Yeshiva Chemdas Hatorah

This is a one-track institution: every student pursues a degree in Talmudic and Rabbinical Studies, with no electives or alternative majors. The curriculum is all-consuming, centered on rigorous textual analysis of the Talmud and Halacha (Jewish law). Classes are small, with a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio, and the graduation rate is a modest 38%—reflecting the yeshiva’s exacting standards or, perhaps, the intensity of its program. Unlike secular colleges, there’s no STEM, humanities, or arts here; the entire academic experience is a deep dive into Jewish scholarship.

With just 79 undergraduates, Yeshiva Chemdas Hatorah feels more like an extended family than a college campus. The suburban Lakewood setting is quiet, with students living in spartan dormitories (costing $3,680/year) and spending most waking hours in the beit midrash (study hall). There are no fraternities, sports teams, or traditional campus events—just a round-the-clock focus on Torah study. The student body is 100% full-time and entirely male, reflecting the yeshiva’s Orthodox traditions. Social life revolves around prayer services, Shabbat meals, and late-night chavrutas (study partnerships).

Graduates typically enter rabbinic roles, Jewish education, or community leadership. The median earnings one year post-graduation are $36,427, though this figure likely understates the non-monetary rewards (e.g., communal respect) in Orthodox circles. The graduation rate is low (38%), but those who persist often continue to advanced yeshivas or kollels (post-graduate Talmudic institutes). Notably, Niche reports a 76% graduation rate—a stark discrepancy that may reflect differing methodologies or timeframes.

Tuition is $12,150/year, with room and board pushing the total cost to $19,830. However, 94% of students receive financial aid, bringing the average 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 to $9,676 after grants and scholarships. The yeshiva’s aid packages average $9,420, with institutional grants covering a significant portion. For context, the average student grant aid is $8,824, making this one of the more affordable options for Orthodox students—though many likely rely on community support or family networks to bridge gaps.

Yeshiva Chemdas Hatorah is unapologetically niche: a place where the Talmud is the only textbook, and every student is training for a life of religious scholarship. Its lack of secular coursework and total immersion model set it apart from even other Orthodox institutions. The yeshiva’s tiny size and zero-distraction environment appeal to those seeking purity of focus—no gen eds, no career services, just Torah. For the right student, it’s not a college but a 24/7 spiritual apprenticeship.