Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $6,608 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $26,432 |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 46.4% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,367/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,849/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Theological and Ministerial Studies. | Master | $56,157 | |
| Religion/Religious Studies. | Master | $44,572 | |
| Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies. | Master | $36,312 |
The Risk Factor
46.4% of students at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary gives you a low-cost path with a big unknown attached. The net price sits near $6,600 a year, which is cheap for a private four-year school, so your out-of-pocket cost and debt load stay small. But this is a Baptist seminary, and the data here carries no bachelor-level program earnings, so there is no evidence of what you would actually make after graduating. You are buying training for ministry and religious vocations, where pay tends to be modest and tied to the churches and organizations that hire you, not a broad job market.
The 46% graduation rate is the sharpest financial risk. Roughly half of students who start do not finish, and if you leave with any debt and no degree, the low price stops protecting you. The 82% retention rate says most first-year students come back, so the drop-off happens later in the program. Enroll only if you are confident you will complete it.
The net price tiers work in your favor if your family earns under $48,000. You pay less at the $30,000-$48,000 level than families earning below $30,000 do, so a modest income does not price you out. Both tiers stay under $7,400 a year.
This school fits you if you are committed to ministry or theological work and want low cost and low debt to get there. Look elsewhere if you want strong salary outcomes or a degree that transfers to secular careers, because nothing in this data supports that return. Treat the mission, not the paycheck, as the reason to enroll.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary worth the cost?
The low net price of $6,608 per year makes Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary affordable, but the 46% graduation rate raises concerns about completion risk. Most graduates enter ministry roles with modest earning potential, so the financial return depends heavily on your career goals and calling rather than salary expectations.
What is the ROI for Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary graduates?
Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary graduates in Theological Studies earn around $56,157 annually, which provides reasonable returns given the low cost of attendance. However, nearly half of students don't graduate, which significantly impacts the overall value proposition for many who enroll.
Are Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary degrees worth it financially?
The seminary's degrees lead to careers in ministry and religious education, where financial rewards are typically modest but meaningful to those called to serve. With low tuition costs, graduates usually avoid heavy debt burdens that plague students at more expensive institutions.
Should I attend Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary for the money?
No, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary should not be chosen primarily for financial reasons. Ministry careers rarely offer high salaries, and the graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete their programs, making this a poor choice for those seeking guaranteed financial returns.