2026 Best Theological Ministerial Studies Schools
Looking for the best Theological Ministerial Studies programs programs in the United States? This list ranks 464 colleges by overall quality and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and admissions selectivity.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor reviewed schools to build this 2026 ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Theological Ministerial Studies Schools in the United States
Learn more about these excellent schools below:
Wartburg Theological Seminary tops our 2026 ranking of the best Theological Ministerial Studies programs schools in the United States. Located in Dubuque, IA, Wartburg Theological Seminary is a private not-for-profit institution. Get the full Wartburg Theological Seminary report
A rank of #2 makes Hebrew Union College Jewish Institute Of Religion one of the top choices in the United States. Set 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
Out of the 464 schools in the United States in this year's ranking, Concordia Seminary landed the #3 spot. Located in Saint Louis, MO, Concordia Seminary is a private not-for-profit institution. Read the full report on Concordia Seminary
A rank of #4 makes Concordia Theological Seminary one of the top choices in the United States. Based in Fort Wayne, IN, Concordia Theological Seminary is a private not-for-profit institution. Read more about Concordia Theological Seminary
The strong Theological Ministerial Studies programs at Luther Seminary earned it the #5 place in the United States. Based in Saint Paul, MN, Luther Seminary is a private not-for-profit institution. See the full Luther Seminary profile
Southeastern University did well this year, earning the #6 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Lakeland, FL. The six-year graduation rate is 44%. Students from in state pay about $32,950 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $19,609 in student loans. See the full Southeastern University profile
Ohio Christian University came in at #7 in this year's ranking. Located in Circleville, OH, Ohio Christian University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 50%. Students from in state pay about $19,190 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $30,947 in student loans. See the full Ohio Christian University profile
Saint Paul School Of Theology placed #8 among Theological Ministerial Studies schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Leawood, KS. Get the full Saint Paul School Of Theology report
Olivet Nazarene University came in at #9 in this year's ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Bourbonnais, IL. Olivet Nazarene University posts a six-year graduation rate of 61%. In-state tuition and fees average $38,900. Olivet Nazarene University Theological Ministerial Studies students take on a median of $26,797 in debt. See the full Olivet Nazarene University profile
Meadville Lombard Theological School ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best Theological Ministerial Studies schools. Located in Chicago, IL, Meadville Lombard Theological School is a private not-for-profit institution. More on Meadville Lombard Theological School
Grand Canyon University landed the #11 spot in the United States this year. This private for-profit school is set in Phoenix, AZ. About 44% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $18,508 in tuition and fees. The median Theological Ministerial Studies program debt is $30,027. More on Grand Canyon University
Concordia University Wisconsin landed the #12 spot in the United States this year. Set in Mequon, WI, Concordia University Wisconsin is a private not-for-profit institution. Concordia University Wisconsin posts a six-year graduation rate of 69%. In-state tuition and fees run about $35,470. Students borrow a median of $25,926 to complete their Theological Ministerial Studies program here. More on Concordia University Wisconsin
Moody Bible Institute ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best Theological Ministerial Studies schools. Set in Chicago, IL, Moody Bible Institute is a private not-for-profit institution. Moody Bible Institute posts a six-year graduation rate of 62%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,786. Typical Theological Ministerial Studies student debt is $14,000. Read more about Moody Bible Institute
University Of Notre Dame placed #14 among Theological Ministerial Studies schools in the United States. University Of Notre Dame is a private not-for-profit school based in Notre Dame, IN. About 95% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $65,025. Students borrow a median of $19,000 to complete their Theological Ministerial Studies program here. See the full University Of Notre Dame profile
Dallas Theological Seminary ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best Theological Ministerial Studies schools. Located in Dallas, TX, Dallas Theological Seminary is a private not-for-profit institution. Read more about Dallas Theological Seminary
Nazarene Bible College did well this year, earning the #16 position. Set in Colorado Springs, CO, Nazarene Bible College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,482. Typical Theological Ministerial Studies student debt is $40,332. Read more about Nazarene Bible College
Fuller Theological Seminary In California landed the #17 spot in the United States this year. Fuller Theological Seminary In California is a private not-for-profit school based in Pasadena, CA. More on Fuller Theological Seminary In California
Duke University did well this year, earning the #18 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Durham, NC. Roughly 97% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,758. Students borrow a median of $13,296 to complete their Theological Ministerial Studies program here. Read the full report on Duke University
Mid America Christian University did well this year, earning the #19 position. Mid America Christian University is a private not-for-profit school based in Oklahoma City, OK. Mid America Christian University posts a six-year graduation rate of 39%. In-state tuition and fees run about $21,294. Typical Theological Ministerial Studies student debt is $41,422. Read more about Mid America Christian University
Brite Divinity School placed #20 among Theological Ministerial Studies schools in the United States. Brite Divinity School is a private not-for-profit school based in Fort Worth, TX. Read the full report on Brite Divinity School
Lutheran School Of Theology At Chicago did well this year, earning the #21 position. Located in Chicago, IL, Lutheran School Of Theology At Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. See the full Lutheran School Of Theology At Chicago profile
Northwest University College Of Adult And Professional Studies ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best Theological Ministerial Studies schools. Set in Kirkland, WA, Northwest University College Of Adult And Professional Studies is a private not-for-profit institution. Northwest University College Of Adult And Professional Studies posts a six-year graduation rate of 41%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,652. Northwest University College Of Adult And Professional Studies Theological Ministerial Studies students take on a median of $22,696 in debt. More on Northwest University College Of Adult And Professional Studies
Drew University did well this year, earning the #23 position. Based in Madison, NJ, Drew University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 70%. In-state tuition and fees run about $47,100. Students borrow a median of $26,449 to complete their Theological Ministerial Studies program here. See the full Drew University profile
Vanderbilt University ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best Theological Ministerial Studies schools. Vanderbilt University is a private not-for-profit school based in Nashville, TN. Vanderbilt University posts a six-year graduation rate of 94%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,498. Students borrow a median of $13,975 to complete their Theological Ministerial Studies program here. Read more about Vanderbilt University
Sewanee The University Of The South came in at #25 in this year's ranking. Located in Sewanee, TN, Sewanee The University Of The South is a private not-for-profit institution. Sewanee The University Of The South posts a six-year graduation rate of 80%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $56,120. Sewanee The University Of The South Theological Ministerial Studies students take on a median of $22,091 in debt. More on Sewanee The University Of The South
Rest of the Top 50 Best Theological Ministerial Studies Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also made the top of the list:
Crown College landed the #26 spot in the United States this year. Set in Saint Bonifacius, MN, Crown College is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 44%. In-state tuition and fees average $31,410. Graduates carry a median of $29,537 in student loans. Read the full report on Crown College
Concordia University Ann Arbor did well this year, earning the #27 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Ann Arbor, MI. About 49% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $35,410. Typical Theological Ministerial Studies student debt is $25,926. Read more about Concordia University Ann Arbor
Western Seminary placed #28 among Theological Ministerial Studies schools in the United States. Western Seminary is a private not-for-profit school based in Portland, OR. Read more about Western Seminary
Colorado Christian University placed #29 among Theological Ministerial Studies schools in the United States. Located in Lakewood, CO, Colorado Christian University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 63% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $28,846 in tuition and fees. Colorado Christian University Theological Ministerial Studies students take on a median of $36,092 in debt. Read more about Colorado Christian University
Benedictine College did well this year, earning the #30 position. Benedictine College is a private not-for-profit school based in Atchison, KS. Benedictine College posts a six-year graduation rate of 62%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $36,350. Benedictine College Theological Ministerial Studies students take on a median of $23,250 in debt. More on Benedictine College
Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary came in at #31 in this year's ranking. Located in Kansas City, MO, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 64% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,530. Typical Theological Ministerial Studies student debt is $15,559. See the full Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary profile
Asbury Theological Seminary landed the #32 spot in the United States this year. Set in Wilmore, KY, Asbury Theological Seminary is a private not-for-profit institution. Read more about Asbury Theological Seminary
Loyola University Chicago landed the #34 spot in the United States this year. Set in Chicago, IL, Loyola University Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. About 75% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $53,710. Typical Theological Ministerial Studies student debt is $23,521. See the full Loyola University Chicago profile
Lenoir Rhyne University did well this year, earning the #35 position. Lenoir Rhyne University is a private not-for-profit school based in Hickory, NC. About 48% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $31,900. Typical Theological Ministerial Studies student debt is $26,900. See the full Lenoir Rhyne University profile
Freed Hardeman University placed #36 among Theological Ministerial Studies schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Henderson, TN. About 69% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $25,620. Graduates carry a median of $24,479 in student loans. More on Freed Hardeman University
Emory University landed the #37 spot in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Atlanta, GA. About 91% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $64,280. Students borrow a median of $19,431 to complete their Theological Ministerial Studies program here. Read the full report on Emory University
Union Presbyterian Seminary landed the #38 spot in the United States this year. Union Presbyterian Seminary is a private not-for-profit school based in Richmond, VA. More on Union Presbyterian Seminary
Harding University placed #39 among Theological Ministerial Studies schools in the United States. Based in Searcy, AR, Harding University is a private not-for-profit institution. Harding University graduates 69% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $25,962. Typical Theological Ministerial Studies student debt is $26,715. See the full Harding University profile
The Masters College And Seminary did well this year, earning the #41 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Santa Clarita, CA. The six-year graduation rate is 67%. In-state tuition and fees run about $39,020. Graduates carry a median of $23,774 in student loans. See the full The Masters College And Seminary profile
Ave Maria University did well this year, earning the #42 position. Ave Maria University is a private not-for-profit school based in Ave Maria, FL. Ave Maria University graduates 47% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $30,198. Ave Maria University Theological Ministerial Studies students take on a median of $21,102 in debt. Get the full Ave Maria University report
Oklahoma Wesleyan University ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best Theological Ministerial Studies schools. Set in Bartlesville, OK, Oklahoma Wesleyan University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 26% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $33,550. Graduates carry a median of $29,168 in student loans. Get the full Oklahoma Wesleyan University report
Yale University did well this year, earning the #44 position. Based in New Haven, CT, Yale University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 96% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $67,250. Typical Theological Ministerial Studies student debt is $14,357. See the full Yale University profile
Westminster Theological Seminary ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best Theological Ministerial Studies schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Glenside, PA. See the full Westminster Theological Seminary profile
Covenant Theological Seminary landed the #46 spot in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Louis, MO. Read the full report on Covenant Theological Seminary
Bethel University Minnesota ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best Theological Ministerial Studies schools. Located in Saint Paul, MN, Bethel University Minnesota is a private not-for-profit institution. About 71% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $44,226. Students borrow a median of $25,639 to complete their Theological Ministerial Studies program here. Get the full Bethel University Minnesota report
Johnson University landed the #48 spot in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Knoxville, TN. About 54% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $21,122 in tuition and fees. Typical Theological Ministerial Studies student debt is $23,250. Read more about Johnson University
Wake Forest University ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best Theological Ministerial Studies schools. Wake Forest University is a private not-for-profit school based in Winston-Salem, NC. The six-year graduation rate is 89%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,642. Wake Forest University Theological Ministerial Studies students take on a median of $21,577 in debt. More on Wake Forest University
Boston College landed the #50 spot in the United States this year. Located in Chestnut Hill, MA, Boston College is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 91% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $70,702. Boston College Theological Ministerial Studies students take on a median of $18,101 in debt. Read more about Boston College
Union Theological Seminary came in at #51 in this year's ranking. Located in New York, NY, Union Theological Seminary is a private not-for-profit institution. Read the full report on Union Theological Seminary
Northwest Nazarene University came in at #52 in this year's ranking. Located in Nampa, ID, Northwest Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 71% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $40,824. Graduates carry a median of $27,562 in student loans. More on Northwest Nazarene University
Best Theological Ministerial Studies Schools by Degree Level
Explore rankings for a specific degree level:
- Best Theological Ministerial Studies Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Theological Ministerial Studies Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Theological Ministerial Studies Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Theological Ministerial Studies Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Theological Ministerial Studies Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Theological Ministerial Studies Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Theological Ministerial Studies Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and admissions data drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: Dms College Quality · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 464 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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