Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (SEBTS) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary
Set among tall pines and a walkable, small town core, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary has a reputation for serious, Scripture-centered study paired with practical ministry training. Students dig into theology, biblical studies, counseling, and missions with faculty who are known for church-side experience. The campus offers a quiet chapel, a well‑used library, tutoring and writing support, advising, and thoughtful counseling services, plus commons and coffee for everyday community.
Life here moves on a steady rhythm of chapel, small groups, and service projects, with intramurals and nearby greenways when you just need fresh air. The culture leans warm, collaborative, and mission‑minded without feeling closed off. Career preparation shows up in mentored internships, connections with regional churches and nonprofits, and a network that extends across the Southeast and beyond. Wake Forest's historic downtown and quick access to Raleigh add internships, arts, and real‑world ministry doors that open sooner than you'd think.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Degree Programs & Career Salary Prospects
Explore degree programs offered at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (SEBTS) with detailed career prospects, starting salary ranges, and job opportunities in North Carolina. See what you can do with your degree and expected earnings after graduation.
Theology (36)
Theological Studies, Ministry Preparation and Religious Leadership
39.0201
Bible/Biblical Studies.
(Cert2y+, PostBacCert, FPD)
Graduate Career Earnings in North Carolina
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | North Carolina Avg | NC vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
21-2021 | Directors, Religious Activities and Education | $65,040 | $84,640 | +$19,600 (+30.1%) |
25-1126 | Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary | $88,210 | $77,230 | -$10,980 (-12.4%) |
39.0301
Missions/Missionary Studies.
(Cert2y+, BSc, PostBacCert, FPD, GradCert)
Graduate Career Earnings in North Carolina
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | North Carolina Avg | NC vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
21-2021 | Directors, Religious Activities and Education | $65,040 | $84,640 | +$19,600 (+30.1%) |
25-1126 | Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary | $88,210 | $77,230 | -$10,980 (-12.4%) |
39.0401
Religious Education.
(PostBacCert, FPD)
Graduate Career Earnings in North Carolina
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | North Carolina Avg | NC vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
21-2021 | Directors, Religious Activities and Education | $65,040 | $84,640 | +$19,600 (+30.1%) |
25-1126 | Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary | $88,210 | $77,230 | -$10,980 (-12.4%) |
39.0502
Worship Ministry.
(Cert2y+, BSc, PostBacCert, GradCert)
Graduate Career Earnings in North Carolina
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | North Carolina Avg | NC vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
21-2021 | Directors, Religious Activities and Education | $65,040 | $84,640 | +$19,600 (+30.1%) |
25-1126 | Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary | $88,210 | $77,230 | -$10,980 (-12.4%) |
27-2041 | Music Directors and Composers | $84,230 | $66,540 | -$17,690 (-21%) |
39.0601
Theology/Theological Studies.
(Cert2y+, PostBacCert, FPD)
Graduate Career Earnings in North Carolina
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | North Carolina Avg | NC vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
21-2011 | Clergy | $67,160 | $62,430 | -$4,730 (-7%) |
25-1126 | Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary | $88,210 | $77,230 | -$10,980 (-12.4%) |
39.0602
Divinity/Ministry.
(Cert2y+, BSc, PostBacCert, FPD, GradCert)
Graduate Career Earnings in North Carolina
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | North Carolina Avg | NC vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
21-2011 | Clergy | $67,160 | $62,430 | -$4,730 (-7%) |
25-1126 | Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary | $88,210 | $77,230 | -$10,980 (-12.4%) |
39.0604
Pre-Theology/Pre-Ministerial Studies.
(Cert<2y, AltPostMSc)
Graduate Career Earnings in North Carolina
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | North Carolina Avg | NC vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
21-2011 | Clergy | $67,160 | $62,430 | -$4,730 (-7%) |
25-1126 | Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary | $88,210 | $77,230 | -$10,980 (-12.4%) |
39.0699
Theological and Ministerial Studies, Other.
(BSc)
Graduate Career Earnings in North Carolina
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | North Carolina Avg | NC vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
21-2011 | Clergy | $67,160 | $62,430 | -$4,730 (-7%) |
21-2099 | Religious Workers, All Other | $49,830 | $38,020 | -$11,810 (-23.7%) |
25-1126 | Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary | $88,210 | $77,230 | -$10,980 (-12.4%) |
39.0702
Youth Ministry.
(Cert2y+, BSc, PostBacCert)
Graduate Career Earnings in North Carolina
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | North Carolina Avg | NC vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
21-2011 | Clergy | $67,160 | $62,430 | -$4,730 (-7%) |
21-2021 | Directors, Religious Activities and Education | $65,040 | $84,640 | +$19,600 (+30.1%) |
39.0704
Women's Ministry.
(BSc, PostBacCert, GradCert)
Graduate Career Earnings in North Carolina
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | North Carolina Avg | NC vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
21-2021 | Directors, Religious Activities and Education | $65,040 | $84,640 | +$19,600 (+30.1%) |
21-2099 | Religious Workers, All Other | $49,830 | $38,020 | -$11,810 (-23.7%) |
39.0799
Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries, Other.
(Cert2y+, BSc, PostBacCert, FPD, GradCert)
Graduate Career Earnings in North Carolina
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | North Carolina Avg | NC vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
21-1019 | Counselors, All Other | $58,070 | $43,840 | -$14,230 (-24.5%) |
21-1099 | Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other | $58,360 | $53,300 | -$5,060 (-8.7%) |
21-2021 | Directors, Religious Activities and Education | $65,040 | $84,640 | +$19,600 (+30.1%) |
21-2099 | Religious Workers, All Other | $49,830 | $38,020 | -$11,810 (-23.7%) |
Philosophy (7)
Philosophical Studies, Ethics and Religious Thought
38.0001
Philosophy and Religious Studies, General.
(Cert2y+, PostBacCert, FPD)
Graduate Career Earnings in North Carolina
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | North Carolina Avg | NC vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
25-1126 | Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary | $88,210 | $77,230 | -$10,980 (-12.4%) |
38.0103
Ethics.
(Cert2y+, BSc, PostBacCert)
Graduate Career Earnings in North Carolina
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | North Carolina Avg | NC vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
25-1126 | Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary | $88,210 | $77,230 | -$10,980 (-12.4%) |
38.0203
Christian Studies.
(PostBacCert)
Graduate Career Earnings in North Carolina
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | North Carolina Avg | NC vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
25-1126 | Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary | $88,210 | $77,230 | -$10,980 (-12.4%) |
Health (1)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
51.1506
Clinical Pastoral Counseling/Patient Counseling.
(PostBacCert)
Graduate Career Earnings in North Carolina
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | North Carolina Avg | NC vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
21-1013 | Marriage and Family Therapists | $72,720 | $46,530 | -$26,190 (-36%) |
21-1014 | Mental Health Counselors | N/A | N/A | N/A |
21-1019 | Counselors, All Other | $58,070 | $43,840 | -$14,230 (-24.5%) |
21-2011 | Clergy | $67,160 | $62,430 | -$4,730 (-7%) |
21-2021 | Directors, Religious Activities and Education | $65,040 | $84,640 | +$19,600 (+30.1%) |
Interdisciplinary (2)
Cross-Disciplinary Studies and Integrated Research Programs
30.2301
Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies.
(PostBacCert)
Graduate Career Earnings in North Carolina
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | North Carolina Avg | NC vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
19-3099 | Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other | $106,440 | $89,140 | -$17,300 (-16.3%) |
25-1062 | Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary | $97,350 | $80,390 | -$16,960 (-17.4%) |
30.5101
Philosophy, Politics, and Economics.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in North Carolina
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | North Carolina Avg | NC vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
11-9199 | Managers, All Other | $149,890 | $103,500 | -$46,390 (-30.9%) |
19-3011 | Economists | $130,910 | $111,910 | -$19,000 (-14.5%) |
19-3094 | Political Scientists | $137,600 | N/A | N/A |
19-3099 | Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other | $106,440 | $89,140 | -$17,300 (-16.3%) |
25-1063 | Economics Teachers, Postsecondary | $133,140 | $111,400 | -$21,740 (-16.3%) |
25-1065 | Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $105,160 | $82,120 | -$23,040 (-21.9%) |
25-1126 | Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary | $88,210 | $77,230 | -$10,980 (-12.4%) |
Business (4)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
52.0201
Business Administration and Management, General.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in North Carolina
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | North Carolina Avg | NC vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
11-1011 | Chief Executives | $262,930 | $245,590 | -$17,340 (-6.6%) |
11-1021 | General and Operations Managers | $133,120 | $95,470 | -$37,650 (-28.3%) |
11-2022 | Sales Managers | $160,930 | $122,190 | -$38,740 (-24.1%) |
11-3012 | Administrative Services Managers | $126,030 | $95,330 | -$30,700 (-24.4%) |
11-3013 | Facilities Managers | $114,520 | $100,820 | -$13,700 (-12%) |
11-3051 | Industrial Production Managers | $129,180 | $119,210 | -$9,970 (-7.7%) |
11-3071 | Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers | $116,010 | $96,430 | -$19,580 (-16.9%) |
11-3111 | Compensation and Benefits Managers | $156,230 | $125,270 | -$30,960 (-19.8%) |
11-3121 | Human Resources Managers | $160,480 | $122,810 | -$37,670 (-23.5%) |
11-3131 | Training and Development Managers | $140,590 | $107,730 | -$32,860 (-23.4%) |
11-9021 | Construction Managers | $119,660 | $110,400 | -$9,260 (-7.7%) |
11-9072 | Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling | $87,060 | $77,210 | -$9,850 (-11.3%) |
11-9151 | Social and Community Service Managers | $86,100 | $74,450 | -$11,650 (-13.5%) |
11-9179 | Personal Service Managers, All Other | $70,620 | $63,190 | -$7,430 (-10.5%) |
11-9199 | Managers, All Other | $149,890 | $103,500 | -$46,390 (-30.9%) |
13-1051 | Cost Estimators | $83,160 | $68,490 | -$14,670 (-17.6%) |
13-1071 | Human Resources Specialists | $79,730 | $69,440 | -$10,290 (-12.9%) |
13-1081 | Logisticians | $87,600 | $71,950 | -$15,650 (-17.9%) |
13-1082 | Project Management Specialists | $108,100 | $85,450 | -$22,650 (-21%) |
13-1111 | Management Analysts | $114,710 | $89,890 | -$24,820 (-21.6%) |
13-1141 | Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists | $82,920 | $68,530 | -$14,390 (-17.4%) |
13-1199 | Business Operations Specialists, All Other | $92,380 | $66,040 | -$26,340 (-28.5%) |
25-1011 | Business Teachers, Postsecondary | $113,840 | $99,870 | -$13,970 (-12.3%) |
52.0213
Organizational Leadership.
(PostBacCert, FPD, GradCert)
Graduate Career Earnings in North Carolina
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | North Carolina Avg | NC vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
11-2033 | Fundraising Managers | $137,290 | $118,100 | -$19,190 (-14%) |
11-3121 | Human Resources Managers | $160,480 | $122,810 | -$37,670 (-23.5%) |
11-3131 | Training and Development Managers | $140,590 | $107,730 | -$32,860 (-23.4%) |
11-9199 | Managers, All Other | $149,890 | $103,500 | -$46,390 (-30.9%) |
13-1111 | Management Analysts | $114,710 | $89,890 | -$24,820 (-21.6%) |
25-1011 | Business Teachers, Postsecondary | $113,840 | $99,870 | -$13,970 (-12.3%) |
English (1)
English Literature, Creative Writing and Literary Analysis
23.0101
English Language and Literature, General.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in North Carolina
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | North Carolina Avg | NC vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
25-1123 | English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary | $90,400 | $63,670 | -$26,730 (-29.6%) |
25-2031 | Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | $73,700 | $51,640 | -$22,060 (-29.9%) |
43-9081 | Proofreaders and Copy Markers | $52,730 | $50,560 | -$2,170 (-4.1%) |
Liberal Arts (2)
Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities
24.0102
General Studies.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in North Carolina
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | North Carolina Avg | NC vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
25-1199 | Postsecondary Teachers, All Other | $94,470 | $60,950 | -$33,520 (-35.5%) |
24.0103
Humanities/Humanistic Studies.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in North Carolina
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | North Carolina Avg | NC vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
25-1199 | Postsecondary Teachers, All Other | $94,470 | $60,950 | -$33,520 (-35.5%) |
Languages (1)
Foreign Languages, Literature and Linguistic Studies
16.1103
Ancient Near Eastern and Biblical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics.
(PostBacCert)
Graduate Career Earnings in North Carolina
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | North Carolina Avg | NC vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
25-1124 | Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary | $87,670 | $62,670 | -$25,000 (-28.5%) |
27-3091 | Interpreters and Translators | $64,950 | $41,510 | -$23,440 (-36.1%) |
History (1)
Historical Studies, Cultural Heritage and Archaeological Research
54.0101
History, General.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in North Carolina
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | North Carolina Avg | NC vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
11-9199 | Managers, All Other | $149,890 | $103,500 | -$46,390 (-30.9%) |
19-3093 | Historians | $78,470 | $93,800 | +$15,330 (+19.5%) |
25-1125 | History Teachers, Postsecondary | $93,710 | $71,020 | -$22,690 (-24.2%) |
25-2031 | Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | $73,700 | $51,640 | -$22,060 (-29.9%) |
39-7011 | Tour Guides and Escorts | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Education (6)
Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy
13.1202
Elementary Education and Teaching.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in North Carolina
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | North Carolina Avg | NC vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
25-1081 | Education Teachers, Postsecondary | $78,500 | $73,920 | -$4,580 (-5.8%) |
25-2021 | Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education | $69,790 | $50,640 | -$19,150 (-27.4%) |
13.1305
English/Language Arts Teacher Education.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in North Carolina
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | North Carolina Avg | NC vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
25-1081 | Education Teachers, Postsecondary | $78,500 | $73,920 | -$4,580 (-5.8%) |
25-1123 | English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary | $90,400 | $63,670 | -$26,730 (-29.6%) |
25-2022 | Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | $70,040 | $50,520 | -$19,520 (-27.9%) |
25-2031 | Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | $73,700 | $51,640 | -$22,060 (-29.9%) |
13.1318
Social Studies Teacher Education.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in North Carolina
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | North Carolina Avg | NC vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
25-2022 | Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | $70,040 | $50,520 | -$19,520 (-27.9%) |
25-2031 | Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | $73,700 | $51,640 | -$22,060 (-29.9%) |
13.1328
History Teacher Education.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in North Carolina
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | North Carolina Avg | NC vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
25-1081 | Education Teachers, Postsecondary | $78,500 | $73,920 | -$4,580 (-5.8%) |
25-1125 | History Teachers, Postsecondary | $93,710 | $71,020 | -$22,690 (-24.2%) |
25-2022 | Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | $70,040 | $50,520 | -$19,520 (-27.9%) |
25-2031 | Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | $73,700 | $51,640 | -$22,060 (-29.9%) |
13.1401
Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language/ESL Language Instructor.
(BSc, AltPostMSc)
Graduate Career Earnings in North Carolina
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | North Carolina Avg | NC vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
25-2011 | Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education | $41,450 | $31,810 | -$9,640 (-23.3%) |
25-2012 | Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education | $67,020 | $50,590 | -$16,430 (-24.5%) |
25-2021 | Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education | $69,790 | $50,640 | -$19,150 (-27.4%) |
25-2022 | Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | $70,040 | $50,520 | -$19,520 (-27.9%) |
25-2031 | Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | $73,700 | $51,640 | -$22,060 (-29.9%) |
25-3011 | Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors | $64,660 | $52,670 | -$11,990 (-18.5%) |
Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs
Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students
Financial Aid & Student Support
Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students
Student Success Metrics
Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.
Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes
Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (SEBTS)
How much does it cost to attend Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (SEBTS)?
The annual tuition at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (SEBTS) is $10,516 for in-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $22,502 for in-state students. Additional costs include room and board $7,469 (on) / $13,160 (off) and books and supplies $800.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.
What academic programs and degree levels does Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary offer?
Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (SEBTS) offers 68 academic programs across 10 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Associate's, Bachelor's, Postbac Cert., Master's, Doctorate (Research), Doctorate (Other), Other Award.
Most popular program areas include:
- Theological Studies, Ministry Preparation and Religious Leadership (36 programs)
- Philosophical Studies, Ethics and Religious Thought (7 programs)
- Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy (6 programs)
- Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (4 programs)
- Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities (2 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.
What is the acceptance rate for Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary?
Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (SEBTS) has an 76.6% acceptance rate and a 81.1% yield rate, making it selective.
Admission statistics breakdown:
- Total applicants: 124
- Students admitted: 95
- Students enrolled: 77
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Admission statistics may vary by program and application cycle.
What financial aid and scholarships are available at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary?
Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (SEBTS) provides financial aid to 2% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $8,701 and average loans of $15,733.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $6,414
- State/Local grants: $4,675
- Institutional grants: $5,050
The university supports 8 students with grants and 4 students with loans annually.
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.
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