2026 Best Value Religious Studies Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Religious Studies master’s degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 780 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To arm you with the information you need, Course Advisor evaluated schools to build 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 Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Our analysis found Liberty University to be the best-value Religious Studies school 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. The median Religious Studies program debt is $32,873. Median earnings reach $44,813 ten years out. Set against $32,873 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 99%. Read more about Liberty University
A rank of #2 makes Jewish Theological Seminary Of America one of the best values in the United States. Set 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. Graduates carry a median of $16,750 in student loans. Jewish Theological Seminary Of America alumni report median earnings of $92,751 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,750 median debt. Roughly 49% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Jewish Theological Seminary Of America report
A rank of #3 makes University Of Scranton one of the best values in the United States. University Of Scranton is a private not-for-profit school based in Scranton, PA. In-state tuition and fees average $53,777. Typical Religious Studies student debt is $26,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $74,652. Set against $26,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 81%. Read the full report on University Of Scranton
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Trinity International University Illinois earned it the #4 place in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Deerfield, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $12,320. Graduates carry a median of $26,892 in student loans. Median earnings reach $46,989 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 100%. Get the full Trinity International University Illinois report
University Of North Carolina At Charlotte came in at #5 on this year's best-value Religious Studies ranking in the United States. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte is a public school based in Charlotte, NC. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,239, compared with $22,492 for out-of-state students. The median Religious Studies program debt is $24,621. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,289 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,621 median debt. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte has an acceptance rate of 80%. More on University Of North Carolina At Charlotte
The University Of Texas At Austin came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Based in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,688 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $44,908. The median Religious Studies program debt is $21,275. 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 admits about 27% of applicants. More on The University Of Texas At Austin
University Of St Thomas Minnesota ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Religious Studies schools. University Of St Thomas Minnesota is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Paul, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $54,398. Graduates carry a median of $19,500 in student loans. Median earnings reach $73,739 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of St Thomas Minnesota
University Of Pennsylvania ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Religious Studies schools. Based 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. University Of Pennsylvania admits about 5% of applicants. Get the full University Of Pennsylvania report
Philadelphia Biblical University Langhorne offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Langhorne, PA. In-state tuition and fees average $33,659. Philadelphia Biblical University Langhorne Religious Studies students take on a median of $30,750 in debt. Philadelphia Biblical University Langhorne alumni report median earnings of $44,172 a decade after entry. Set against $30,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Philadelphia Biblical University Langhorne admits about 88% of applicants. Read more about Philadelphia Biblical University Langhorne
Gardner Webb University came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Located in Boiling Springs, NC, Gardner Webb University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $34,750. Typical Religious Studies student debt is $25,033. Median earnings reach $48,039 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 77%. More on Gardner Webb University
Arizona State University offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Arizona State University is a public school based in Tempe, AZ. Students from in state pay about $12,223 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $33,139. The median Religious Studies program debt is $20,542. Arizona State University alumni report median earnings of $62,668 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%. More on Arizona State University
University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Religious Studies schools. Located in Chapel Hill, NC, University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,994, while out-of-state students pay about $41,203. Graduates carry a median of $12,550 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,200 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 15% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill
Duke University landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Durham, NC. Students from in state pay about $68,758 in tuition and fees. Typical Religious Studies student debt is $13,296. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $97,800. Set against $13,296 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 6% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Duke University profile
University Of California Davis offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. Located in Davis, CA, University Of California Davis is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,804, compared with $47,692 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,404 to complete their Religious Studies program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $80,838. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of California Davis profile
Emory University ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Religious Studies schools. Based in Atlanta, GA, Emory University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $64,280. Typical Religious Studies student debt is $19,431. Emory University alumni report median earnings of $80,137 a decade after entry. Set against $19,431 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 11%. Get the full Emory University report
University Of Washington Seattle Campus placed #16 among the best-value Religious Studies schools in the United States. Located in Seattle, WA, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,973, with out-of-state students paying around $43,209. The median Religious Studies program debt is $16,481. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,466 ten years after entry. Set against $16,481 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Washington Seattle Campus admits about 39% of applicants. See the full University Of Washington Seattle Campus profile
Florida State University placed #17 among the best-value Religious Studies schools in the United States. Set in Tallahassee, FL, Florida State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,517, while out-of-state students pay about $21,683. Graduates carry a median of $20,488 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,675. That is a strong return on a $20,488 median debt. The acceptance rate is 24%. More on Florida State University
University Of Virginia Main Campus came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Set in Charlottesville, VA, University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $23,118, compared with $61,591 for out-of-state students. University Of Virginia Main Campus Religious Studies students take on a median of $18,267 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $86,863. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 17%. See the full University Of Virginia Main Campus profile
University Of California Santa Barbara ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Religious Studies schools. University Of California Santa Barbara is a public school based in Santa Barbara, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $15,444, while out-of-state students pay about $47,332. Students borrow a median of $15,873 to complete their Religious Studies program here. Median earnings reach $74,915 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California Santa Barbara has an acceptance rate of 33%. Read the full report on University Of California Santa Barbara
George Washington University landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Washington, DC, George Washington University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $67,710 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $22,910 to complete their Religious Studies program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $90,873 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,910 median debt. About 47% of those who apply are admitted. See the full George Washington University profile
Florida International University placed #21 among the best-value Religious Studies schools in the United States. Florida International University is a public school based in Miami, FL. In-state tuition and fees average $6,565, while out-of-state students pay about $18,964. Students borrow a median of $19,349 to complete their Religious Studies program here. Ten years after enrolling, 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%. Read the full report on Florida International University
University Of Florida placed #22 among the best-value Religious Studies schools in the United States. Set in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,381, compared with $28,659 for out-of-state students. Typical Religious Studies student debt is $17,669. Median earnings reach $71,588 ten years out. Set against $17,669 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 24% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Florida report
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign placed #23 among the best-value Religious Studies schools in the United States. Set in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,267, while out-of-state students pay about $40,096. Graduates carry a median of $20,778 in student loans. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign alumni report median earnings of $81,054 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 42% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
University Of California Riverside ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Religious Studies schools. This public school is set in Riverside, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,636, with out-of-state students paying around $46,524. The median Religious Studies program debt is $19,187. Median earnings reach $67,699 ten years out. Set against $19,187 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of California Riverside
Georgia State University placed #25 among the best-value Religious Studies schools in the United States. Georgia State University is a public school based in Atlanta, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,664, with out-of-state students paying around $24,840. Students borrow a median of $26,091 to complete their Religious Studies program here. Georgia State University alumni report median earnings of $47,384 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,091 median debt. Georgia State University has an acceptance rate of 55%. Get the full Georgia State University report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Religious Studies Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Vanderbilt University landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Vanderbilt University is a private not-for-profit school based in Nashville, TN. In-state tuition and fees average $67,498. Graduates carry a median of $13,975 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $91,565 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Vanderbilt University admits about 6% of applicants. Get the full Vanderbilt University report
Rutgers University New Brunswick landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Rutgers University New Brunswick is a public school based in New Brunswick, NJ. In-state tuition and fees run about $17,929, while out-of-state students pay about $37,441. Typical Religious Studies student debt is $26,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $74,479. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Rutgers University New Brunswick admits about 58% of applicants. Read the full report on Rutgers University New Brunswick
New York University offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in New York, NY. In-state tuition and fees run about $62,796. The median Religious Studies program debt is $21,897. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $82,509. Set against $21,897 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. New York University admits about 9% of applicants. Read more about New York University
Columbia University In The City Of New York came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Set in New York, NY, Columbia University In The City Of New York is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $70,517. Students borrow a median of $23,258 to complete their Religious Studies program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $102,491 ten years after entry. Set against $23,258 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 4% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Columbia University In The City Of New York
University Of Notre Dame placed #30 among the best-value Religious Studies schools in the United States. Located in Notre Dame, IN, University Of Notre Dame is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $65,025 in tuition and fees. University Of Notre Dame Religious Studies students take on a median of $19,891 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $99,980. Set against $19,891 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 11% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Notre Dame
Fordham University came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Located in Bronx, NY, Fordham University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $64,470. Typical Religious Studies student debt is $26,320. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $85,569. That is a strong return on a $26,320 median debt. About 59% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Fordham University
Albertus Magnus College came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Read more about Albertus Magnus College
Bais Hamedrash And Mesivta Of Baltimore offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Read more about Bais Hamedrash And Mesivta Of Baltimore
Beis Medrash Heichal Dovid ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Religious Studies schools. Get the full Beis Medrash Heichal Dovid report
California State University Long Beach landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. See the full California State University Long Beach profile
Concordia University Ann Arbor landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. See the full Concordia University Ann Arbor profile
University Of Richmond placed #37 among the best-value Religious Studies schools in the United States. More on University Of Richmond
Yeshiva Shaar Hatorah placed #38 among the best-value Religious Studies schools in the United States. See the full Yeshiva Shaar Hatorah profile
Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. Read more about Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus
Grinnell College
Grinnell College placed #40 among the best-value Religious Studies schools in the United States. Read more about Grinnell College
Lakeland College
Lakeland College came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Read the full report on Lakeland College
Northeastern University offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Read the full report on Northeastern University
Alverno College
Alverno College placed #43 among the best-value Religious Studies schools in the United States. Get the full Alverno College report
Aquinas College Michigan offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Read the full report on Aquinas College Michigan
Carthage College
Carthage College placed #45 among the best-value Religious Studies schools in the United States. Read more about Carthage College
Grand Valley State University offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Read more about Grand Valley State University
Hardin Simmons University offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. See the full Hardin Simmons University profile
Orange Coast College landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. See the full Orange Coast College profile
Palm Beach Atlantic University West Palm Beach ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Religious Studies schools. Read the full report on Palm Beach Atlantic University West Palm Beach
Bet Medrash Gadol Ateret Torah came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. Read more about Bet Medrash Gadol Ateret Torah
Related Religious Studies Value Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best Value Religious Studies Schools (All Levels)
- 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 Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published 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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