Rabbi Jacob Joseph School

This isn't a liberal arts college—RJJS offers exactly one undergraduate degree (Talmudic Studies) through an intensive religious curriculum. Founded in 1900 on Manhattan's Lower East Side, the school trains students in "understanding, studying and mastering the Talmud" through a traditional yeshiva model. With no secular majors listed across sources, it's clear the institution prioritizes depth over breadth in Jewish scholarship. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio suggests personalized attention in what's essentially a seminary environment.

Think ultra-Orthodox immersion rather than Big Ten football games. The Edison campus serves 96 students (grades 9-12) with a 21:1 student-teacher ratio, though Staten Island outposts report ratios as low as 7:1. Every graduate attends a 4-year college—almost certainly another Jewish institution. The Wikipedia page hints at the intensity: "rigorous Talmudic curriculum" from nursery through 12th grade shapes daily life. With no mention of athletics or secular extracurriculars across sources, the vibe is intensely scholarly and religiously observant.

The numbers tell a paradoxical story: while 100% of graduates enroll in 4-year colleges (per Niche), the 6-year graduation rate is just 3.6%-4% according to multiple sources. This suggests most students transfer to other yeshivas after a year or two. Early-career earnings are modest ($36,427 at 1 year post-graduation, rising to $45,519 at 5 years)—unsurprising for a school funneling students into rabbinical careers rather than corporate tracks. The 90.6% first-year retention rate indicates strong initial satisfaction.

At $11,950 in annual tuition (plus ~$250 fees), RJJS is a bargain compared to secular private colleges—though still steep for families sending multiple children to Jewish day schools. The average total aid award of $10,507 brings net price?Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. down significantly. Sources conflict on total cost of attendance?Cost of attendanceThe full estimated yearly cost of a college: tuition, fees, housing, food, books, and other expenses, before any financial aid. ($12,700 vs. $20,028), likely reflecting differences between high school and post-high school programs. No data suggests merit scholarships, aligning with the school's religious mission over prestige-seeking.

Rabbi Jacob Joseph School is the opposite of a typical US college experience—and that's the point. For Orthodox Jewish men seeking immersive Talmudic training without the distractions of co-ed dorms or biology labs, it's a rare American institution that rivals Israeli yeshivas in intensity. The 100% college continuation rate proves its effectiveness as a pipeline to advanced religious study, while the sub-$12K tuition makes serious Jewish education accessible. Just don't expect study abroad programs or a robotics team.