
The Master’s University and Seminary
Acceptance rate
84.0%
2025
Peer median 70.9%
Tuition per year
$39,020
$54,120 with room and board
Peer median $43,496
Undergraduates
1,908
Student-faculty ratio 13:1
Peer median 12 : 1
Graduation rate
67.4%
4-year; 6-year rate 73.3%
Peer median 54.8%
“Peers” are all 219 private national universities, the same comparison used in this page's data notes.
About
The Master's University and Seminary is a private, non-profit four-year institution located in Santa Clarita, California. Evaluated within the US News college ranking framework, the university operates with an interdenominational Christian religious affiliation, integrating faith-based values into both its academic curriculum and student community. The school encompasses undergraduate college education alongside an established seminary dedicated to pastoral studies and ministry leadership. Situated in northern Los Angeles County, the Santa Clarita campus provides a suburban residential environment within reach of the broader Southern California region. Academic life connects undergraduate liberal arts and pre-professional study with biblical foundations, while the seminary prepares students for specialized ministry vocations. For prospective applicants seeking an institution deeply rooted in historic evangelical Christian tradition, the university offers a close-knit campus culture centered on shared theological convictions, personal character development, and academic preparation.
Undergraduate tuition at The Master's University and Seminary was $39,020 in 2025, keeping its sticker price below the median for peer private comprehensive universities. Student completion outcomes show consistent academic progress. In 2025, the four-year graduation rate was 67.4%, while the six-year graduation rate reached 73.3%, reflecting reliable student persistence past four years. Institutional financial modeling from 2024 estimated that tuition revenue accounted for 41.8% of list price tuition. This metric is a university-wide estimate that reflects broad institutional financial aid, discounts, and graduate waivers; it does not indicate what any individual student actually pays, and international applicants should not use it to calculate their expected personal expenses. Overall, the university demonstrates solid completion rates for both four-year and extended degree tracks alongside an educational cost structure that compares favorably with many private peer universities across the United States.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Suburb of a large city
- Nearest major city
- Los Angeles, about 25 mi
- Nearest international airport
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), about 30 mi
- Academic calendar
- Semester
- Religious affiliation
- Interdenominational
- President
- Mitch Hopewell (Provost)
- Phone
- 6612593540
- City
- Santa Clarita, California
- Address
- 21726 Placerita Canyon Road, Santa Clarita, CA 91321-1200
Rankings & Admission
Peer median 70.9% · all 219 private national universities
Acceptance rate by gender, 2025
In 2020: men 67.2%, women 67.1%.
Best #273, lowest #332, latest #273 over the last ten years.
Data insights
Admission to The Master's University and Seminary is relatively accessible, yet admitted applicants show a strong commitment to enrolling. In the 2025 admissions cycle, the school recorded an acceptance rate of 84%, which is higher than 76% of peer private comprehensive universities. This indicates an open admissions process where most applicants gain entry. Once admitted, students matriculate at a rate well above typical private institutions: the yield rate reached 45.8%, placing the school higher than 85% of peer institutions. This suggests that applicants specifically target the institution and view it as a compelling fit for their educational plans. On national ranking tables, the university placed at rank 273 in 2026 in the US News rankings, showing steady improvement from rank 299 in 2023 despite a temporary dip in 2024. For prospective students, these patterns mean gaining acceptance is generally achievable, while the student body consists largely of classmates who deliberately selected this campus community.
Test Scores
SAT/ACT not considered, even if submitted IPEDS (US Department of Education) has no recent SAT/ACT data for admitted students here. GPA, course rigor, essays and activities matter more.
Data insights
The Master's University and Seminary operates under a test-blind admission policy, meaning standardized test scores are not considered during the evaluation process even if applicants submit them. Because test results play no part in admissions, prospective students do not need to target specific SAT or ACT benchmarks to gain entry. Before adopting this policy, testing figures among incoming students had declined over several cycles. In 2010, 77% of entering students submitted SAT scores, a figure that dropped to 51% by 2019. Similarly, ACT submissions decreased from 37% in 2010 down to 24% in 2019. With testing entirely excluded from admissions decisions, applicants should concentrate on maintaining a competitive high school grade point average, demonstrating sustained course rigor, and presenting strong personal qualifications across their broader application materials.
How Hard Is It to Get In
about 8 in 10
1,051 applicants in 2025, 84.0% admitted
883 admitted 168 not admitted Yield 45.8%
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Popular graduate programs
- Divinity/Ministry · Master's53 (0% international)
- Pastoral Studies/Counseling · Doctoral25 (0% international)
- Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries, Other · Master's24 (13% international)
- Lay Ministry · Master's24 (0% international)
- Business Administration, Management and Operations, Other · Master's20 (0% international)
- Theology/Theological Studies · Master's19 (0% international)
Data insights
Academic offerings at The Master's University and Seminary are heavily concentrated in biblical studies, ministry, and basic professional disciplines. In 2025, the school conferred 322 bachelor degrees, with the top three majors accounting for 35.7% of all undergraduate completions. The largest undergraduate programs were Theology/Theological Studies, Business Administration and Management, General, and General Studies. At the graduate level, degrees are almost entirely centered on church leadership, led by Divinity/Ministry and Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries, Other. None of the university's academic majors appear on national ranking lists, meaning enrollment is driven by programmatic specialization rather than published rankings. Early career compensation varies noticeably by field: based on 2023 earnings data one year after graduation, alumni who completed Business Administration, Management and Operations earned a median of $53,562, while graduates in Theological and Ministerial Studies earned $46,919. For prospective applicants, the curriculum provides focused training in ministry and business, with graduate programs concentrating almost exclusively on pastoral preparation.
All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard
*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bible/Biblical Studies. | - | |||
| Missions/Missionary Studies. | - | |||
| Religious/Sacred Music. | - | |||
| Theology/Theological Studies. | $46,919-$69,234 | |||
| Divinity/Ministry. | $46,919-$69,234 | |||
| Pastoral Studies/Counseling. | - | |||
| Women's Ministry. | - | |||
| Lay Ministry. | - | |||
| Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries, Other. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management, General. | $53,562 | |||
| Organizational Leadership. | $53,562 | |||
| Business Administration, Management and Operations, Other. | $53,562 | |||
| Entrepreneurship/Entrepreneurial Studies. | - | |||
| Marketing, Other. | $40,237 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sport and Fitness Administration/Management. | - | |||
| Exercise Science and Kinesiology. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies. | - | |||
| General Studies. | - | |||
| Humanities/Humanistic Studies. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Communication, General. | - | |||
| Journalism. | - | |||
| Radio, Television, and Digital Communication, Other. | - | |||
| Publishing. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology/Biological Sciences, General. | - | |||
| Animal Physiology. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Music, General. | - | |||
| Music Technology. | - | |||
| Music Management. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English Language and Literature, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Teacher Education, Multiple Levels. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| History, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Political Science and Government, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Christian Studies. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Engineering, General. | - | |||
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paleontology. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Environmental Science. | - |
Students
2,860 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 53:47 · Freshman retention 84.7%
- Continuing undergraduates 1,011
- First-year undergraduates 236
- Graduate students 952
- Transfers and others 661
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (1,908)
Data insights
The Master's University and Seminary serves an undergraduate and graduate student body characterized by predominant White and Hispanic representation alongside smaller minority cohorts. In the 2025 incoming freshman class, Asian students accounted for 22 individuals, representing 5.4% of first-year undergraduates. International students in the freshman cohort numbered 21, comprising 5.2% of entering first-year students. Beyond the first year, continuing undergraduate classes show lower international representation, while Asian students maintain steady participation across upperclassmen cohorts. The graduate division constitutes roughly a third of all students and is heavily male, with White and Hispanic students making up the largest groups, followed by modest numbers of Asian and international scholars. For incoming applicants, this demographic structure reflects an institution rooted primarily in domestic communities, where international and Asian students form distinct minority segments within both the undergraduate and seminary programs.
Undergraduate and graduate students at The Master's University and Seminary have distinctly different age profiles, separating the student body between traditional college learners and experienced adult professionals. In 2025, the undergraduate population was concentrated in traditional age brackets, with 33.2% of undergraduates aged 18 to 19 and 32.4% aged 20 to 21. Because of this distribution, undergraduate campus life primarily involves students transitioning directly from high school into their early twenties. In contrast, the graduate division serves a noticeably older population pursuing theological and professional study. The largest graduate group was aged 40 to 49, accounting for 25.6% of graduate enrollment, followed by students in their early thirties. This clear division indicates that undergraduate campus activities center on early-adulthood collegiate routines, whereas graduate degree programs accommodate mid-career individuals balancing advanced studies with established personal and ministry commitments.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 219 private national universities
37 in 2025 · 4.7% in 2016
26 in 2025 · 11.6% in 2016
Data insights
International enrollment at The Master's University and Seminary remains low and has trended downward across both undergraduate and graduate levels. In 2025, international students comprised 1.9% of the undergraduate student body, placing the university higher than 23% of peer private comprehensive universities. This undergraduate share reflects a notable decline over the past decade. Graduate international enrollment followed a similar downward path, dropping to 2.7% of all graduate students in 2025. Among 2025 degree recipients, international students represented a small minority across all academic levels. Undergraduate international graduates were concentrated in General Studies, Business Administration and Management, General, and Exercise Science, while primary programs like theology recorded no international completions. At the master's level, international representation was concentrated in Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries, Other, where international students made up 12.5% of graduates. For prospective international applicants, these patterns indicate a small peer community on campus, with international presence clustered in specific applied business, general, and pastoral counseling tracks.
Cost
2025 cost per year
$54,120
- Undergraduate tuition
- $39,020
- Room and board
- $15,100
- Graduate tuition
- $10,410
Peer median tuition + room and board $57,550 · all 219 private national universities
Tuition rose 26% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 50%.
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$83.9M
Expenses$62.0M
Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)
Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 219 private national universities
Campus Life
Athletics and varsity athletes NAIA · Other · Golden State Athletic Conference
Golden State Athletic Conference: basketball, baseball, cross country
| NAIA Division I | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Track and Field and Cross Country (combined) | 86 | 66 |
| Soccer | 33 | 26 |
| Baseball | 43 | - |
| Swimming | 23 | 15 |
| Volleyball | 20 | 16 |
| Basketball | 16 | 18 |
| Beach Volleyball | - | 16 |
| Golf | 10 | 5 |
| NAIA Division I | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Track and Field and Cross Country (combined) | 93 | 61 |
| Soccer | 32 | 31 |
| Swimming | 23 | 18 |
| Volleyball | 17 | 19 |
| Baseball | 28 | - |
| Basketball | 15 | 13 |
| Golf | 9 | 6 |
| Beach Volleyball | - | 14 |
| NAIA Division I | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Track and Field and Cross Country (combined) | 86 | 80 |
| Soccer | 31 | 33 |
| Volleyball | 17 | 16 |
| Baseball | 31 | - |
| Swimming | 12 | 18 |
| Basketball | 15 | 13 |
| Golf | 11 | 6 |
| Beach Volleyball | - | 12 |
Nearby & Safety
Ranked colleges nearby
-
University of California-Los AngelesLos Angeles · 21.9 mi
U.S. News #20
-
Occidental CollegeLos Angeles · 24.8 mi
Liberal Arts #38
-
California Institute of TechnologyPasadena · 28.1 mi
U.S. News #5
-
University of Southern CaliforniaLos Angeles · 28.3 mi
U.S. News #27
-
Pomona CollegeClaremont · 49.9 mi
Liberal Arts #3
-
Scripps CollegeClaremont · 49.9 mi
Liberal Arts #38
-
Harvey Mudd CollegeClaremont · 49.9 mi
Liberal Arts #8
-
Claremont McKenna CollegeClaremont · 50.0 mi
Liberal Arts #3
-
Pitzer CollegeClaremont · 50.2 mi
Liberal Arts #44
Data insights
Families exploring higher education options in the region surrounding Santa Clarita can consider several established institutions within reasonable driving distance. Located 21.9 kilometers away, University of California-Los Angeles is a National University ranked 20th in the 2027 rankings. For students interested in a liberal arts education, Occidental College is situated 24.8 kilometers from campus and holds rank 38 among Liberal Arts Colleges. Additionally, Pepperdine University is a National University located 26.1 kilometers away, holding rank 80. Each of these nearby institutions offers different campus environments and educational missions, providing applicants with diverse alternatives across public and private university sectors in Southern California.
Peer median 5.6 · all 219 private national universities
Incidents, 2023–2025
From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.
Data insights
Campus safety records at The Master's University and Seminary reflect a low level of reported disciplinary and criminal activity. In 2025, the crime rate per 1,000 students stood at 0.4, having decreased over the long term from earlier years. Across the three-year period from 2023 to 2025, specific campus incident totals remained very low. Disciplinary referrals for liquor law violations were the most frequent category, totaling 2 incidents over those years. Criminal offenses during that same timeframe consisted of 1 motor vehicle theft and 1 incident of arson, with no other major offenses recorded. These figures indicate that security infractions and serious offenses are uncommon on campus grounds. For families and prospective students evaluating safety conditions, the data points to a quiet residential and learning environment with minimal disciplinary disruption.
Notable Alumni
Notable alumni of The Master’s University and Seminary include Francis Chan (Author, teacher and preacher), Ralph Drollinger (Pastor and former professional basketball player) and Mike Penberthy (Former NBA player, 2001 champion with the Lakers).
-
Francis Chan 1967–
Author, teacher and preacher
-
Ralph Drollinger 1954–
Pastor and former professional basketball player
-
Mike Penberthy 1974–
Former NBA player, 2001 champion with the Lakers
-
Erin Perperoglou 1979–
Former WNBA basketball player
-
Stephanie Soares 2000–
Brazilian basketball player in the WNBA
-
Robert H. Gundry 1932–
Bible scholar and retired New Testament professor
-
Tim Soares 1997–
American-Brazilian professional basketball player
-
Marc Alan Lee 1978–2006
Navy SEAL, first SEAL killed in Operation Iraqi Freedom
-
Jerry Owens 1981–
Former MLB player for the Chicago White Sox
More alumni (2, by field)
Sports
-
Ryan Zamroz 1987–
Former professional basketball player
-
Conner Menez 1995–
Professional baseball pitcher
From Wikidata “educated at” records (including people who attended without graduating), ordered by the number of Wikipedia language editions. Degrees and years follow Wikidata and are left out where it has none.
Recent News at The Master’s University and Seminary
Summarized daily from the school's official news. Click "Source" for the original story.
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The Master's University is developing a Bachelor of Science in agribusiness, targeting a fall 2027 launch pending WSCUC approval and internal processes.
Source: masters.edu -
The Master's University offers five full-tuition Steadfast Scholarships for fall 2027 freshmen, with applications opening Nov. 1 and closing Jan. 1, 2027.
Source: masters.edu -
The Master's University opened fall 2027 applications; traditional undergraduate applicants admitted by Nov. 1 receive a $1,000 Early Admission Scholarship.
Source: masters.edu -
The Master's University's Bachelor of Science programs in Computer, Electrical, and Mechanical Engineering received ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission accreditation, effective retroactively to October 2023.
Source: masters.edu
No updates on this topic in this month.
References and Data Sources
- The Master’s University and Seminary Official Website
- USNews Best Colleges Ranking
- USNews Bset Global Universities Ranking
- THE World University Ranking
- QS World University Ranking
- ARWU World University Ranking
- US Department of Education College Scorecard
- National Center for Education Statistics
- Forward Pathway US College Ranking Database
Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.