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UNITED STATES · LOS ANGELES

Claremont School of Theology

private · Founded 1885 · Languages: en, ko

In short

Claremont School of Theology is a graduate theological institution in Los Angeles, CA, offering rigorous interreligious programs for leaders focused on compassion and justice. It provides various graduate degrees with significant scholarship opportunities for international students.

Key facts

Type: Private
Founded: 1885
Students: 287
International students: 60
Acceptance rate: 80%
Tuition (intl): €12–21k/yr
Languages: EN, KO
Location: Los Angeles, United States

Claremont School of Theology (CST) is a graduate theological institution in Los Angeles, California, dedicated to preparing leaders for a world that needs compassion, justice, and belonging. For nearly 140 years, CST has offered a rigorous academic environment that integrates faithful practice with social transformation. It stands out for its strong interreligious and ecumenical commitments, welcoming students from diverse faith traditions to deepen their understanding while fostering sensitivity to others' spiritual journeys. CST's programs, including Master of Arts (MA), Master of Divinity (MDiv), Doctor of Ministry (DMin), Master of Theological Studies (MTS), Doctor of Professional Counseling (DPC), Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), and Doctor of Spirituality (SpD), are designed to combine in-depth scholarship with real-world application. The faculty is highly regarded for its role in spiritual formation and vocational discernment, helping graduates find their unique voices and callings across various fields, from ministry and social work to community organizing and academia. The university emphasizes connecting theory with practical action to achieve transformative social impact. Students are encouraged to engage with contemporary issues like mass incarceration, anti-Muslim hatred, and community development. CST fosters an inclusive and supportive community, preparing graduates to lead with empathy and integrity globally.

Why study here

Prepare for leadership roles focused on compassion, justice, and belonging in diverse contexts.
Benefit from an interreligious and ecumenical approach that deepens personal faith while fostering understanding of other traditions.
Engage in rigorous academic programs that integrate scholarly inquiry with practical application for real-world impact.
Join a growing student body and an expanding global network of alumni, particularly strong in Korea.
Access flexible learning options through innovative online and in-person intensive courses.

Student life

Claremont School of Theology fosters a close-knit, interreligious community in Los Angeles where students engage in shared worship, interfaith dialogue, and social justice initiatives alongside their academic work. The school's small size encourages deep faculty-student relationships, and its Los Angeles location provides rich opportunities for field education, community engagement, and spiritual formation across diverse urban contexts.

Fees

InternationalEstimated direct costs (tuition) and indirect costs (books, room & board, transportation, miscellaneous) for international students for the 2026-27 academic year are: - MDiv, MA, MTS (18 credits): $19,890 (tuition) + $34,696 (indirect) = $53,586 total - DMin All Tracks (16 credits): $14,080 (tuition) + $34,696 (indirect) = $47,776 total - Doctor of Professional Counseling (DPC) (16 credits): $17,600 (tuition) + $34,696 (indirect) = $51,296 total - PhD In Coursework (16 credits): $25,040 (tuition) + $34,696 (indirect) = $59,736 total - Doctor of Spirituality (SpD) (16 credits): $17,600 (tuition) + $34,696 (indirect) = $51,296 total Tuition is charged per credit, based on program: - MDiv/MTS/MA, Non-Degree, Certificate: $1,105 per credit - DMin: $880 per credit - DPC/SpD: $1,100 per credit - PhD: $1,565 per credit - Advanced Course of Study: $220 per credit Additional fees may include: - Regular Audit: $200 per credit - Special Audit (Alumni, Spouses, Seniors): $100 per credit - Preaching Lab: $50 per class - Supervision in Pastoral Counseling and Pastoral Psychotherapy: $1,500 - Official Transcripts: $10 per transcript - Unofficial Transcripts: $5 per transcript - Late Tuition Payment Fee: $100 per week (up to 3 weeks) - Tuition Deferred Payment Agreement Fee: $35 per semester - Graduation Fee for Masters: $90 - Graduation Fee for DMin/PhD: $290

HomeDomestic and international students are charged the same per-credit tuition rates; total cost depends on the program and credit load chosen each term.

LivingEstimated indirect costs for a year, including books & supplies ($1,395), room & board ($22,797), transportation ($3,069), and miscellaneous expenses ($6,435), total approximately $34,696. Individual costs will vary.

The figures above are for the 2026-27 Academic Year and do not include substantial scholarships available to nearly all eligible incoming students, which typically cover 25% to 100% of tuition.

Admissions

Application Fee$50

Admission Confirmation Deposit$200

TOEFL iBT79+ (typical for graduate admission)

IELTS6.5+ (typical for graduate admission)

University scholarships

General Scholarships25% to 100% of tuition

Accreditation

Claremont School of Theology is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) and by the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools (ATS).

For international students

United States

Student visa & funds

International students primarily enter on the F-1 visa, which requires enrolment at a SEVP-certified institution. Before the visa interview the school issues a Form I-20 — a certificate of eligibility — for which a Designated School Official must verify documented funds covering tuition, living expenses and travel for the first year, plus a reliable source for subsequent years. The financial evidence must be specific and from an identified source.

Working while you study

F-1 students may work on campus up to 20 hours per week while classes are in session and full-time during official breaks, with no separate authorization needed. Off-campus work is generally not permitted in the first academic year. After one academic year in good standing, students may use Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for paid work that is an integral part of the curriculum, authorized by the school; other off-campus work requires an approved Employment Authorization Document from USCIS.

After you graduate

After completing a degree, F-1 students may apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) — up to 12 months of work authorization in a related field — by filing Form I-765 and receiving an EAD before starting work. Graduates of a degree on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List may apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, for up to 36 months total. The extension requires an E-Verify employer and a qualifying STEM degree earned within the previous ten years.

English tests

IELTSUG 6.0–6.5; PG 6.5–7.0; top-tier programs 7.0–7.5
TOEFL iBTUG 80–100; PG 90–110; selective research universities 100+
PTE AcademicUG 50–60; PG 55–70; highly selective programs 65+

Main intakes

AugustJanuary

Typical living cost

€1,420/month

Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.

SourcesStudy in the States — Students and the Form I-20 · Study in the States — Financial ability · USCIS — Students and employment · USCIS — Optional Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 students · USCIS — STEM OPT extension · LeapScholar — Minimum IELTS scores for USA universities · Mastersportal — Student living costs in the USA (2025–2026)

Programs

a selection

View top programs →

Claremont School of Theology · United States

PhD

Level

Open to citizens of any country who earned their first/bachelor's degree within the last ~7 years (or will by the Stanford start) and who apply for and gain admission to a full-time Stanford graduate program. Selection seeks independence of thought, purposeful leadership, and a civic mindset.

Frequently asked questions

What are the estimated costs for international students at Claremont School of Theology?

Estimated direct costs for tuition range from $14,080 to $25,040 per year depending on the program. Indirect costs for living expenses, books, and transportation are estimated at $34,696 annually. Total estimated costs vary by program, with MDiv/MA/MTS programs costing around $53,586.

Does Claremont School of Theology offer scholarships to international students?

Yes, Claremont School of Theology offers substantial scholarships to nearly all eligible incoming students. These scholarships typically cover 25% to 100% of tuition costs.

What academic programs are available at Claremont School of Theology?

Claremont School of Theology offers a variety of graduate programs, including Master of Arts (MA), Master of Divinity (MDiv), Doctor of Ministry (DMin), Master of Theological Studies (MTS), Doctor of Professional Counseling (DPC), Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), and Doctor of Spirituality (SpD).

What are the English language proficiency requirements for international applicants?

International applicants typically need a TOEFL iBT score of 79+ or an IELTS score of 6.5+ for graduate admission. These scores are considered typical for admission.

Where is Claremont School of Theology located?

Claremont School of Theology is located in Los Angeles, California. The campus is situated in a vibrant and diverse urban environment.

Last updated 3 July 2026