2026 Best Value Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries Bachelor’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries bachelor’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 278 institutions 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 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 Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Leading the list is Nazarene Bible College, our #1 best-value Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries school in the United States. Located in Colorado Springs, CO, Nazarene Bible College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,482. The median Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries program debt is $40,332. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,450. That is a strong return on a $40,332 median debt. Read more about Nazarene Bible College
You'll get strong value at Moody Bible Institute, which ranked #2 this year. Located in Chicago, IL, Moody Bible Institute is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $15,786 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $12,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $45,399 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 83%. Read the full report on Moody Bible Institute
Out of the 278 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Kings University landed the #3 spot. 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. Kings University Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries students take on a median of $48,998 in debt. Median earnings reach $41,471 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $48,998 median debt. Roughly 61% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Kings University
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Ohio Christian University earned it the #4 place in the United States. Located in Circleville, OH, Ohio Christian University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $19,190 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $30,947 in student loans. Ohio Christian University alumni report median earnings of $39,813 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $30,947 median debt. The acceptance rate is 38%. More on Ohio Christian University
Ozark Christian College placed #6 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. The median Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries program debt is $23,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,297. That is a strong return on a $23,500 median debt. Ozark Christian College has an acceptance rate of 94%. Read more about Ozark Christian College
Johnson University came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Johnson University is a private not-for-profit school based in Knoxville, TN. In-state tuition and fees run about $21,122. Johnson University Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries students take on a median of $26,750 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,596. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Johnson University has an acceptance rate of 65%. Read more about Johnson University
Grace Bible College landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Wyoming, MI, Grace Bible College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,190. Grace Bible College Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries students take on a median of $30,118 in debt. Grace Bible College alumni report median earnings of $41,663 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Grace Bible College
Southwestern Assemblies Of God University placed #9 among the best-value Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries schools in the United States. Located in Waxahachie, TX, Southwestern Assemblies Of God University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $25,064 in tuition and fees. Southwestern Assemblies Of God University Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries students take on a median of $26,750 in debt. Median earnings reach $46,238 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Southwestern Assemblies Of God University has an acceptance rate of 89%. Read more about Southwestern Assemblies Of God University
Lee University offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. 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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Lee University
Colorado Christian University landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Lakewood, CO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $28,846. Colorado Christian University Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries students take on a median of $36,092 in debt. Colorado Christian University alumni report median earnings of $50,416 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Colorado Christian University
Crown College came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Located in Saint Bonifacius, MN, Crown College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $31,410. Typical Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries student debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,057. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 23% of those who apply are admitted. More on Crown College
Harding University came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Set in Searcy, AR, Harding University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $25,962. Harding University Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries students take on a median of $26,715 in debt. Harding University alumni report median earnings of $52,876 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,715 median debt. The acceptance rate is 70%. Get the full Harding University report
Life Pacific College offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Located 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. Median earnings reach $43,299 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Life Pacific College
Southeastern University ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries schools. Set in Lakeland, FL, Southeastern University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $32,950. Southeastern University Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries students take on a median of $26,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,744 ten years after entry. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 53%. Get the full Southeastern University report
Valley Forge Christian College landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Phoenixville, PA, Valley Forge Christian College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $25,240. Graduates carry a median of $27,634 in student loans. Median earnings reach $39,016 ten years out. Set against $27,634 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 61%. Read the full report on Valley Forge Christian College
Gordon College offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Wenham, MA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $30,700. The median Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries program debt is $26,372. Median earnings reach $52,119 ten years out. Set against $26,372 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 69% of applicants are accepted. See the full Gordon College profile
Olivet Nazarene University landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Bourbonnais, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $38,900. Olivet Nazarene University Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries students take on a median of $26,797 in debt. Median earnings reach $53,213 ten years out. Set against $26,797 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 56% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Olivet Nazarene University
Liberty University ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries schools. Set in Lynchburg, VA, Liberty University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,173. Liberty University Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries students take on a median of $23,750 in debt. Median earnings reach $44,813 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,750 median debt. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Liberty University report
North Central University offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Set in Minneapolis, MN, North Central University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $32,220. Typical Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries student debt is $26,750. North Central University alumni report median earnings of $45,064 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on North Central University
The Masters College And Seminary offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Santa Clarita, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $39,020. The Masters College And Seminary Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries students take on a median of $22,089 in debt. The Masters College And Seminary alumni report median earnings of $57,106 a decade after entry. Set against $22,089 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on The Masters College And Seminary
Regent University offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Set in Virginia Beach, VA, Regent University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $21,650 in tuition and fees. Regent University Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries students take on a median of $35,500 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,498 ten years after entry. Set against $35,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 38%. More on Regent University
Concordia University Ann Arbor placed #24 among the best-value Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries schools in the United States. Located in Ann Arbor, MI, Concordia University Ann Arbor is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $35,410. Students borrow a median of $27,584 to complete their Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries program here. Concordia University Ann Arbor alumni report median earnings of $56,075 a decade after entry. Set against $27,584 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Concordia University Ann Arbor has an acceptance rate of 69%. More on Concordia University Ann Arbor
Northwestern College Minnesota offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Paul, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $37,920. Northwestern College Minnesota Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries students take on a median of $23,505 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,755. Set against $23,505 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 94% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Northwestern College Minnesota profile
Grace College And Theological Seminary offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Located in Winona Lake, IN, Grace College And Theological Seminary is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $29,645. The median Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries program debt is $25,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,411. That is a strong return on a $25,500 median debt. Grace College And Theological Seminary has an acceptance rate of 82%. Get the full Grace College And Theological Seminary report
Lancaster Bible College landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Lancaster Bible College is a private not-for-profit school based in Lancaster, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $29,990. Graduates carry a median of $22,584 in student loans. Lancaster Bible College alumni report median earnings of $44,096 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 56% of applicants are accepted. See the full Lancaster Bible College profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Columbia International University landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. Based 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. Students borrow a median of $21,667 to complete their Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries program here. Median earnings reach $38,951 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Columbia International University has an acceptance rate of 94%. More on Columbia International University
Bethel University Minnesota ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries schools. 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. Bethel University Minnesota Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries students take on a median of $25,639 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,764 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Bethel University Minnesota
Manhattan Christian College ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries schools. Located in Manhattan, KS, Manhattan Christian College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $19,126. Students borrow a median of $25,250 to complete their Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,860. Set against $25,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 100% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Manhattan Christian College
Lipscomb University ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries schools. Located in Nashville, TN, Lipscomb University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $40,572. The median Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries program debt is $23,529. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,541. Set against $23,529 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Lipscomb University profile
North Greenville University landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. North Greenville University is a private not-for-profit school based in Tigerville, SC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $25,800. Graduates carry a median of $24,128 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,035. That is a strong return on a $24,128 median debt. North Greenville University has an acceptance rate of 67%. Get the full North Greenville University report
Northwest Nazarene University ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries schools. Set in Nampa, ID, Northwest Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $40,824 in tuition and fees. Typical Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries student debt is $27,562. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,719 ten years after entry. Set against $27,562 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Northwest Nazarene University admits about 65% of applicants. Read more about Northwest Nazarene University
Northwest University came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Set in Kirkland, WA, Northwest University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $36,035. Northwest University Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries students take on a median of $22,439 in debt. Northwest University alumni report median earnings of $54,914 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 83% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Northwest University
Eastern University placed #36 among the best-value Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries schools in the United States. Set in Saint Davids, PA, Eastern University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $38,400. The median Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries program debt is $28,584. Median earnings reach $51,655 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Eastern University has an acceptance rate of 91%. Read the full report on Eastern University
Cornerstone University ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries schools. Cornerstone University is a private not-for-profit school based in Grand Rapids, MI. In-state tuition and fees average $23,000. Cornerstone University Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries students take on a median of $29,243 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,314. Set against $29,243 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Cornerstone University has an acceptance rate of 78%. Read more about Cornerstone University
Dallas Baptist University ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries schools. Located in Dallas, TX, Dallas Baptist University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $40,190. The median Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries program debt is $22,819. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,807. That is a strong return on a $22,819 median debt. The acceptance rate is 89%. See the full Dallas Baptist University profile
Samford University landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Birmingham, AL. In-state tuition and fees run about $40,150. Samford University Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries students take on a median of $21,039 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,469. That is a strong return on a $21,039 median debt. Samford University has an acceptance rate of 82%. More on Samford University
Indiana Wesleyan University came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Based in Marion, IN, Indiana Wesleyan University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $32,352. Typical Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries student debt is $24,221. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,986 ten years after entry. Set against $24,221 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Indiana Wesleyan University admits about 89% of applicants. More on Indiana Wesleyan University
Hope International University offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Set in Fullerton, CA, Hope International University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $38,125. Students borrow a median of $24,656 to complete their Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,697. Set against $24,656 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 33% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Hope International University
Evangel University came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Located in Springfield, MO, Evangel University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $28,548. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries program here. Evangel University alumni report median earnings of $46,573 a decade after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Evangel University admits about 72% of applicants. Get the full Evangel University report
Oral Roberts University placed #44 among the best-value Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries schools in the United States. Oral Roberts University is a private not-for-profit school based in Tulsa, OK. In-state tuition and fees run about $35,470. Typical Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries student debt is $37,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,885. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Oral Roberts University
George Fox University offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Set in Newberg, OR, George Fox University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $41,320. George Fox University Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries students take on a median of $25,324 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,761 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. George Fox University admits about 94% of applicants. Read more about George Fox University
Spring Arbor University came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Based in Spring Arbor, MI, Spring Arbor University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,014. Students borrow a median of $28,268 to complete their Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries program here. Spring Arbor University alumni report median earnings of $51,732 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $28,268 median debt. Spring Arbor University has an acceptance rate of 52%. Get the full Spring Arbor University report
Mid Atlantic Christian University ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries schools. Mid Atlantic Christian University is a private not-for-profit school based in Elizabeth City, NC. In-state tuition and fees run about $17,280. Students borrow a median of $23,422 to complete their Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,342. Set against $23,422 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Mid Atlantic Christian University has an acceptance rate of 62%. Read more about Mid Atlantic Christian University
Bridges Christian College placed #44 among the best-value Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries schools in the United States. Read more about Bridges Christian College
Martin Luther College ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries schools. Read the full report on Martin Luther College
Southwestern College placed #46 among the best-value Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries schools in the United States. Read more about Southwestern College
Arlington Baptist College landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. Read the full report on Arlington Baptist College
Ecumenical Theological Seminary ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries schools. Get the full Ecumenical Theological Seminary report
Southern Nazarene University came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Get the full Southern Nazarene University report
American Intercontinental University Online placed #50 among the best-value Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries schools in the United States. Read more about American Intercontinental University Online
Related Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries Value Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best Value Pastoral Counseling Specialized Ministries Schools (All Levels)
- 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 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
This list is compiled by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs 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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