Rabbinical Seminary of America: 99.0% Acceptance Rate

99.0%Acceptance

$10,000Tuition

379Students

34%Grad Rate (6-yr)

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

About Rabbinical Seminary of America

The Rabbinical Seminary of America trains Orthodox Jewish rabbis through intensive Talmudic study in Queens. This specialized institution enrolls 379 students who dedicate themselves to traditional Jewish scholarship and rabbinical preparation. The seminary maintains its focus on classical Jewish texts and religious law. Students benefit from an 82% retention rate, though the demanding curriculum leads to graduation rates around 34-35%.

Despite a sticker price of $16,700, most students pay less after aid. Families earning under $30,000 pay an average of $7,977, while those earning $48-75,000 pay just $4,090. Only 14% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the seminary's unique financial structure. The low average net price of $5,900 makes rabbinical education surprisingly affordable for families across income levels.

The seminary operates as an all-male institution with 100% white enrollment, reflecting its role within Orthodox Jewish communities. With 40 students per faculty member, learning happens through traditional study partnerships and small discussion groups rather than large lectures. About 53% of students come from New York, though the seminary draws aspiring rabbis from Orthodox communities nationwide. On-campus housing accommodates 229 students in dormitory-style facilities.

Academics & Faculty

The Rabbinical Seminary of America focuses entirely on Orthodox Jewish rabbinical training and intensive Talmudic study. Students spend years mastering ancient texts, Jewish law, and religious scholarship in preparation for becoming ordained rabbis. The 40:1 student-faculty ratio reflects the traditional study model where students learn independently and in small groups called chavrutas. Only 35% of students graduate within four years, which is typical for rabbinical programs that emphasize depth over speed. The seminary operates as an all-male institution serving 379 students who dedicate themselves to rigorous religious education. This specialized academic environment produces rabbis who will lead Orthodox Jewish communities worldwide.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 40:1
Full-Time Faculty: 93.8%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 35.2%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 34.3%
Retention Rate: 82.2%
Carnegie Classification: Associate College (High Transfer)

Campus Life

The Rabbinical Seminary of America operates as an all-male Orthodox Jewish institution with 379 students in Queens, just 30 minutes from Manhattan by subway. Only 60% of students can live in the dormitories due to limited housing capacity of 229 beds. The student-faculty ratio of 40:1 reflects the traditional yeshiva model where rabbis teach large groups in intensive Talmudic study sessions.

Daily life revolves around rigorous religious study from early morning through evening. Students spend most hours analyzing ancient Jewish texts in the study hall called the beis medrash. The 82% retention rate suggests most students adapt to this demanding schedule of prayer, study, and meals. Weekends center on Sabbath observance from Friday evening to Saturday night, with no secular activities permitted. The seminary sits in Flushing's diverse neighborhood where students can find kosher restaurants and Jewish bookstores. New York's harsh winters require heavy coats, while summers can be sweltering. The urban setting provides access to one of America's largest Orthodox Jewish communities.

Setting: City-Large
Housing Capacity: 229 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 28°–40°F
July Avg: 71°–86°F
Annual Precipitation: 45.3"
Annual Snowfall: 29.8"

Student Demographics

This all-male Orthodox Jewish seminary draws students committed to intensive Talmudic scholarship and rabbinical training. The student body of 379 reflects the school's specialized mission within Orthodox communities. About half the students come from New York, showing strong local ties to the area's established Orthodox population. The remaining students travel from other states, indicating the seminary's reputation extends beyond the region. Students here pursue traditional Jewish learning in a deeply religious environment focused on preparing future rabbis and Torah scholars.

Men: 100.0%
Women: 0.0%
White: 100.0%
Black: 0.0%
Hispanic: 0.0%
Asian: 0.0%
In-State Students: 53.3%
Pell Grant Recipients: 13.9%

Location

The Rabbinical Seminary of America sits in Flushing, New York, within Queens borough of New York City. Students live just 20 minutes from Manhattan by subway, giving them access to one of the world's largest Orthodox Jewish communities. Flushing itself hosts a diverse population of over 250,000 residents and serves as a major commercial center in Queens. The neighborhood offers kosher restaurants, Jewish bookstores, and religious services within walking distance. The seminary's city-large setting means students experience urban life while maintaining their religious studies focus. With 53.33% of students coming from within New York State, many are already familiar with the metropolitan area's Orthodox community networks. Students considering colleges in New York may also compare Rabbinical Seminary of America with similar schools in the region.

Address: Flushing, New York 11367

After College

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Rabbinical Seminary of America?

The school accepts 98.95% of applicants, making admission nearly guaranteed for those seeking Orthodox Jewish rabbinical training. This reflects the seminary's mission to serve the specific Orthodox community rather than compete for general applicants.

How much does Rabbinical Seminary of America cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $5,900 annually, with total costs reaching $16,700 including room and board. The school keeps expenses low with $10,000 tuition and minimal reliance on federal loans, as only 13.89% receive Pell Grants.

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

The seminary operates with a 40:1 student-faculty ratio among its 379 enrolled students. This high ratio reflects the traditional yeshiva model where students engage in intensive Talmudic study and peer learning.

What are the graduation rates at Rabbinical Seminary of America?

Only 35.19% of students graduate within four years, with the six-year rate reaching 34.30%. These low completion rates reflect the demanding nature of Orthodox rabbinical training and the common practice of extended study periods in yeshiva education.

Where do students live at Rabbinical Seminary of America?

The school houses up to 229 students in dormitories with room and board costing $6,400 annually. Campus housing serves the tight-knit Orthodox community studying in Flushing, with 82.22% of students returning each year.

Does Rabbinical Seminary of America admit women?

The seminary enrolls 100% male students, reflecting Orthodox Jewish traditions that separate rabbinical training by gender. All 379 students are also 100% white, representing the specific Orthodox Jewish community the school serves.