2026 Best Value Theology And Religious Vocations Doctoral Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Theology And Religious Vocations doctoral degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 607 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh 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 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 Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
For return on investment, no school beat The Masters College And Seminary this year in the United States. The Masters College And Seminary is a private not-for-profit school based in Santa Clarita, CA. Students from in state pay about $39,020 in tuition and fees. Typical Theology And Religious Vocations student debt is $23,774. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,106 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 84%. More on The Masters College And Seminary
You'll get strong value at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, which ranked #2 this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Kansas City, MO. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,530. Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary Theology And Religious Vocations students take on a median of $9,298 in debt. Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary alumni report median earnings of $50,535 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
Piedmont International University came in at #3 on this year's best-value Theology And Religious Vocations ranking in the United States. Based in Winston-Salem, NC, Piedmont International University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,575. Graduates carry a median of $34,991 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $32,864. Set against $34,991 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 40%. Get the full Piedmont International University report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Grace College And Theological Seminary earned it the #4 place in the United States. Located in Winona Lake, IN, Grace College And Theological Seminary is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $29,645. Students borrow a median of $25,460 to complete their Theology And Religious Vocations program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,411 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Grace College And Theological Seminary has an acceptance rate of 82%. More on Grace College And Theological Seminary
Luther Rice University And Seminary placed #7 among the best-value Theology And Religious Vocations schools in the United States. Luther Rice University And Seminary is a private not-for-profit school based in Lithonia, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,320. Luther Rice University And Seminary Theology And Religious Vocations students take on a median of $36,730 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,003. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Luther Rice University And Seminary has an acceptance rate of 92%. More on Luther Rice University And Seminary
Ashland University ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Theology And Religious Vocations schools. Ashland University is a private not-for-profit school based in Ashland, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $31,210. Typical Theology And Religious Vocations student debt is $24,536. Median earnings reach $52,928 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Ashland University
Biola University landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in La Mirada, CA, Biola University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $48,984 in tuition and fees. The median Theology And Religious Vocations program debt is $26,227. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,778. Set against $26,227 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 74% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Biola University profile
Southeastern University offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. 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. The median Theology And Religious Vocations program debt is $23,330. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,744 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 53% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Southeastern University report
Mccormick Theological Seminary placed #11 among the best-value Theology And Religious Vocations schools in the United States. Located in Chicago, IL, Mccormick Theological Seminary is a private not-for-profit institution. Read more about Mccormick Theological Seminary
Faith Evangelical College And Seminary offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Faith Evangelical College And Seminary is a private not-for-profit school based in Tacoma, WA. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,850. Typical Theology And Religious Vocations student debt is $17,813. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,006. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Faith Evangelical College And Seminary
Nazarene Theological Seminary offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. Set in Kansas City, MO, Nazarene Theological Seminary is a private not-for-profit institution. Read the full report on Nazarene Theological Seminary
Saint Paul School Of Theology placed #14 among the best-value Theology And Religious Vocations schools in the United States. Based in Leawood, KS, Saint Paul School Of Theology is a private not-for-profit institution. More on Saint Paul School Of Theology
Harding University landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Searcy, AR, Harding University is a private not-for-profit institution. 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. Set against $18,114 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Harding University admits about 70% of applicants. More on Harding University
Evangel University came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Located in Springfield, MO, Evangel University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $28,548 in tuition and fees. Typical Theology And Religious Vocations student debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,573. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Evangel University report
Bethel University Minnesota offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Paul, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $44,226. Bethel University Minnesota Theology And Religious Vocations students take on a median of $32,291 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,764. That is a strong return on a $32,291 median debt. Bethel University Minnesota admits about 88% of applicants. Read more about Bethel University Minnesota
Liberty University came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Liberty University is a private not-for-profit school based in Lynchburg, VA. In-state tuition and fees average $16,173. Graduates carry a median of $24,221 in student loans. Median earnings reach $44,813 ten years out. Set against $24,221 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Liberty University
Luther Seminary came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Located in Saint Paul, MN, Luther Seminary is a private not-for-profit institution. Read the full report on Luther Seminary
Kings University ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Theology And Religious Vocations schools. Based in Southlake, TX, Kings University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $12,480 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $48,998 in student loans. 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. See the full Kings University profile
University Of Dubuque offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Dubuque, IA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $42,095. Graduates carry a median of $27,204 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,190. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Dubuque
Southwestern Assemblies Of God University came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Based in Waxahachie, TX, Southwestern Assemblies Of God University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $25,064. The median Theology And Religious Vocations program debt is $26,794. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,238. That is a strong return on a $26,794 median debt. Southwestern Assemblies Of God University has an acceptance rate of 89%. Get the full Southwestern Assemblies Of God University report
Lancaster Bible College offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Based in Lancaster, PA, Lancaster Bible College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $29,990. Typical Theology And Religious Vocations student debt is $22,658. Median earnings reach $44,096 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,658 median debt. Roughly 56% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Lancaster Bible College
Northern Baptist Theological Seminary placed #25 among the best-value Theology And Religious Vocations schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Lisle, IL. Read the full report on Northern Baptist Theological Seminary
Columbia International University placed #26 among the best-value Theology And Religious Vocations schools in the United States. Columbia International University is a private not-for-profit school based in Columbia, SC. In-state tuition and fees average $27,900. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete their Theology And Religious Vocations program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,951. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 94%. Read the full report on Columbia International University
Fuller Theological Seminary In California ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Theology And Religious Vocations schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Pasadena, CA. Get the full Fuller Theological Seminary In California report
Azusa Pacific University placed #28 among the best-value Theology And Religious Vocations schools in the United States. Set in Azusa, CA, Azusa Pacific University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $44,458. The median Theology And Religious Vocations program debt is $24,454. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $66,677. Set against $24,454 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Azusa Pacific University has an acceptance rate of 88%. See the full Azusa Pacific University profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Theology And Religious Vocations Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
George Fox University landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Newberg, OR, George Fox University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $41,320. The median Theology And Religious Vocations program debt is $25,324. Median earnings reach $59,761 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. George Fox University has an acceptance rate of 94%. Get the full George Fox University report
Seattle University landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Seattle, WA, Seattle University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $56,721. Students borrow a median of $22,289 to complete their Theology And Religious Vocations program here. Seattle University alumni report median earnings of $75,272 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 77%. Read more about Seattle University
Northeastern Seminary came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Located in Rochester, NY, Northeastern Seminary is a private not-for-profit institution. Read the full report on Northeastern Seminary
Denver Seminary ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Theology And Religious Vocations schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Littleton, CO. Read the full report on Denver Seminary
Hebrew Union College Jewish Institute Of Religion placed #33 among the best-value Theology And Religious Vocations schools in the United States. Located in New York, NY, Hebrew Union College Jewish Institute Of Religion is a private not-for-profit institution. Read the full report on Hebrew Union College Jewish Institute Of Religion
Western Seminary came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Based in Portland, OR, Western Seminary is a private not-for-profit institution. Get the full Western Seminary report
Eastern University came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Eastern University is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Davids, PA. In-state tuition and fees run about $38,400. Typical Theology And Religious Vocations student debt is $28,584. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,655. That is a strong return on a $28,584 median debt. The acceptance rate is 91%. More on Eastern University
Erskine College And Seminary landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. Erskine College And Seminary is a private not-for-profit school based in Due West, SC. In-state tuition and fees average $36,710. Erskine College And Seminary Theology And Religious Vocations students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,459. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Erskine College And Seminary admits about 63% of applicants. See the full Erskine College And Seminary profile
Dallas Theological Seminary placed #36 among the best-value Theology And Religious Vocations schools in the United States. Set in Dallas, TX, Dallas Theological Seminary is a private not-for-profit institution. Read more about Dallas Theological Seminary
Phillips Theological Seminary landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Tulsa, OK, Phillips Theological Seminary is a private not-for-profit institution. Read the full report on Phillips Theological Seminary
North Greenville University offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Located in Tigerville, SC, North Greenville University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $25,800. The median Theology And Religious Vocations program debt is $23,488. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,035 ten years after entry. Set against $23,488 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 67% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full North Greenville University report
Concordia Theological Seminary placed #39 among the best-value Theology And Religious Vocations schools in the United States. Based in Fort Wayne, IN, Concordia Theological Seminary is a private not-for-profit institution. Read the full report on Concordia Theological Seminary
Sewanee The University Of The South offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Set in Sewanee, TN, Sewanee The University Of The South is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $56,120. Graduates carry a median of $22,091 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,911 ten years after entry. Set against $22,091 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 57% of those who apply are admitted. More on Sewanee The University Of The South
Brite Divinity School placed #42 among the best-value Theology And Religious Vocations schools in the United States. Based in Fort Worth, TX, Brite Divinity School is a private not-for-profit institution. Median earnings reach $68,424 ten years out. Read the full report on Brite Divinity School
Asbury Theological Seminary ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Theology And Religious Vocations schools. Set in Wilmore, KY, Asbury Theological Seminary is a private not-for-profit institution. Get the full Asbury Theological Seminary report
Eden Theological Seminary landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. Eden Theological Seminary is a private not-for-profit school based in Webster Groves, MO. See the full Eden Theological Seminary profile
Concordia Seminary came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Located in Saint Louis, MO, Concordia Seminary is a private not-for-profit institution. Read more about Concordia Seminary
Drew University landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Madison, NJ, Drew University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $47,100. The median Theology And Religious Vocations program debt is $26,449. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,646 ten years after entry. Set against $26,449 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 68%. Read more about Drew University
Covenant Theological Seminary landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. Covenant Theological Seminary is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Louis, MO. Get the full Covenant Theological Seminary report
Lipscomb University landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Nashville, TN, Lipscomb University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $40,572 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $23,529 to complete their Theology And Religious Vocations program here. Lipscomb University alumni report median earnings of $55,541 a decade after entry. 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
Loyola University Chicago placed #50 among the best-value Theology And Religious Vocations schools in the United States. Located in Chicago, IL, Loyola University Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $53,710. Students borrow a median of $23,521 to complete their Theology And Religious Vocations program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,530 ten years after entry. Set against $23,521 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Loyola University Chicago has an acceptance rate of 82%. Read more about Loyola University Chicago
Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary ranked #51 on our 2026 list of the best-value Theology And Religious Vocations schools. Located in Louisville, KY, Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary is a private not-for-profit institution. See the full Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary profile
Christian Theological Seminary ranked #52 on our 2026 list of the best-value Theology And Religious Vocations schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Indianapolis, IN. See the full Christian Theological Seminary profile
Wheaton College Illinois landed the #53 spot for value in the United States this year. Wheaton College Illinois is a private not-for-profit school based in Wheaton, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $45,546. Students borrow a median of $24,074 to complete their Theology And Religious Vocations program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,756 ten years after entry. Set against $24,074 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 87%. Read the full report on Wheaton College Illinois
Oral Roberts University landed the #54 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Tulsa, OK, Oral Roberts University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $35,470. Students borrow a median of $34,353 to complete their Theology And Religious Vocations program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,885 ten years after entry. Set against $34,353 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Oral Roberts University admits about 99% of applicants. See the full Oral Roberts University profile
Related Theology And Religious Vocations Value Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best Value Theology And Religious Vocations Schools (All Levels)
- 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
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled 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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