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The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (SBTS) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings

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About The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

Set in Louisville, where church steeples meet a lively arts scene, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary is known for serious study in theology, ministry, and biblical languages. Courses balance close reading with real ministry practice, and faculty tend to mentor as much as they lecture. It feels scholarly yet pastoral, careful without being cold.

Brick buildings frame a central chapel, a deep library, and study spaces. Rhythms of worship and study shape the tone. Students find advising, housing for singles and families, fitness facilities, and good coffee. Life spills outdoors with intramurals and green lawns. Career prep leans on field experience, visiting practitioners, and ties to a broad network of churches. And Louisville adds internships, neighborhood congregations, and food and music that make weekends hum.

Key Institutional Details

Contact & Profile

Location: 2825 Lexington Rd, Louisville, Kentucky, 40280, USA
Website: sbts.edu
Unit ID: 157748

Academic & Institutional

Control: Private non-profit institution (tuition + donations)
Accreditation: SACSCOC
Length of Study: Programs under 2 years (e.g. certificate or diploma)
Calendar System: Semester system (two main terms per year)
Award Levels: Certificate (1-2 yrs), Certificate (≥2 yrs), Associate's, Bachelor's, Postbac Cert., Master's, Doctorate (Research), Doctorate (Other), Other Award
Carnegie Classification: Doctoral Universities: Very High Research 4-Year Focus - Medical Schools
Campus Setting: Located in a large city (population of 250,000 or more)
Tuition: In-state: $13,086 (Tuition $12,336 + Fee $750) · Out-of-state: $13,086 (Tuition $12,336 + Fee $750)
Student Profile:
Total Students: 4,243
Undergraduate: 844
Graduate/Other: 3,399
Male: 3,301 Female: 942
Applications:
Total Applicants: 289
Admitted: 280
Enrolled: 175
Acceptance: 96.9% Yield: 62.5%
Staff:
Total: 748 Full-time: 218 Part-time: 530

Degree Programs & Career Salary Prospects

Explore degree programs offered at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (SBTS) with detailed career prospects, starting salary ranges, and job opportunities in Kentucky. See what you can do with your degree and expected earnings after graduation.

How to use this guide:
Click on any academic field that interests you to expand and view available degree programs. Each program shows potential career paths, median salaries in Kentucky vs national averages, and job prospects for graduates. Perfect for answering "What can I do with my degree?" and salary expectations.
Theology (34)
Theological Studies, Ministry Preparation and Religious Leadership
39.0301 Missions/Missionary Studies. (Cert<1y, Assoc, BSc, PostBacCert, FPD, GradCert)
A program that focuses on the theory and practice of religious outreach, social service and proselytization, and that prepares individuals for mission vocations. Includes instruction in theology, evangelism, preaching, medical and social mission work, missionary education, missionary aviation, emergency services, legal and political aspects of working in other countries, and preparation for ordination as missionaries.

Graduate Career Earnings in Kentucky

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Kentucky Avg KY vs US
21-2021 Directors, Religious Activities and Education $65,040 $51,380 -$13,660 (-21%)
25-1126 Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary $88,210 $66,180 -$22,030 (-25%)
39.0401 Religious Education. (Assoc, PostBacCert, FPD, GradCert)
A program that focuses on the theory and practice of providing educational services to members of faith communities, within the context of a particular religion, and that prepares individuals to serve as religious educators. Includes instruction in planning and teaching lessons, organizing and supervising instructional activities, designing and developing instructional materials, and administering religious education programs and facilities.

Graduate Career Earnings in Kentucky

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Kentucky Avg KY vs US
21-2021 Directors, Religious Activities and Education $65,040 $51,380 -$13,660 (-21%)
25-1126 Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary $88,210 $66,180 -$22,030 (-25%)
39.0501 Religious/Sacred Music. (PostBacCert, FPD)
A program that focuses on the history, theory, composition, and performance of music for religious or sacred purposes, and that prepares individuals for religious musical vocations such as choir directors, cantors, organists, and chanters.

Graduate Career Earnings in Kentucky

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Kentucky Avg KY vs US
25-1126 Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary $88,210 $66,180 -$22,030 (-25%)
27-2041 Music Directors and Composers $84,230 $51,150 -$33,080 (-39.3%)
39.0601 Theology/Theological Studies. (Cert<2y, Assoc, Cert2y+, PostBacCert, FPD, GradCert)
A program that focuses on the beliefs and doctrine of a particular religious faith from the intramural point of view of that faith. Includes instruction in systematic theology, historical theology, moral theology, doctrinal studies, dogmatics, apologetics, and applications to specific questions of ecclesiastical polity and religious life.

Graduate Career Earnings in Kentucky

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Kentucky Avg KY vs US
21-2011 Clergy $67,160 $54,200 -$12,960 (-19.3%)
25-1126 Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary $88,210 $66,180 -$22,030 (-25%)
39.0602 Divinity/Ministry. (BSc, PostBacCert)
A program that prepares individuals for ordination as ministers or priests in any of the Christian religious traditions. Includes instruction in the theology and polity of a particular church, church law, liturgy and ritual, principles of pastoral ministry, homiletics, evangelism, church/parish organization and management, Christian ethics, church history, and related studies.

Graduate Career Earnings in Kentucky

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Kentucky Avg KY vs US
21-2011 Clergy $67,160 $54,200 -$12,960 (-19.3%)
25-1126 Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary $88,210 $66,180 -$22,030 (-25%)
39.0604 Pre-Theology/Pre-Ministerial Studies. (Cert<1y)
A program that prepares individuals to enter a seminary or other program leading to religious ordination, or a related religious vocation.

Graduate Career Earnings in Kentucky

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Kentucky Avg KY vs US
21-2011 Clergy $67,160 $54,200 -$12,960 (-19.3%)
25-1126 Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary $88,210 $66,180 -$22,030 (-25%)
39.0699 Theological and Ministerial Studies, Other. (Cert2y+, PostBacCert, FPD)
Any instructional program in theological and ministerial studies not listed above, including preparation for religious vocations in faiths other than Christianity and Judaism.

Graduate Career Earnings in Kentucky

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Kentucky Avg KY vs US
21-2011 Clergy $67,160 $54,200 -$12,960 (-19.3%)
21-2099 Religious Workers, All Other $49,830 $38,320 -$11,510 (-23.1%)
25-1126 Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary $88,210 $66,180 -$22,030 (-25%)
39.0701 Pastoral Studies/Counseling. (PostBacCert, FPD, GradCert)
A program that focuses on the theory and principles of pastoral care and prepares ordained clergy to provide non-clinical pastoral counseling to individuals and groups. Includes instruction in pastoral leadership, counseling psychology; crisis intervention; individual and group procedures; theological and spiritual counseling; pastoral care; and applications to specific types of ministry.

Graduate Career Earnings in Kentucky

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Kentucky Avg KY vs US
21-1019 Counselors, All Other $58,070 $40,890 -$17,180 (-29.6%)
21-1099 Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other $58,360 $51,360 -$7,000 (-12%)
21-2011 Clergy $67,160 $54,200 -$12,960 (-19.3%)
21-2021 Directors, Religious Activities and Education $65,040 $51,380 -$13,660 (-21%)
21-2099 Religious Workers, All Other $49,830 $38,320 -$11,510 (-23.1%)
25-1126 Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary $88,210 $66,180 -$22,030 (-25%)
39.0702 Youth Ministry. (Cert2y+, PostBacCert)
A program that prepares the ordained clergy and other religious professionals to provide spiritual, counseling, and leadership services to children, adolescents, and young adults. Includes instruction in child and adolescent psychology, human growth and development, family studies, communication skills, religious education, youth counseling, small group leadership, planning and organizing youth activities, volunteer supervision, and youth evangelism and worship.

Graduate Career Earnings in Kentucky

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Kentucky Avg KY vs US
21-2011 Clergy $67,160 $54,200 -$12,960 (-19.3%)
21-2021 Directors, Religious Activities and Education $65,040 $51,380 -$13,660 (-21%)
39.0705 Lay Ministry. (Assoc, PostBacCert)
A program that prepares non-ordained individuals to serve as lay pastors, religious educators, youth leaders, and other professional positions open to the laity in local churches and other settings. Includes instruction in bible studies, theology, spirituality, pastoral counseling, foundations of ministry, effective communication, and church leadership.

Graduate Career Earnings in Kentucky

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Kentucky Avg KY vs US
21-2021 Directors, Religious Activities and Education $65,040 $51,380 -$13,660 (-21%)
21-2099 Religious Workers, All Other $49,830 $38,320 -$11,510 (-23.1%)
39.0799 Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries, Other. (PostBacCert, FPD, GradCert)
Any instructional program in pastoral counseling and specialized ministries not listed above.

Graduate Career Earnings in Kentucky

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Kentucky Avg KY vs US
21-1019 Counselors, All Other $58,070 $40,890 -$17,180 (-29.6%)
21-1099 Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other $58,360 $51,360 -$7,000 (-12%)
21-2021 Directors, Religious Activities and Education $65,040 $51,380 -$13,660 (-21%)
21-2099 Religious Workers, All Other $49,830 $38,320 -$11,510 (-23.1%)
Business (2)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
52.0201 Business Administration and Management, General. (Cert<2y, Cert2y+)
A program that generally prepares individuals to plan, organize, direct, and control the functions and processes of a firm or organization. Includes instruction in management theory, human resources management and behavior, accounting and other quantitative methods, purchasing and logistics, organization and production, marketing, and business decision-making.

Graduate Career Earnings in Kentucky

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Kentucky Avg KY vs US
11-1011 Chief Executives $262,930 $164,490 -$98,440 (-37.4%)
11-1021 General and Operations Managers $133,120 $86,690 -$46,430 (-34.9%)
11-2022 Sales Managers $160,930 $111,610 -$49,320 (-30.6%)
11-3012 Administrative Services Managers $126,030 $94,540 -$31,490 (-25%)
11-3013 Facilities Managers $114,520 $95,500 -$19,020 (-16.6%)
11-3051 Industrial Production Managers $129,180 $89,510 -$39,670 (-30.7%)
11-3071 Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers $116,010 $83,630 -$32,380 (-27.9%)
11-3111 Compensation and Benefits Managers $156,230 $138,850 -$17,380 (-11.1%)
11-3121 Human Resources Managers $160,480 $108,760 -$51,720 (-32.2%)
11-3131 Training and Development Managers $140,590 $98,530 -$42,060 (-29.9%)
11-9021 Construction Managers $119,660 $92,410 -$27,250 (-22.8%)
11-9072 Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling $87,060 $70,590 -$16,470 (-18.9%)
11-9151 Social and Community Service Managers $86,100 $73,730 -$12,370 (-14.4%)
11-9179 Personal Service Managers, All Other $70,620 $75,280 +$4,660 (+6.6%)
11-9199 Managers, All Other $149,890 $79,400 -$70,490 (-47%)
13-1051 Cost Estimators $83,160 $69,310 -$13,850 (-16.7%)
13-1071 Human Resources Specialists $79,730 $58,600 -$21,130 (-26.5%)
13-1081 Logisticians $87,600 $79,980 -$7,620 (-8.7%)
13-1082 Project Management Specialists $108,100 $78,050 -$30,050 (-27.8%)
13-1111 Management Analysts $114,710 $70,040 -$44,670 (-38.9%)
13-1141 Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists $82,920 $62,570 -$20,350 (-24.5%)
13-1199 Business Operations Specialists, All Other $92,380 $70,080 -$22,300 (-24.1%)
25-1011 Business Teachers, Postsecondary $113,840 $65,290 -$48,550 (-42.6%)
Liberal Arts (1)
Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities
24.0103 Humanities/Humanistic Studies. (Cert2y+)
A program that focuses on combined studies and research in the humanities subjects as distinguished from the social and physical sciences, emphasizing languages, literatures, art, music, philosophy and religion.

Graduate Career Earnings in Kentucky

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Kentucky Avg KY vs US
25-1199 Postsecondary Teachers, All Other $94,470 $61,410 -$33,060 (-35%)
Communication (1)
Media Communications, Journalism and Public Relations
09.0100 Communication and Media Studies. (Cert2y+)
Instructional content for this group of programs is defined in codes 09.0100 - 09.0199.

Graduate Career Earnings in Kentucky

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Kentucky Avg KY vs US
11-2032 Public Relations Managers $163,520 $92,890 -$70,630 (-43.2%)
11-2033 Fundraising Managers $137,290 $114,030 -$23,260 (-16.9%)
13-1131 Fundraisers $73,130 $61,950 -$11,180 (-15.3%)
25-1122 Communications Teachers, Postsecondary $90,340 $67,100 -$23,240 (-25.7%)
27-3011 Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys $80,110 $32,020 -$48,090 (-60%)
27-3023 News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists $106,030 $32,810 -$73,220 (-69.1%)
27-3031 Public Relations Specialists $80,310 $50,680 -$29,630 (-36.9%)
27-3041 Editors $85,700 $68,580 -$17,120 (-20%)
27-3043 Writers and Authors $85,780 $52,250 -$33,530 (-39.1%)
Philosophy (2)
Philosophical Studies, Ethics and Religious Thought
38.0001 Philosophy and Religious Studies, General. (Cert2y+, PostBacCert)
A general program that combines the study of philosophy and religious studies. Includes instruction in logic; ethics; epistemology; symbolism; phenomenology; the sociology, psychology, philosophy, anthropology, literature, and art of religion; and world religions.

Graduate Career Earnings in Kentucky

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Kentucky Avg KY vs US
25-1126 Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary $88,210 $66,180 -$22,030 (-25%)
Education (2)
Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy
13.1202 Elementary Education and Teaching. (Cert2y+)
A program that prepares individuals to teach students in the elementary grades, which may include kindergarten through grade eight, depending on the school system or state regulations. Includes preparation to teach all elementary education subject matter.

Graduate Career Earnings in Kentucky

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Kentucky Avg KY vs US
25-1081 Education Teachers, Postsecondary $78,500 $65,920 -$12,580 (-16%)
25-2021 Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education $69,790 $51,800 -$17,990 (-25.8%)
13.1401 Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language/ESL Language Instructor. (AltPostMSc)
A program that focuses on the principles and practice of teaching English to students who are not proficient in English or who do not speak, read or write English, and that may prepare individuals to function as teachers and administrators in such programs.

Graduate Career Earnings in Kentucky

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Kentucky Avg KY vs US
25-2011 Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education $41,450 $32,750 -$8,700 (-21%)
25-2012 Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education $67,020 $50,190 -$16,830 (-25.1%)
25-2021 Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education $69,790 $51,800 -$17,990 (-25.8%)
25-2022 Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $70,040 $51,870 -$18,170 (-25.9%)
25-2031 Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $73,700 $54,410 -$19,290 (-26.2%)
25-3011 Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors $64,660 $41,380 -$23,280 (-36%)

Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs

Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students

Estimated Total Cost
(In-state)
$24,428
Estimated Total Cost
(Out-state)
$24,428
In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$13,086
Tuition and fees for students residing in-state
Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$13,086
Tuition and fees for non-resident students
Room & Board
$8,142 (on) / $2,460 (off)
Housing and meal plan expenses
Books & Supplies
$1,700
Average yearly cost of books and study materials
Other Expenses
$1,500
Miscellaneous personal and institutional expenses
Other Expenses (with family)
$1,500
Estimated cost for students living with family
Graduate In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$10,002
Graduate tuition rates for in-state students
Graduate Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$10,002
Graduate tuition rates for non-resident students

Financial Aid & Student Support

Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students

16%
FTFT Aid Recipients
Avg. Grant
$1,588
Avg. Loan
$14,434
Avg. Federal Loan
N/A
Additional
Students with Any Grant
65
Students who received any type of grant aid
Students with Any Loan
35
Students who received any type of loan-based aid
Students with Federal Grant
0
Students who received a federal grant
Avg. Institutional Grant
$1,588
Average amount of institutional grant awarded

Student Success Metrics

Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.

44%
Graduation Rate
Percentage of students who successfully graduate from the institution
81%
First-Year Retention Rate
Percentage of first-year students who continue for a second year
Median Earnings Over Time
Median Salary After 6 Years
N/A
Average annual earnings of former students six years after starting college.
Median Salary After 10 Years
N/A
Average annual earnings of former students ten years after starting college.

Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes

Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.

3-Year Loan Repayment Rate
N/A
Share of borrowers who repaid loans within 3 years
Repayment Rate (Graduates Only)
N/A
Repayment rate among students who completed their program
Median Student Loan Debt
N/A
Median federal loan debt of undergraduate completers at time of graduation.
Repayment by Income
Repayment by Dependency

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most common questions about The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (SBTS)

How much does it cost to attend The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (SBTS)?

The annual tuition at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (SBTS) is $13,086 for in-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $24,428 for in-state students. Additional costs include room and board $8,142 (on) / $2,460 (off) and books and supplies $1,700.

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 The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary offer?

The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (SBTS) offers 51 academic programs across 6 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Certificate (1-2 yrs), Certificate (≥2 yrs), 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 (34 programs)
  • Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy (2 programs)
  • Philosophical Studies, Ethics and Religious Thought (2 programs)
  • Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (2 programs)
  • Media Communications, Journalism and Public Relations (1 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 The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary?

The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (SBTS) has an 96.9% acceptance rate and a 62.5% yield rate, making it moderately selective.

Admission statistics breakdown:

  • Total applicants: 289
  • Students admitted: 280
  • Students enrolled: 175

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 The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary?

The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (SBTS) provides financial aid to 16% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $1,588 and average loans of $14,434.

Average financial aid amounts by type:

  • Institutional grants: $1,588

The university supports 65 students with grants and 35 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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