Acceptance rateThe share of applicants a college admits in a given year. A 10% acceptance rate means it admits about 1 in 10 applicants.
49%
SAT 25th-75th percentileThe middle range of SAT scores for admitted students: a quarter scored below the low number and a quarter scored above the high number.
1440–1580
Undergrad enrollment
172
Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost.
$43,195
In-state tuition
$67,357
Out-of-state tuition
$67,357
Net Price
$54,588
Median SAT
1500
Acceptance Rate
48.6%
Campus Location
Manhattan, NY
First-Year Retention
96%
Undergrad Enrollment
172
Student-Faculty Ratio
8:1
4-Year Graduation Rate
Quick answers
What is the acceptance rate at Jewish Theological Seminary of America?
Jewish Theological Seminary of America's acceptance rate is approximately 49% (New York, NY), based on the most recent figures we compiled from public and primary sources.
What SAT score do you need for Jewish Theological Seminary of America?
Admitted students at Jewish Theological Seminary of America typically score 1440–1580 on the SAT (the middle-50% range). Scores outside this band are still admitted, especially with strong applications.
How much does Jewish Theological Seminary of America cost?
At Jewish Theological Seminary of America, the average net price (after aid) is about $43,195 per year. Actual cost varies with financial aid and residency.
How many undergraduates attend Jewish Theological Seminary of America?
Jewish Theological Seminary of America enrolls approximately 172 undergraduate students.
Where is Jewish Theological Seminary of America located?
Jewish Theological Seminary of America is located in New York, NY.
The Jewish Theological Seminary of America (JTS) is the intellectual epicenter of Conservative Judaism, combining rigorous Talmudic scholarship with modern academic inquiry. With a median SAT of 1500 and a 96% first-year retention rate, it attracts deeply committed students who thrive in its intimate, text-heavy environment (8:1 student-faculty ratio). Its Manhattan location places students at the crossroads of Jewish institutional power and cultural innovation.
Admissions
JTS maintains a 48.6% acceptance rate (2024), admitting 70 of 144 applicants—a selectivity that belies its small size. Successful applicants typically present median SAT scores of 1500 (middle 50%: 1440–1559) or ACT scores of 34 (33–35 range). The admissions process emphasizes alignment with Conservative Jewish values, with many applicants coming from day schools or gap-year yeshiva programs. Notably, the 96% first-year retention rate suggests students who enroll are highly engaged.
JTS boasts America’s largest faculty dedicated exclusively to Jewish studies, offering intensive programs in Talmud, Jewish philosophy, and Hebrew Bible. The curriculum merges traditional text study (hevruta-style learning is central) with critical academic methods. Key stats:
The 172 undergraduates (56% female, 44% male) form a tight-knit community where Shabbat observance and kosher dining are default settings. Campus culture balances intellectual intensity with warmth—new dorms were designed to foster “community through shared kitchens and study lounges.” Graduate students (especially rabbinical candidates) dominate the social scene, creating an unusually mature environment. While there’s no Greek life, student groups like Masorti on Campus organize egalitarian prayer and social justice initiatives. The Manhattan location provides access to Jewish museums, synagogues, and internships at major Jewish organizations.
JTS graduates excel in Jewish institutional leadership: 73% finish in 4 years, rising to 85% by year 6. Alumni median earnings reach $92,751 within a decade—well above typical humanities outcomes. The seminary’s pipelines into rabbinical ordination (through its own Rabbinical School) and Jewish education ensure strong professional networks. Notably, the 96% retention rate signals exceptional student satisfaction, likely tied to its immersive Jewish environment.
With a sticker price of $87,965 (tuition, room, and board), JTS is among the priciest religious colleges—but 60% of students receive aid, bringing the average Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. to $54,588. Financial aid leans heavily on institutional grants rather than federal loans, reflecting its denominational support. The net price calculator shows stark disparities: families earning over $110K pay ~$61,528, while middle-income students often see costs halved. Rabbinical and cantorial students benefit from additional subsidies.
JTS is the definitive institution for Conservative Jewish scholarship, rivaled only by Hebrew Union College (Reform) and Yeshiva University (Orthodox). Its singular blend of textual rigor and modern critical inquiry produces clergy and academics who can navigate tradition and contemporary challenges. The Manhattan location provides unmatched access to Jewish cultural capital, while the 8:1 ratio ensures every student debates Talmud with world-class scholars. For those committed to sustaining Conservative Judaism, it’s the ultimate incubator.
Jewish Theological Seminary of America logo · sourceHistory of JTS - Jewish Theological Seminary · sourceJewish Theological Seminary of America (JTSA) | Britannica · sourceThe Jewish Theological Seminary unveils Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects' long-awaited campus redesign · source
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