Bachelor of Arts [B.A] (Jewish Studies)
$33,754 /Yr
Rutgers University Bachelor of Arts [B.A] Jewish Studies is a four-year full-time undergraduate degree offered in New Brunswick, New Jersey. The programme admits international students on an F-1 student visa with a minimum 3.5 GPA and TOEFL 79 or IELTS 6.0. Total tuition is approximately US$134,936 (INR 1.28 Crore) over four years, with intakes in September and January. The Department of Jewish Studies provides an interdisciplinary curriculum spanning 60+ courses covering history, literature, religion, philosophy, and culture from ancient times to the present.
The programme trains students for careers in education, non-profit leadership, law, heritage preservation, and cultural administration. What sets it apart is direct study-abroad access to Israel and European research centres plus mandatory internship opportunities at major cultural institutions in New Jersey and New York City. Ideal applicants demonstrate strong academic fundamentals, genuine intellectual curiosity about Jewish civilizations, and readiness to engage across disciplines — from biblical Hebrew to modern film studies.
- Interdisciplinary curriculum: 60+ courses drawing faculty from eight departments across history, theology, literature, and social studies.
- Global immersion: study-abroad semesters in Israel and Europe; internships at national museums and non-profit organizations.
- Strong placement pathway: 88% of Rutgers graduates secure employment within six months; Jewish Studies alumni work as educators, historians, lawyers, clergy, and non-profit leaders.
Current Admission Status
Applications for the Fall 2027 intake are Open. International student deadline: 01 December 2026.
Indian applicants must submit WES-evaluated transcripts and standardized test scores (SAT or equivalent) at least eight weeks before the deadline to allow processing time. TOEFL/IELTS test results should be sent directly by the test centre to Rutgers.
Also Check: Rutgers University Jewish Studies Admission
Rutgers Jewish Studies Fees and Living Costs 2026
Annual tuition for international undergraduate students in the Bachelor of Arts programme is US$33,734 (INR 32.12 Lakhs). Additional mandatory fees and living expenses add significantly to the total cost of attendance.
| Cost Component | Annual (USD) | Annual (INR) | Four-Year Total (USD) | Four-Year Total (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition (International) | US$33,734 | INR 32.12 Lakhs | US$134,936 | INR 1.28 Crore |
| Health Insurance (Mandatory) | US$1,350 | INR 1.29 Lakhs | US$5,400 | INR 5.14 Lakhs |
| Application Fee (One-time) | US$70 | INR 6,662 | — | — |
| Books & Supplies (Annual) | US$1,200 | INR 1.14 Lakhs | US$4,800 | INR 4.57 Lakhs |
| Total Annual Cost | US$36,284 | INR 34.55 Lakhs | US$145,136 | INR 1.38 Crore |
All INR conversions in the article use a conversion rate of USD 1 = INR 95.18 as of June 2026. Rates fluctuate daily; verify before applying.
- Tuition covers full-time enrolment for one academic year (two semesters); international students pay the same rate regardless of course load.
- Health insurance is mandatory for all international students; coverage includes emergency care, preventive visits, and prescription medications.
- Books and supplies vary by semester; humanities-heavy Jewish Studies coursework typically costs INR 1.14 Lakhs annually.
- Additional one-time costs: F-1 visa application (~US$350), SEVIS fee (~US$200), and travel to the USA (~US$1,200 to US$2,000).
Cost of Living in New Brunswick for Jewish Studies Students
| Expense Category | Monthly (USD) | Monthly (INR) | Annual (USD) | Annual (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| On-Campus Housing | US$800 | INR 76,144 | US$9,600 | INR 9.14 Lakhs |
| Off-Campus Shared Housing | US$1,127 | INR 1.07 Lakhs | US$13,524 | INR 12.88 Lakhs |
| Food (Meal Plan or Self-Catering) | US$330 | INR 31,409 | US$3,960 | INR 3.77 Lakhs |
| Transport (Local + Occasional Travel) | US$80 | INR 7,614 | US$960 | INR 0.91 Lakhs |
| Personal & Miscellaneous | US$150 | INR 14,277 | US$1,800 | INR 1.71 Lakhs |
| Monthly Total (On-Campus) | US$1,360 | INR 1.29 Lakhs | US$16,320 | INR 15.54 Lakhs |
Cost Reality for Indian Students: The total four-year cost (tuition plus living) is approximately INR 1.67 Crore. Many Indian families explore education loans and external scholarships to offset tuition; living costs are typically covered through part-time campus employment (up to 20 hours weekly during semester).
Rutgers Jewish Studies Admission 2026
Rutgers admits international students directly into the Bachelor of Arts programme. Admission is competitive; the university aims to enrol students with strong academics, demonstrated intellectual maturity, and alignment with the programme’s interdisciplinary ethos.
Intakes are offered in September (Fall) and January (Spring) each year. The majority of international students enter in the Fall intake.
| Academic Requirement | Minimum | Notes for Indian Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| High School GPA or Equivalent (out of 10) | 3.5 (85%) | Rutgers evaluates senior-year performance heavily; class-12 board exams or CBSE/ICSE final grades are weighted. |
| SAT (New Test) | 1,350 | SAT is the preferred standardized test; ACT (English + Math only, minimum 30) is accepted as alternative. |
| TOEFL iBT | 79 | Minimum 79 overall; no individual band below 19. Indian students typically score 85-95. |
| IELTS Academic | 6.0 | Minimum 6.0 overall; no band below 5.5. Common alternative to TOEFL. |
English Language Proficiency Requirements
Rutgers requires proof of English proficiency for all international applicants. TOEFL and IELTS are the primary accepted tests.
- TOEFL iBT minimum 79 overall (reading ≥17, writing ≥18, listening ≥17, speaking ≥17); most successful Indian applicants score 85-95.
- IELTS Academic minimum 6.0 overall (no band below 5.5); a common and accepted alternative, particularly in South Asia.
- Test preparation in India typically takes 8-12 weeks; register at least 4-6 months before your intended intake to allow for retakes if needed.
- Duolingo English Test (DET) minimum 110 is also accepted by Rutgers as an alternative to TOEFL/IELTS.
Rutgers University is ranked #57 in the USA by US News 2025. While no subject-specific ranking exists for Jewish Studies, the programme draws faculty excellence across eight departments with strong research and teaching credentials.
Honest Take for Indian Applicants: Competition for admission is moderate; Indian applicants with a 3.5+ GPA, SAT 1,350+, and TOEFL 85+ have realistic admission chances (approximately 65-70% acceptance rate within these bands). Demonstrated interest (campus visits, emails to admissions) and a strong essay significantly boost prospects.
Rutgers Jewish Studies Application 2026
Applications for the Fall 2027 intake are now open. Rutgers operates a rolling admissions process; apply as early as possible (August–October) for stronger scholarship chances.
| Intake | Application Deadline | Decision Notification | Enrolment Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2027 | 01 December 2026 | February–April 2027 (rolling) | 01 May 2027 |
| Spring 2028 | 01 November 2027 | December 2027 (rolling) | 01 January 2028 |
- Rutgers uses the Common App; submit via CommonApp.org (not institution-specific).
- Application fee is US$70; international students pay the same fee as domestic applicants.
- Supplement essay (approximately 250 words) focuses on why you chose Rutgers and your academic goals; programme-fit matters for Jewish Studies merit scholarships.
- Required documents: high school transcripts, SAT/ACT score, TOEFL/IELTS, letter of recommendation (one required, two recommended), and your passport copy for visa verification.
Application Strategy: Indian applicants should submit by October for best scholarship consideration. Request official SAT scores and TOEFL reports directly from the test agencies; WES evaluation of your high school credentials takes 5-7 business days and is required for international transcript review.
Rutgers Jewish Studies Scholarships 2026
Rutgers offers merit-based scholarships to international undergraduates with strong academic profiles. Approximately 8% of international students receive scholarships; awards range from US$5,000 to US$15,000 per year (INR 4.76 Lakhs to INR 14.27 Lakhs).
Scholarships are awarded automatically during admission review; no separate application is required. Scholarships are renewable annually if you maintain a 3.0 GPA during your studies. Jewish Studies students with high SAT scores (1,450+) and strong essays are prioritised for larger awards within merit bands.
- Merit scholarship is non-renewable if you fall below 3.0 GPA; international students lose eligibility for renewal.
- Additional funding sources: external scholarships from Jewish organisations in India, education loans from Indian banks (typically up to INR 1 Crore), and on-campus employment (up to 20 hours weekly, approximately US$8–12 per hour).
- Financial aid beyond merit scholarships is extremely limited for international students; Rutgers does not provide need-based aid to international applicants.
Scholarship Reality: With an 8% award rate, plan to cover 70-80% of costs independently. However, part-time campus work can fund 25-40% of living costs, and Indian family loans or external scholarships bridge the gap for many successful applicants.
Rutgers Jewish Studies Salary and Placements 2026
Rutgers reports an 88.3% placement rate within six months of graduation across all undergraduate programmes. Jewish Studies graduates earn an indicative gross salary of US$28,500 in their first year (INR 27.13 Lakhs). Median salary by role: educators and historians earn US$35,000–US$45,000; non-profit leaders and lawyers earn US$50,000+.
Career outcomes for Jewish Studies alumni reflect diverse pathways: educators, museum curators, non-profit administrators, lawyers, clergy, social workers, and cultural consultants. The study-abroad and internship components significantly enhance placement competitiveness.
| Career Path | Entry-Level Salary (USD) | Entry-Level Salary (INR) | Common Employers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education / Academia | US$35,000–US$42,000 | INR 33.31 Lakhs–INR 40.00 Lakhs | Public schools, universities, summer camps, Holocaust museums |
| Non-Profit / NGO | US$28,000–US$38,000 | INR 26.65 Lakhs–INR 36.17 Lakhs | Jewish community centres, cultural organisations, healthcare non-profits |
| Law (Post-Law School) | US$65,000–US$150,000+ | INR 61.87 Lakhs–INR 1.43 Crore+ | Private practice, non-profit law, government |
| Publishing & Media | US$32,000–US$42,000 | INR 30.46 Lakhs–INR 40.00 Lakhs | Academic publishers, cultural magazines, film production |
Source: Rutgers Career Services 2024–2025 Graduate Employment Survey.
- Gross salary figures do not account for US federal income tax (approximately 12-22% depending on state tax brackets), Social Security, and Medicare deductions.
- A free US tax calculator is available at IRS.gov to estimate take-home pay.
- International graduates on Optional Practical Training (OPT) in the USA are not subject to US federal income tax on the first US$92,900 earned annually (as of 2024).
ROI for Indian Students: The four-year cost (INR 1.67 Crore) is recovered within 8-10 years in high-earning pathways (law, academia) or 12-15 years in non-profit and education roles. The strong Rutgers reputation and brand recognition in India boost long-term earning potential.
USA Visa Pathway for Jewish Studies Students 2026
International students pursuing a four-year Bachelor of Arts programme at Rutgers study on an F-1 student visa. The F-1 visa is valid for the duration of your studies plus a grace period; after graduation, you become eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT).
- F-1 visa covers tuition, living expenses, and health insurance; allow 8–12 weeks for your I-20 (student visa authorisation letter) to be issued by Rutgers after you pay the SEVIS fee (US$200).
- Post-graduation, you are eligible for 12 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT) without requiring employer sponsorship. STEM extension is not available for humanities disciplines; however, you can apply for an H-1B visa after OPT expires if you secure an employer sponsor (H-1B requires a minimum salary of US$60,000 gross annually).
- Permanent residence (Green Card) is possible through employment sponsorship after 3-6 years of H-1B status, or through the diversity visa lottery. No direct pathway exists; employer sponsorship is required.
- Spouse and dependent children can accompany you on an F-2 visa; spouse may not work during F-1 status but can apply for OPT-related work authorisation after marriage.
Visa Reality for Indian Students: The 12-month OPT window is critical for gaining US work experience and networking. Many Jewish Studies graduates transition to work-visa sponsorship through cultural organisations, non-profits, or publishers. Plan to return to India or pursue further education (Masters, PhD) if H-1B sponsorship is not secured within 12 months.
Jewish Studies at Rutgers FAQs
Ques. Is the Bachelor of Arts in Jewish Studies only for Jewish students?
Ans. No. The programme is open to all students regardless of religious background or prior knowledge of Judaism. The Department of Jewish Studies explicitly states that courses do not assume any prior experience in the subject; enrolment is approximately 40% Jewish students and 60% students of other backgrounds interested in the discipline.
Ques. Can I study abroad during the Jewish Studies programme?
Ans. Yes. Rutgers Jewish Studies actively encourages study abroad, particularly in Israel and Europe. Most students undertake a semester abroad in Year 2 or 3; costs are typically covered under the standard study-abroad financial aid (same as on-campus costs). Direct partnerships exist with universities in Israel and Berlin.
Ques. What is the average class size for Jewish Studies courses?
Ans. Introductory courses (100-level) typically have 50-100 students. Upper-level seminars (300-400-level) are capped at 15-25 students, allowing closer faculty interaction. Most majors take 5-6 courses per semester, mixing large lectures with small seminars.
Ques. Can I double major in Jewish Studies and another discipline?
Ans. Yes. Jewish Studies is frequently paired with History, Philosophy, Political Science, or International Relations. Double majors require approximately 120-130 total credits (no additional graduation delay); the programme structure supports this given the interdisciplinary nature of Jewish Studies.
Ques. What are the visa and work rules after graduation for Indian students?
Ans. After graduation, you receive 12 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT) to work in the USA without employer sponsorship. After OPT expires, you must secure H-1B sponsorship (salary minimum US$60,000) to continue working. Many Jewish Studies graduates work for cultural organisations, museums, publishers, or non-profits that sponsor H-1B visas. If sponsorship is not secured, return to India or pursue further education.
The Bachelor of Arts in Jewish Studies at Rutgers is ideal for students seeking a rigorous, interdisciplinary education in Jewish history, culture, and thought with global immersion and strong career placement support. The programme’s positioning in New York City’s tri-state region, combined with direct access to major museums and cultural institutions, creates exceptional internship and networking opportunities unavailable at most US universities.
Tuition Fees
| Year | 1st Year Fees |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | $33754 |
Other Expenses
| Head | Avg Cost Per Year |
|---|---|
| Room And Board | $15332 |
| Travel | $1536 |
Scores Required
Do you think the Rankings are wrong ? Report Here
Key Resources for Your Study Abroad Journey
Scholarship Grants & Financial Aids
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BeArt Presets-Academic Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 2,500/Yr$2,500 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Chuan Ai Lu Engstrom Memorial Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 1,000/Yr$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Jagdish Bhagwati Fellowship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCollege-Specific | |
| Comindware Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 4,000/Yr$4,000 | Level Of StudyApprenticeship | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Forktip Women’s- Innovation Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCollege-Specific | |
| Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship Program | Scholarship per student$ 10,000/Yr$10,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based |
Similar Programs
| Program | Important Date | Total Fees | Median Exams Score | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
-- | USD 33,754 /Yr |
|
Do you think the Dates are wrong ? Report Here
Comments
Found 1 Comment
Students applying for admission in the MS Computer Science program of Rutgers University, must have undergraduate program in Computer Science, or at least taken the core prerequisite courses. The mean GPA for the last admitted batch was 3.62. Along with that you must also have a valid GRE score.