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2026 Best Value Theological Ministerial Studies Bachelor's Degree Schools

2026 Best Value Theological Ministerial Studies Bachelor’s Degree Schools

Looking for the best-value Theological Ministerial Studies bachelor’s degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 464 colleges 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 compile 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 Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States

Learn more about these high-value schools below:

Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary is a private not-for-profit school based in Kansas City, MO. 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. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,535. That is a strong return on a $15,559 median debt. Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary has an acceptance rate of 96%. Get the full Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary report

#2

Nazarene Bible College

Colorado Springs, CO

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Nazarene Bible College earned it the #2 place in the United States. Nazarene Bible College is a private not-for-profit school based in Colorado Springs, CO. In-state tuition and fees average $10,482. Typical Theological Ministerial Studies student debt is $40,332. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,450. That is a strong return on a $40,332 median debt. See the full Nazarene Bible College profile

Out of the 464 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Northwest University College Of Adult And Professional Studies landed the #3 spot. Set in Kirkland, WA, Northwest University College Of Adult And Professional Studies is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,652. The median Theological Ministerial Studies program debt is $22,696. Northwest University College Of Adult And Professional Studies alumni report median earnings of $54,914 a decade 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

#4

Ohio Christian University

Circleville, OH

A rank of #4 makes Ohio Christian University one of the best values in the United States. Located in Circleville, OH, Ohio Christian University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $19,190. Typical Theological Ministerial Studies student debt is $30,947. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,813. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 38%. Read more about Ohio Christian University

#5

Moody Bible Institute

Chicago, IL

A rank of #5 makes Moody Bible Institute one of the best values in the United States. Moody Bible Institute is a private not-for-profit school based in Chicago, IL. Students from in state pay about $15,786 in tuition and fees. The median Theological Ministerial Studies program debt is $14,000. Moody Bible Institute alumni report median earnings of $45,399 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 83%. More on Moody Bible Institute

#7

Kings University

Southlake, TX

Kings University came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Based in Southlake, TX, Kings University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,480. Typical Theological Ministerial Studies student 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. Kings University admits about 61% of applicants. More on Kings University

#8

Criswell College

Dallas, TX

Criswell College ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Theological Ministerial Studies schools. Set in Dallas, TX, Criswell College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,750. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,185 ten years after entry. Criswell College admits about 100% of applicants. See the full Criswell College profile

Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Located in Marion, IN, Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,648. Typical Theological Ministerial Studies student debt is $32,807. Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global alumni report median earnings of $59,986 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global

The Baptist College Of Florida came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Graceville, FL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,000. The Baptist College Of Florida Theological Ministerial Studies students take on a median of $24,916 in debt. The Baptist College Of Florida alumni report median earnings of $42,836 a decade after entry. Set against $24,916 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The Baptist College Of Florida has an acceptance rate of 36%. Read more about The Baptist College Of Florida

#11

Piedmont International University

Winston-Salem, NC

Piedmont International University placed #11 among the best-value Theological Ministerial Studies schools in the United States. Piedmont International University is a private not-for-profit school based in Winston-Salem, NC. Students from in state pay about $17,575 in tuition and fees. 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. Piedmont International University admits about 40% of applicants. More on Piedmont International University

#12

Mid America Christian University

Oklahoma City, OK

Mid America Christian University offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Oklahoma City, OK. In-state tuition and fees run about $21,294. Students borrow a median of $41,422 to complete their Theological Ministerial Studies program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,116. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Mid America Christian University report

#13

Southeastern University

Lakeland, FL

Southeastern University ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Theological Ministerial Studies schools. Southeastern University is a private not-for-profit school based in Lakeland, FL. In-state tuition and fees run about $32,950. Southeastern University Theological Ministerial Studies students take on a median of $19,609 in debt. Median earnings reach $46,744 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $19,609 median debt. About 53% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Southeastern University

#14

Ozark Christian College

Joplin, MO

Ozark Christian College ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Theological Ministerial Studies schools. Based in Joplin, MO, Ozark Christian College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,000. The median Theological Ministerial Studies program debt is $23,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,297. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Ozark Christian College admits about 94% of applicants. More on Ozark Christian College

#15

Johnson University

Knoxville, TN

Johnson University landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Knoxville, TN, Johnson University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $21,122. Graduates carry a median of $23,250 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,596 ten years after entry. Set against $23,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Johnson University admits about 65% of applicants. Read more about Johnson University

#17

Harding University

Searcy, AR

Harding University landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Searcy, AR, Harding University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $25,962. The median Theological Ministerial Studies program debt is $26,715. Median earnings reach $52,876 ten years out. Set against $26,715 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Harding University admits about 70% of applicants. Read the full report on Harding University

Colorado Christian University ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Theological Ministerial Studies schools. Colorado Christian University is a private not-for-profit school based in Lakewood, CO. In-state tuition and fees run about $28,846. The median Theological Ministerial Studies program debt is $36,092. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,416 ten years after entry. Set against $36,092 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Colorado Christian University

#18

Ave Maria University

Ave Maria, FL

Ave Maria University landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Ave Maria University is a private not-for-profit school based in Ave Maria, FL. In-state tuition and fees average $30,198. Students borrow a median of $21,102 to complete their Theological Ministerial Studies program here. Median earnings reach $49,520 ten years out. Set against $21,102 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Ave Maria University has an acceptance rate of 41%. Read more about Ave Maria University

Concordia University Wisconsin landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. Concordia University Wisconsin is a private not-for-profit school based in Mequon, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $35,470. Typical Theological Ministerial Studies student debt is $25,926. Concordia University Wisconsin alumni report median earnings of $56,075 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Concordia University Wisconsin

#21

Olivet Nazarene University

Bourbonnais, IL

Olivet Nazarene University ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Theological Ministerial Studies schools. Olivet Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit school based in Bourbonnais, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $38,900. Typical Theological Ministerial Studies student debt is $26,797. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,213 ten years after entry. Set against $26,797 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 56%. See the full Olivet Nazarene University profile

#22

Martin Luther College

New Ulm, MN

Martin Luther College came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Located in New Ulm, MN, Martin Luther College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,120. Students borrow a median of $18,949 to complete their Theological Ministerial Studies program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,491 ten years after entry. Set against $18,949 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Martin Luther College has an acceptance rate of 87%. See the full Martin Luther College profile

#23

Crown College

Saint Bonifacius, MN

Crown College placed #23 among the best-value Theological Ministerial Studies schools in the United States. 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. Median earnings reach $48,057 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Crown College has an acceptance rate of 23%. More on Crown College

Franciscan University Of Steubenville landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Steubenville, OH, Franciscan University Of Steubenville is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $34,100. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Theological Ministerial Studies program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,030 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 58%. Read the full report on Franciscan University Of Steubenville

Concordia University Ann Arbor offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Based in Ann Arbor, MI, Concordia University Ann Arbor is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $35,410 in tuition and fees. The median Theological Ministerial Studies program debt is $25,926. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,075. That is a strong return on a $25,926 median debt. Concordia University Ann Arbor admits about 69% of applicants. Get the full Concordia University Ann Arbor report

#26

Oklahoma Wesleyan University

Bartlesville, OK

Oklahoma Wesleyan University placed #26 among the best-value Theological Ministerial Studies schools in the United States. Set in Bartlesville, OK, Oklahoma Wesleyan University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $33,550 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $29,168 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,841. That is a strong return on a $29,168 median debt. The acceptance rate is 66%. See the full Oklahoma Wesleyan University profile

#27

Valley Forge Christian College

Phoenixville, PA

Valley Forge Christian College came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Phoenixville, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $25,240. Valley Forge Christian College Theological Ministerial Studies students take on a median of $28,000 in debt. Valley Forge Christian College alumni report median earnings of $39,016 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Valley Forge Christian College has an acceptance rate of 61%. Read more about Valley Forge Christian College

Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Theological Ministerial Studies Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States

These schools also delivered strong value this year:

#28

Benedictine College

Atchison, KS

Benedictine College came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Set in Atchison, KS, Benedictine College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $36,350. The median Theological Ministerial Studies program debt is $23,250. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,175. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 98%. More on Benedictine College

#29

Atlanta Christian College

West Point, GA

Atlanta Christian College ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Theological Ministerial Studies schools. Atlanta Christian College is a private not-for-profit school based in West Point, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $23,950. Typical Theological Ministerial Studies student debt is $44,023. Median earnings reach $38,740 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Atlanta Christian College admits about 44% of applicants. Read the full report on Atlanta Christian College

#30

The Masters College And Seminary

Santa Clarita, CA

The Masters College And Seminary ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Theological Ministerial Studies schools. The Masters College And Seminary is a private not-for-profit school based in Santa Clarita, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $39,020. Typical Theological Ministerial Studies student debt is $23,774. The Masters College And Seminary alumni report median earnings of $57,106 a decade after entry. Set against $23,774 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 84% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on The Masters College And Seminary

Columbia International University came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Set in Columbia, SC, Columbia International University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $27,900. Columbia International University Theological Ministerial Studies students take on a median of $21,667 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,951. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. More on Columbia International University

#32

Northwest University

Kirkland, WA

Northwest University came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Located in Kirkland, WA, Northwest University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $36,035. Typical Theological Ministerial Studies student debt is $22,696. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,914 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 83% of those who apply are admitted. More on Northwest University

Northwestern College Minnesota landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Saint Paul, MN, Northwestern College Minnesota is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $37,920 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $22,000 to complete their Theological Ministerial Studies program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,755. That is a strong return on a $22,000 median debt. About 94% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Northwestern College Minnesota report

#34

Lee University

Cleveland, TN

Lee University came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Set in Cleveland, TN, Lee University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $23,790. Students borrow a median of $26,422 to complete their Theological Ministerial Studies program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,222. Set against $26,422 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 70%. More on Lee University

#37

Cornerstone University

Grand Rapids, MI

Cornerstone University offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Located in Grand Rapids, MI, Cornerstone University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $23,000. Graduates carry a median of $43,009 in student loans. Median earnings reach $47,314 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $43,009 median debt. Cornerstone University has an acceptance rate of 78%. Get the full Cornerstone University report

Palm Beach Atlantic University West Palm Beach placed #37 among the best-value Theological Ministerial Studies schools in the United States. Palm Beach Atlantic University West Palm Beach is a private not-for-profit school based in West Palm Beach, FL. In-state tuition and fees run about $40,650. Students borrow a median of $25,750 to complete their Theological Ministerial Studies program here. Median earnings reach $49,232 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,750 median debt. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Palm Beach Atlantic University West Palm Beach

Seattle Pacific University landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Seattle, WA. In-state tuition and fees average $40,407. The median Theological Ministerial Studies program debt is $25,188. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,506. Set against $25,188 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Seattle Pacific University has an acceptance rate of 83%. Get the full Seattle Pacific University report

Loyola University Chicago came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Chicago, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $53,710. Graduates carry a median of $23,521 in student loans. Loyola University Chicago alumni report median earnings of $71,530 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,521 median debt. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Loyola University Chicago profile

Houston Baptist University ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Theological Ministerial Studies schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Houston, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $39,430. Houston Baptist University Theological Ministerial Studies students take on a median of $25,601 in debt. Median earnings reach $55,933 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 84% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Houston Baptist University report

Hardin Simmons University came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Based in Abilene, TX, Hardin Simmons University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $32,960. Graduates carry a median of $26,674 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,771. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Hardin Simmons University

Oral Roberts University placed #42 among the best-value Theological Ministerial Studies schools in the United States. Oral Roberts University is a private not-for-profit school based in Tulsa, OK. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $35,470. Typical Theological Ministerial Studies student debt is $30,750. Oral Roberts University alumni report median earnings of $46,885 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. See the full Oral Roberts University profile

#42

Boston College

Chestnut Hill, MA

Boston College placed #42 among the best-value Theological Ministerial Studies schools in the United States. Based in Chestnut Hill, MA, Boston College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $70,702. Graduates carry a median of $18,101 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $103,937. Set against $18,101 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 16% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Boston College

#45

University Of Notre Dame

Notre Dame, IN

University Of Notre Dame ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Theological Ministerial Studies schools. University Of Notre Dame is a private not-for-profit school based in Notre Dame, IN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,025. Typical Theological Ministerial Studies student debt is $19,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $99,980. Set against $19,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 11% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Notre Dame report

Hope International University came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Based in Fullerton, CA, Hope International University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $38,125. The median Theological Ministerial Studies program debt is $18,054. Hope International University alumni report median earnings of $49,697 a decade after entry. Set against $18,054 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 33% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Hope International University profile

Indiana Wesleyan University landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Marion, IN, Indiana Wesleyan University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $32,352. Graduates carry a median of $31,454 in student loans. Median earnings reach $59,986 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Indiana Wesleyan University

Azusa Pacific University placed #48 among the best-value Theological Ministerial Studies schools in the United States. Based in Azusa, CA, Azusa Pacific University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $44,458. Graduates carry a median of $23,709 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $66,677 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Azusa Pacific University

#49

Mount St Marys University

Emmitsburg, MD

Mount St Marys University landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Emmitsburg, MD, Mount St Marys University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $48,630. Students borrow a median of $23,539 to complete their Theological Ministerial Studies program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,072. That is a strong return on a $23,539 median debt. Mount St Marys University has an acceptance rate of 74%. Get the full Mount St Marys University report

#50

Biola University

La Mirada, CA

Biola University landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in La Mirada, CA, Biola University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $48,984 in tuition and fees. Typical Theological Ministerial Studies student debt is $25,308. Biola University alumni report median earnings of $56,778 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Biola University has an acceptance rate of 74%. Read the full report on Biola University

Saint Josephs College Of Maine landed the #51 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Standish, ME, Saint Josephs College Of Maine is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $44,420 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $26,625 to complete their Theological Ministerial Studies program here. Saint Josephs College Of Maine alumni report median earnings of $59,045 a decade after entry. Set against $26,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. See the full Saint Josephs College Of Maine profile

#52

George Fox University

Newberg, OR

George Fox University came in at #52 in this year's value ranking. Located in Newberg, OR, George Fox University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $41,320. The median Theological Ministerial Studies program debt is $25,324. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,761 ten years after entry. Set against $25,324 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. George Fox University has an acceptance rate of 94%. More on George Fox University

#53

Andrews University

Berrien Springs, MI

Andrews University landed the #53 spot for value in the United States this year. Andrews University is a private not-for-profit school based in Berrien Springs, MI. In-state tuition and fees run about $35,056. Students borrow a median of $26,314 to complete their Theological Ministerial Studies program here. Andrews University alumni report median earnings of $53,187 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,314 median debt. Andrews University has an acceptance rate of 82%. Read the full report on Andrews University

#54

University Of Chicago

Chicago, IL

University Of Chicago came in at #54 in this year's value ranking. Located in Chicago, IL, University Of Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $69,324. Typical Theological Ministerial Studies student debt is $15,854. Graduates go on to earn a median of $91,885 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Chicago admits about 4% of applicants. Get the full University Of Chicago report

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Ranking Methodology & Notes

These rankings are produced by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider 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

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