Private (nonprofit)

Payne Theological Seminary

Wilberforce, Ohio·Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above·Great Lakes·payneseminary.edu

Fall enrollment is 124 students, and 155 enrolled over the full 12-month year (2024). Source: IPEDS.

Acceptance
Grad-only
—
6-yr graduation
Grad-only
—
Total enrollment
124
peer median 247
Avg net price
Grad-only
—
Use this data
Ask Clema
AboutProgram outcomesAccreditationFederal aidLoan defaultsAcademic programsEnrollment trendsCampus safetyPeersDocuments

About

Payne Theological Seminary is an African Methodist Episcopal historically black seminary in Wilberforce, Ohio. It is the oldest free-standing African-American seminary in the United States. Incorporated in 1894 by the African Methodist Episcopal Church, it was named after Daniel Alexander Payne, the founder of Wilberforce University. Payne was Senior Bishop of the AME Church at the time of the Seminary’s founding and served as its first dean. He was the first African-American college president.

Program outcomes

Federal Program Performance Data: how each program's graduate earnings and debt measure up under Financial Value Transparency and Gainful Employment.

FVT/GE

Of 3 Title IV programs, 2 pass the federal Gainful Employment test and 0 fail. 1 have graduate earnings too small to publish, so they carry no pass/fail verdict.

Total programs
3
Passing
2
66.7% of portfolio
Failing (GE)
0
0.0% of portfolio
Fail rate
0.0%
-0.6pp vs 0.6% national

Pass / fail distribution

3programs
  • Passing2 · 66.7%
  • No Data1 · 33.3%
  • Failing0 · 0.0%

Severity spectrum

Critical
0
Severe
0
Recoverable
0
At Risk
0
Watch
0
Safe
2
No data
1

Tiers band programs by how far graduate earnings sit above or below the benchmark, from Critical (below −15%) through Safe (above +25%). No data means earnings were privacy-suppressed.

Earnings premium gap

Graduate earnings versus the federal benchmark, worst gaps first.

2
Theological and Ministerial Studies
Master's Degree · Theology And Religious Vocations
+36.4%
$60,748 vs $44,535
Theological and Ministerial Studies
Doctoral Degree · Theology And Religious Vocations
+37.7%
$61,314 vs $44,535

Debt vs earnings

Median completer debt against median graduate earnings, highest burden first.

2
Theological and Ministerial Studies
Master's Degree · Theology And Religious Vocations
94%
$56,874 debt · $60,748 earn
Theological and Ministerial Studies
Doctoral Degree · Theology And Religious Vocations
79%
$48,352 debt · $61,314 earn

Accreditation status & history

Who accredits the institution, current standing, and any past actions.

DAPIP
AccreditedInstitutional accreditor

Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools

Accredited since 1995Next review Mar 2036

Action history · 4

  1. Feb 2026Renewal of Accreditation
    Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools
  2. Jan 2020Accreditation Reaffirmed: Warning Removed
    Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools
  3. Mar 2019Renewal of Accreditation
    Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools
  4. Mar 2017Probation or Equivalent or a More Severe Status: Warning
    Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools

Source: U.S. Dept. of Education

Federal aid volume & trends

Pell grants and federal Direct Loan volume disbursed to students, and how they've trended.

Federal Student Aid

In AY 2024–25, students received in Pell grants, alongside $1.6M in federal Direct Loans.

Pell recipients
—
AY 2024–25
Pell disbursed
—
null total
Direct Loans
$1.6M
115 loan awards

Pell recipients · 5-year trend

0k
’20
0k
’21
0k
’22
0k
’23
0k
’24

Loan volume by type · AY 2024–25

Unsubsidized · Grad$1.4M
98 loan awards
Grad PLUS$215K
17 loan awards

Loan awards count each loan type a student holds, not unique borrowers; one student may carry several (e.g. subsidized and unsubsidized), so the per-type figures are the reliable detail.

Source: U.S. Dept. of Education

Student loan default rate

The share of student borrowers who default on federal loans within three years, against the national benchmark.

Cohort Default Rate

Of 74 borrowers who entered repayment, 0 (0.0%) defaulted within three years — below the 2.3% national rate.

Default rate
0.0%
-2.3pp vs 2.3% national
Borrowers in repayment
74
Defaulted
0
Measurement window
3 years
Federal CDR standard

Default rate vs national, by cohort

2016
11.6%
2017
14.2%
2018
7.5%
2019
0.0%
2020*
0.0%
This institutionNational rate

* Cohorts 2020 and later read near 0% because the federal COVID-19 payment pause (CARES Act) suspended defaults nationwide. These years reflect a national policy, not institutional performance; the 2019 cohort is the last measured under normal repayment.

Source: U.S. Dept. of Education

Academic programs at Payne Theological Seminary

Top program areas ranked by completions.

IPEDS
Distinct CIP programs3
GraduateOffered

Top program families by completions

16 total completions
01Theology
16100.0%

Enrollment trends & demographics

Fall headcount, 12-month unduplicated enrollment, and student body composition.

IPEDS
Fall total
124
12-mo unduplicated
155

Gender split

Men
43%67
Women
57%88

Campus safety & crime statistics

Reported on-campus crimes over the last three years, including violence and hate crimes.

Clery Act
Criminal offenses · per 1,000 students
0.00
0 offenses · 149 students

3-year trend

0.002 yrs ago0.001 yr ago0.00Latest
Offenses · 3-yr
0
Last three years
VAWA · 3-yr
0
DV, dating, stalking
Hate crimes · 3-yr
0
Res-hall fires · 3-yr
0

Criminal offenses by type

No criminal offenses reported.

By location

0total

    VAWA offenses

    0
    Domestic violence
    0
    Dating violence
    0
    Stalking
    0 total under the Violence Against Women Act.

    Hate crimes by bias

    No hate crimes reported.

    Arrests vs disciplinary referrals

    CategoryArrestsReferrals
    Weapons00
    Drugs00
    Liquor00

    Residence-hall fires

    No residence-hall fires reported.

    Source: U.S. Dept. of Education

    Payne Theological Seminary vs Peer comparison

    The peer institutions Payne Theological Seminary selected for federal comparison reporting.

    IPEDS
    6-yr gradRetentionSelectivityEnrollmentAffordabilityYield
    This institutionPeer median

    A larger shape on any axis means this institution outperforms its peers on that dimension. For acceptance rate and net price, lower raw values are inverted so "more selective" and "more affordable" appear larger.

    Carnegie
    SubjectPayne Theological Seminary
    		Grad-onlyGrad-only124Grad-only—
    Asbury Theological Seminary
    		Grad-onlyGrad-only1,689Grad-only—
    Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary
    		Grad-onlyGrad-only155Grad-only—
    Catholic Theological Union at Chicago
    		Grad-onlyGrad-only210Grad-only—
    Chicago Theological Seminary
    		Grad-onlyGrad-only215Grad-only—
    Claremont School of Theology
    		Grad-onlyGrad-only213Grad-only—
    Columbia Theological Seminary
    		Grad-onlyGrad-only127Grad-only—
    Concordia Seminary
    		Grad-onlyGrad-only589Grad-only—
    Concordia Theological Seminary
    		Grad-onlyGrad-only279Grad-only—
    Covenant Theological Seminary
    		Grad-onlyGrad-only550Grad-only—
    Dallas Theological Seminary
    		Grad-onlyGrad-only2,589Grad-only—
    Fuller Theological Seminary
    		Grad-onlyGrad-only1,890Grad-only—
    Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary
    		Grad-onlyGrad-only313Grad-only—
    Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary
    		Grad-onlyGrad-only1,352Grad-only—
    Graduate Theological Union
    		Grad-onlyGrad-only150Grad-only—
    Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion
    		Grad-onlyGrad-only240Grad-only—
    Luther Seminary
    		Grad-onlyGrad-only371Grad-only—
    Memphis Theological Seminary
    		Grad-onlyGrad-only157Grad-only—
    Methodist Theological School in Ohio
    		Grad-onlyGrad-only186Grad-only—
    Missio Theological Seminary
    		Grad-only100.0%20Grad-only—
    Oblate School of Theology
    		Grad-onlyGrad-only173Grad-only—
    Phoenix Seminary
    		Grad-onlyGrad-only296Grad-only—
    Pittsburgh Theological Seminary
    		Grad-onlyGrad-only202Grad-only—
    Princeton Theological Seminary
    		Grad-onlyGrad-only302Grad-only—
    Shepherds Theological Seminary
    		Grad-onlyGrad-only201Grad-only—
    Union Presbyterian Seminary
    		Grad-onlyGrad-only159Grad-only—
    Union Theological Seminary in the City of New York
    		Grad-onlyGrad-only234Grad-only—
    United Lutheran Seminary
    		Grad-onlyGrad-only254Grad-only—
    United Theological Seminary
    		Grad-onlyGrad-only510Grad-only—
    United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities
    		Grad-onlyGrad-only226Grad-only—
    Wesley Theological Seminary
    		Grad-onlyGrad-only374Grad-only—
    Western Seminary
    		Grad-onlyGrad-only755Grad-only—
    Western Theological Seminary
    		Grad-onlyGrad-only397Grad-only—
    Westminster Theological Seminary
    		Grad-onlyGrad-only1,183Grad-only—
    Peer group median—100.0%247—

    Institutions like Payne Theological Seminary

    Explore the federal data for institutions in Payne Theological Seminary's comparison group.

    IPEDS
    • Kentucky

      Asbury Theological Seminary

      Grad rate
      Grad-only
      Admit rate
      Grad-only
      Enrollment
      1,689
      Net price
      Grad-only
    • Texas

      Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary

      Grad rate
      Grad-only
      Admit rate
      Grad-only
      Enrollment
      155
      Net price
      Grad-only
    • Illinois

      Catholic Theological Union at Chicago

      Grad rate
      Grad-only
      Admit rate
      Grad-only
      Enrollment
      210
      Net price
      Grad-only
    • Illinois

      Chicago Theological Seminary

      Grad rate
      Grad-only
      Admit rate
      Grad-only
      Enrollment
      215
      Net price
      Grad-only
    • California

      Claremont School of Theology

      Grad rate
      Grad-only
      Admit rate
      Grad-only
      Enrollment
      213
      Net price
      Grad-only
    • Georgia

      Columbia Theological Seminary

      Grad rate
      Grad-only
      Admit rate
      Grad-only
      Enrollment
      127
      Net price
      Grad-only
    • Missouri

      Concordia Seminary

      Grad rate
      Grad-only
      Admit rate
      Grad-only
      Enrollment
      589
      Net price
      Grad-only
    • Indiana

      Concordia Theological Seminary

      Grad rate
      Grad-only
      Admit rate
      Grad-only
      Enrollment
      279
      Net price
      Grad-only
    • Missouri

      Covenant Theological Seminary

      Grad rate
      Grad-only
      Admit rate
      Grad-only
      Enrollment
      550
      Net price
      Grad-only
    • Texas

      Dallas Theological Seminary

      Grad rate
      Grad-only
      Admit rate
      Grad-only
      Enrollment
      2,589
      Net price
      Grad-only
    • California

      Fuller Theological Seminary

      Grad rate
      Grad-only
      Admit rate
      Grad-only
      Enrollment
      1,890
      Net price
      Grad-only
    • Illinois

      Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary

      Grad rate
      Grad-only
      Admit rate
      Grad-only
      Enrollment
      313
      Net price
      Grad-only
    • Massachusetts

      Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary

      Grad rate
      Grad-only
      Admit rate
      Grad-only
      Enrollment
      1,352
      Net price
      Grad-only
    • California

      Graduate Theological Union

      Grad rate
      Grad-only
      Admit rate
      Grad-only
      Enrollment
      150
      Net price
      Grad-only
    • New York

      Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion

      Grad rate
      Grad-only
      Admit rate
      Grad-only
      Enrollment
      240
      Net price
      Grad-only
    • Minnesota

      Luther Seminary

      Grad rate
      Grad-only
      Admit rate
      Grad-only
      Enrollment
      371
      Net price
      Grad-only
    • Tennessee

      Memphis Theological Seminary

      Grad rate
      Grad-only
      Admit rate
      Grad-only
      Enrollment
      157
      Net price
      Grad-only
    • Ohio

      Methodist Theological School in Ohio

      Grad rate
      Grad-only
      Admit rate
      Grad-only
      Enrollment
      186
      Net price
      Grad-only
    • Pennsylvania

      Missio Theological Seminary

      Grad rate
      Grad-only
      Admit rate
      100.0%
      Enrollment
      20
      Net price
      Grad-only
    • Texas

      Oblate School of Theology

      Grad rate
      Grad-only
      Admit rate
      Grad-only
      Enrollment
      173
      Net price
      Grad-only
    • Arizona

      Phoenix Seminary

      Grad rate
      Grad-only
      Admit rate
      Grad-only
      Enrollment
      296
      Net price
      Grad-only
    • Pennsylvania

      Pittsburgh Theological Seminary

      Grad rate
      Grad-only
      Admit rate
      Grad-only
      Enrollment
      202
      Net price
      Grad-only
    • New Jersey

      Princeton Theological Seminary

      Grad rate
      Grad-only
      Admit rate
      Grad-only
      Enrollment
      302
      Net price
      Grad-only
    • North Carolina

      Shepherds Theological Seminary

      Grad rate
      Grad-only
      Admit rate
      Grad-only
      Enrollment
      201
      Net price
      Grad-only
    • Virginia

      Union Presbyterian Seminary

      Grad rate
      Grad-only
      Admit rate
      Grad-only
      Enrollment
      159
      Net price
      Grad-only
    • New York

      Union Theological Seminary in the City of New York

      Grad rate
      Grad-only
      Admit rate
      Grad-only
      Enrollment
      234
      Net price
      Grad-only
    • Pennsylvania

      United Lutheran Seminary

      Grad rate
      Grad-only
      Admit rate
      Grad-only
      Enrollment
      254
      Net price
      Grad-only
    • Ohio

      United Theological Seminary

      Grad rate
      Grad-only
      Admit rate
      Grad-only
      Enrollment
      510
      Net price
      Grad-only
    • Minnesota

      United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities

      Grad rate
      Grad-only
      Admit rate
      Grad-only
      Enrollment
      226
      Net price
      Grad-only
    • District of Columbia

      Wesley Theological Seminary

      Grad rate
      Grad-only
      Admit rate
      Grad-only
      Enrollment
      374
      Net price
      Grad-only
    • Oregon

      Western Seminary

      Grad rate
      Grad-only
      Admit rate
      Grad-only
      Enrollment
      755
      Net price
      Grad-only
    • Michigan

      Western Theological Seminary

      Grad rate
      Grad-only
      Admit rate
      Grad-only
      Enrollment
      397
      Net price
      Grad-only
    • Pennsylvania

      Westminster Theological Seminary

      Grad rate
      Grad-only
      Admit rate
      Grad-only
      Enrollment
      1,183
      Net price
      Grad-only

    Reports & documents (1)

    Dashboards, factbooks, data dictionaries, and other reference material published by the IR office.

    Frequently asked questions about Payne Theological Seminary

    Quick answers to the questions most often asked about Payne Theological Seminary.

    What is the acceptance rate at Payne Theological Seminary?

    Payne Theological Seminary does not have a reported acceptance rate. This institution offers no undergraduate degree programs, so there is no undergraduate admissions cycle to report.

    What is the graduation rate at Payne Theological Seminary?

    Payne Theological Seminary does not have a reported federal graduation rate. Federal graduation rates track first-time, full-time undergraduates seeking a degree. This institution offers no undergraduate degree programs, so there is no cohort to follow.

    How many students attend Payne Theological Seminary?

    Payne Theological Seminary reports a total enrollment of 124 students per the latest IPEDS.

    What is the average net price at Payne Theological Seminary?

    Payne Theological Seminary does not have a reported average net price. Net price is a federal metric for first-time, full-time undergraduates receiving federal aid. This institution offers no undergraduate degree programs, so it does not report one.

    Where is Payne Theological Seminary located?

    Payne Theological Seminary is located in Wilberforce, Ohio 45384.

    About the data on this page

    Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.

    IPEDSFall 2025–26 release, published July 28, 2026
    Enrollment, completions, graduation rates, tuition, financial aid, staffing, and finance for every U.S. institution in federal student aid programs.
    National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education
    College ScorecardJune 10, 2026 release (merged 2025–26 files)
    Institution and field-of-study costs, graduate earnings, debt, completion, and admissions outcomes compiled from federal aid records, tax data, and IPEDS.
    U.S. Department of Education
    FVT/GE program performanceProvisional preview, May 18, 2026 release
    Program-level debt-to-earnings and earnings-premium measures behind the FVT/GE and STATS accountability frameworks.
    U.S. Department of Education
    DAPIP accreditationContinuously refreshed
    Accreditation status for institutions and programs, reported by recognized accrediting agencies.
    U.S. Department of Education, Office of Postsecondary Education
    Federal Pell Grant & loan volumeAY 2025–26 (through Q3), through March 31, 2026
    Pell Grant and Direct Loan recipient counts, award amounts, and disbursement volume by institution and award year.
    U.S. Department of Education, Federal Student Aid
    Cohort Default RatesFY 2022 official rates
    Institution-level federal student loan default rates, measuring borrowers who default within three years of entering repayment.
    U.S. Department of Education, Federal Student Aid
    Equity in Athletics (EADA)Academic year 2024–25
    Athletics participation, coaching, revenues, and expenses by sport and gender for Title IV institutions.
    U.S. Department of Education, Office of Postsecondary Education
    Campus Safety & SecurityData through reporting year 2024
    Criminal offenses, arrests, disciplinary actions, VAWA offenses, and fire statistics reported by campus under the Clery Act.
    U.S. Department of Education, Office of Postsecondary Education
    Last reviewed July 2026All data sources & release dates →

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