Berkeley School of Theology (BST), founded in 1871 in Berkeley, California, is a graduate theological seminary affiliated with the American Baptist Churches USA. Specializing in divinity and ministry programs, BST prepares students for pastoral and academic careers. The seminary shares a campus with the Graduate Theological Union, offering access to interdenominational resources and libraries.
BST's location in the San Francisco Bay Area provides opportunities for interfaith dialogue and social justice work. The seminary emphasizes contextual learning, with students engaging in urban and global ministry. BST's small class sizes and ecumenical partnerships foster a collaborative, intellectually rigorous environment for theological education.
Berkeley School of Theology Acceptance Rate
Berkeley School of Theology (BST) is somewhat selective. With an acceptance rate of 62.96%, the school is accessible to students who demonstrate foundational academic competency and a readiness for college-level work.
Admissions Guidelines
- Broad Evaluation: Personal growth and vocational goals are considered alongside grades.
- Flexible Standards: Strengths in extracurriculars can often balance an average GPA.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem .
Berkeley School of Theology Admission Requirements
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Calculated via College Portal’s Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards.
Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Berkeley School of Theology (BST) SAT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. For the 2026 academic cycle, the landscape of standardized testing has shifted back toward Test-Required policies at the majority of highly selective and Ivy+ institutions. Following a multi-year "Test-Optional" pilot, data-driven results have led universities like Harvard, Yale, Brown, and the University of Texas at Austin to reinstate the SAT and ACT as mandatory components of the application.
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2025 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
BST Profile
Name: Berkeley School of Theology (BST)
City: Berkeley
URL: www.bst.edu/
State: California
Type: Non-Profit Private
Zip: 94704-3029
Campus: Branch Campus
Accredited by: Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools (ATSUSC)
How can I get a scholarship?
0% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 0 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to BST and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Berkeley School of Theology, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist BST as your choice in the form.
Degree Programs
Masters Degree Programs
- Theological and Ministerial Studies
- Theology and Religious Vocations
Doctoral Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About Berkeley School of Theology Admissions
Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are lower, 50% or less. It's important to apply early and showcase a strong academic profile.
Question: What is the acceptance rate?
Answer: The acceptance rate of Berkeley School of Theology is 62.96 which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
Question: Is it possible to transfer from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting Admissions?
Answer: To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
Full list of All degree programs offered by Berkeley School of Theology.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2025, US Department of Education's latest 2025 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.