2026 Best Value Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries Schools
Looking for the best-value Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries programs programs in the United States? We have ranked 278 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To help you make your decision, Course Advisor reviewed 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 Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global came in at #2 on this year's best-value Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries ranking in the United States. Located in Marion, IN, Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,648. Students borrow a median of $26,338 to complete their Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,986. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global report
A rank of #3 makes The Masters College And Seminary one of the best values in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Santa Clarita, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $39,020. The median Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries program debt is $22,089. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,106. That is a strong return on a $22,089 median debt. About 84% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about The Masters College And Seminary
Valor Christian College came in at #4 on this year's best-value Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries ranking in the United States. Set in Canal Winchester, OH, Valor Christian College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,612. The median Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries program debt is $17,635. Read more about Valor Christian College
You'll get strong value at Nazarene Bible College, which ranked #5 this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Colorado Springs, CO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,482. Students borrow a median of $40,332 to complete their Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries program here. Median earnings reach $41,450 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $40,332 median debt. Get the full Nazarene Bible College report
Luther Rice University And Seminary placed #6 among the best-value Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries schools in the United States. Based in Lithonia, GA, Luther Rice University And Seminary is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,320. Luther Rice University And Seminary Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries students take on a median of $36,730 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,003. Set against $36,730 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Luther Rice University And Seminary admits about 92% of applicants. See the full Luther Rice University And Seminary profile
Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary placed #7 among the best-value Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Kansas City, MO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,530. Graduates carry a median of $15,559 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,535. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary admits about 96% of applicants. More on Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
Olivet Nazarene University placed #8 among the best-value Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries schools in the United States. Based in Bourbonnais, IL, Olivet Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $38,900. The median Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries program debt is $26,797. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,213 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Olivet Nazarene University has an acceptance rate of 56%. Get the full Olivet Nazarene University report
Ashland University landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Ashland, OH, Ashland University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $31,210. Typical Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries student debt is $24,536. Median earnings reach $52,928 ten years out. Set against $24,536 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 76%. See the full Ashland University profile
Moody Bible Institute offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Based in Chicago, IL, Moody Bible Institute is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,786. Graduates carry a median of $12,000 in student loans. Moody Bible Institute alumni report median earnings of $45,399 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Moody Bible Institute has an acceptance rate of 83%. Get the full Moody Bible Institute report
Bethel University Minnesota offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Bethel University Minnesota is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Paul, MN. Students from in state pay about $44,226 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $25,639 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,764 ten years after entry. Set against $25,639 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%. More on Bethel University Minnesota
Mccormick Theological Seminary ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries schools. Located in Chicago, IL, Mccormick Theological Seminary is a private not-for-profit institution. Read more about Mccormick Theological Seminary
Truett Mcconnell College placed #13 among the best-value Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries schools in the United States. Located in Cleveland, GA, Truett Mcconnell College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $26,792. Graduates carry a median of $24,936 in student loans. Truett Mcconnell College alumni report median earnings of $46,700 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Truett Mcconnell College has an acceptance rate of 78%. Read the full report on Truett Mcconnell College
Lenoir Rhyne University placed #14 among the best-value Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries schools in the United States. Located in Hickory, NC, Lenoir Rhyne University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $31,900. Graduates carry a median of $26,900 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,543 ten years after entry. Set against $26,900 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Lenoir Rhyne University
Kings University ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries schools. Set in Southlake, TX, Kings University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,480. Typical Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries student debt is $48,998. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,471. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 61% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Kings University report
Ohio Christian University offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Circleville, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $19,190. Ohio Christian University Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries students take on a median of $30,947 in debt. Ohio Christian University alumni report median earnings of $39,813 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Ohio Christian University has an acceptance rate of 38%. See the full Ohio Christian University profile
Liberty University offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Lynchburg, VA. Students from in state pay about $16,173 in tuition and fees. Typical Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries student debt is $23,750. Median earnings reach $44,813 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,750 median debt. Liberty University has an acceptance rate of 99%. Read the full report on Liberty University
Northwestern College Minnesota offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Based in Saint Paul, MN, Northwestern College Minnesota is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $37,920 in tuition and fees. The median Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries program debt is $23,505. Median earnings reach $50,755 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northwestern College Minnesota has an acceptance rate of 94%. Read the full report on Northwestern College Minnesota
Nazarene Theological Seminary offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. Located in Kansas City, MO, Nazarene Theological Seminary is a private not-for-profit institution. Read more about Nazarene Theological Seminary
Southeastern University ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Lakeland, FL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $32,950. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,744. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. Southeastern University has an acceptance rate of 53%. See the full Southeastern University profile
Grace College And Theological Seminary ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries schools. Set in Winona Lake, IN, Grace College And Theological Seminary is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $29,645. The median Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries program debt is $25,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,411. Set against $25,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Grace College And Theological Seminary admits about 82% of applicants. Get the full Grace College And Theological Seminary report
Northern Baptist Theological Seminary placed #23 among the best-value Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries schools in the United States. Based in Lisle, IL, Northern Baptist Theological Seminary is a private not-for-profit institution. Read the full report on Northern Baptist Theological Seminary
Northwest Nazarene University landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Nampa, ID, Northwest Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $40,824. Typical Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries student debt is $27,562. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,719 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,562 median debt. Roughly 65% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Northwest Nazarene University report
Ozark Christian College placed #25 among the best-value Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries schools in the United States. Based in Joplin, MO, Ozark Christian College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,000. Graduates carry a median of $23,500 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,297. That is a strong return on a $23,500 median debt. About 94% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Ozark Christian College
Seattle University ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries schools. Seattle University is a private not-for-profit school based in Seattle, WA. In-state tuition and fees run about $56,721. The median Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries program debt is $22,289. Median earnings reach $75,272 ten years out. Set against $22,289 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Seattle University admits about 77% of applicants. Read more about Seattle University
Hebrew Union College Jewish Institute Of Religion came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in New York, NY. See the full Hebrew Union College Jewish Institute Of Religion profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
George Fox University offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Based in Newberg, OR, George Fox University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $41,320. Graduates carry a median of $25,324 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,761. Set against $25,324 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 94%. Get the full George Fox University report
Lancaster Bible College placed #29 among the best-value Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Lancaster, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $29,990. The median Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries program debt is $22,584. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,096. Set against $22,584 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 56% of applicants are accepted. More on Lancaster Bible College
Johnson University ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Knoxville, TN. In-state tuition and fees average $21,122. Typical Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries student debt is $26,750. Median earnings reach $40,596 ten years out. Set against $26,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 65% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Johnson University
Covenant Theological Seminary came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Louis, MO. More on Covenant Theological Seminary
Crown College ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries schools. Based in Saint Bonifacius, MN, Crown College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $31,410. Typical Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries student debt is $27,000. Crown College alumni report median earnings of $48,057 a decade after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 23% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Crown College
Biola University landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. Biola University is a private not-for-profit school based in La Mirada, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $48,984. Typical Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries student debt is $25,308. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,778. That is a strong return on a $25,308 median debt. Biola University has an acceptance rate of 74%. Read the full report on Biola University
Westminster Theological Seminary came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Located in Glenside, PA, Westminster Theological Seminary is a private not-for-profit institution. Read the full report on Westminster Theological Seminary
Loyola University Chicago offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. Loyola University Chicago is a private not-for-profit school based in Chicago, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $53,710. The median Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries program debt is $23,521. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,530 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Loyola University Chicago report
Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Louisville, KY. See the full Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary profile
Southwestern Assemblies Of God University landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. Southwestern Assemblies Of God University is a private not-for-profit school based in Waxahachie, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $25,064. Southwestern Assemblies Of God University Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries students take on a median of $26,750 in debt. Southwestern Assemblies Of God University alumni report median earnings of $46,238 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. More on Southwestern Assemblies Of God University
Harding University offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Harding University is a private not-for-profit school based in Searcy, AR. Students from in state pay about $25,962 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $26,715 to complete their Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,876. Set against $26,715 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted. More on Harding University
Martin Luther College offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Based in New Ulm, MN, Martin Luther College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,120. Martin Luther College Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries students take on a median of $20,224 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,491. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 87%. See the full Martin Luther College profile
Lee University ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries schools. Based in Cleveland, TN, Lee University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $23,790. Typical Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries student debt is $28,750. Lee University alumni report median earnings of $43,222 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $28,750 median debt. About 70% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Lee University
Colorado Christian University placed #41 among the best-value Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries schools in the United States. Colorado Christian University is a private not-for-profit school based in Lakewood, CO. In-state tuition and fees run about $28,846. The median Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries program debt is $36,092. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,416 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Colorado Christian University
Brite Divinity School landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Fort Worth, TX. Brite Divinity School alumni report median earnings of $68,424 a decade after entry. Get the full Brite Divinity School report
Life Pacific College came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Based in San Dimas, CA, Life Pacific College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $22,118. Life Pacific College Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries students take on a median of $24,083 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,299 ten years after entry. Set against $24,083 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 96%. See the full Life Pacific College profile
Grace Bible College placed #45 among the best-value Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries schools in the United States. Set in Wyoming, MI, Grace Bible College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $17,190. Students borrow a median of $30,118 to complete their Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,663. Set against $30,118 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Grace Bible College has an acceptance rate of 99%. Read more about Grace Bible College
Lutheran School Of Theology At Chicago landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Chicago, IL, Lutheran School Of Theology At Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. More on Lutheran School Of Theology At Chicago
Eden Theological Seminary came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. Based in Webster Groves, MO, Eden Theological Seminary is a private not-for-profit institution. Read the full report on Eden Theological Seminary
Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in South Hamilton, MA. Get the full Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary report
Valley Forge Christian College landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Phoenixville, PA, Valley Forge Christian College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $25,240 in tuition and fees. The median Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries program debt is $27,634. Median earnings reach $39,016 ten years out. Set against $27,634 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 61% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Valley Forge Christian College
Columbia International University came in at #51 in this year's value ranking. Located in Columbia, SC, Columbia International University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $27,900 in tuition and fees. Typical Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries student debt is $21,667. Median earnings reach $38,951 ten years out. Set against $21,667 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Columbia International University admits about 94% of applicants. See the full Columbia International University profile
Gordon College offered strong value this year, earning the #52 position. Gordon College is a private not-for-profit school based in Wenham, MA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $30,700. Typical Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries 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. Read the full report on Gordon College
Dallas Theological Seminary offered strong value this year, earning the #53 position. Dallas Theological Seminary is a private not-for-profit school based in Dallas, TX. Get the full Dallas Theological Seminary report
Meadville Lombard Theological School landed the #54 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Chicago, IL, Meadville Lombard Theological School is a private not-for-profit institution. Read the full report on Meadville Lombard Theological School
Best Value Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries Schools by Degree Level
Explore value rankings for a specific degree level:
- Best Value Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on 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 278 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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