2026 Best Value Theology And Religious Vocations Schools
Looking for the best-value Theology And Religious Vocations programs programs in the United States? We have ranked 607 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 analyzed 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 Theology And Religious Vocations Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking 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. Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary Theology And Religious Vocations students take on a median of $9,298 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,535. That is a strong return on a $9,298 median debt. The acceptance rate is 96%. Get the full Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary report
A rank of #2 makes Valor Christian College one of the best values in the United States. Based in Canal Winchester, OH, Valor Christian College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,612. Graduates carry a median of $17,677 in student loans. Get the full Valor Christian College report
Luther Rice University And Seminary came in at #3 on this year's best-value Theology And Religious Vocations ranking in the United States. Located 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. Typical Theology And Religious Vocations student debt is $36,730. Median earnings reach $47,003 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Luther Rice University And Seminary admits about 92% of applicants. Read the full report on Luther Rice University And Seminary
Out of the 607 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Nazarene Bible College landed the #4 spot. Nazarene Bible College is a private not-for-profit school based in Colorado Springs, CO. In-state tuition and fees average $10,482. The median Theology And Religious Vocations program debt is $40,332. Median earnings reach $41,450 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Nazarene Bible College
You'll get strong value at Saint Paul School Of Theology, which ranked #5 this year. Based in Leawood, KS, Saint Paul School Of Theology is a private not-for-profit institution. More on Saint Paul School Of Theology
Ohio Christian University landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Circleville, OH, Ohio Christian University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $19,190. The median Theology And Religious Vocations program debt is $30,947. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,813. Set against $30,947 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 38%. More on Ohio Christian University
The Masters College And Seminary offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Located in Santa Clarita, CA, The Masters College And Seminary is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $39,020. Graduates carry a median of $23,774 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,106. That is a strong return on a $23,774 median debt. The acceptance rate is 84%. Read more about The Masters College And Seminary
Piedmont International University placed #8 among the best-value Theology And Religious Vocations schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Winston-Salem, NC. Students from in state pay about $17,575 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $34,991 in student loans. Median earnings reach $32,864 ten years out. Set against $34,991 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 40% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Piedmont International University
Faith Evangelical College And Seminary landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Tacoma, WA, Faith Evangelical College And Seminary is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,850. Faith Evangelical College And Seminary Theology And Religious Vocations students take on a median of $17,813 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,006. That is a strong return on a $17,813 median debt. See the full Faith Evangelical College And Seminary profile
Ashland University landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Ashland, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $31,210. Typical Theology And Religious Vocations student debt is $24,536. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,928. That is a strong return on a $24,536 median debt. The acceptance rate is 76%. Get the full Ashland University report
Bethany Global University came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Based in Bloomington, MN, Bethany Global University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,000. The median Theology And Religious Vocations program debt is $13,276. The acceptance rate is 93%. Read the full report on Bethany Global University
Grand Canyon University ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Theology And Religious Vocations schools. Based in Phoenix, AZ, Grand Canyon University is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $18,508. The median Theology And Religious Vocations program debt is $35,436. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,186. Set against $35,436 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Grand Canyon University has an acceptance rate of 79%. See the full Grand Canyon University profile
Moody Bible Institute placed #14 among the best-value Theology And Religious Vocations schools in the United States. Located 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. Moody Bible Institute Theology And Religious Vocations students take on a median of $13,064 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,399. Set against $13,064 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 83% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Moody Bible Institute report
Sum Bible College And Theological Seminary offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Set in El Dorado Hills, CA, Sum Bible College And Theological Seminary is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,460. Students borrow a median of $29,299 to complete their Theology And Religious Vocations program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $35,418. Set against $29,299 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 41% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Sum Bible College And Theological Seminary
Northwest University College Of Adult And Professional Studies ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Theology And Religious Vocations schools. Set in Kirkland, WA, Northwest University College Of Adult And Professional Studies is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,652. Typical Theology And Religious Vocations student debt is $22,696. Northwest University College Of Adult And Professional Studies alumni report median earnings of $54,914 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Northwest University College Of Adult And Professional Studies
Nazarene Theological Seminary ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Theology And Religious Vocations schools. Based in Kansas City, MO, Nazarene Theological Seminary is a private not-for-profit institution. See the full Nazarene Theological Seminary profile
Luther Seminary placed #18 among the best-value Theology And Religious Vocations schools in the United States. Based in Saint Paul, MN, Luther Seminary is a private not-for-profit institution. More on Luther Seminary
Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Theology And Religious Vocations schools. Based in Marion, IN, Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,648. Typical Theology And Religious Vocations student debt is $26,585. Median earnings reach $59,986 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,585 median debt. See the full Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global profile
Lenoir Rhyne University landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Hickory, NC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $31,900. Students borrow a median of $26,900 to complete their Theology And Religious Vocations program here. Median earnings reach $45,543 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,900 median debt. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Lenoir Rhyne University profile
Mccormick Theological Seminary came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Based in Chicago, IL, Mccormick Theological Seminary is a private not-for-profit institution. See the full Mccormick Theological Seminary profile
Bethel University Minnesota came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Bethel University Minnesota is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Paul, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $44,226. Typical Theology And Religious Vocations student debt is $32,291. 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. Bethel University Minnesota has an acceptance rate of 88%. See the full Bethel University Minnesota profile
Criswell College ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Theology And Religious Vocations schools. Set in Dallas, TX, Criswell College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $15,750 in tuition and fees. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,185 ten years after entry. The acceptance rate is 100%. More on Criswell College
Kings University came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Southlake, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,480. The median Theology And Religious Vocations program debt is $48,998. Median earnings reach $41,471 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Kings University admits about 61% of applicants. See the full Kings University profile
Olivet Nazarene University ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Theology And Religious Vocations schools. Set 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 Theology And Religious Vocations program debt is $26,797. Median earnings reach $53,213 ten years out. Set against $26,797 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 56% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Olivet Nazarene University
Kentucky Christian University landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Grayson, KY, Kentucky Christian University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $26,300 in tuition and fees. Kentucky Christian University Theology And Religious Vocations students take on a median of $28,750 in debt. Kentucky Christian University alumni report median earnings of $42,375 a decade after entry. Set against $28,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Kentucky Christian University has an acceptance rate of 61%. See the full Kentucky Christian University profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Theology And Religious Vocations Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Union Presbyterian Seminary ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Theology And Religious Vocations schools. Union Presbyterian Seminary is a private not-for-profit school based in Richmond, VA. Read more about Union Presbyterian Seminary
Hebrew Union College Jewish Institute Of Religion ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Theology And Religious Vocations schools. Hebrew Union College Jewish Institute Of Religion is a private not-for-profit school based in New York, NY. Get the full Hebrew Union College Jewish Institute Of Religion report
Northwest Nazarene University offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Northwest Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit school based in Nampa, ID. In-state tuition and fees average $40,824. The median Theology And Religious Vocations program debt is $27,562. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,719. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 65% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Northwest Nazarene University
Life Pacific College offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Based in San Dimas, CA, Life Pacific College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $22,118. Graduates carry a median of $24,141 in student loans. Median earnings reach $43,299 ten years out. Set against $24,141 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Life Pacific College has an acceptance rate of 96%. Read the full report on Life Pacific College
Grace College And Theological Seminary offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Set in Winona Lake, IN, Grace College And Theological Seminary is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $29,645 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,460 to complete their Theology And Religious Vocations program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,411. Set against $25,460 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Grace College And Theological Seminary admits about 82% of applicants. Read the full report on Grace College And Theological Seminary
Northeastern Seminary landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. Northeastern Seminary is a private not-for-profit school based in Rochester, NY. Get the full Northeastern Seminary report
Liberty University came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Based in Lynchburg, VA, Liberty University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,173. Typical Theology And Religious Vocations student debt is $24,221. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,813 ten years after entry. Set against $24,221 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. More on Liberty University
The Baptist College Of Florida ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Theology And Religious Vocations schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Graceville, FL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,000. Typical Theology And Religious Vocations student debt is $24,916. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,836 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,916 median debt. Roughly 36% of applicants are accepted. Read more about The Baptist College Of Florida
University Of Dubuque came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Based in Dubuque, IA, University Of Dubuque is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $42,095. The median Theology And Religious Vocations program debt is $27,204. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,190. That is a strong return on a $27,204 median debt. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Dubuque
Western Seminary placed #38 among the best-value Theology And Religious Vocations schools in the United States. Based in Portland, OR, Western Seminary is a private not-for-profit institution. More on Western Seminary
Dallas Theological Seminary ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Theology And Religious Vocations schools. Set in Dallas, TX, Dallas Theological Seminary is a private not-for-profit institution. Read more about Dallas Theological Seminary
Harding University placed #40 among the best-value Theology And Religious Vocations schools in the United States. Harding University is a private not-for-profit school based in Searcy, AR. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $25,962. The median Theology And Religious Vocations program debt is $18,114. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,876. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 70% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Harding University report
Mid America Christian University came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Located in Oklahoma City, OK, Mid America Christian University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $21,294 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $41,422 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,116. Set against $41,422 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted. See the full Mid America Christian University profile
Seattle University came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Set in Seattle, WA, Seattle University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $56,721. Typical Theology And Religious Vocations student debt is $22,289. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,272 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Seattle University profile
Southeastern University landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Lakeland, FL, Southeastern University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $32,950. Graduates carry a median of $23,330 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,744. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Southeastern University has an acceptance rate of 53%. Read more about Southeastern University
Concordia Seminary placed #44 among the best-value Theology And Religious Vocations schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Louis, MO. See the full Concordia Seminary profile
Fuller Theological Seminary In California ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Theology And Religious Vocations schools. Fuller Theological Seminary In California is a private not-for-profit school based in Pasadena, CA. See the full Fuller Theological Seminary In California profile
Concordia Theological Seminary came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Set in Fort Wayne, IN, Concordia Theological Seminary is a private not-for-profit institution. More on Concordia Theological Seminary
Ozark Christian College came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Located in Joplin, MO, Ozark Christian College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,000. The median Theology And Religious Vocations program debt is $23,500. Median earnings reach $41,297 ten years out. Set against $23,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 94% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Ozark Christian College profile
Phillips Theological Seminary offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. Based in Tulsa, OK, Phillips Theological Seminary is a private not-for-profit institution. Read more about Phillips Theological Seminary
Covenant Theological Seminary came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Louis, MO. More on Covenant Theological Seminary
Colorado Christian University placed #50 among the best-value Theology And Religious Vocations schools in the United States. Located in Lakewood, CO, Colorado Christian University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $28,846. Colorado Christian University Theology And Religious Vocations students take on a median of $45,738 in debt. 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 the full report on Colorado Christian University
Johnson University offered strong value this year, earning the #51 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Knoxville, TN. In-state tuition and fees average $21,122. Johnson University Theology And Religious Vocations students take on a median of $25,126 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,596. That is a strong return on a $25,126 median debt. Johnson University has an acceptance rate of 65%. Read the full report on Johnson University
Asbury Theological Seminary ranked #52 on our 2026 list of the best-value Theology And Religious Vocations schools. Asbury Theological Seminary is a private not-for-profit school based in Wilmore, KY. More on Asbury Theological Seminary
Crown College came in at #52 in this year's value ranking. Set in Saint Bonifacius, MN, Crown College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $31,410. Students borrow a median of $26,971 to complete their Theology And Religious Vocations program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,057. Set against $26,971 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Crown College has an acceptance rate of 23%. Read the full report on Crown College
Best Value Theology And Religious Vocations Schools by Degree Level
Explore value rankings for a specific degree level:
- Best Value Theology And Religious Vocations Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Theology And Religious Vocations Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Theology And Religious Vocations Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Theology And Religious Vocations Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Theology And Religious Vocations Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Theology And Religious Vocations Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Theology And Religious Vocations Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced 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 607 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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