2026 Best Value Religious Studies Schools
Looking for the best-value Religious Studies programs programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 780 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor analyzed schools to compile this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Religious Studies Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Our analysis found Arizona State University Skysong to be the best-value Religious Studies school in the United States. Arizona State University Skysong is a public school based in Scottsdale, AZ. Students from in state pay about $11,627 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $13,925. The median Religious Studies program debt is $20,542. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,668. Set against $20,542 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 67% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Arizona State University Skysong
A rank of #2 makes Liberty University one of the best values in the United States. Liberty University is a private not-for-profit school based in Lynchburg, VA. Students from in state pay about $16,173 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $32,873 in student loans. Liberty University alumni report median earnings of $44,813 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. More on Liberty University
A rank of #3 makes University Of North Carolina At Charlotte one of the best values in the United States. Set in Charlotte, NC, University Of North Carolina At Charlotte is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,239, with out-of-state students paying around $22,492. Typical Religious Studies student debt is $24,621. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,289 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 80%. More on University Of North Carolina At Charlotte
A rank of #4 makes Trinity International University Illinois one of the best values in the United States. Located in Deerfield, IL, Trinity International University Illinois is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,320. Typical Religious Studies student debt is $26,892. Trinity International University Illinois alumni report median earnings of $46,989 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,892 median debt. About 100% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Trinity International University Illinois report
You'll get strong value at Jewish Theological Seminary Of America, which ranked #5 this year. Located in New York, NY, Jewish Theological Seminary Of America is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $71,910. The median Religious Studies program debt is $16,750. Graduates go on to earn a median of $92,751 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,750 median debt. The acceptance rate is 49%. Read the full report on Jewish Theological Seminary Of America
University Of Scranton offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Based in Scranton, PA, University Of Scranton is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $53,777 in tuition and fees. University Of Scranton Religious Studies students take on a median of $26,500 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $74,652. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Scranton admits about 81% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Scranton
University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Milwaukee, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,398, with out-of-state students paying around $22,398. Graduates carry a median of $26,657 in student loans. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee alumni report median earnings of $54,990 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee
Florida State University landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Tallahassee, FL, Florida State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,517, compared with $21,683 for out-of-state students. Florida State University Religious Studies students take on a median of $20,488 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,675 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Florida State University admits about 24% of applicants. Get the full Florida State University report
Emory University landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Atlanta, GA, Emory University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $64,280. Students borrow a median of $19,431 to complete their Religious Studies program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $80,137 ten years after entry. Set against $19,431 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Emory University admits about 11% of applicants. Read the full report on Emory University
University Of Pennsylvania placed #10 among the best-value Religious Studies schools in the United States. Located in Philadelphia, PA, University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,686. University Of Pennsylvania Religious Studies students take on a median of $16,155 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $111,371 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 5%. Get the full University Of Pennsylvania report
Saint Leo University landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Saint Leo, FL, Saint Leo University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $30,000. Graduates carry a median of $39,471 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,364. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Saint Leo University admits about 78% of applicants. Read more about Saint Leo University
California State University Northridge offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. This public school is set in Northridge, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $7,458, compared with $20,058 for out-of-state students. Typical Religious Studies student debt is $13,483. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,115. That is a strong return on a $13,483 median debt. The acceptance rate is 93%. Get the full California State University Northridge report
Duke University offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Durham, NC. In-state tuition and fees run about $68,758. Typical Religious Studies student debt is $13,296. Duke University alumni report median earnings of $97,800 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 6% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Duke University
University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Religious Studies schools. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a public school based in Chapel Hill, NC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,994, compared with $41,203 for out-of-state students. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill Religious Studies students take on a median of $12,550 in debt. Median earnings reach $72,200 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill has an acceptance rate of 15%. See the full University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill profile
Arizona State University came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Set in Tempe, AZ, Arizona State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,223, while out-of-state students pay about $33,139. Students borrow a median of $20,542 to complete their Religious Studies program here. Arizona State University alumni report median earnings of $62,668 a decade after entry. Set against $20,542 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%. Get the full Arizona State University report
The University Of Texas At Austin offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. This public school is set in Austin, TX. Students from in state pay about $11,688 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $44,908. Students borrow a median of $21,275 to complete their Religious Studies program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,121 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The University Of Texas At Austin has an acceptance rate of 27%. See the full The University Of Texas At Austin profile
San Francisco State University placed #17 among the best-value Religious Studies schools in the United States. Based in San Francisco, CA, San Francisco State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,846, compared with $20,446 for out-of-state students. San Francisco State University Religious Studies students take on a median of $17,024 in debt. San Francisco State University alumni report median earnings of $68,077 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $17,024 median debt. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted. More on San Francisco State University
Philadelphia Biblical University Langhorne landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Langhorne, PA, Philadelphia Biblical University Langhorne is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $33,659. Graduates carry a median of $30,750 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,172. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read the full report on Philadelphia Biblical University Langhorne
Grand Valley State University placed #19 among the best-value Religious Studies schools in the United States. Located in Allendale, MI, Grand Valley State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,502 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $21,894. Grand Valley State University Religious Studies students take on a median of $26,378 in debt. Grand Valley State University alumni report median earnings of $56,118 a decade after entry. Set against $26,378 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 83% of applicants are accepted. More on Grand Valley State University
University Of Wisconsin Madison placed #20 among the best-value Religious Studies schools in the United States. Based in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,603 in tuition and fees, compared with $42,103 for out-of-state students. Typical Religious Studies student debt is $21,813. University Of Wisconsin Madison alumni report median earnings of $73,792 a decade after entry. Set against $21,813 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 45% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Wisconsin Madison profile
Florida International University came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Florida International University is a public school based in Miami, FL. Students from in state pay about $6,565 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $18,964. Graduates carry a median of $19,349 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,249. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 55% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Florida International University
University Of Houston landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Houston, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,717, with out-of-state students paying around $22,547. Typical Religious Studies student debt is $21,255. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,377. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 74%. See the full University Of Houston profile
Gordon College offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Wenham, MA. In-state tuition and fees run about $30,700. Typical Religious Studies student debt is $26,372. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,119 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,372 median debt. About 69% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Gordon College profile
California State University Fullerton came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Based in Fullerton, CA, California State University Fullerton is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,470, compared with $20,070 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,525 to complete their Religious Studies program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,951 ten years after entry. Set against $15,525 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Read more about California State University Fullerton
Catholic University Of America placed #25 among the best-value Religious Studies schools in the United States. Set in Washington, DC, Catholic University Of America is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $58,378 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,771 to complete their Religious Studies program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $73,250. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 83% of applicants are accepted. More on Catholic University Of America
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Religious Studies Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Evangel University placed #26 among the best-value Religious Studies schools in the United States. Based in Springfield, MO, Evangel University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $28,548. The median Religious Studies program debt is $26,793. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,573. Set against $26,793 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Evangel University has an acceptance rate of 72%. More on Evangel University
University Of Washington Seattle Campus landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Seattle, WA, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,973, compared with $43,209 for out-of-state students. Typical Religious Studies student debt is $16,481. Median earnings reach $78,466 ten years out. Set against $16,481 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 39% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Washington Seattle Campus
University Of Florida offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. University Of Florida is a public school based in Gainesville, FL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,381, compared with $28,659 for out-of-state students. University Of Florida Religious Studies students take on a median of $17,669 in debt. Median earnings reach $71,588 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Florida admits about 24% of applicants. More on University Of Florida
University Of St Thomas Minnesota ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Religious Studies schools. Set in Saint Paul, MN, University Of St Thomas Minnesota is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $54,398 in tuition and fees. Typical Religious Studies student debt is $19,500. Median earnings reach $73,739 ten years out. Set against $19,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of St Thomas Minnesota admits about 85% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of St Thomas Minnesota
University Of North Texas placed #30 among the best-value Religious Studies schools in the United States. University Of North Texas is a public school based in Denton, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,309, while out-of-state students pay about $21,149. Typical Religious Studies student debt is $21,817. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,010. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 72%. See the full University Of North Texas profile
University Of California Davis landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Davis, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,804, with out-of-state students paying around $47,692. Graduates carry a median of $14,404 in student loans. University Of California Davis alumni report median earnings of $80,838 a decade after entry. Set against $14,404 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 42% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of California Davis
University Of Virginia Main Campus ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Religious Studies schools. This public school is set in Charlottesville, VA. In-state tuition and fees average $23,118, with out-of-state students paying around $61,591. Graduates carry a median of $18,267 in student loans. Median earnings reach $86,863 ten years out. Set against $18,267 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 17% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Virginia Main Campus
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Set in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $17,214, with out-of-state students paying around $38,362. The median Religious Studies program debt is $21,577. Graduates go on to earn a median of $69,020 ten years after entry. Set against $21,577 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 80%. Get the full University Of Minnesota Twin Cities report
Boston College offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Located in Chestnut Hill, MA, Boston College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $70,702. Boston College Religious Studies students take on a median of $18,101 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $103,937 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 16% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Boston College report
University Of California Santa Barbara offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. Based in Santa Barbara, CA, University Of California Santa Barbara is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,444, while out-of-state students pay about $47,332. Graduates carry a median of $15,873 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $74,915. That is a strong return on a $15,873 median debt. Roughly 33% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of California Santa Barbara report
Ohio State University Main Campus placed #36 among the best-value Religious Studies schools in the United States. Set in Columbus, OH, Ohio State University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,244, compared with $40,022 for out-of-state students. Typical Religious Studies student debt is $22,053. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,409. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Ohio State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 61%. See the full Ohio State University Main Campus profile
Carson Newman College placed #37 among the best-value Religious Studies schools in the United States. Set in Jefferson City, TN, Carson Newman College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $34,700. The median Religious Studies program debt is $22,843. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,382. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Carson Newman College has an acceptance rate of 90%. Read the full report on Carson Newman College
Georgia State University landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Atlanta, GA, Georgia State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,664 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $24,840. Georgia State University Religious Studies students take on a median of $26,091 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,384. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Georgia State University has an acceptance rate of 55%. See the full Georgia State University profile
Depauw University landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Greencastle, IN, Depauw University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $59,070 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $26,174 to complete their Religious Studies program here. Median earnings reach $70,527 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,174 median debt. The acceptance rate is 57%. See the full Depauw University profile
Vanderbilt University offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Based in Nashville, TN, Vanderbilt University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $67,498. Vanderbilt University Religious Studies students take on a median of $13,975 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $91,565. That is a strong return on a $13,975 median debt. Vanderbilt University has an acceptance rate of 6%. More on Vanderbilt University
University Of Arizona ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Religious Studies schools. Located in Tucson, AZ, University Of Arizona is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,573, with out-of-state students paying around $39,903. Typical Religious Studies student debt is $21,861. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,979 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,861 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%. Read more about University Of Arizona
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $18,267 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $40,096. Typical Religious Studies student debt is $20,778. Median earnings reach $81,054 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 42%. Read more about University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
George Washington University came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Washington, DC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,710. Graduates carry a median of $22,910 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $90,873. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 47%. Get the full George Washington University report
University Of Massachusetts Amherst came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Amherst, MA. In-state tuition and fees run about $17,772, with out-of-state students paying around $40,449. University Of Massachusetts Amherst Religious Studies students take on a median of $25,234 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,631. That is a strong return on a $25,234 median debt. University Of Massachusetts Amherst admits about 60% of applicants. Read more about University Of Massachusetts Amherst
Rutgers University New Brunswick offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Located in New Brunswick, NJ, Rutgers University New Brunswick is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $17,929 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $37,441. Typical Religious Studies student debt is $26,000. Median earnings reach $74,479 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 58% of applicants are accepted. See the full Rutgers University New Brunswick profile
Western Washington University ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Religious Studies schools. Western Washington University is a public school based in Bellingham, WA. Students from in state pay about $9,582 in tuition and fees, compared with $28,707 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $20,361 in student loans. Western Washington University alumni report median earnings of $62,569 a decade after entry. Set against $20,361 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Western Washington University has an acceptance rate of 93%. More on Western Washington University
University Of California Riverside came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Riverside, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,636, while out-of-state students pay about $46,524. The median Religious Studies program debt is $19,187. University Of California Riverside alumni report median earnings of $67,699 a decade after entry. Set against $19,187 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 76%. See the full University Of California Riverside profile
Columbia University In The City Of New York ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Religious Studies schools. Set in New York, NY, Columbia University In The City Of New York is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $70,517. The median Religious Studies program debt is $23,258. Graduates go on to earn a median of $102,491 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Columbia University In The City Of New York has an acceptance rate of 4%. Read more about Columbia University In The City Of New York
Rutgers University Camden landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Camden, NJ, Rutgers University Camden is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $17,764 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $37,276. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete their Religious Studies program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $74,479 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 66% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Rutgers University Camden report
University Of Notre Dame landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Notre Dame, IN, University Of Notre Dame is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $65,025. Graduates carry a median of $19,891 in student loans. Median earnings reach $99,980 ten years out. Set against $19,891 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Notre Dame admits about 11% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Notre Dame
Best Value Religious Studies Schools by Degree Level
Compare value rankings by degree level:
- Best Value Religious Studies Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Religious Studies Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Religious Studies Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Religious Studies Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Religious Studies Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Religious Studies Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Religious Studies Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 780 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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