Saint Joseph Seminary College: $26,770 Tuition

$26,770Tuition

91Students

40%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$38,366Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearData: 2023-24Roman Catholic

About Saint Joseph Seminary College

Saint Joseph Seminary College serves one very specific purpose: training men for the Catholic priesthood. With just 91 students enrolled, this all-male institution in rural Louisiana maintains the intimate feel essential for spiritual formation. The 5:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized mentorship from experienced clergy and theologians. Founded in 1891, the seminary has quietly prepared generations of priests for service across the American South.

The financial picture tells an unusual story. Students pay an average net price of $39,513 after aid, which seems steep given that graduates earn a median of $38,366 ten years later. However, only 7.48% of students receive financial aid, suggesting many seminarians have their education funded by dioceses or religious orders. The federal loan rate of just 2.80% confirms that traditional student debt isn't the norm here.

This institution operates differently from typical colleges. The 87.50% retention rate reflects the serious commitment required, while the 40% six-year graduation rate acknowledges that discerning a religious vocation takes time. Three-quarters of students come from out of state, drawn to this specialized program that few other schools offer. The diverse student body includes 52.75% white, 23.08% Hispanic, and 7.69% Asian students.

Academics & Faculty

Saint Joseph Seminary College operates as a specialized Catholic institution focused exclusively on preparing men for the priesthood. The 5:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intensely personal academic environment where professors mentor each of the 91 students individually. Seminary education here centers on theology, philosophy, and pastoral studies within the Roman Catholic tradition. Students receive rigorous training in Latin, scripture studies, and moral theology. The 46.51% four-year graduation rate reflects the demanding nature of seminary formation, where discernment is as important as academics. Many students transfer to complete their theological studies at major seminaries after finishing their undergraduate formation here. The curriculum balances traditional liberal arts with specialized religious coursework required for future priests.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 5:1
Full-Time Faculty: 100.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 46.5%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 40.0%
Retention Rate: 87.5%
Median Earnings (10 years): $38,366
Carnegie Classification: Associate College (High Transfer)

Campus Life

This all-male seminary enrolls just 91 students on a rural campus in southeastern Louisiana. The 5:1 student-faculty ratio means seminarians receive intensive personal formation and academic mentorship. With housing for 150 students, nearly all seminarians live on campus in a close-knit residential community.

The campus sits about 70 miles northwest of New Orleans in the piney woods near the Mississippi River. Louisiana's subtropical climate means warm, humid summers and mild winters where a light jacket suffices. The 87.50% retention rate reflects the strong bonds formed in this small, faith-centered environment. Weekends center around prayer, study, and community activities rather than typical college social scenes. Students come from across the country, with only 25% from Louisiana, creating a diverse seminary community. The structured daily routine includes morning prayer, classes, spiritual direction, and evening prayer. This intensive formation program produces a 46.51% four-year graduation rate as young men discern their calling to priesthood. The rural setting provides quiet space for reflection and spiritual growth away from urban distractions.

Setting: Rural-Fringe
Housing Capacity: 150 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1891

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 40°–61°F
July Avg: 71°–90°F
Annual Precipitation: 62.5"
Annual Snowfall: 0.1"

Student Demographics

Saint Joseph Seminary College draws men from across the country who are discerning a call to Catholic priesthood. Three-quarters of students come from outside Louisiana, reflecting the seminary's national reputation among dioceses seeking quality formation programs. The student body is predominantly white at 53%, though Hispanic students make up nearly a quarter of enrollment. Only 7% receive Pell Grants, suggesting most seminarians come from middle-class families. The all-male environment stems from the Catholic Church's requirement that only men can be ordained as priests.

Men: 100.0%
Women: 0.0%
White: 52.8%
Black: 2.2%
Hispanic: 23.1%
Asian: 7.7%
In-State Students: 25.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 7.5%

Location

Saint Joseph Seminary College sits in St. Benedict, Louisiana, about 70 miles northwest of New Orleans. The campus occupies 1,200 acres in rural St. Tammany Parish, surrounded by rolling hills and pine forests typical of Louisiana's North Shore region. Only 91 students attend this small seminary, creating an intimate environment far from urban distractions. The rural-fringe setting provides the quiet contemplation essential for seminary formation. St. Benedict remains largely undeveloped, with the seminary serving as the area's primary institution. The location offers easy access to nearby Covington and Mandeville while maintaining its secluded character. Students considering colleges in Louisiana may also compare Saint Joseph Seminary College with similar schools in the region.

Address: St. Benedict, Louisiana 70457

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $38,366

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the student body like at Saint Joseph Seminary College?

The college enrolls just 91 students, making it one of the smallest institutions in Louisiana. This Catholic seminary exclusively serves men preparing for the priesthood, with a diverse student body that includes 53% White, 23% Hispanic, and 8% Asian students.

How much does Saint Joseph Seminary College cost after financial aid?

The total cost of attendance is $44,020 annually, including room and board of $15,950. Despite the high sticker price, very few students receive financial aid, with only 7.5% receiving Pell grants or institutional assistance.

What is the academic experience like at Saint Joseph Seminary College?

Students benefit from an exceptional 5:1 student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention in their theological studies. The seminary operates on a traditional semester system and focuses exclusively on preparing men for Catholic priesthood through rigorous religious and philosophical coursework.

What are the graduation outcomes at Saint Joseph Seminary College?

The college has a 47% four-year graduation rate and 40% six-year graduation rate, reflecting the demanding nature of seminary education. Graduates earn a median salary of $38,366 ten years after graduation, typically serving in religious vocations rather than pursuing traditional careers.

Where is Saint Joseph Seminary College located and what is campus life like?

The seminary sits in rural St. Benedict, Louisiana, providing a contemplative environment for spiritual formation. With housing capacity for 150 students and an 88% retention rate, the tight-knit community creates strong bonds among seminarians.

Does Saint Joseph Seminary College accept students from outside Louisiana?

The college draws 75% of its students from outside Louisiana, serving as a regional seminary for the Catholic Church. Founded in 1891, the institution has a long tradition of training priests for dioceses across the South and beyond.