student receives intensive mentoring from faculty who are practicing theologians and ministers. The 80% six-year graduation rate reflects the rigorous nature of seminary education, where students balance academic coursework with practical ministry training. The curriculum centers on biblical studies, systematic theology, church history, and pastoral care. Students spend significant time in field education at local Presbyterian congregations. The small cohort size creates tight bonds among future ministers who often collaborate throughout their careers. Most graduates pursue ordination in the Presbyterian Church (USA) or related ministry roles.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 6:1
Graduation Rate (6-year): 80.0%
Carnegie Classification: Associate College (High Transfer)

Campus Life

This intimate seminary in Santa Fe Springs serves just 38 students with a 6:1 student-faculty ratio that creates a close-knit academic community. The campus sits about 20 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles, placing students within reach of one of America's largest metropolitan areas. Southern California's Mediterranean climate means you'll need sunscreen year-round but rarely a heavy coat, with temperatures typically ranging from the 60s to 80s.

The student body reflects the school's mission to serve diverse communities, with 57.89% of students being Asian and strong representation from both in-state (33.33%) and out-of-state backgrounds. Women comprise 63.16% of enrollment, bringing different perspectives to theological education. With such a small enrollment, every student becomes part of a tight community focused on Presbyterian ministry preparation. The suburban setting provides quiet space for study and reflection while keeping urban internship and ministry opportunities accessible. Weekend activities often center around community worship, study groups, and exploring the greater Los Angeles area's rich cultural and religious landscape.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Calendar System: Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 46°–68°F
July Avg: 66°–84°F
Annual Precipitation: 11.9"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

This tiny theological seminary draws students primarily from Asian communities seeking Presbyterian ministry training. With just 38 students total, the school maintains an intimate 6:1 student-faculty ratio that enables close mentorship. Women outnumber men nearly two to one, reflecting broader trends in seminary enrollment. Nearly half of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the school serves aspiring ministers from working-class backgrounds. The student body comes from across the country, suggesting this specialized institution fills a unique niche for Asian-American Presbyterian theological education that larger seminaries may not address.

Men: 36.8%
Women: 63.2%
White: 0.0%
Black: 0.0%
Hispanic: 0.0%
Asian: 57.9%
In-State Students: 33.3%
Pell Grant Recipients: 47.2%

Location

Presbyterian Theological Seminary in America sits in Santa Fe Springs, California, about 20 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles. The school operates in the heart of Southern California's sprawling suburban landscape. With just 38 students enrolled, this intimate seminary contrasts sharply with the massive metropolitan region surrounding it. Santa Fe Springs sits within LA County's dense network of interconnected cities and freeways. The area offers easy access to Los Angeles's cultural and religious institutions while maintaining a quieter suburban character. Students benefit from proximity to one of America's largest urban centers without dealing with downtown congestion. Students considering colleges in California may also compare Presbyterian Theological Seminary in America with similar schools in the region.

Address: Santa Fe Springs, California 90670-5611

After College

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the student experience like at Presbyterian Theological Seminary in America?

The seminary serves just 38 students, creating an intimate learning environment focused on Presbyterian ministerial training. With a 6:1 student-faculty ratio, students receive intensive mentorship in theological studies. The student body is 63% women and predominantly Asian American at 58%, reflecting the seminary's mission to serve diverse communities.

How much does Presbyterian Theological Seminary in America cost for students?

Tuition costs $8,839 annually for all students regardless of residency status. Nearly half of students (47%) receive Pell Grants, indicating significant financial need among the student body. Only 11% receive institutional grants averaging $5,600, suggesting most financial aid comes from federal sources.

What are the academic programs like at Presbyterian Theological Seminary in America?

The seminary operates on a semester system with an exceptionally low 6:1 student-faculty ratio. This specialized theological institution focuses on training Presbyterian ministers and church leaders. The small enrollment of 38 students allows for personalized attention and intensive biblical and theological study.

What are the graduation outcomes at Presbyterian Theological Seminary in America?

The seminary maintains an 80% six-year graduation rate among its small student body. Graduates typically enter Presbyterian ministry or continue advanced theological studies. The specialized nature of seminary education means students are preparing for specific vocational paths in religious leadership.

Where is Presbyterian Theological Seminary in America located?

The seminary sits in Santa Fe Springs, California, a large suburban community in Los Angeles County. Two-thirds of students come from out of state, drawn to this West Coast Presbyterian institution. The suburban setting provides a quieter environment for theological study while remaining accessible to the greater Los Angeles area.

Is Presbyterian Theological Seminary in America affordable for low-income students?

Nearly half of students (47%) qualify for Pell Grants, indicating significant representation of low-income families. The federal loan rate is extremely low at just 3%, suggesting students rely primarily on grants rather than borrowing. The relatively modest tuition of $8,839 makes seminary education more accessible than many graduate programs.