2026 Best Value Sacred Music Schools
Looking for the best-value Sacred Music programs programs in the United States? We have ranked 158 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 arm you with the information you need, Course Advisor reviewed schools to build this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Sacred Music Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
For return on investment, no school beat Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary this year in the United States. Set in Kansas City, MO, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,530. Students borrow a median of $15,559 to complete their Sacred Music program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,535. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary has an acceptance rate of 96%. Read the full report on Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Valor Christian College earned it the #2 place in the United States. Set in Canal Winchester, OH, Valor Christian College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $10,612 in tuition and fees. Valor Christian College Sacred Music students take on a median of $18,686 in debt. More on Valor Christian College
A rank of #4 makes Moody Bible Institute one of the best values in the United States. 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. Students borrow a median of $13,318 to complete their Sacred Music program here. Moody Bible Institute alumni report median earnings of $45,399 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,318 median debt. The acceptance rate is 83%. Read the full report on Moody Bible Institute
Out of the 158 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Ohio Christian University landed the #5 spot. This private not-for-profit school is set in Circleville, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $19,190. Students borrow a median of $30,947 to complete their Sacred Music program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,813 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Ohio Christian University has an acceptance rate of 38%. Read the full report on Ohio Christian University
Kings University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Sacred Music schools. Based in Southlake, TX, Kings University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,480. The median Sacred Music program debt is $48,998. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,471. That is a strong return on a $48,998 median debt. Roughly 61% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Kings University report
Hebrew Union College Jewish Institute Of Religion came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Located in New York, NY, Hebrew Union College Jewish Institute Of Religion is a private not-for-profit institution. Read more about Hebrew Union College Jewish Institute Of Religion
Ozark Christian College offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. Located in Joplin, MO, Ozark Christian College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,000. Graduates carry a median of $23,500 in student loans. Median earnings reach $41,297 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 94%. Read more about Ozark Christian College
North Central University ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Sacred Music schools. Set in Minneapolis, MN, North Central University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $32,220. Graduates carry a median of $25,496 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,064 ten years after entry. Set against $25,496 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on North Central University
Liberty University offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Based in Lynchburg, VA, Liberty University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $16,173. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Sacred Music program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,813 ten years after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Liberty University has an acceptance rate of 99%. Read more about Liberty University
Southeastern University placed #13 among the best-value Sacred Music schools in the United States. Located in Lakeland, FL, Southeastern University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $32,950. Students borrow a median of $27,500 to complete their Sacred Music program here. Median earnings reach $46,744 ten years out. Set against $27,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 53% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Southeastern University
Johnson University offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Based in Knoxville, TN, Johnson University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $21,122 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $23,819 in student loans. Median earnings reach $40,596 ten years out. Set against $23,819 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Johnson University admits about 65% of applicants. Read the full report on Johnson University
Life Pacific College ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Sacred Music schools. 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. Life Pacific College Sacred Music students take on a median of $22,521 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,299 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Life Pacific College admits about 96% of applicants. See the full Life Pacific College profile
Lee University placed #16 among the best-value Sacred Music schools in the United States. Based in Cleveland, TN, Lee University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $23,790 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $26,422 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,222. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Lee University has an acceptance rate of 70%. See the full Lee University profile
Colorado Christian University offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Based in Lakewood, CO, Colorado Christian University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $28,846. Typical Sacred Music student debt is $36,092. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,416. Set against $36,092 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Colorado Christian University profile
Mercer University came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Located in Macon, GA, Mercer University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $31,565. Mercer University Sacred Music students take on a median of $32,463 in debt. Mercer University alumni report median earnings of $58,354 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $32,463 median debt. Roughly 69% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Mercer University report
Olivet Nazarene University placed #19 among the best-value Sacred Music schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Bourbonnais, IL. Students from in state pay about $38,900 in tuition and fees. Typical Sacred Music student debt is $26,797. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,213. Set against $26,797 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Olivet Nazarene University has an acceptance rate of 56%. Read more about Olivet Nazarene University
Crown College offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. Set in Saint Bonifacius, MN, Crown College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $31,410. The median Sacred Music program debt is $29,537. 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. Roughly 23% of applicants are accepted. See the full Crown College profile
Valley Forge Christian College ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Sacred Music schools. Valley Forge Christian College is a private not-for-profit school based in Phoenixville, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $25,240. Students borrow a median of $27,634 to complete their Sacred Music program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,016. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Valley Forge Christian College has an acceptance rate of 61%. See the full Valley Forge Christian College profile
Concordia University Ann Arbor came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Ann Arbor, MI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $35,410. Typical Sacred Music student debt is $27,584. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,075. Set against $27,584 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 69%. Read the full report on Concordia University Ann Arbor
Truett Mcconnell College landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Cleveland, GA, Truett Mcconnell College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $26,792 in tuition and fees. The median Sacred Music program debt is $24,936. Truett Mcconnell College alumni report median earnings of $46,700 a decade after entry. Set against $24,936 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Truett Mcconnell College admits about 78% of applicants. More on Truett Mcconnell College
Lancaster Bible College landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Lancaster, PA, Lancaster Bible College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $29,990. The median Sacred Music program debt is $28,507. Median earnings reach $44,096 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $28,507 median debt. Lancaster Bible College admits about 56% of applicants. Get the full Lancaster Bible College report
Concordia University Wisconsin placed #25 among the best-value Sacred Music schools in the United States. Located in Mequon, WI, Concordia University Wisconsin is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $35,470 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,172 to complete their Sacred Music program here. Median earnings reach $56,075 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Concordia University Wisconsin admits about 78% of applicants. Get the full Concordia University Wisconsin report
Columbia International University ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Sacred Music schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Columbia, SC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $27,900. Columbia International University Sacred Music students take on a median of $21,667 in debt. Columbia International University alumni report median earnings of $38,951 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Columbia International University report
North Greenville University landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Tigerville, SC, North Greenville University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $25,800. Graduates carry a median of $24,128 in student loans. North Greenville University alumni report median earnings of $43,035 a decade after entry. Set against $24,128 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 67% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about North Greenville University
Northwest University offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Northwest University is a private not-for-profit school based in Kirkland, WA. In-state tuition and fees run about $36,035. Graduates carry a median of $22,439 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,914. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 83%. Read more about Northwest University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Sacred Music Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Dallas Baptist University came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Located in Dallas, TX, Dallas Baptist University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $40,190. Graduates carry a median of $22,819 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,807. That is a strong return on a $22,819 median debt. Dallas Baptist University has an acceptance rate of 89%. See the full Dallas Baptist University profile
Southern Methodist University offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Set in Dallas, TX, Southern Methodist University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,040. The median Sacred Music program debt is $20,712. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $78,354. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Southern Methodist University has an acceptance rate of 63%. More on Southern Methodist University
Lenoir Rhyne University ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Sacred Music schools. Lenoir Rhyne University is a private not-for-profit school based in Hickory, NC. In-state tuition and fees run about $31,900. Students borrow a median of $26,900 to complete their Sacred Music program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,543. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Lenoir Rhyne University
University Of Notre Dame came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. University Of Notre Dame is a private not-for-profit school based in Notre Dame, IN. In-state tuition and fees average $65,025. University Of Notre Dame Sacred Music students take on a median of $19,891 in debt. University Of Notre Dame alumni report median earnings of $99,980 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,891 median debt. Roughly 11% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Notre Dame profile
Samford University landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Birmingham, AL, Samford University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $40,150. Students borrow a median of $21,039 to complete their Sacred Music program here. Samford University alumni report median earnings of $58,469 a decade after entry. 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 landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Marion, IN, Indiana Wesleyan University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $32,352 in tuition and fees. Indiana Wesleyan University Sacred Music students take on a median of $31,454 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,986 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 89%. Read more about Indiana Wesleyan University
Hope International University landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Fullerton, CA, Hope International University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $38,125. Hope International University Sacred Music students take on a median of $24,656 in debt. Median earnings reach $49,697 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,656 median debt. About 33% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Hope International University profile
Biola University ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Sacred Music schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in La Mirada, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $48,984. Biola University Sacred Music students take on a median of $25,308 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,778. That is a strong return on a $25,308 median debt. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. See the full Biola University profile
Baylor University offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Based in Waco, TX, Baylor University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $58,100. Baylor University Sacred Music students take on a median of $23,928 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $65,793 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,928 median debt. Baylor University has an acceptance rate of 51%. Read the full report on Baylor University
University Of Mobile landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Mobile, AL, University Of Mobile is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $26,910 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,611 ten years after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Mobile has an acceptance rate of 78%. See the full University Of Mobile profile
Andrews University came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Located in Berrien Springs, MI, Andrews University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $35,056. Typical Sacred Music student debt is $26,314. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,187. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Andrews University has an acceptance rate of 82%. Get the full Andrews University report
Spring Arbor University placed #43 among the best-value Sacred Music schools in the United States. Based in Spring Arbor, MI, Spring Arbor University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $34,014. Typical Sacred Music student debt is $28,268. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,732 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Spring Arbor University admits about 52% of applicants. More on Spring Arbor University
Lee College
Lee College landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. Get the full Lee College report
California Baptist University placed #39 among the best-value Sacred Music schools in the United States. See the full California Baptist University profile
Hillsdale Free Will Baptist College offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. See the full Hillsdale Free Will Baptist College profile
Livingstone College ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Sacred Music schools. Read the full report on Livingstone College
Central Methodist University College Of Liberal Arts And Sciences landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. Read the full report on Central Methodist University College Of Liberal Arts And Sciences
Dallas Christian College landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. Read the full report on Dallas Christian College
Gods Bible School And College came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Read the full report on Gods Bible School And College
Aquinas College Michigan offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Read the full report on Aquinas College Michigan
Kansas Christian College landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. Get the full Kansas Christian College report
Shenandoah University placed #47 among the best-value Sacred Music schools in the United States. More on Shenandoah University
Central Christian College Of The Bible offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. More on Central Christian College Of The Bible
Milligan College
Milligan College ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Sacred Music schools. Read more about Milligan College
Union Bible College placed #50 among the best-value Sacred Music schools in the United States. Get the full Union Bible College report
Best Value Sacred Music Schools by Degree Level
Compare value rankings by degree level:
- Best Value Sacred Music Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Sacred Music Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Sacred Music Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Sacred Music Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Sacred Music Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Sacred Music Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Sacred Music 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 158 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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