The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (SBTS) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
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
Academic & Institutional
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.
Theology (34)
Theological Studies, Ministry Preparation and Religious Leadership
39.0301
Missions/Missionary Studies.
(Cert<1y, Assoc, BSc, PostBacCert, FPD, GradCert)
Graduate Career Earnings in Kentucky
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)
Graduate Career Earnings in Kentucky
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)
Graduate Career Earnings in Kentucky
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)
Graduate Career Earnings in Kentucky
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)
Graduate Career Earnings in Kentucky
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)
Graduate Career Earnings in Kentucky
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)
Graduate Career Earnings in Kentucky
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)
Graduate Career Earnings in Kentucky
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)
Graduate Career Earnings in Kentucky
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)
Graduate Career Earnings in Kentucky
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)
Graduate Career Earnings in Kentucky
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+)
Graduate Career Earnings in Kentucky
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+)
Graduate Career Earnings in Kentucky
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+)
Graduate Career Earnings in Kentucky
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)
Graduate Career Earnings in Kentucky
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+)
Graduate Career Earnings in Kentucky
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)
Graduate Career Earnings in Kentucky
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
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 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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