2026 Best Value Religious Studies Bachelor’s Degree Schools

#1

Arizona State University Skysong

Scottsdale, AZ

For return on investment, no school beat Arizona State University Skysong this year in the United States. Arizona State University Skysong is a public school based in Scottsdale, AZ. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,627, compared with $13,925 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,542 to complete their Religious Studies program here. Arizona State University Skysong alumni report median earnings of $62,668 a decade after entry. 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

#2

Liberty University

Lynchburg, VA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Liberty University earned it the #2 place in the United States. Liberty University is a private not-for-profit school based in Lynchburg, VA. In-state tuition and fees average $16,173. The median Religious Studies program debt is $32,873. Median earnings reach $44,813 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $32,873 median debt. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Liberty University

#3

University Of North Carolina At Charlotte

Charlotte, NC

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. Students from in state pay about $7,239 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $22,492. Students borrow a median of $24,621 to complete their Religious Studies program here. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte alumni report median earnings of $57,289 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,621 median debt. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of North Carolina At Charlotte report

#4

Florida State University

Tallahassee, FL

You'll get strong value at Florida State University, which ranked #4 this year. Based in Tallahassee, FL, Florida State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,517, while out-of-state students pay about $21,683. Typical Religious Studies student debt is $20,488. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,675. That is a strong return on a $20,488 median debt. Florida State University has an acceptance rate of 24%. Read the full report on Florida State University

#5

University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee

Milwaukee, WI

A rank of #5 makes University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee one of the best values in the United States. Based in Milwaukee, WI, University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,398, compared with $22,398 for out-of-state students. Typical Religious Studies student debt is $26,657. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,990. That is a strong return on a $26,657 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee has an acceptance rate of 91%. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee

#6

Saint Leo University

Saint Leo, FL

Saint Leo University offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Based in Saint Leo, FL, Saint Leo University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $30,000 in tuition and fees. The median Religious Studies program debt is $39,471. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,364. That is a strong return on a $39,471 median debt. The acceptance rate is 78%. More on Saint Leo University

#7

California State University Northridge

Northridge, CA

California State University Northridge came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. California State University Northridge is a public school based in Northridge, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,458, compared with $20,058 for out-of-state students. The median Religious Studies program debt is $13,483. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,115 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 93%. Read the full report on California State University Northridge

#8

Duke University

Durham, NC

Duke University ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Religious Studies schools. Located in Durham, NC, Duke University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,758. Typical Religious Studies student debt is $13,296. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $97,800. That is a strong return on a $13,296 median debt. Duke University admits about 6% of applicants. More on Duke University

#9

Florida International University

Miami, FL

Florida International University landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Florida International University is a public school based in Miami, FL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,565, with out-of-state students paying around $18,964. The median Religious Studies program debt is $19,349. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,249. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Florida International University has an acceptance rate of 55%. More on Florida International University

#10

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill ranked #10 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. In-state tuition and fees average $8,994, compared with $41,203 for out-of-state students. The median Religious Studies program debt is $12,550. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,200 ten years after entry. Set against $12,550 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill has an acceptance rate of 15%. More on University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill

#10

San Francisco State University

San Francisco, CA

San Francisco State University placed #10 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, with out-of-state students paying around $20,446. The median Religious Studies program debt is $17,024. Median earnings reach $68,077 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $17,024 median debt. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on San Francisco State University

#10

Arizona State University

Tempe, AZ

Arizona State University landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Tempe, AZ, Arizona State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,223, while out-of-state students pay about $33,139. Typical Religious Studies student debt is $20,542. Median earnings reach $62,668 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%. More on Arizona State University

#13

Jewish Theological Seminary Of America

New York, NY

Jewish Theological Seminary Of America landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in New York, NY, Jewish Theological Seminary Of America is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $71,910. Jewish Theological Seminary Of America Religious Studies students take on a median of $16,750 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $92,751. Set against $16,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Jewish Theological Seminary Of America admits about 49% of applicants. Get the full Jewish Theological Seminary Of America report

#14

Grand Valley State University

Allendale, MI

Grand Valley State University offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Grand Valley State University is a public school based in Allendale, MI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,502, while out-of-state students pay about $21,894. Students borrow a median of $26,378 to complete their Religious Studies program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,118 ten years after entry. Set against $26,378 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 83% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Grand Valley State University

#14

University Of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA

University Of Pennsylvania placed #14 among the best-value Religious Studies schools in the United States. Set in Philadelphia, PA, University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $68,686. University Of Pennsylvania Religious Studies students take on a median of $16,155 in debt. University Of Pennsylvania alumni report median earnings of $111,371 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Pennsylvania has an acceptance rate of 5%. See the full University Of Pennsylvania profile

#16

University Of Houston

Houston, TX

University Of Houston came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Located in Houston, TX, University Of Houston is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,717, with out-of-state students paying around $22,547. University Of Houston Religious Studies students take on a median of $21,255 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,377. That is a strong return on a $21,255 median debt. The acceptance rate is 74%. Get the full University Of Houston report

#17

University Of Wisconsin Madison

Madison, WI

University Of Wisconsin Madison placed #17 among the best-value Religious Studies schools in the United States. This public school is set in Madison, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,603, compared with $42,103 for out-of-state students. The median Religious Studies program debt is $21,813. Graduates go on to earn a median of $73,792 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin Madison has an acceptance rate of 45%. See the full University Of Wisconsin Madison profile

#18

Gordon College

Wenham, MA

Gordon College offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Set in Wenham, MA, Gordon College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $30,700. The median Religious Studies program debt is $26,372. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,119 ten years after entry. Set against $26,372 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 69% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Gordon College

#19

California State University Fullerton

Fullerton, CA

California State University Fullerton placed #19 among the best-value Religious Studies schools in the United States. Based in Fullerton, CA, California State University Fullerton is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,470, compared with $20,070 for out-of-state students. California State University Fullerton Religious Studies students take on a median of $15,525 in debt. California State University Fullerton alumni report median earnings of $62,951 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Get the full California State University Fullerton report

#20

Catholic University Of America

Washington, DC

Catholic University Of America ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Religious Studies schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Washington, DC. Students from in state pay about $58,378 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $25,771 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $73,250. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 83% of those who apply are admitted. More on Catholic University Of America

#21

Evangel University

Springfield, MO

Evangel University came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Evangel University is a private not-for-profit school based in Springfield, MO. In-state tuition and fees run about $28,548. Evangel University Religious Studies students take on a median of $26,793 in debt. Evangel University alumni report median earnings of $46,573 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. More on Evangel University

#22

University Of Florida

Gainesville, FL

University Of Florida ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Religious Studies schools. University Of Florida is a public school based in Gainesville, FL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,381, while out-of-state students pay about $28,659. Students borrow a median of $17,669 to complete their Religious Studies program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,588 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $17,669 median debt. About 24% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Florida

#23

The University Of Texas At Austin

Austin, TX

The University Of Texas At Austin came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. The University Of Texas At Austin is a public school based in Austin, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,688, while out-of-state students pay about $44,908. Students borrow a median of $21,275 to complete their Religious Studies program here. The University Of Texas At Austin alumni report median earnings of $75,121 a decade after entry. Set against $21,275 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The University Of Texas At Austin has an acceptance rate of 27%. Get the full The University Of Texas At Austin report

#24

University Of Washington Seattle Campus

Seattle, WA

University Of Washington Seattle Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Set in Seattle, WA, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,973, with out-of-state students paying around $43,209. Students borrow a median of $16,481 to complete their Religious Studies program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $78,466. That is a strong return on a $16,481 median debt. About 39% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Washington Seattle Campus report

#25

University Of North Texas

Denton, TX

University Of North Texas ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Religious Studies schools. Located in Denton, TX, University Of North Texas is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,309, while out-of-state students pay about $21,149. University Of North Texas Religious Studies students take on a median of $21,817 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,010. Set against $21,817 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 72%. See the full University Of North Texas profile

#26

Emory University

Atlanta, GA

Emory University ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Religious Studies schools. Based in Atlanta, GA, Emory University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $64,280. Students borrow a median of $19,431 to complete their Religious Studies program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $80,137. Set against $19,431 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Emory University has an acceptance rate of 11%. More on Emory University

#27

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities

Minneapolis, MN

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $17,214, compared with $38,362 for out-of-state students. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities Religious Studies students take on a median of $21,577 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $69,020. Set against $21,577 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Minnesota Twin Cities

#27

Boston College

Chestnut Hill, MA

Boston College landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Chestnut Hill, MA, Boston College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $70,702. The median Religious Studies program debt is $18,101. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $103,937. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Boston College has an acceptance rate of 16%. Read more about Boston College

#29

University Of St Thomas Minnesota

Saint Paul, MN

University Of St Thomas Minnesota landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. Located 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. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $73,739. That is a strong return on a $19,500 median debt. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of St Thomas Minnesota

#30

Ohio State University Main Campus

Columbus, OH

Ohio State University Main Campus ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Religious Studies schools. Set in Columbus, OH, Ohio State University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,244 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $40,022. Graduates carry a median of $22,053 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,409. That is a strong return on a $22,053 median debt. Roughly 61% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Ohio State University Main Campus report

#31

University Of California Davis

Davis, CA

University Of California Davis placed #31 among the best-value Religious Studies schools in the United States. Set in Davis, CA, University Of California Davis is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,804, while out-of-state students pay about $47,692. Students borrow a median of $14,404 to complete their Religious Studies program here. University Of California Davis alumni report median earnings of $80,838 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 42% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of California Davis profile

#32

Carson Newman College

Jefferson City, TN

Carson Newman College landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Jefferson City, TN. In-state tuition and fees run about $34,700. Carson Newman College Religious Studies students take on a median of $22,843 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,382. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Carson Newman College

#33

Georgia State University

Atlanta, GA

Georgia State University came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Atlanta, GA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,664, compared with $24,840 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,091 in student loans. Median earnings reach $47,384 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 55% of applicants are accepted. More on Georgia State University

#34

Depauw University

Greencastle, IN

Depauw University placed #34 among the best-value Religious Studies schools in the United States. Depauw University is a private not-for-profit school based in Greencastle, IN. In-state tuition and fees run about $59,070. Depauw University Religious Studies students take on a median of $26,174 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $70,527. That is a strong return on a $26,174 median debt. Depauw University admits about 57% of applicants. See the full Depauw University profile

#35

University Of California Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, CA

University Of California Santa Barbara placed #35 among the best-value Religious Studies schools in the United States. University Of California Santa Barbara is a public school based in Santa Barbara, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,444, with out-of-state students paying around $47,332. Students borrow a median of $15,873 to complete their Religious Studies program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $74,915 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,873 median debt. About 33% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of California Santa Barbara report

#36

Philadelphia Biblical University Langhorne

Langhorne, PA

Philadelphia Biblical University Langhorne placed #36 among the best-value Religious Studies schools in the United States. Philadelphia Biblical University Langhorne is a private not-for-profit school based in Langhorne, PA. In-state tuition and fees average $33,659. Typical Religious Studies student debt is $30,750. Philadelphia Biblical University Langhorne alumni report median earnings of $44,172 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $30,750 median debt. Philadelphia Biblical University Langhorne admits about 88% of applicants. Get the full Philadelphia Biblical University Langhorne report

#36

University Of Arizona

Tucson, AZ

University Of Arizona came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. University Of Arizona is a public school based in Tucson, AZ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,573, while out-of-state students pay about $39,903. Typical Religious Studies student debt is $21,861. University Of Arizona alumni report median earnings of $59,979 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 86%. Get the full University Of Arizona report

#38

Rutgers University New Brunswick

New Brunswick, NJ

Rutgers University New Brunswick placed #38 among the best-value Religious Studies schools in the United States. Set in New Brunswick, NJ, Rutgers University New Brunswick is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $17,929, while out-of-state students pay about $37,441. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $74,479. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 58% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Rutgers University New Brunswick report

#38

University Of Massachusetts Amherst

Amherst, MA

University Of Massachusetts Amherst came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. University Of Massachusetts Amherst is a public school based in Amherst, MA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,772, compared with $40,449 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,234 to complete their Religious Studies program here. 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 has an acceptance rate of 60%. Read the full report on University Of Massachusetts Amherst

#40

Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN

Vanderbilt University came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Vanderbilt University is a private not-for-profit school based in Nashville, TN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,498. Graduates carry a median of $13,975 in student loans. Median earnings reach $91,565 ten years out. Set against $13,975 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 6%. Read more about Vanderbilt University

#41

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign

Champaign, IL

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Set in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,267, compared with $40,096 for out-of-state students. Typical Religious Studies student debt is $20,778. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $81,054. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign admits about 42% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign

#41

University Of Virginia Main Campus

Charlottesville, VA

University Of Virginia Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. This public school is set in Charlottesville, VA. In-state tuition and fees average $23,118, while out-of-state students pay about $61,591. Typical Religious Studies student debt is $18,267. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $86,863. Set against $18,267 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Virginia Main Campus admits about 17% of applicants. Read more about University Of Virginia Main Campus

#43

Western Washington University

Bellingham, WA

Western Washington University landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. Western Washington University is a public school based in Bellingham, WA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,582, compared with $28,707 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $20,361 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,569. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Western Washington University has an acceptance rate of 93%. See the full Western Washington University profile

#44

Rutgers University Camden

Camden, NJ

Rutgers University Camden landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Camden, NJ. Students from in state pay about $17,764 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $37,276. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $74,479 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 66%. Get the full Rutgers University Camden report

#45

College Of The Holy Cross

Worcester, MA

College Of The Holy Cross ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Religious Studies schools. Based in Worcester, MA, College Of The Holy Cross is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $64,500. Graduates carry a median of $26,387 in student loans. Median earnings reach $90,543 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 18%. More on College Of The Holy Cross

#46

American University

Washington, DC

American University came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Set in Washington, DC, American University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $58,771. Graduates carry a median of $24,139 in student loans. American University alumni report median earnings of $77,370 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. American University admits about 62% of applicants. Read the full report on American University

#47

Cuny Brooklyn College

Brooklyn, NY

Cuny Brooklyn College came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Based in Brooklyn, NY, Cuny Brooklyn College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,452, with out-of-state students paying around $15,402. Students borrow a median of $13,303 to complete their Religious Studies program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,752. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Cuny Brooklyn College admits about 58% of applicants. More on Cuny Brooklyn College

#48

Chapman University

Orange, CA

Chapman University placed #48 among the best-value Religious Studies schools in the United States. Located in Orange, CA, Chapman University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $64,984. The median Religious Studies program debt is $21,657. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $70,070. That is a strong return on a $21,657 median debt. Chapman University has an acceptance rate of 65%. See the full Chapman University profile

#49

University Of Chicago

Chicago, IL

University Of Chicago came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Chicago, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $69,324. Typical Religious Studies student debt is $15,854. Median earnings reach $91,885 ten years out. Set against $15,854 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 4% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Chicago report

#50

Boston University

Boston, MA

Boston University ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Religious Studies schools. Located in Boston, MA, Boston University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,102. Boston University Religious Studies students take on a median of $25,232 in debt. Boston University alumni report median earnings of $83,238 a decade after entry. Set against $25,232 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Boston University has an acceptance rate of 11%. Read more about Boston University