Rabbinical Seminary of America

This is Talmud boot camp. The seminary offers exactly one major (Theological and Ministerial Studies) across bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels, with coursework laser-focused on Hebrew texts, Mishnah, and Jewish liturgy. By the second year, students must demonstrate mastery of Hebrew grammar to parse dense Aramaic commentaries — no electives in underwater basket weaving here. The curriculum’s intensity mirrors traditional Eastern European yeshivas, with long hours of _chevruta_ (paired study) and _shiurim_ (lectures). While the College Scorecard lists graduate certificates, don’t expect MBA-style specializations; these likely denote advanced ordination tracks. With 601 total students (379 undergrads), classes operate more like study halls than lecture theaters.

Imagine a 24/7 beit midrash (study hall) with a side of Queens bagels. The 281 undergraduates (2020 data) live a rhythm of prayer, study, and kosher meals, with Flushing’s urban energy as backdrop. Unlike pluralistic Jewish seminaries that host interfaith dialogues or social justice initiatives, RSA’s student life orbits around textual debate and religious observance. Housing? Think dormitory _shtiebelach_ (small prayer rooms), not frat houses. The closest thing to ‘campus events’ are likely _farbrengens_ (Hasidic gatherings) or _melave malka_ meals. Proximity to NYC offers access to Orthodox communities, but don’t expect study-abroad semesters in Barcelona.

Graduation rates tell a stark story: only 30% finish within six years, though those who persist see earnings climb from $36,427 at one year post-graduation to $45,519 by year five — still 37% below the national median. Most alumni enter rabbinical roles or Jewish education, where salaries lag secular fields. The 53.7% employment rate reflects the niche vocational path, though some may continue unpaid kollel study. Notably, the seminary spends 28.4% of its budget on instructors (totaling $577k for 17 faculty), suggesting a lean operation prioritizing textual mentorship over research labs or athletic facilities.

At $9,093 net price (well below the $20,398 national average), RSA is a bargain for the devout — if you ignore opportunity costs. 40% of students receive aid, with average grants of $8,447 (school grants average $5,034). The $11,575 total aid figure suggests many pay even less. No data exists on student loans, but the Orthodox community’s emphasis on charitable support (_tzedakah_) likely softens financial burdens. Just don’t expect federal work-study jobs mixing with co-eds; work likely means tutoring younger yeshiva students.

This isn’t just a college — it’s a mikvah of Talmudic intensity. RSA distinguishes itself by rejecting the American higher-ed playbook: no glossy rec centers, no DEI offices, no ‘holistic admissions?Holistic admissionsA review that weighs the whole applicant — grades, essays, activities, and context — rather than relying on test scores and GPA alone..’ It’s a throwback to the Lithuanian yeshivas of the 19th century, improbably transplanted to Flushing. Students who thrive here want one thing: to decode Rashi’s commentaries, not pad a résumé. The 98% acceptance rate?Acceptance rateThe share of applicants a college admits in a given year. A 10% acceptance rate means it admits about 1 in 10 applicants. isn’t a lack of standards; it’s a filter for those already steeped in Orthodoxy. You won’t find study-abroad brochures here, but if you seek a lifetime of _daf yomi_ (daily Talmud study), look no further.