Overview
The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary is a accessible private four-year institution in Louisville, Kentucky. The school accepts 87.2% of applicants and enrolls 844 students.
Admission Statistics
- Acceptance Rate
- 87.2%
- Average SAT
- 1,086
- SAT Range (25th–75th)
- 993–1,178
- ACT Composite (avg)
- 23
- Total Enrollment
- 844
Your Chances by SAT Score
Your score is above the 75th percentile. You are a competitive applicant.
Your score falls within the middle 50% of admitted students.
Your score is below the 25th percentile. Other parts of your application will need to stand out.
Admission Guide
The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary accepts applications through its online portal with priority deadlines in February for fall admission and October for spring admission. You'll need to submit transcripts, a personal statement describing your calling to ministry, and pastoral recommendations rather than standard academic references.
The seminary operates on a different admissions model than traditional colleges since it focuses exclusively on theological education. Most programs require evidence of Christian conversion and church membership, with some requiring pastoral endorsement or ministry experience. The Master of Divinity program has the most rigorous requirements, including Greek and Hebrew language prerequisites that you can complete before or during your studies.
Housing fills quickly on the Louisville campus, so apply early if you want on-campus accommodation. The seminary provides married student housing in addition to dormitory-style options. International students should plan extra time for visa processing and may need to demonstrate English proficiency.
Financial aid works differently here than at secular institutions. The seminary offers significant tuition discounts and scholarships specifically for ministry students, with many students receiving substantial aid packages. You'll complete both FAFSA forms and the seminary's own financial aid applications.
Orientation includes both academic preparation and spiritual formation components. New students participate in ministry placement services since most degree programs require concurrent ministry experience. The campus operates within Southern Baptist Convention theological boundaries, so familiarize yourself with those doctrinal positions before applying if you're coming from other denominational backgrounds.
What It Costs If You Get In
- Tuition (in-state)
- $13,086
- Students Receiving Aid
- 0%
After You Graduate
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 43.9%
- Freshman Retention Rate
- 80.7%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements for The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary?
The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary requires a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution for most graduate programs. Applicants must submit transcripts, a personal statement, and references from pastors or church leaders.
Does The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary require GRE or other standardized test scores?
Test score requirements vary by program at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Most master's programs do not require GRE scores, but doctoral programs typically do.
What is the application deadline for The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary?
The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary operates on rolling admissions for most programs. Applications are accepted throughout the year, but early submission is recommended for financial aid consideration.
Can I transfer credits to The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary?
The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary accepts transfer credits from accredited institutions. The amount varies by program, with most allowing up to 50% of required credits to transfer.