2026 Best Value Theological Ministerial Studies Schools
Looking for the best-value Theological Ministerial Studies programs programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 464 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh 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 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 Theological Ministerial Studies Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
For return on investment, no school beat Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary this year in the United States. Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary is a private not-for-profit school based in Kansas City, MO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,530. Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary Theological Ministerial Studies students take on a median of $15,559 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,535. Set against $15,559 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
Out of the 464 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Kentucky Christian University landed the #2 spot. Located 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. Students borrow a median of $27,500 to complete their Theological Ministerial Studies program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,375 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Kentucky Christian University has an acceptance rate of 61%. Read the full report on Kentucky Christian University
You'll get strong value at Nazarene Bible College, which ranked #3 this year. Set in Colorado Springs, CO, Nazarene Bible College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,482. Graduates carry a median of $40,332 in student loans. Nazarene Bible College alumni report median earnings of $41,450 a decade after entry. Set against $40,332 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Nazarene Bible College report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Ohio Christian University earned it the #4 place in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Circleville, OH. Students from in state pay about $19,190 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $30,947 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,813. That is a strong return on a $30,947 median debt. Ohio Christian University has an acceptance rate of 38%. Read more about Ohio Christian University
A rank of #5 makes Saint Paul School Of Theology one of the best values in the United States. Based in Leawood, KS, Saint Paul School Of Theology is a private not-for-profit institution. See the full Saint Paul School Of Theology profile
Luther Rice University And Seminary came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Luther Rice University And Seminary is a private not-for-profit school based in Lithonia, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,320. Students borrow a median of $36,730 to complete their Theological Ministerial Studies program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,003. That is a strong return on a $36,730 median debt. Luther Rice University And Seminary has an acceptance rate of 92%. More on Luther Rice University And Seminary
Grand Canyon University offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. This private for-profit school is set in Phoenix, AZ. In-state tuition and fees average $18,508. The median Theological Ministerial Studies program debt is $30,027. Grand Canyon University alumni report median earnings of $42,186 a decade after entry. Set against $30,027 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 79%. Read the full report on Grand Canyon University
Wartburg Theological Seminary landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Wartburg Theological Seminary is a private not-for-profit school based in Dubuque, IA. Get the full Wartburg Theological Seminary report
Moody Bible Institute ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Theological Ministerial Studies schools. Located in Chicago, IL, Moody Bible Institute is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,786. Graduates carry a median of $14,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,399 ten years after entry. Set against $14,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Moody Bible Institute has an acceptance rate of 83%. Get the full Moody Bible Institute report
Faith Evangelical College And Seminary came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Based in Tacoma, WA, Faith Evangelical College And Seminary is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,850. Students borrow a median of $17,813 to complete their Theological Ministerial Studies program here. Faith Evangelical College And Seminary alumni report median earnings of $51,006 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Faith Evangelical College And Seminary
Ashland University offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Set 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 Theological Ministerial Studies program debt is $24,536. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,928. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Ashland University report
Sum Bible College And Theological Seminary ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Theological Ministerial Studies schools. Sum Bible College And Theological Seminary is a private not-for-profit school based in El Dorado Hills, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,460. Sum Bible College And Theological Seminary Theological Ministerial Studies students take on a median of $29,299 in debt. Sum Bible College And Theological Seminary alumni report median earnings of $35,418 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $29,299 median debt. Roughly 41% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Sum Bible College And Theological Seminary
Grace College And Theological Seminary ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Theological Ministerial Studies schools. Set in Winona Lake, IN, Grace College And Theological Seminary is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $29,645 in tuition and fees. Grace College And Theological Seminary Theological Ministerial Studies students take on a median of $21,211 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,411. That is a strong return on a $21,211 median debt. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Grace College And Theological Seminary report
Truett Mcconnell College placed #15 among the best-value Theological Ministerial Studies schools in the United States. Based in Cleveland, GA, Truett Mcconnell College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $26,792. Graduates carry a median of $24,936 in student loans. 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
Northwest University College Of Adult And Professional Studies came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Set in Kirkland, WA, Northwest University College Of Adult And Professional Studies is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,652. Typical Theological Ministerial Studies student debt is $22,696. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,914 ten years after entry. Set against $22,696 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Northwest University College Of Adult And Professional Studies
Freed Hardeman University landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Henderson, TN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $25,620. Students borrow a median of $24,479 to complete their Theological Ministerial Studies program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,485. Set against $24,479 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 60% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Freed Hardeman University report
The Masters College And Seminary placed #18 among the best-value Theological Ministerial Studies schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Santa Clarita, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $39,020. The median Theological Ministerial Studies program debt is $23,774. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,106. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. Get the full The Masters College And Seminary report
Crown College ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Theological Ministerial Studies schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Bonifacius, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $31,410. Crown College Theological Ministerial Studies students take on a median of $29,537 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. The acceptance rate is 23%. Read more about Crown College
Nazarene Theological Seminary placed #20 among the best-value Theological Ministerial Studies schools in the United States. Located in Kansas City, MO, Nazarene Theological Seminary is a private not-for-profit institution. Read the full report on Nazarene Theological Seminary
Luther Seminary offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Paul, MN. Get the full Luther Seminary report
Harding University landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. Harding University is a private not-for-profit school based in Searcy, AR. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $25,962. The median Theological Ministerial Studies program debt is $26,715. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,876 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,715 median debt. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted. More on Harding University
Piedmont International University ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Theological Ministerial Studies schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Winston-Salem, NC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,575. Typical Theological Ministerial Studies student debt is $35,382. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $32,864. That is a strong return on a $35,382 median debt. About 40% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Piedmont International University report
Lenoir Rhyne University came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Hickory, NC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $31,900. Students borrow a median of $26,900 to complete their Theological Ministerial Studies program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,543 ten years after entry. Set against $26,900 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Lenoir Rhyne University has an acceptance rate of 85%. See the full Lenoir Rhyne University profile
Northwest Nazarene University placed #26 among the best-value Theological Ministerial Studies schools in the United States. Set in Nampa, ID, Northwest Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $40,824. Northwest Nazarene University Theological Ministerial Studies students take on a median of $27,562 in debt. Median earnings reach $51,719 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 65% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Northwest Nazarene University profile
Bethel University Minnesota landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Saint Paul, MN, Bethel University Minnesota is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $44,226. Bethel University Minnesota Theological Ministerial Studies students take on a median of $25,639 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,764 ten years after entry. Set against $25,639 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read the full report on Bethel University Minnesota
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Theological Ministerial Studies Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Criswell College landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Dallas, TX. Students from in state pay about $15,750 in tuition and fees. Median earnings reach $43,185 ten years out. The acceptance rate is 100%. Read the full report on Criswell College
Appalachian Bible College offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Appalachian Bible College is a private not-for-profit school based in Mount Hope, WV. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,760. Graduates carry a median of $12,865 in student loans. Appalachian Bible College alumni report median earnings of $37,467 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,865 median debt. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Appalachian Bible College
Union Presbyterian Seminary ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Theological Ministerial Studies schools. Set in Richmond, VA, Union Presbyterian Seminary is a private not-for-profit institution. More on Union Presbyterian Seminary
Kings University ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Theological Ministerial Studies schools. Located in Southlake, TX, Kings University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,480. The median Theological Ministerial Studies program debt is $48,998. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,471. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 61%. More on Kings University
The Baptist College Of Florida offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Set in Graceville, FL, The Baptist College Of Florida is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,000. The median Theological Ministerial Studies program debt is $24,916. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,836. Set against $24,916 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 36% of applicants are accepted. More on The Baptist College Of Florida
Hebrew Union College Jewish Institute Of Religion ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Theological Ministerial Studies schools. 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
Liberty University came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Liberty University is a private not-for-profit school based in Lynchburg, VA. Students from in state pay about $16,173 in tuition and fees. Typical Theological Ministerial Studies student debt is $27,414. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,813 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,414 median debt. The acceptance rate is 99%. More on Liberty University
Northeastern Seminary came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Rochester, NY. Read more about Northeastern Seminary
Lancaster Bible College placed #38 among the best-value Theological Ministerial Studies schools in the United States. Lancaster Bible College is a private not-for-profit school based in Lancaster, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $29,990. Lancaster Bible College Theological Ministerial Studies students take on a median of $28,507 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,096. Set against $28,507 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Lancaster Bible College admits about 56% of applicants. More on Lancaster Bible College
Southwestern Assemblies Of God University landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. Based 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. Students borrow a median of $28,248 to complete their Theological Ministerial Studies program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,238. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 89%. Read more about Southwestern Assemblies Of God University
University Of Dubuque came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. University Of Dubuque is a private not-for-profit school based in Dubuque, IA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $42,095. Graduates carry a median of $27,204 in student loans. Median earnings reach $51,190 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Dubuque has an acceptance rate of 89%. See the full University Of Dubuque profile
Mccormick Theological Seminary ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Theological Ministerial Studies schools. Set in Chicago, IL, Mccormick Theological Seminary is a private not-for-profit institution. See the full Mccormick Theological Seminary profile
Evangel University offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Based in Springfield, MO, Evangel University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $28,548. The median Theological Ministerial Studies program debt is $24,876. Median earnings reach $46,573 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,876 median debt. Evangel University admits about 72% of applicants. Read the full report on Evangel University
Western Seminary landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Portland, OR, Western Seminary is a private not-for-profit institution. Get the full Western Seminary report
Olivet Nazarene University ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Theological Ministerial Studies schools. Set in Bourbonnais, IL, Olivet Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $38,900. Students borrow a median of $26,797 to complete their Theological Ministerial Studies program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,213. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 56% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Olivet Nazarene University
Elim Bible Institute And College offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Located in Lima, NY, Elim Bible Institute And College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,678. The median Theological Ministerial Studies program debt is $11,998. Elim Bible Institute And College admits about 100% of applicants. Get the full Elim Bible Institute And College report
Dallas Theological Seminary offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Set in Dallas, TX, Dallas Theological Seminary is a private not-for-profit institution. See the full Dallas Theological Seminary profile
Mid America Christian University ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Theological Ministerial Studies schools. Located in Oklahoma City, OK, Mid America Christian University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $21,294. Students borrow a median of $41,422 to complete their Theological Ministerial Studies program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,116 ten years after entry. Set against $41,422 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 92%. Read the full report on Mid America Christian University
Colorado Christian University landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Lakewood, CO, Colorado Christian University is a private not-for-profit institution. 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. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,416 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Colorado Christian University report
Southeastern University offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. 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. Typical Theological Ministerial Studies student debt is $19,609. Southeastern University alumni report median earnings of $46,744 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,609 median debt. Southeastern University admits about 53% of applicants. More on Southeastern University
Concordia Seminary placed #50 among the best-value Theological Ministerial Studies schools in the United States. Set in Saint Louis, MO, Concordia Seminary is a private not-for-profit institution. Read the full report on Concordia Seminary
Covenant Theological Seminary ranked #51 on our 2026 list of the best-value Theological Ministerial Studies schools. Based in Saint Louis, MO, Covenant Theological Seminary is a private not-for-profit institution. More on Covenant Theological Seminary
Seattle University ranked #52 on our 2026 list of the best-value Theological Ministerial Studies schools. Based in Seattle, WA, Seattle University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $56,721. Graduates carry a median of $22,289 in student loans. Seattle University alumni report median earnings of $75,272 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Seattle University
Phillips Theological Seminary came in at #53 in this year's value ranking. Based in Tulsa, OK, Phillips Theological Seminary is a private not-for-profit institution. Read the full report on Phillips Theological Seminary
Johnson University came in at #54 in this year's value ranking. Set in Knoxville, TN, Johnson University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $21,122 in tuition and fees. Johnson University Theological Ministerial Studies students take on a median of $23,250 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,596 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 65%. Get the full Johnson University report
Best Value Theological Ministerial Studies Schools by Degree Level
See the best values at each degree level:
- Best Value Theological Ministerial Studies Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Theological Ministerial Studies Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Theological Ministerial Studies Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Theological Ministerial Studies Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Theological Ministerial Studies Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Theological Ministerial Studies Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value 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 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 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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