2026 Best Theological Ministerial Studies Doctoral Degree Schools
Looking for the best Theological Ministerial Studies doctoral degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 464 schools 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.
To help you make your decision, Course Advisor analyzed schools to compile 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 Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these excellent schools below:
Concordia Seminary tops our 2026 ranking of the best Theological Ministerial Studies doctoral degree schools in the United States. Set in Saint Louis, MO, Concordia Seminary is a private not-for-profit institution. Get the full Concordia Seminary report
Out of the 464 schools in the United States in this year's ranking, Luther Seminary landed the #2 spot. Set in Saint Paul, MN, Luther Seminary is a private not-for-profit institution. Get the full Luther Seminary report
Duke University came in at #3 on this year's Theological Ministerial Studies ranking in the United States. Duke University is a private not-for-profit school based in Durham, NC. Roughly 97% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $68,758. Duke University Theological Ministerial Studies students take on a median of $13,296 in debt. See the full Duke University profile
University Of Notre Dame came in at #4 on this year's Theological Ministerial Studies ranking in the United States. University Of Notre Dame is a private not-for-profit school based in Notre Dame, IN. University Of Notre Dame posts a six-year graduation rate of 95%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,025. Typical Theological Ministerial Studies student debt is $19,000. Get the full University Of Notre Dame report
Out of the 464 schools in the United States in this year's ranking, Southeastern University landed the #5 spot. 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. Typical Theological Ministerial Studies student debt is $19,609. More on Southeastern University
Brite Divinity School came in at #6 in this year's ranking. Based in Fort Worth, TX, Brite Divinity School is a private not-for-profit institution. Read the full report on Brite Divinity School
Fuller Theological Seminary In California placed #7 among Theological Ministerial Studies schools in the United States. Set in Pasadena, CA, Fuller Theological Seminary In California is a private not-for-profit institution. Get the full Fuller Theological Seminary In California report
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
Drew University landed the #9 spot in the United States this year. Drew University is a private not-for-profit school based in Madison, NJ. About 70% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $47,100. The median Theological Ministerial Studies program debt is $26,449. Get the full Drew University report
Dallas Theological Seminary ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best Theological Ministerial Studies schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Dallas, TX. Get the full Dallas Theological Seminary report
Sewanee The University Of The South came in at #11 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%. In-state tuition and fees run about $56,120. Graduates carry a median of $22,091 in student loans. Get the full Sewanee The University Of The South report
Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best Theological Ministerial Studies schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Kansas City, MO. Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary posts a six-year graduation rate of 64%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,530. Students borrow a median of $15,559 to complete their Theological Ministerial Studies program here. Read more about Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
Loyola University Chicago did well this year, earning the #13 position. Loyola University Chicago is a private not-for-profit school based in Chicago, IL. Loyola University Chicago graduates 75% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $53,710. Loyola University Chicago Theological Ministerial Studies students take on a median of $23,521 in debt. See the full Loyola University Chicago profile
Emory University placed #14 among Theological Ministerial Studies schools in the United States. Set in Atlanta, GA, Emory University is a private not-for-profit institution. Emory University posts a six-year graduation rate of 91%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $64,280. Graduates carry a median of $19,431 in student loans. See the full Emory University profile
Asbury Theological Seminary came in at #15 in this year's ranking. Set in Wilmore, KY, Asbury Theological Seminary is a private not-for-profit institution. See the full Asbury Theological Seminary profile
Piedmont International University placed #17 among Theological Ministerial Studies schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Winston-Salem, NC. Piedmont International University posts a six-year graduation rate of 21%. In-state tuition and fees run about $17,575. Typical Theological Ministerial Studies student debt is $35,382. Read the full report on Piedmont International University
Harding University ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best Theological Ministerial Studies schools. Harding University is a private not-for-profit school based in Searcy, AR. The six-year graduation rate is 69%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $25,962. Harding University Theological Ministerial Studies students take on a median of $26,715 in debt. More on Harding University
Nazarene Theological Seminary ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best Theological Ministerial Studies schools. Located in Kansas City, MO, Nazarene Theological Seminary is a private not-for-profit institution. Read more about Nazarene Theological Seminary
Bethel University Minnesota did well this year, earning the #20 position. Based in Saint Paul, MN, Bethel University Minnesota is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 71%. In-state tuition and fees average $44,226. Bethel University Minnesota Theological Ministerial Studies students take on a median of $25,639 in debt. More on Bethel University Minnesota
Boston College came in at #21 in this year's ranking. Set in Chestnut Hill, MA, Boston College is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 91% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $70,702. Typical Theological Ministerial Studies student debt is $18,101. See the full Boston College profile
Seattle University landed the #22 spot in the United States this year. Seattle University is a private not-for-profit school based in Seattle, WA. Roughly 76% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $56,721 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $22,289 in student loans. See the full Seattle University profile
Southern Methodist University came in at #23 in this year's ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Dallas, TX. Southern Methodist University posts a six-year graduation rate of 84%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,040. The median Theological Ministerial Studies program debt is $20,712. More on Southern Methodist University
Lipscomb University did well this year, earning the #24 position. Located in Nashville, TN, Lipscomb University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 72% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $40,572. Typical Theological Ministerial Studies student debt is $23,529. Read more about Lipscomb University
Eden Theological Seminary ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best Theological Ministerial Studies schools. Set in Webster Groves, MO, Eden Theological Seminary is a private not-for-profit institution. Read more about Eden Theological Seminary
Lutheran School Of Theology At Chicago did well this year, earning the #26 position. Based in Chicago, IL, Lutheran School Of Theology At Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. Read more about Lutheran School Of Theology At Chicago
Rest of the Top 50 Best Theological Ministerial Studies Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s ranking:
Baylor University came in at #27 in this year's ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Waco, TX. About 80% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $58,100. Students borrow a median of $23,928 to complete their Theological Ministerial Studies program here. Read the full report on Baylor University
Union Theological Seminary did well this year, earning the #28 position. Located in New York, NY, Union Theological Seminary is a private not-for-profit institution. Read more about Union Theological Seminary
Erskine College And Seminary ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best Theological Ministerial Studies schools. Located in Due West, SC, Erskine College And Seminary is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 45% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $36,710. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Read the full report on Erskine College And Seminary
Wheaton College Illinois placed #30 among Theological Ministerial Studies schools in the United States. Set in Wheaton, IL, Wheaton College Illinois is a private not-for-profit institution. About 85% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $45,546. Graduates carry a median of $23,292 in student loans. See the full Wheaton College Illinois profile
Lancaster Bible College ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best Theological Ministerial Studies schools. Set in Lancaster, PA, Lancaster Bible College is a private not-for-profit institution. Lancaster Bible College graduates 68% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $29,990. Lancaster Bible College Theological Ministerial Studies students take on a median of $28,507 in debt. Read more about Lancaster Bible College
Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary landed the #33 spot in the United States this year. Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary is a private not-for-profit school based in South Hamilton, MA. See the full Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary profile
Western Seminary placed #34 among Theological Ministerial Studies schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Portland, OR. Get the full Western Seminary report
Columbia International University did well this year, earning the #35 position. Based in Columbia, SC, Columbia International University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 46% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $27,900. Columbia International University Theological Ministerial Studies students take on a median of $21,667 in debt. See the full Columbia International University profile
Denver Seminary landed the #36 spot in the United States this year. Set in Littleton, CO, Denver Seminary is a private not-for-profit institution. Get the full Denver Seminary report
Grace College And Theological Seminary came in at #37 in this year's ranking. Set in Winona Lake, IN, Grace College And Theological Seminary is a private not-for-profit institution. About 69% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $29,645. Typical Theological Ministerial Studies student debt is $21,211. Read the full report on Grace College And Theological Seminary
University Of Chicago landed the #38 spot in the United States this year. University Of Chicago is a private not-for-profit school based in Chicago, IL. Roughly 96% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $69,324. Students borrow a median of $15,854 to complete their Theological Ministerial Studies program here. See the full University Of Chicago profile
Samford University ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best Theological Ministerial Studies schools. Based in Birmingham, AL, Samford University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 77%. In-state tuition and fees average $40,150. Typical Theological Ministerial Studies student debt is $21,039. Read more about Samford University
Kings University placed #40 among Theological Ministerial Studies schools in the United States. Based in Southlake, TX, Kings University is a private not-for-profit institution. Kings University posts a six-year graduation rate of 33%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,480. Students borrow a median of $48,998 to complete their Theological Ministerial Studies program here. See the full Kings University profile
Howard University placed #41 among Theological Ministerial Studies schools in the United States. Based in Washington, DC, Howard University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 70% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $35,810. Howard University Theological Ministerial Studies students take on a median of $25,498 in debt. More on Howard University
Phillips Theological Seminary landed the #42 spot in the United States this year. Based in Tulsa, OK, Phillips Theological Seminary is a private not-for-profit institution. Get the full Phillips Theological Seminary report
Luther Rice University And Seminary did well this year, earning the #43 position. Located in Lithonia, GA, Luther Rice University And Seminary is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,320. Luther Rice University And Seminary Theological Ministerial Studies students take on a median of $36,730 in debt. Read more about Luther Rice University And Seminary
Ashland University placed #44 among Theological Ministerial Studies schools in the United States. Ashland University is a private not-for-profit school based in Ashland, OH. The six-year graduation rate is 60%. Students from in state pay about $31,210 in tuition and fees. Typical Theological Ministerial Studies student debt is $24,536. Read more about Ashland University
Evangel University placed #46 among Theological Ministerial Studies schools in the United States. Evangel University is a private not-for-profit school based in Springfield, MO. Roughly 65% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $28,548. The median Theological Ministerial Studies program debt is $24,876. More on Evangel University
Hardin Simmons University ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best Theological Ministerial Studies schools. Based in Abilene, TX, Hardin Simmons University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 46%. Students from in state pay about $32,960 in tuition and fees. Hardin Simmons University Theological Ministerial Studies students take on a median of $26,674 in debt. Read the full report on Hardin Simmons University
Hood Theological Seminary ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best Theological Ministerial Studies schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Salisbury, NC. Read more about Hood Theological Seminary
Northeastern Seminary landed the #49 spot in the United States this year. Northeastern Seminary is a private not-for-profit school based in Rochester, NY. Read more about Northeastern Seminary
Lancaster Theological Seminary came in at #50 in this year's ranking. Based in Lancaster, PA, Lancaster Theological Seminary is a private not-for-profit institution. Read more about Lancaster Theological Seminary
Regent University landed the #51 spot in the United States this year. Set in Virginia Beach, VA, Regent University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 58% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $21,650. Typical Theological Ministerial Studies student debt is $29,451. See the full Regent University profile
Mercer University placed #52 among Theological Ministerial Studies schools in the United States. Located in Macon, GA, Mercer University is a private not-for-profit institution. Mercer University posts a six-year graduation rate of 70%. Students from in state pay about $31,565 in tuition and fees. Typical Theological Ministerial Studies student debt is $32,463. Read more about Mercer University
Liberty University placed #53 among Theological Ministerial Studies schools in the United States. Liberty University is a private not-for-profit school based in Lynchburg, VA. Roughly 67% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,173. The median Theological Ministerial Studies program debt is $27,414. More on Liberty University
Related Theological Ministerial Studies Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best Theological Ministerial Studies Schools (All Levels)
- 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
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published 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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