2026 Best Value Theology And Religious Vocations Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Theology And Religious Vocations master’s degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 607 schools 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 help you make your decision, Course Advisor evaluated schools to build this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Theology And Religious Vocations Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Bethany Global University earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Bethany Global University is a private not-for-profit school based in Bloomington, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,000. Bethany Global University Theology And Religious Vocations students take on a median of $13,276 in debt. The acceptance rate is 93%. Read the full report on Bethany Global University
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary earned it the #3 place in the United States. Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary is a private not-for-profit school based 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. Median earnings reach $50,535 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $9,298 median debt. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at The Masters College And Seminary earned it the #4 place in the United States. The Masters College And Seminary is a private not-for-profit school based in Santa Clarita, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $39,020. Typical Theology And Religious Vocations student debt is $23,774. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,106. That is a strong return on a $23,774 median debt. The Masters College And Seminary admits about 84% of applicants. Read more about The Masters College And Seminary
Out of the 607 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Moody Bible Institute landed the #5 spot. Set 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. Moody Bible Institute Theology And Religious Vocations students take on a median of $13,064 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,399 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 83% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Moody Bible Institute
The Baptist College Of Florida placed #6 among the best-value Theology And Religious Vocations schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Graceville, FL. Students from in state pay about $15,000 in tuition and fees. The Baptist College Of Florida Theology And Religious Vocations students take on a median of $24,916 in debt. The Baptist College Of Florida alumni report median earnings of $42,836 a decade after entry. Set against $24,916 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The Baptist College Of Florida admits about 36% of applicants. Read more about The Baptist College Of Florida
Kentucky Christian University landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Grayson, KY, Kentucky Christian University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $26,300. Graduates carry a median of $28,750 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,375. That is a strong return on a $28,750 median debt. About 61% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Kentucky Christian University report
Ohio Christian University landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Circleville, OH, Ohio Christian University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $19,190. Typical Theology And Religious Vocations student debt is $30,947. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,813. Set against $30,947 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Ohio Christian University admits about 38% of applicants. See the full Ohio Christian University profile
Olivet Nazarene University ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Theology And Religious Vocations schools. Based in Bourbonnais, IL, Olivet Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $38,900. Olivet Nazarene University Theology And Religious Vocations students take on a median of $26,797 in debt. Olivet Nazarene University alumni report median earnings of $53,213 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,797 median debt. The acceptance rate is 56%. Read more about Olivet Nazarene University
Luther Rice University And Seminary landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Lithonia, GA, Luther Rice University And Seminary is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,320. Typical Theology And Religious Vocations student debt is $36,730. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,003. That is a strong return on a $36,730 median debt. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Luther Rice University And Seminary report
Saint Paul School Of Theology offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Saint Paul School Of Theology is a private not-for-profit school based in Leawood, KS. Read more about Saint Paul School Of Theology
Grand Canyon University landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Phoenix, AZ, Grand Canyon University is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,508. The median Theology And Religious Vocations program debt is $35,436. Median earnings reach $42,186 ten years out. Set against $35,436 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Grand Canyon University admits about 79% of applicants. More on Grand Canyon University
Life Pacific College offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Based in San Dimas, CA, Life Pacific College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $22,118. Graduates carry a median of $24,141 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,299 ten years after entry. Set against $24,141 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted. See the full Life Pacific College profile
Crown College ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Theology And Religious Vocations schools. Crown College is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Bonifacius, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $31,410. Crown College Theology And Religious Vocations students take on a median of $26,971 in debt. Crown College alumni report median earnings of $48,057 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 23% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Crown College profile
Wartburg Theological Seminary placed #17 among the best-value Theology And Religious Vocations schools in the United States. Located in Dubuque, IA, Wartburg Theological Seminary is a private not-for-profit institution. More on Wartburg Theological Seminary
Faith Evangelical College And Seminary ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Theology And Religious Vocations schools. 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. Faith Evangelical College And Seminary Theology And Religious Vocations students take on a median of $17,813 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,006. Set against $17,813 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Faith Evangelical College And Seminary report
Southeastern University came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. 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. 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. The acceptance rate is 53%. More on Southeastern University
Grace College And Theological Seminary came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Based in Winona Lake, IN, Grace College And Theological Seminary is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $29,645. Graduates carry a median of $25,460 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,411. That is a strong return on a $25,460 median debt. Grace College And Theological Seminary has an acceptance rate of 82%. More on Grace College And Theological Seminary
Ashland University placed #21 among the best-value Theology And Religious Vocations schools in the United States. Based in Ashland, OH, Ashland University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $31,210 in tuition and fees. The median Theology And Religious Vocations program debt is $24,536. Ashland University alumni report median earnings of $52,928 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,536 median debt. The acceptance rate is 76%. Read more about Ashland University
Sum Bible College And Theological Seminary offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in El Dorado Hills, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $10,460. The median Theology And Religious Vocations program debt is $29,299. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $35,418. Set against $29,299 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 41%. Read more about Sum Bible College And Theological Seminary
Piedmont International University ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Theology And Religious Vocations schools. Located in Winston-Salem, NC, Piedmont International University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,575. Piedmont International University Theology And Religious Vocations students take on a median of $34,991 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $32,864. Set against $34,991 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 40% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Piedmont International University report
Johnson University landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. Johnson University is a private not-for-profit school based in Knoxville, TN. In-state tuition and fees run about $21,122. Typical Theology And Religious Vocations student debt is $25,126. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,596. Set against $25,126 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 65% of applicants are accepted. More on Johnson University
Truett Mcconnell College ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Theology And Religious Vocations schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Cleveland, GA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $26,792. Students borrow a median of $24,936 to complete their Theology And Religious Vocations program here. Median earnings reach $46,700 ten years out. 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
Freed Hardeman University came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Based in Henderson, TN, Freed Hardeman University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $25,620 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,485. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 60% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Freed Hardeman University
Northwestern College Minnesota ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Theology And Religious Vocations schools. Located in Saint Paul, MN, Northwestern College Minnesota is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $37,920. Students borrow a median of $22,068 to complete their Theology And Religious Vocations program here. Northwestern College Minnesota alumni report median earnings of $50,755 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. See the full Northwestern College Minnesota profile
Harding University landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Searcy, AR, Harding University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $25,962. Typical Theology And Religious Vocations student debt is $18,114. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,876. That is a strong return on a $18,114 median debt. Harding University admits about 70% of applicants. More on Harding University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Theology And Religious Vocations Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Bethel University Minnesota came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Set in Saint Paul, MN, Bethel University Minnesota is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $44,226. Bethel University Minnesota Theology And Religious Vocations students take on a median of $32,291 in debt. Median earnings reach $63,764 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $32,291 median debt. Bethel University Minnesota admits about 88% of applicants. Read the full report on Bethel University Minnesota
Luther Seminary offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Set in Saint Paul, MN, Luther Seminary is a private not-for-profit institution. See the full Luther Seminary profile
Nazarene Theological Seminary came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Based in Kansas City, MO, Nazarene Theological Seminary is a private not-for-profit institution. Get the full Nazarene Theological Seminary report
Colorado Christian University ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Theology And Religious Vocations schools. Located in Lakewood, CO, Colorado Christian University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $28,846. Students borrow a median of $45,738 to complete their Theology And Religious Vocations program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,416. That is a strong return on a $45,738 median debt. Get the full Colorado Christian University report
Northwest Nazarene University ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Theology And Religious Vocations schools. Based 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. The median Theology And Religious Vocations program debt is $27,562. Northwest Nazarene University alumni report median earnings of $51,719 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,562 median debt. The acceptance rate is 65%. See the full Northwest Nazarene University profile
Lenoir Rhyne University landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. 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. Typical Theology And Religious Vocations student debt is $26,900. Median earnings reach $45,543 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,900 median debt. Lenoir Rhyne University has an acceptance rate of 85%. More on Lenoir Rhyne University
Criswell College placed #35 among the best-value Theology And Religious Vocations schools in the United States. Based in Dallas, TX, Criswell College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,750. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,185. Criswell College admits about 100% of applicants. See the full Criswell College profile
Kings University placed #37 among the best-value Theology And Religious Vocations schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Southlake, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,480. Graduates carry a median of $48,998 in student loans. Median earnings reach $41,471 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $48,998 median debt. The acceptance rate is 61%. Get the full Kings University report
Valley Forge Christian College ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Theology And Religious Vocations schools. Based 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. Students borrow a median of $28,000 to complete their Theology And Religious Vocations program here. Valley Forge Christian College alumni report median earnings of $39,016 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $28,000 median debt. About 61% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Valley Forge Christian College profile
Appalachian Bible College landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. Appalachian Bible College is a private not-for-profit school based in Mount Hope, WV. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,760. Typical Theology And Religious Vocations student debt is $12,865. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,467. That is a strong return on a $12,865 median debt. The acceptance rate is 78%. Read the full report on Appalachian Bible College
Union Presbyterian Seminary landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Richmond, VA, Union Presbyterian Seminary is a private not-for-profit institution. Read the full report on Union Presbyterian Seminary
Liberty University landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Lynchburg, VA, Liberty University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,173. Students borrow a median of $24,221 to complete their Theology And Religious Vocations program here. Median earnings reach $44,813 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,221 median debt. The acceptance rate is 99%. More on Liberty University
Northeastern Seminary offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Rochester, NY. More on Northeastern Seminary
Lancaster Bible College offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Lancaster, PA. In-state tuition and fees average $29,990. Typical Theology And Religious Vocations student debt is $22,658. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,096. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 56% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Lancaster Bible College
Hebrew Union College Jewish Institute Of Religion came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Based in New York, NY, Hebrew Union College Jewish Institute Of Religion is a private not-for-profit institution. See the full Hebrew Union College Jewish Institute Of Religion profile
Southwestern Assemblies Of God University offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Set 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. The median Theology And Religious Vocations program debt is $26,794. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,238. Set against $26,794 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Southwestern Assemblies Of God University admits about 89% of applicants. More on Southwestern Assemblies Of God University
Mccormick Theological Seminary landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Chicago, IL, Mccormick Theological Seminary is a private not-for-profit institution. Read the full report on Mccormick Theological Seminary
University Of Dubuque landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Dubuque, IA, University Of Dubuque is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $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. Read more about University Of Dubuque
Western Seminary offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Set in Portland, OR, Western Seminary is a private not-for-profit institution. Read more about Western Seminary
Columbia International University landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Columbia, SC. In-state tuition and fees average $27,900. The median Theology And Religious Vocations program debt is $21,500. Columbia International University alumni report median earnings of $38,951 a decade after entry. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 94% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Columbia International University
Mid America Christian University ranked #51 on our 2026 list of the best-value Theology And Religious Vocations schools. Mid America Christian University is a private not-for-profit school based in Oklahoma City, OK. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $21,294. Typical Theology And Religious Vocations student debt is $41,422. Median earnings reach $46,116 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $41,422 median debt. About 92% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Mid America Christian University
Dallas Theological Seminary offered strong value this year, earning the #52 position. Located in Dallas, TX, Dallas Theological Seminary is a private not-for-profit institution. More on Dallas Theological Seminary
Seattle University ranked #53 on our 2026 list of the best-value Theology And Religious Vocations schools. Set in Seattle, WA, Seattle University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $56,721. Seattle University Theology And Religious Vocations students take on a median of $22,289 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,272. Set against $22,289 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Seattle University has an acceptance rate of 77%. Read more about Seattle University
Evangel University ranked #54 on our 2026 list of the best-value Theology And Religious Vocations schools. Set in Springfield, MO, Evangel University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $28,548. Evangel University Theology And Religious Vocations students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,573. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Evangel University admits about 72% of applicants. See the full Evangel University profile
Saint Josephs College Of Maine ranked #55 on our 2026 list of the best-value Theology And Religious Vocations schools. Located in Standish, ME, Saint Josephs College Of Maine is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $44,420. Typical Theology And Religious Vocations student debt is $26,625. Median earnings reach $59,045 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Saint Josephs College Of Maine admits about 84% of applicants. More on Saint Josephs College Of Maine
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 Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced 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 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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