2026 Best Theological Ministerial Studies Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best Theological Ministerial Studies master’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 464 institutions by overall quality and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and admissions selectivity.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor evaluated schools to produce 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 Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the leading schools below:
Our analysis found Wartburg Theological Seminary to be the best Theological Ministerial Studies school in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Dubuque, IA. Read the full report on Wartburg Theological Seminary
Out of the 464 schools in the United States in this year's ranking, Concordia Theological Seminary landed the #2 spot. Set in Fort Wayne, IN, Concordia Theological Seminary is a private not-for-profit institution. Read the full report on Concordia Theological Seminary
You'll be in good company at Concordia Seminary, which ranked #3 this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Louis, MO. Get the full Concordia Seminary report
The strong Theological Ministerial Studies programs at Hebrew Union College Jewish Institute Of Religion earned it the #4 place in the United States. Hebrew Union College Jewish Institute Of Religion is a private not-for-profit school based in New York, NY. Get the full Hebrew Union College Jewish Institute Of Religion report
A rank of #5 makes Luther Seminary one of the top choices in the United States. Based in Saint Paul, MN, Luther Seminary is a private not-for-profit institution. Read the full report on Luther Seminary
Saint Paul School Of Theology did well this year, earning the #6 position. Located in Leawood, KS, Saint Paul School Of Theology is a private not-for-profit institution. More on Saint Paul School Of Theology
Olivet Nazarene University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best Theological Ministerial Studies schools. Located in Bourbonnais, IL, Olivet Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 61% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $38,900. Graduates carry a median of $26,797 in student loans. Read more about Olivet Nazarene University
Ohio Christian University ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best Theological Ministerial Studies schools. Set in Circleville, OH, Ohio Christian University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 50% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $19,190. Typical Theological Ministerial Studies student debt is $30,947. Read more about Ohio Christian University
Meadville Lombard Theological School landed the #9 spot in the United States this year. Located in Chicago, IL, Meadville Lombard Theological School is a private not-for-profit institution. Get the full Meadville Lombard Theological School report
Grand Canyon University placed #10 among Theological Ministerial Studies schools in the United States. Based in Phoenix, AZ, Grand Canyon University is a private for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 44%. In-state tuition and fees average $18,508. Graduates carry a median of $30,027 in student loans. Read more about Grand Canyon University
Southeastern University came in at #11 in this year's ranking. Located in Lakeland, FL, Southeastern University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 44% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $32,950. Southeastern University Theological Ministerial Studies students take on a median of $19,609 in debt. Get the full Southeastern University report
University Of Notre Dame ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best Theological Ministerial Studies schools. Set in Notre Dame, IN, University Of Notre Dame is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 95%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $65,025. Students borrow a median of $19,000 to complete their Theological Ministerial Studies program here. Read the full report on University Of Notre Dame
Dallas Theological Seminary did well this year, earning the #13 position. Dallas Theological Seminary is a private not-for-profit school based in Dallas, TX. More on Dallas Theological Seminary
Fuller Theological Seminary In California ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best Theological Ministerial Studies schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Pasadena, CA. Read the full report on Fuller Theological Seminary In California
Duke University landed the #15 spot in the United States this year. Set in Durham, NC, Duke University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 97%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,758. Graduates carry a median of $13,296 in student loans. Read the full report on Duke University
Lutheran School Of Theology At Chicago did well this year, earning the #16 position. Lutheran School Of Theology At Chicago is a private not-for-profit school based in Chicago, IL. See the full Lutheran School Of Theology At Chicago profile
Brite Divinity School placed #17 among Theological Ministerial Studies schools in the United States. Located in Fort Worth, TX, Brite Divinity School is a private not-for-profit institution. Read the full report on Brite Divinity School
Drew University did well this year, earning the #18 position. Drew University is a private not-for-profit school based in Madison, NJ. Drew University graduates 70% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $47,100. The median Theological Ministerial Studies program debt is $26,449. See the full Drew University profile
Sewanee The University Of The South landed the #19 spot in the United States this year. Based in Sewanee, TN, Sewanee The University Of The South is a private not-for-profit institution. About 80% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $56,120. The median Theological Ministerial Studies program debt is $22,091. Get the full Sewanee The University Of The South report
Vanderbilt University placed #20 among Theological Ministerial Studies schools in the United States. Located in Nashville, TN, Vanderbilt University is a private not-for-profit institution. Vanderbilt University graduates 94% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $67,498. Graduates carry a median of $13,975 in student loans. See the full Vanderbilt University profile
Western Seminary ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best Theological Ministerial Studies schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Portland, OR. See the full Western Seminary profile
The Masters College And Seminary placed #22 among Theological Ministerial Studies schools in the United States. Located in Santa Clarita, CA, The Masters College And Seminary is a private not-for-profit institution. The Masters College And Seminary posts a six-year graduation rate of 67%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $39,020. The Masters College And Seminary Theological Ministerial Studies students take on a median of $23,774 in debt. See the full The Masters College And Seminary profile
Asbury Theological Seminary did well this year, earning the #23 position. Located in Wilmore, KY, Asbury Theological Seminary is a private not-for-profit institution. Read more about Asbury Theological Seminary
Crown College did well this year, earning the #24 position. Set in Saint Bonifacius, MN, Crown College is a private not-for-profit institution. About 44% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $31,410. Graduates carry a median of $29,537 in student loans. Get the full Crown College report
Colorado Christian University did well this year, earning the #25 position. Based in Lakewood, CO, Colorado Christian University is a private not-for-profit institution. Colorado Christian University posts a six-year graduation rate of 63%. Students from in state pay about $28,846 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $36,092 to complete their Theological Ministerial Studies program here. More on Colorado Christian University
Rest of the Top 50 Best Theological Ministerial Studies Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also made the top of the list:
Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best Theological Ministerial Studies schools. Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary is a private not-for-profit school based in Kansas City, MO. Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary posts a six-year graduation rate of 64%. In-state tuition and fees average $11,530. Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary Theological Ministerial Studies students take on a median of $15,559 in debt. See the full Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary profile
Mid America Christian University ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best Theological Ministerial Studies schools. Located in Oklahoma City, OK, Mid America Christian University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 39% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $21,294. Graduates carry a median of $41,422 in student loans. Read the full report on Mid America Christian University
Lenoir Rhyne University ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best Theological Ministerial Studies schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Hickory, NC. The six-year graduation rate is 48%. Students from in state pay about $31,900 in tuition and fees. The median Theological Ministerial Studies program debt is $26,900. More on Lenoir Rhyne University
Freed Hardeman University ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best Theological Ministerial Studies schools. Set in Henderson, TN, Freed Hardeman University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 69% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $25,620. Students borrow a median of $24,479 to complete their Theological Ministerial Studies program here. Get the full Freed Hardeman University report
Loyola University Chicago placed #31 among Theological Ministerial Studies schools in the United States. Located in Chicago, IL, Loyola University Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. Loyola University Chicago graduates 75% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $53,710. Students borrow a median of $23,521 to complete their Theological Ministerial Studies program here. Get the full Loyola University Chicago report
Emory University came in at #32 in this year's ranking. Located in Atlanta, GA, Emory University is a private not-for-profit institution. Emory University graduates 91% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $64,280. Typical Theological Ministerial Studies student debt is $19,431. Read the full report on Emory University
Harding University ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best Theological Ministerial Studies schools. Located in Searcy, AR, Harding University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 69% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $25,962. Typical Theological Ministerial Studies student debt is $26,715. Read more about Harding University
Union Presbyterian Seminary ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best Theological Ministerial Studies schools. Union Presbyterian Seminary is a private not-for-profit school based in Richmond, VA. Read more about Union Presbyterian Seminary
Moody Bible Institute ranked #35 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. The six-year graduation rate is 62%. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,786. Typical Theological Ministerial Studies student debt is $14,000. Read the full report on Moody Bible Institute
University Of Chicago placed #37 among Theological Ministerial Studies schools in the United States. University Of Chicago is a private not-for-profit school based in Chicago, IL. About 96% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $69,324. The median Theological Ministerial Studies program debt is $15,854. More on University Of Chicago
Yale University ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best Theological Ministerial Studies schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in New Haven, CT. Roughly 96% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,250. Typical Theological Ministerial Studies student debt is $14,357. Read more about Yale University
Westminster Theological Seminary ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best Theological Ministerial Studies schools. Based in Glenside, PA, Westminster Theological Seminary is a private not-for-profit institution. More on Westminster Theological Seminary
Ave Maria University ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best Theological Ministerial Studies schools. Set in Ave Maria, FL, Ave Maria University is a private not-for-profit institution. Ave Maria University posts a six-year graduation rate of 47%. In-state tuition and fees run about $30,198. Ave Maria University Theological Ministerial Studies students take on a median of $21,102 in debt. More on Ave Maria University
Covenant Theological Seminary came in at #41 in this year's ranking. Based in Saint Louis, MO, Covenant Theological Seminary is a private not-for-profit institution. Get the full Covenant Theological Seminary report
Bethel University Minnesota placed #42 among Theological Ministerial Studies schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Paul, MN. About 71% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $44,226. Students borrow a median of $25,639 to complete their Theological Ministerial Studies program here. Read the full report on Bethel University Minnesota
Union Theological Seminary landed the #43 spot in the United States this year. Based in New York, NY, Union Theological Seminary is a private not-for-profit institution. More on Union Theological Seminary
Wake Forest University did well this year, earning the #44 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Winston-Salem, NC. Wake Forest University posts a six-year graduation rate of 89%. In-state tuition and fees run about $67,642. The median Theological Ministerial Studies program debt is $21,577. See the full Wake Forest University profile
Northwest Nazarene University ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best Theological Ministerial Studies schools. 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. In-state tuition and fees average $40,824. Typical Theological Ministerial Studies student debt is $27,562. Read the full report on Northwest Nazarene University
Southern Methodist University placed #46 among Theological Ministerial Studies schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Dallas, TX. About 84% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $67,040. Typical Theological Ministerial Studies student debt is $20,712. Read more about Southern Methodist University
Nazarene Theological Seminary placed #47 among Theological Ministerial Studies schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Kansas City, MO. More on Nazarene Theological Seminary
Seattle University landed the #48 spot in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Seattle, WA. About 76% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $56,721. Graduates carry a median of $22,289 in student loans. Get the full Seattle University report
Boston College placed #49 among Theological Ministerial Studies schools in the United States. Boston College is a private not-for-profit school based in Chestnut Hill, MA. Roughly 91% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $70,702 in tuition and fees. The median Theological Ministerial Studies program debt is $18,101. Read the full report on Boston College
Northwest University did well this year, earning the #50 position. Based in Kirkland, WA, Northwest University is a private not-for-profit institution. Northwest University posts a six-year graduation rate of 68%. Students from in state pay about $36,035 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $22,696 in student loans. Get the full Northwest University report
Catholic University Of America landed the #51 spot in the United States this year. Set in Washington, DC, Catholic University Of America is a private not-for-profit institution. Catholic University Of America posts a six-year graduation rate of 80%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $58,378. The median Theological Ministerial Studies program debt is $25,771. Read more about Catholic University Of America
Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary ranked #52 on our 2026 list of the best Theological Ministerial Studies schools. Based in South Hamilton, MA, Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary is a private not-for-profit institution. See the full Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary profile
Related Theological Ministerial Studies Rankings
See rankings for 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 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).
Course Advisor provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. The displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© Course Advisor – All Rights Reserved.