About Yeshiva Gedolah of Cliffwood
This small Orthodox Jewish seminary trains future rabbis through intensive Talmudic study. The school enrolls just 53 students, creating an intimate learning environment in suburban New Jersey. Yeshiva Gedolah focuses exclusively on advanced religious scholarship, operating as a traditional yeshiva where students spend their days immersed in Jewish texts and rabbinical teachings.
The financial picture reflects the school's religious mission more than market actives. Students pay $8,550 in tuition regardless of residency, with total costs reaching $11,850 including room and board. Only 9.38% of students receive Pell Grants, suggesting most families handle costs privately. The low 10.50% six-year graduation rate shouldn't alarm prospective students since many Orthodox seminaries measure success differently than secular institutions.
This is an all-male institution serving Orthodox Jewish men pursuing rabbinical ordination. The student body is 90.57% white, reflecting the demographics of Orthodox Jewish communities. With an 81.82% retention rate and 18:1 student-faculty ratio, students who stay find close mentorship. The 50% acceptance rate indicates selective admissions, though the school evaluates candidates based on religious commitment and Talmudic knowledge rather than standardized test scores.
The financial picture reflects the school's religious mission more than market actives. Students pay $8,550 in tuition regardless of residency, with total costs reaching $11,850 including room and board. Only 9.38% of students receive Pell Grants, suggesting most families handle costs privately. The low 10.50% six-year graduation rate shouldn't alarm prospective students since many Orthodox seminaries measure success differently than secular institutions.
This is an all-male institution serving Orthodox Jewish men pursuing rabbinical ordination. The student body is 90.57% white, reflecting the demographics of Orthodox Jewish communities. With an 81.82% retention rate and 18:1 student-faculty ratio, students who stay find close mentorship. The 50% acceptance rate indicates selective admissions, though the school evaluates candidates based on religious commitment and Talmudic knowledge rather than standardized test scores.
Academics & Faculty
Yeshiva Gedolah of Cliffwood operates as an Orthodox Jewish rabbinical seminary dedicated to intensive Talmudic scholarship. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio provides close mentorship for the 53 enrolled students pursuing advanced religious studies. This institution focuses exclusively on traditional Jewish texts and rabbinical training rather than secular academics. The 30.19% four-year graduation rate reflects the demanding nature of rabbinical education, where students often extend their studies beyond typical timeframes. With an 81.82% retention rate, most students who enroll remain committed to their religious studies path. The curriculum centers on classical Jewish texts including Talmud, Mishnah, and Jewish law, preparing students for rabbinical ordination and community leadership roles.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 18:1
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 30.2%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 10.5%
- Retention Rate
- 81.8%
- Carnegie Classification
- Associate College (High Transfer)
Campus Life
This all-male Orthodox Jewish seminary houses 90 students on campus, with most choosing to live in the dormitories during their intensive religious studies. The Keyport location sits about 45 minutes from both New York City and Philadelphia, giving students access to larger Jewish communities while maintaining a focused study environment. New Jersey winters require heavy coats and boots, while summers bring humid heat that calls for lighter clothing between study sessions.
With 100% male enrollment and a tight-knit community of just 53 students, daily life revolves around rigorous Talmudic study and prayer. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio means close mentorship with rabbinical scholars. Students spend most weekends on campus or visiting nearby Orthodox communities rather than typical college social activities. The 81.82% retention rate reflects students who find their place in this demanding religious academic environment. Only 9.38% receive federal financial aid, as many families handle the relatively low $11,850 total cost privately. The suburban setting provides quiet surroundings essential for deep textual analysis and religious contemplation that defines yeshiva life.
With 100% male enrollment and a tight-knit community of just 53 students, daily life revolves around rigorous Talmudic study and prayer. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio means close mentorship with rabbinical scholars. Students spend most weekends on campus or visiting nearby Orthodox communities rather than typical college social activities. The 81.82% retention rate reflects students who find their place in this demanding religious academic environment. Only 9.38% receive federal financial aid, as many families handle the relatively low $11,850 total cost privately. The suburban setting provides quiet surroundings essential for deep textual analysis and religious contemplation that defines yeshiva life.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 90 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
Campus Safety (2023)
No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 22°–41°F
- July Avg
- 65°–86°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 48.6"
- Annual Snowfall
- 29.0"
Student Demographics
This all-male Orthodox Jewish seminary draws students from across the country who seek intensive rabbinical training. About 60% of students come from outside New Jersey, reflecting the school's specialized mission that attracts dedicated learners nationwide. The student body consists almost entirely of white Orthodox Jewish men committed to advanced Talmudic scholarship. With only 53 students total, the community is tight-knit and focused. Few students receive Pell Grants, suggesting families prioritize religious education despite financial considerations. The demographic makeup reflects the school's singular purpose: preparing Orthodox men for rabbinical leadership through traditional Jewish learning.
- Men
- 100.0%
- Women
- 0.0%
- White
- 90.6%
- Black
- 0.0%
- Hispanic
- 0.0%
- Asian
- 0.0%
- In-State Students
- 38.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 9.4%
Location
This Orthodox Jewish seminary sits in Keyport, New Jersey, about 40 miles south of Manhattan. The school operates in a suburban community along Raritan Bay, where students can access both New York City opportunities and quieter coastal surroundings. Keyport itself has a population around 7,000 and offers a small-town atmosphere within the larger New York metropolitan area. The 53-student yeshiva draws 38.89% of its enrollment from New Jersey, while the remaining students travel from other states for advanced Talmudic education. The waterfront location provides a peaceful setting for intensive religious study, yet maintains easy access to major Jewish communities throughout the tri-state area. Students considering colleges in New Jersey may also compare Yeshiva Gedolah of Cliffwood with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Keyport, New Jersey 07735-5105
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Yeshiva Gedolah of Cliffwood?
The acceptance rate is 50%, meaning half of all applicants gain admission. This Orthodox Jewish seminary focuses on advanced Talmudic studies for male students pursuing rabbinical education.
How much does Yeshiva Gedolah of Cliffwood cost for tuition and room and board?
Total cost of attendance is $11,850, with tuition at $8,550 and room and board at $3,000. Only 9.38% of students receive financial aid, reflecting the school's specialized religious mission and low-cost structure.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Yeshiva Gedolah of Cliffwood?
The student-faculty ratio is 18:1 with just 53 total students enrolled. This small Orthodox seminary emphasizes intensive study of Jewish texts in a close-knit learning environment.
What are the graduation rates at Yeshiva Gedolah of Cliffwood?
The 4-year graduation rate is 30.19% while the 6-year rate drops to 10.50%. These low rates reflect the intensive nature of rabbinical studies, where many students may transfer to other yeshivas or take extended time for their religious education.
Where is Yeshiva Gedolah of Cliffwood located and what is campus life like?
The school sits in Keyport, New Jersey, a large suburban area, with housing capacity for 90 students. The retention rate of 81.82% shows most students stay committed to their rabbinical studies despite the demanding curriculum.
Does Yeshiva Gedolah of Cliffwood admit women?
The student body is 100% male with 0% women, as this is a traditional Orthodox Jewish yeshiva for rabbinical training. The school maintains 90.57% white enrollment, reflecting its focus on serving Orthodox Jewish communities.
