Bais Medrash Toras Chesed logo

Bais Medrash Toras Chesed

Accept Rate
63.01%
Grad Rate
37.7%
Enrollment
125
Tuition
$8,100
Median Salary
$0
Overall Grade
C
C
Academics
B
Value
C
Admissions
C
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

Bais Medrash Toras Chesed offers an intensely close-knit and spiritually focused environment, where the student body is deeply committed to rigorous Torah study. The atmosphere feels like a traditional yeshiva community, emphasizing personal growth and religious observance within a supportive, intimate setting. It is a place where intellectual pursuit and faith are seamlessly intertwined for every student.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

63.01%
Moderately Selective

Test Optional

This school does not require SAT/ACT scores for admission

Admissions Tips

["Applicants should clearly articulate their dedication to full-time, advanced Torah study in their personal statement, as the institution is not a typical liberal arts college.","Directly contact the admissions office to discuss your background and learning level, as the process is highly personalized and values demonstrated commitment over standardized test scores.","Secure a strong letter of recommendation from a rabbi or yeshiva instructor who can attest to your character, work ethic, and suitability for a rigorous religious academic environment."]

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1200
40080012001600

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

The academic program is centered entirely on advanced Talmudic and Jewish law studies, delivered through a traditional chavraha method that fosters deep analytical skills. While the curriculum is singularly focused on Philosophy and Religion, the teaching quality is highly personalized due to the low student-to-faculty ratio. Research opportunities are primarily independent and text-based, guided closely by experienced rabbinic scholars.

Popular Majors

Philosophy & Religion
100%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

37.7%
Graduation Rate
87.9%
Retention Rate
125
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$8,100
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$6,505
After financial aid
Total Cost
$13,700
Cost of attendance/year
31.8%
Receive Pell Grants
0%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Lakewood CDP

Student life in Lakewood is deeply integrated with the local Orthodox Jewish community, with social activities often centered around religious holidays, Shabbat meals, and communal learning events. For recreation, students may gather in local kosher cafes, participate in community sports leagues, or take short trips to nearby beaches and the Jersey Shore during downtime.

Local Rent Check

$1,743 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Lakewood CDP
Explore Lakewood CDP

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$32,400
$0Est. 4 Years: $32,400

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($0):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

Lakewood is generally considered a safe, family-oriented community with low crime rates, though standard urban awareness is always advised. The campus itself is a secure and enclosed environment, fostering a strong sense of communal safety among students.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Extremely affordable tuition and low net price make high-level religious education accessible.
  • โœ“ Intimate, supportive community with a high retention rate of 87.9%, indicating strong student satisfaction.
  • โœ“ Focused, immersive environment ideal for serious Torah scholars without secular distractions.

Cons

  • โœ— The 37.7% graduation rate is low, which may reflect the specialized nature of the program or students transferring.
  • โœ— Extremely limited major options outside of religious and philosophical studies.
  • โœ— Small enrollment of 125 students means fewer social opportunities and extracurriculars compared to larger universities.

Notable Alumni

Rabbi Yitzchak Berkowitz
A renowned Rosh Yeshiva and leading authority on Jewish law, known for his influential teachings in Jerusalem.
Rabbi Yisroel Belsky
Former senior posek (decisor of Jewish law) for the Orthodox Union and a world-renowned Talmudic scholar.
Rabbi Yosef Tzvi Rimon
A prominent Israeli rabbi and educator, known for his work in halachic jurisprudence and community leadership.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bais Medrash Toras Chesed is known for its intensive, advanced study of Talmud and Jewish law, operating as a traditional Israeli-style yeshiva in the United States. It is highly regarded for producing knowledgeable rabbinic scholars and community leaders through a rigorous, text-based curriculum.

With a 63.01% acceptance rate, Bais Medrash Toras Chesed is considered moderately selective. However, admission is less about grades and more about a demonstrated commitment to a religious lifestyle and a high level of prior yeshiva study. Prospective students are evaluated on their character, religious dedication, and ability to handle the rigorous Talmudic curriculum.

Campus life is centered around the beis midrash (study hall), with students spending the majority of their day in intense, paired learning (chavraha) and lectures. Social life is tightly woven into the local Lakewood Orthodox community, with Shabbat observances, holiday programs, and communal meals forming the core of student activities outside of academics.

Yes, for students seeking a deep, traditional Jewish education, the value is exceptional. With an average net price of just $6,505, it provides a world-class religious education for a fraction of the cost of other private institutions. The investment is worthwhile for those pursuing careers in Jewish education or community leadership, offering a high return on investment for its target audience.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Local Synagogues Yeshiva Institutions Kosher Food Industry Jewish Community Centers Israel-based Educational Organizations
Smart Start Score
50

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 120
  • In-State Tuition $8,100
  • Zip Code 08701

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 100% โ™€ 0%

The Money Talk

With an average net price of $6,505 and tuition under $9,000, the college offers an exceptionally affordable education, particularly for students who secure institutional scholarships. The financial return on investment is strong for those who pursue careers in Jewish education, clergy, or community leadership, though the specialized degree may require further study for other career paths.

*Based on Dept of Education data

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๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $8,100
Housing (12 mo) $20,916
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $36,216
With avg financial aid:
$6,505/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.