Rabbinical Academy Mesivta Rabbi Chaim Berlin

The curriculum is singular: Talmudic Studies, full stop. Every one of the 22 degrees awarded in 2019-2020 was in this field. The program requires 150 credits (delivered via a semester system) and is accredited by AARTS (Association of Advanced Rabbinical and Talmudic Schools). Expect a traditional yeshiva schedule—long hours of chevruta (paired study) and shiurim (lectures) on Gemara and Halacha. No study abroad, no STEM, no electives. Faculty are likely rabbinic scholars, though specifics are scarce.

Located at 1605 Coney Island Avenue in Brooklyn, the yeshiva is embedded in a thriving Orthodox community. Campus life revolves around the beis midrash (study hall)—think heated Talmud debates, not frat parties. Housing details are opaque, but students likely live nearby in Jewish neighborhoods like Flatbush or Borough Park. The vibe is intensely religious: meals are kosher, schedules align with prayer times, and secular distractions are minimal. No athletics or clubs are documented; the focus is purely spiritual.

Graduation rates are low (27% per Tuition Tracker, though College Factual suggests just 2% graduate on time). This isn’t necessarily attrition—many yeshiva students stay for years beyond formal degree requirements to continue learning. Alumni typically become rabbis, teachers, or Torah scholars. The school’s ROI is measured in spiritual capital, not salaries: no career services or corporate recruiting pipelines exist here.

Tuition is a bargain by private college standards—just $6,450 full-time, with total annual costs around $17,828. About 72% of students receive grants (average award: $7,070), though this is notably lower than typical private school aid packages. Merit scholarships reward 'strong academic performance, discipline, and promise' in Talmudic study. Many students likely offset costs through community support or part-time work in Jewish institutions.

Rabbi Chaim Berlin is a fortress of tradition in a secular city—a place where the rhythms of the Talmud dictate daily life. Its singularity is its strength: no other majors, no trendy initiatives, just generations of unbroken Torah study. The low graduation rate? A badge of honor for those who view learning as a lifelong pursuit, not a degree to check off. For Orthodox men seeking immersion in Jewish law, there are few places more all-consuming.