Lakewood, NJprivate nonprofityeshivagedolatiferesyerachmiel.com
Yeshiva Gedola Tiferes Yerachmiel is a small, ultra-Orthodox Jewish seminary in Lakewood, NJ, where Talmudic study isn’t just an academic pursuit—it’s the entire curriculum. With an acceptance rate hovering around 43% and a student body of just 172, this yeshiva offers an intensely focused religious education with a 19:1 student-faculty ratio. Its retention rate of 95% suggests a deeply committed student body, though graduation rates remain low—only 32% finish within four years.
Getting into Yeshiva Gedola Tiferes Yerachmiel is moderately competitive, with Acceptance rateThe share of applicants a college admits in a given year. A 10% acceptance rate means it admits about 1 in 10 applicants. ranging from 29% to 51% depending on the source—though most peg it around 43%. The school received 68 undergraduate applications in 2024, a 11.5% increase from the previous year, and admitted 35 students. There’s no mention of standardized test requirements (SAT/ACT), and the application fee is $0. The average high school GPA of admitted students isn’t disclosed, but strong academic performance is expected for Talmudic study.
This yeshiva offers exactly one major: Talmudic and Rabbinical Studies. The academic structure is built around deep immersion in Jewish texts, with a 19:1 student-to-faculty ratio ensuring close mentorship. The school operates on a semester system, and its library is tailored to support religious scholarship. No secular degrees are offered—this is purely a training ground for rabbinical and Talmudic expertise.
With 172 undergraduates, campus life revolves around religious study and tight-knit community. Housing costs average $1,350 per year, a relative bargain, though details on dorm culture are sparse. The urban Lakewood setting places students in a hub of Orthodox Jewish life, where off-campus activities likely blend study sessions with neighborhood engagement. No athletics or Greek life are mentioned—this is a yeshiva, after all.
The retention rate is strikingly high at 95%, suggesting students who enroll are deeply committed. However, only 32% graduate within four years, and just 2% finish within six to eight years. The remaining 66% leave without a degree—a pattern common in yeshivas where long-term study often takes precedence over formal credentialing. Earnings data for graduates isn’t available, but most presumably enter rabbinical or Jewish educational roles.
After scholarships and grants, the Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. drops to $8,936, with 91% of students receiving financial aid. The average aid package is $5,906, including $5,648 in grants and $4,288 in institutional aid. No student loan data is provided, suggesting many may rely on community support or family contributions.
This isn’t just another liberal arts college—it’s a singular institution for ultra-Orthodox Jewish men dedicated entirely to Talmudic scholarship. The 95% retention rate speaks to its magnetic pull for those committed to this path, while the low graduation rate reflects the yeshiva world’s prioritization of lifelong study over degrees. For the right student, it’s not just a school; it’s a spiritual and intellectual home.