Admit rate has ranged 77%–92% over the last 5 years — notably volatile, though the latest figure above (75%) falls outside that window. Source: IPEDS via Urban Institute.
Acceptance & SAT from Common Data Set / IPEDS; net price, earnings & graduation from the U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~1–2 years — verify with the school.
Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (SEBTS) is a deeply evangelical, mission-driven institution where theological training is not an abstract exercise but a practical preparation for ministry. The campus culture is intensely communal and sober, centered on worship and the Great Commission rather than typical college diversions. While its undergraduate programs are accessible, the seminary's heart lies in its graduate divinity and ministry degrees, where students are equipped with what the school describes as 'world-class' academic rigor fused with spiritual formation.
Admission requirements
Test-optional — scores considered if submitted
Required
High school transcript
Grade point average
Letters of recommendation
TOEFL (non-native English)
Considered (not required)
Test scores (SAT/ACT)
Source: IPEDS Admissions survey (2022) via Urban Institute. Covers formal factors only — it does not reflect essays, extracurriculars, or other holistic criteria.
More details
Undergrad enrollment
585
In-state tuition
$11,318
Out-of-state tuition
$11,318
Graduation Rate
58%
First-Year Retention Rate
85%
Students Receiving Grant/Scholarship Aid
71%
Outcomes & value
Outcomes & value
Graduation rate
58%
First-year retention
85%
Pell (lower-income) share
19%
Endowment / student
$15,786
Earnings = median of students working ~10 years after entry; debt = median of graduates. Value divides 10-yr earnings by one year’s net price — read it as earnings per dollar of annual cost, not a full lifetime ROI; it favors lower-cost schools. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~2 years and reflect all students, not your intended major.
Financial health
3.0 / 3.0Meets the federal financial-responsibility standard
U.S. Dept. of Education Financial Responsibility Composite Score (FY2022-23). Scale −1.0 to 3.0; ≥1.5 meets the standard. Reported for private nonprofit & for-profit institutions only — public universities are state-backed and not scored, so this is a stability signal, not a ranking.
Campus & location
Campus safety
On-campus violent crimes (2024)
0
Per 1,000 students
0.00
On-campus criminal offenses classed as violent (murder/non-negligent manslaughter, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) for the most recent reported year. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security (Clery Act). Counts reflect what’s reported to the school, and urban campuses often report more partly due to non-student incidents nearby — read alongside campus size and setting, not as a standalone safety verdict.
Climate
Pleasant days / yr
105
Summer high
87°F
Winter low
37°F
Annual rain
50.8"
Annual snow
2.8"
Natural-hazard risk
Relatively High
Pleasant days counts days per year with a mean temperature of 55–75°F, a high at or below 90°F, a low at or above 45°F, and little precipitation — a transparent comfort measure, not a weighting we invented. Computed from Open-Meteo ERA5 daily history (2019–2023). Natural-hazard risk is the county’s composite rating from the FEMA National Risk Index.
Deep dive — research, future-scholar output & economic mobility▾
Research output
Institutional h-index
12
Scholarly works
213
Institutional research volume and impact from OpenAlex. The h-index reflects large research universities and will be low for teaching-focused liberal-arts colleges — not a measure of undergraduate quality.
Quick answers
What is the acceptance rate at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary?
Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary's acceptance rate is approximately 75% (Wake Forest, NC), based on the most recent figures we compiled from public and primary sources.
What SAT score do you need for Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary?
Admitted students at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary typically score 1000–1250 on the SAT (the middle-50% range). Scores outside this band are still admitted, especially with strong applications.
How much does Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary cost?
At Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, the average net price (after aid) is about $13,090 per year. Actual cost varies with financial aid and residency.
How many undergraduates attend Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary?
Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary enrolls approximately 585 undergraduate students.
Where is Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary located?
Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary is located in Wake Forest, NC.
Admissions
Admissions at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary are moderately selective for its undergraduate programs, with a focus on aligning applicants' goals with the institution's mission. The process is straightforward, with a regular admission deadline in mid-August and a $40 application fee. The profile of enrolled freshmen suggests a strong academic foundation, with an average high school GPA reported on a 4.0 scale. Standardized test scores are considered but not required for all; about 27% of accepted students submit SAT scores. The admissions —the percentage of admitted students who enroll—is notably high, indicating that those who are admitted are highly likely to attend, a common trait at mission-specific institutions.
Application Basics: Regular admission deadline is August 18, with a $40 application fee.
Student Profile: Average GPA of enrolled freshmen is reported as 4.00 on a 4.0 scale.
Standardized Tests: Only about 27% of accepted students submit SAT scores. For those who do, the middle 50% SAT range is typically between 1040 and 1220, with a Math subscore range of 460-590.
Yield Rate: The percent of admitted students who enroll is high, reported at 72%.
Academics at SEBTS are unequivocally centered on preparing students for Christian ministry and leadership. The curriculum is designed to be transformative, blending what the seminary calls a commitment to 'academic excellence, spiritual depth, and missional focus.' While undergraduate degrees are offered, the school's identity and reputation are built on its graduate and advanced theological training. Students study with professors described as 'world-class' and engage with the 'real-world complexity of missions and ministry.' The academic experience is praised for providing 'additional professional skills needed to teach in the local church and higher education' and for problem-solving through a biblical framework. External observers note the seminary maintains 'great academics' and is considered 'a high class seminary,' particularly within certain theological traditions.
Program Focus: The core mission is to 'equip men and women to fulfill the Great Commission.'
Graduate & Advanced Degrees: Includes Master of Divinity, Master of Arts, Master of Theology, Doctor of Ministry, and Doctor of Education.
Pedagogical Approach: Education is described as a 'sacred task' and a 'transformative process' rooted in practical skill-building for ministry.
Reputation: Viewed externally as a 'high class seminary with great academics' and an excellent combination of education and theological alignment.
Life at SEBTS is defined by its tight-knit, purpose-driven community. The seminary explicitly describes itself as a 'community of faith,' united around the common purposes of worshipping and maximizing one's impact for their faith. Student life is active but distinct from a typical undergraduate experience; it's centered on 'community, faith, and sober fun rather than typical college party scenes.' The campus hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including Cultural Celebrations, and maintains a robust support system with dedicated offices for academic advising, the Dean of Students, and general student support. This environment fosters deep connections among students who share a singular vocational focus.
Outcome data for SEBTS reflects its unique student body, which includes many older, non-traditional, and graduate students pursuing second careers in ministry. The graduation rate for the most recent cohort shows that a significant portion of students complete their degrees within six years. Post-graduation, alumni typically enter fields like ministry, counseling, and education, which are not traditionally high-earning professions. The median earnings for alumni five years after graduation provide a benchmark for the financial reality of these callings.
Graduation Rates: For the class of 2023, the average graduation rate was 37.92% after four years and 46.43% after six years.
Post-Graduation Earnings: The median earnings for alumni five years after graduation is reported.
Retention: The first-year retention rate is reported as 85%, indicating a high level of satisfaction and integration among continuing students.
SEBTS leverages significant institutional support to keep costs manageable for students pursuing ministry careers. The seminary averages more than $7.5 million annually in such support. Financial aid is a mix of need-based and merit-based scholarships, and a substantial percentage of students receive grant or scholarship aid. The seminary's standard policy for federal student loans is to certify no more than $9,000 per semester ($18,000 per academic year) for undergraduate students. It's important to note that the seminary does not participate in federal grant or loan programs for its graduate or advanced degree students, though private loans may be an option.
Institutional Support: Southeastern averages over $7.5 million annually in institutional financial support.
Aid Prevalence: 71% of students receive grant or scholarship aid from all sources, with 44% receiving institutional grants or scholarships.
Loan Policy: The standard policy is to certify no more than $9,000 in loans per semester ($18,000 per academic year) for undergraduate students.
Graduate Aid: The seminary does not participate in Federal grant or loan programs for graduate or advanced degree students.
Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary stands out for its unapologetic, singular focus: it exists to train Christian ministers and missionaries. There is no ambiguity about its mission or the type of student it seeks. This clarity creates an immersive environment where every aspect of campus life—from academics to community events—is intentionally designed around spiritual formation and practical ministry preparation. Unlike universities that offer theology as one department among many, SEBTS's entire identity is theological. Its significant financial investment in student support (over $7.5 million annually) underscores a commitment to removing barriers for those called to this path. The result is a place less like a typical college and more like a professional and spiritual training ground, described by those within its orbit as 'the best combination of education and' theological conviction. For a certain student, it isn't just a school; it's the essential preparation for a life's work.
