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Private nonprofit, 4-year

New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary

New Orleans, Louisiana · www.nobts.edu

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Tuition per year

$12,368

$20,498 with room and board

Peer median $11,500

Undergraduates

865

Student-faculty ratio 19:1

Peer median 12 : 1

Graduation rate

7.5%

4-year; 6-year rate 35.8%

Peer median 5.7%

“Peers” are all 235 private faith-related institutions in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).

About

New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (NOBTS) is a distinguished institution located in the vibrant city of New Orleans, Louisiana. Founded in 1917, NOBTS has a rich heritage of providing theological education that emphasizes the importance of biblical authority and the centrality of Jesus Christ. The seminary's mission is to equip men and women for ministry in a diverse and ever-changing world, fostering an environment where students can grow spiritually and academically. The campus is known for its welcoming atmosphere, reflecting the southern hospitality of New Orleans and offering a supportive community for students from various backgrounds.

The seminary boasts a diverse range of programs, including degrees at the master’s and doctoral levels in various fields of theological study, ministry, and mission. NOBTS emphasizes practical ministry training, offering numerous opportunities for students to engage in hands-on experiences through local churches and community organizations. The faculty at NOBTS comprises experienced scholars and practitioners who are dedicated to mentoring students and guiding them in their spiritual journeys. With a commitment to both academic excellence and spiritual formation, the seminary prepares graduates to serve effectively in various ministry contexts, ensuring they are well-equipped to address the challenges of contemporary society. The campus also features modern facilities, including classrooms, libraries, and spaces for worship and fellowship, contributing to a vibrant campus culture that encourages collaboration, growth, and community engagement among students.

Tuition and Student Enrollment Trends

The data reveals a concerning trend regarding tuition fees at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, which has experienced a substantial increase over the years. From 2014 to 2024, in-state undergraduate tuition rose from $6,540 to $11,090, marking a staggering increase of approximately 69%. This sharp rise in tuition could potentially deter prospective students, particularly those from lower-income backgrounds, and may contribute to declining enrollment numbers. For instance, the number of undergraduate students dropped from 1,088 in 2014 to just 801 in 2023.

Moreover, the student-faculty ratio has shown significant fluctuations, indicating possible challenges in maintaining optimal educational support. While the ratio improved slightly from 25 students per faculty member in 2013 to 14 in 2023, the erratic nature of this ratio could impact the quality of education and student experience.

The retention rate also presents a mixed picture. After a notable decline in retention from 90% in 2015 to around 55% in 2020, there has been a recovery to 89% in 2023. This resurgence could suggest that recent efforts to improve student support services are having a positive effect. However, the graduation rates remain concerning, with only 4.5% of students graduating on time in 2023, highlighting systemic issues that need to be addressed.

In conclusion, while the seminary has made strides in retaining students, the rising tuition costs and low graduation rates pose challenges that need immediate attention to ensure future growth and student success.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Large city
Nearest major city
New Orleans, about 7 mi
Nearest international airport
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY), about 15 mi
New Orleans, Louisiana
Also known as
NOBTS
Academic calendar
Semester
Religious affiliation
Southern Baptist
President
James Dew, Jr. (President)
Phone
5042824455
City
New Orleans, Louisiana
Address
3939 Gentilly Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70126

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Associate260 international (0.0%)
Bachelor's880 international (0.0%)
Master's2160 international (0.0%)
Doctoral930 international (0.0%)
Top 6 Bachelor's majors by graduates
Theological and Ministerial Studies, Other
63
Applied Psychology
9
Bible/Biblical Studies
7
Religious/Sacred Music
4
Theology/Theological Studies
3
Missions/Missionary Studies
2

U.S. studentsInternational

Popular graduate programs

  • Divinity/Ministry · Master's88 (0% international)
  • Divinity/Ministry · Doctoral34 (0% international)
  • Theology/Theological Studies · Doctoral32 (0% international)
  • Pastoral Studies/Counseling · Master's29 (0% international)
  • Religious Education · Master's27 (0% international)
  • Psychology, General · Master's22 (0% international)

Data insights

Analysis of Graduation Data from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary

The graduation data for 2023 from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary presents interesting insights into the distribution of degrees across various theological and academic disciplines. Notably, the Master's degree in Pastoral Studies/Counseling is the most awarded, with 36 graduates. This highlights a strong interest in pastoral care and counseling, reflecting a growing emphasis on mental health and emotional support within church ministries.

In contrast, the Doctorate degrees seem to be less popular, with only 18 graduates in Theological Studies and 3 in Missions/Missionary Studies. This could indicate that while there is a significant pursuit of higher education in the theological realm, fewer individuals are willing or able to commit to the extensive requirements of doctoral studies.

Moreover, it is worth noting that international students are absent from most programs, which may suggest barriers to entry or a lack of outreach in these specific academic areas. The only recorded international graduates are in the Women's Ministry and Other Theological and Ministerial Studies, with two graduates each.

The absence of graduates in several categories, especially at the undergraduate level, raises questions about the appeal of these programs. The data could reflect broader trends in religious education, where traditional pathways are being reconsidered in a rapidly changing cultural landscape.

Overall, the results underscore the need for theological institutions to adapt their offerings and support systems to better cater to both domestic and international students, ensuring that they are meeting the evolving needs of the church and society.

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

Theology has 387 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMasterDoctor
Bible/Biblical Studies.-
Missions/Missionary Studies.-
Church Planting.-
Religious Education.-
Religious/Sacred Music.-
Worship Ministry.-
Theology/Theological Studies.-
Divinity/Ministry.-
Theological and Ministerial Studies, Other.-
Pastoral Studies/Counseling.-
Women's Ministry.-
Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries, Other.-
Psychology has 31 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMasterDoctor
Psychology, General.-
Applied Psychology.-
Philosophy has 5 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMasterDoctor
Philosophy.-
Christian Studies.-

Students

2,349 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 63:37 · Freshman retention 92.0%

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (865)

White
517 · 59.8%
Black
135 · 15.6%
Unknown
102 · 11.8%
Hispanic
49 · 5.7%
International
34 · 3.9%
Asian
15 · 1.7%
Two or more races
5 · 0.6%

Data insights

Demographic Insights of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary Students

The 2023 student demographic data from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary presents a multifaceted view of the student body, revealing both gender and racial diversity among various classifications of students. In total, there are 1,855 students across four categories: undergraduate freshmen, undergraduate upperclassmen, undergraduate transfer students, and graduate students.

The undergraduate freshmen category, comprising 104 students, indicates a slight majority of female students at 57.7%, while male students account for 42.3%. This trend shifts among upperclassmen, where male students represent 62.1% of 663 students, showcasing a more pronounced male dominance in this group. In the transfer student category, the male representation is even higher at 79.4% among 34 students, suggesting that men are more likely to transfer into the program.

Graduate students, who make up the largest group with 1,054 individuals, exhibit a significant male majority at 71.4%. This could reflect broader trends in theological education where male students are more prevalent in graduate studies.

Interestingly, while the data reflects gender ratios, the racial composition of students, particularly for freshmen and transfer students, indicates an important trend towards diversity. For instance, among freshmen, 53 are identified as white, comprising approximately 51% of the group. This is a critical aspect of the institution's commitment to inclusivity, as it seeks to cultivate a diverse environment for theological education.

Overall, these insights underscore the evolving landscape of theological education at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, highlighting shifts in gender dynamics and a growing focus on diversity. As educational institutions continue to adapt to societal changes, it will be essential to monitor these trends for fostering an inclusive academic community.

Analysis of Student Age Demographics at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary

The age composition of students at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary reveals interesting trends in enrollment across different age groups. Notably, the largest demographic is in the 40-49 age range, with a total of 267 students, indicating a significant interest in theological studies among middle-aged individuals. This trend may reflect a growing recognition of the importance of spiritual education at later stages in life, possibly influenced by career transitions or personal life changes.

In contrast, the younger demographics, particularly those under 24 years old, show relatively low enrollment numbers. For instance, the combined total of students aged 18-19 and 20-21 is only 41, which constitutes approximately 15% of the total student body. This could suggest that younger individuals are either opting for alternative paths or delaying their entrance into theological education, possibly due to the rising costs of education and the need for immediate employment.

Moreover, the data highlights a striking gender disparity, especially within the graduate male population, which significantly outnumbers their female counterparts in nearly all age groups. For example, in the 25-29 age range, there are 197 male graduate students compared to just 76 female graduate students. This could reflect broader societal trends where men are more likely to pursue advanced degrees in theology, although the increased female enrollment in the 22-24 age bracket hints at a potential shift in future demographics.

Overall, the data indicates that the seminary attracts a diverse group of students, predominantly older adults, while also highlighting ongoing challenges related to gender balance and the engagement of younger individuals in theological education.

International Students

International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 235 private faith-related institutions in the U.S.

Undergraduates3.9%

34 in 2025 · 0.6% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 0.6%2017: 1.0%2019: 7.2%2020: 3.6%2021: 0.0%2022: 0.0%2023: 0.1%2024: 5.1%2025: 3.9%
2016Peer median 0.9%2025
Graduate students6.4%

95 in 2025 · 3.6% in 2016

0% 7.5% 15% 2016: 3.6%2017: 3.4%2019: 9.5%2020: 10.1%2021: 0.0%2022: 0.1%2023: 0.1%2024: 7.3%2025: 6.4%
2016Peer median 3.2%2025

Data insights

Trends in International Student Enrollment at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary

The data on international student enrollment at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary reveals significant fluctuations over the years. In the early 2000s, the number of undergraduate international students was notably low, with only 8 students in both 2004 and 2005, constituting a mere 0.74% of the total undergraduate population. This trend persisted into 2007 and 2009, where the numbers fell even further.

A striking change was observed in 2010 when international enrollment jumped to 23 students, representing 2.05% of the undergraduate cohort. However, this surge did not sustain itself, as subsequent years exhibited varying enrollment figures. The peak for undergraduate international students occurred in 2019, reaching 53 students, or 7.2% of the undergraduate total, suggesting a potential growing interest in the seminary's programs among international students.

Graduate international student enrollment has generally been more robust, peaking at 152 students in 2020, which accounted for approximately 10.11% of the total graduate population. This indicates a consistent appeal of the seminary's graduate programs on a global scale, particularly in the context of an increasing number of students seeking theological education worldwide.

The significant drop in international student numbers in 2022 and 2023 raises concerns, particularly in light of the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on global travel and education. As institutions worldwide adapt to these challenges, it will be crucial for New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary to implement strategies to attract and support international students, ensuring that their diverse perspectives continue to enrich the academic community.

Cost

2025 cost per year

$20,498

Undergraduate tuition
$12,368
Room and board
$8,130
Graduate tuition
$8,788
Tuition and room and board over time

Peer median tuition + room and board $18,400 · all 235 private faith-related institutions in the U.S.

Tuition rose 79% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 69%.

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$44.0M

Gifts and private grants
$18.5M42.0%
Tuition and fees
$11.7M26.6%
Investment return
$8.3M19.0%
Auxiliary enterprises
$5.5M12.4%

Expenses$40.6M

Instruction
$16.9M41.6%
Auxiliary enterprises
$9.1M22.3%
Institutional support
$5.2M12.9%
Academic support
$2.9M7.2%
Scholarships
$1.6M4.0%
Student services
$1.0M2.5%
Other
$3.9M9.6%

Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)

Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 235 private faith-related institutions in the U.S.

All faculty
$60,831peers $51,151
Professor
$66,235peers $65,885
Associate professor
$62,654peers $62,250
Assistant professor
$51,320peers $57,312
Instructor
$27,000peers $41,066

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · EADA

No athlete data available for 2025.

No athlete data available for 2024.

No athlete data available for 2023.

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable universities near the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary:

  1. Tulane University of Louisiana - Ranked 73 in the 2024 US News, Tulane is a prestigious research university known for its strong programs in law, business, and public health.

  2. Loyola University New Orleans - With a rank of 260, Loyola is a private Jesuit university offering a liberal arts education with a focus on social justice and community service.

  3. Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College - Ranked 185, LSU is a flagship university with a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs, particularly known for its research initiatives.

  4. The University of Alabama - This university is ranked 170 and offers a comprehensive range of programs and a vibrant campus life, making it a popular choice for students.

  5. University of Houston - With a ranking of 133, the University of Houston provides a wide array of academic options and is recognized for its commitment to research and innovation.

  6. Rice University - An elite institution ranked 17, Rice is known for its excellent programs in science, engineering, and humanities, along with its small student-to-faculty ratio.

These institutions offer a variety of opportunities for students in the New Orleans area, each with its own unique strengths and academic focus.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

Peer median 0.0 · all 235 private faith-related institutions in the U.S.

Incidents, 2023–2025

Motor vehicle theft
7
Burglary
6
Residence hall fires
2
Dating violence
1

From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.

Data insights

Analysis of Crime Data at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary

The crime data for New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary from 2013 to 2023 reveals a striking absence of recorded criminal incidents. With a crime rate consistently reported at zero per 1,000 students across these years, the institution appears to maintain a notably safe environment for its students. In comparison, many universities across the United States have been grappling with various crime issues, including drug-related arrests and violent crimes.

The absence of incidents such as gun arrests, drug offenses, alcohol-related arrests, and domestic violence suggests that the seminary has effective measures in place to promote safety and security on campus. This situation is particularly commendable given the rising concerns about campus safety in many educational institutions nationwide.

Moreover, the data indicates that there were no reported occurrences of severe offenses such as murder, sexual assault, robbery, or theft during this period. This could reflect not only the administration's commitment to a safe educational environment but also the community's adherence to values that discourage such behaviors.

It is essential to continue monitoring these statistics to ensure that the trend of low crime rates persists. Engaging students in safety programs and promoting a culture of reporting any suspicious activity could further enhance campus security. For those interested in understanding crime rates and their implications, further information can be found on crime rate calculations at this link: Crime Rate Calculation Method.

Notable Alumni

Notable alumni of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary include Doug Collins (12th US Secretary of Veterans Affairs), David Platt (Evangelical Baptist pastor) and Adrian Rogers (Baptist pastor, three-term Southern Baptist Convention president).

References and Data Sources

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.