2026 Best Value Theological Ministerial Studies Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Theological Ministerial Studies master’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 464 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To help you make your decision, Course Advisor analyzed 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 Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Kansas City, MO. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,530. Typical Theological Ministerial Studies student debt is $15,559. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,535 ten years after entry. Set against $15,559 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
You'll get strong value at The Masters College And Seminary, which ranked #2 this year. Based in Santa Clarita, CA, The Masters College And Seminary is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $39,020. Graduates carry a median of $23,774 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,106 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 84%. More on The Masters College And Seminary
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at The Baptist College Of Florida earned it the #3 place in the United States. Based in Graceville, FL, The Baptist College Of Florida is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,000. Students borrow a median of $24,916 to complete their Theological Ministerial Studies program here. Median earnings reach $42,836 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The Baptist College Of Florida admits about 36% of applicants. More on The Baptist College Of Florida
Ohio Christian University came in at #4 on this year's best-value Theological Ministerial Studies ranking in the United States. Located in Circleville, OH, Ohio Christian University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $19,190. Students borrow a median of $30,947 to complete their Theological Ministerial Studies program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,813. Set against $30,947 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Ohio Christian University admits about 38% of applicants. See the full Ohio Christian University profile
A rank of #5 makes Kentucky Christian University one of the best values in the United States. Kentucky Christian University is a private not-for-profit school based in Grayson, KY. Students from in state pay about $26,300 in tuition and fees. Kentucky Christian University Theological Ministerial Studies students take on a median of $27,500 in debt. Median earnings reach $42,375 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,500 median debt. Roughly 61% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Kentucky Christian University report
Saint Paul School Of Theology came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Set in Leawood, KS, Saint Paul School Of Theology is a private not-for-profit institution. See the full Saint Paul School Of Theology profile
Olivet Nazarene University landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Bourbonnais, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $38,900. Olivet Nazarene University Theological Ministerial Studies students take on a median of $26,797 in debt. Median earnings reach $53,213 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,797 median debt. The acceptance rate is 56%. Get the full Olivet Nazarene University report
Luther Rice University And Seminary ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Theological Ministerial Studies schools. Luther Rice University And Seminary is a private not-for-profit school based in Lithonia, GA. Students from in state pay about $11,320 in tuition and fees. Luther Rice University And Seminary Theological Ministerial Studies students take on a median of $36,730 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,003. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 92% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Luther Rice University And Seminary profile
Grand Canyon University landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. This private for-profit school is set in Phoenix, AZ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,508. Typical Theological Ministerial Studies student debt is $30,027. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,186 ten years after entry. Set against $30,027 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Grand Canyon University admits about 79% of applicants. See the full Grand Canyon University profile
Moody Bible Institute offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Set 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. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,399. Set against $14,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Moody Bible Institute admits about 83% of applicants. See the full Moody Bible Institute profile
Wartburg Theological Seminary offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Dubuque, IA. More on Wartburg Theological Seminary
Southeastern University came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Located in Lakeland, FL, Southeastern University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $32,950. Graduates carry a median of $19,609 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,744 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,609 median debt. About 53% of those who apply are admitted. More on Southeastern University
Crown College offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Crown College is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Bonifacius, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $31,410. The median Theological Ministerial Studies program debt is $29,537. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,057 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $29,537 median debt. The acceptance rate is 23%. Read the full report on Crown College
Faith Evangelical College And Seminary placed #15 among the best-value Theological Ministerial Studies schools in the United States. Set in Tacoma, WA, Faith Evangelical College And Seminary is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,850. The median Theological Ministerial Studies program debt is $17,813. 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 #17 position. Based in Ashland, OH, Ashland University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $31,210. Ashland University Theological Ministerial Studies students take on a median of $24,536 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,928. Set against $24,536 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 76%. More on Ashland University
Sum Bible College And Theological Seminary offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. 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. Typical Theological Ministerial Studies student debt is $29,299. Sum Bible College And Theological Seminary alumni report median earnings of $35,418 a decade after entry. Set against $29,299 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 41%. Read the full report on Sum Bible College And Theological Seminary
Grace College And Theological Seminary ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Theological Ministerial Studies schools. Based in Winona Lake, IN, Grace College And Theological Seminary is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $29,645. Grace College And Theological Seminary Theological Ministerial Studies students take on a median of $21,211 in debt. Grace College And Theological Seminary alumni report median earnings of $45,411 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,211 median debt. The acceptance rate is 82%. More on Grace College And Theological Seminary
Truett Mcconnell College ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Theological Ministerial Studies schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Cleveland, GA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $26,792. Truett Mcconnell College Theological Ministerial Studies students take on a median of $24,936 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,700. That is a strong return on a $24,936 median debt. The acceptance rate is 78%. See the full Truett Mcconnell College profile
Freed Hardeman University ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Theological Ministerial Studies schools. Located in Henderson, TN, Freed Hardeman University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $25,620. Freed Hardeman University Theological Ministerial Studies students take on a median of $24,479 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,485 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,479 median debt. Freed Hardeman University admits about 60% of applicants. More on Freed Hardeman University
Piedmont International University landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. 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. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $32,864. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 40%. More on Piedmont International University
Johnson University offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Johnson University is a private not-for-profit school based in Knoxville, TN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $21,122. Johnson University Theological Ministerial Studies students take on a median of $23,250 in debt. Johnson University alumni report median earnings of $40,596 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,250 median debt. Johnson University has an acceptance rate of 65%. Read more about Johnson University
Harding University landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Searcy, AR, Harding University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $25,962. The median Theological Ministerial Studies program debt is $26,715. Median earnings reach $52,876 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,715 median debt. Harding University has an acceptance rate of 70%. More on Harding University
Nazarene Theological Seminary landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Kansas City, MO, Nazarene Theological Seminary is a private not-for-profit institution. See the full Nazarene Theological Seminary profile
Luther Seminary placed #26 among the best-value Theological Ministerial Studies schools in the United States. Based in Saint Paul, MN, Luther Seminary is a private not-for-profit institution. See the full Luther Seminary profile
Northwestern College Minnesota came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. Located in Saint Paul, MN, Northwestern College Minnesota is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $37,920. Northwestern College Minnesota Theological Ministerial Studies students take on a median of $22,000 in debt. Northwestern College Minnesota alumni report median earnings of $50,755 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northwestern College Minnesota has an acceptance rate of 94%. More on Northwestern College Minnesota
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Theological Ministerial Studies Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Lenoir Rhyne University offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Set in Hickory, NC, Lenoir Rhyne University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $31,900. The median Theological Ministerial Studies program debt is $26,900. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,543 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Lenoir Rhyne University admits about 85% of applicants. See the full Lenoir Rhyne University profile
Northwest Nazarene University offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Set in Nampa, ID, Northwest Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $40,824. Graduates carry a median of $27,562 in student loans. Median earnings reach $51,719 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northwest Nazarene University has an acceptance rate of 65%. Read more about Northwest Nazarene University
Criswell College offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Set in Dallas, TX, Criswell College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $15,750 in tuition and fees. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,185 ten years after entry. Criswell College has an acceptance rate of 100%. Read more about Criswell College
Bethel University Minnesota came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Based in Saint Paul, MN, Bethel University Minnesota is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $44,226 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,639 to complete their Theological Ministerial Studies program here. Median earnings reach $63,764 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,639 median debt. Bethel University Minnesota has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read the full report on Bethel University Minnesota
Kings University came in at #33 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. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,471. Set against $48,998 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Kings University admits about 61% of applicants. See the full Kings University profile
Valley Forge Christian College offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Phoenixville, PA. In-state tuition and fees run about $25,240. Graduates carry a median of $28,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $39,016 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $28,000 median debt. Valley Forge Christian College admits about 61% of applicants. Get the full Valley Forge Christian College report
Appalachian Bible College landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Mount Hope, WV. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,760. Graduates carry a median of $12,865 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,467. 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 #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Theological Ministerial Studies schools. Union Presbyterian Seminary is a private not-for-profit school based in Richmond, VA. More on Union Presbyterian Seminary
Liberty University landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Lynchburg, VA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,173. Liberty University Theological Ministerial Studies students take on a median of $27,414 in debt. Median earnings reach $44,813 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Liberty University
Northeastern Seminary landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. Northeastern Seminary is a private not-for-profit school based in Rochester, NY. Read more about Northeastern Seminary
Colorado Christian University placed #40 among the best-value Theological Ministerial Studies schools in the United States. Colorado Christian University is a private not-for-profit school based in Lakewood, CO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $28,846. The median Theological Ministerial Studies program debt is $36,092. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,416. Set against $36,092 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Colorado Christian University
Lancaster Bible College came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Based in Lancaster, PA, Lancaster Bible College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $29,990. The median Theological Ministerial Studies program debt is $28,507. Median earnings reach $44,096 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 56% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Lancaster Bible College report
Southwestern Assemblies Of God University came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Waxahachie, TX. 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. That is a strong return on a $28,248 median debt. Southwestern Assemblies Of God University admits about 89% of applicants. See the full Southwestern Assemblies Of God University profile
Western Seminary ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Theological Ministerial Studies schools. Set in Portland, OR, Western Seminary is a private not-for-profit institution. See the full Western Seminary profile
Mccormick Theological Seminary offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Mccormick Theological Seminary is a private not-for-profit school based in Chicago, IL. More on Mccormick Theological Seminary
University Of Dubuque ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Theological Ministerial Studies schools. University Of Dubuque is a private not-for-profit school based in Dubuque, IA. In-state tuition and fees run about $42,095. Typical Theological Ministerial Studies student debt is $27,204. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,190 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,204 median debt. University Of Dubuque admits about 89% of applicants. More on University Of Dubuque
Mid America Christian University offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Mid America Christian University is a private not-for-profit school based in Oklahoma City, OK. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $21,294. Typical Theological Ministerial Studies student debt is $41,422. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,116 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $41,422 median debt. About 92% of those who apply are admitted. More on Mid America Christian University
Hebrew Union College Jewish Institute Of Religion landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. Hebrew Union College Jewish Institute Of Religion is a private not-for-profit school based in New York, NY. Read the full report on Hebrew Union College Jewish Institute Of Religion
Dallas Theological Seminary landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Dallas, TX, Dallas Theological Seminary is a private not-for-profit institution. More on Dallas Theological Seminary
Columbia International University offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Columbia International University is a private not-for-profit school based in Columbia, SC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $27,900. The median Theological Ministerial Studies program debt is $21,667. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,951 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,667 median debt. About 94% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Columbia International University profile
Saint Josephs College Of Maine placed #50 among the best-value Theological Ministerial Studies schools in the United States. 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. The median Theological Ministerial Studies program debt is $26,625. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,045. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. More on Saint Josephs College Of Maine
Phillips Theological Seminary ranked #51 on our 2026 list of the best-value Theological Ministerial Studies schools. Set in Tulsa, OK, Phillips Theological Seminary is a private not-for-profit institution. More on Phillips Theological Seminary
Covenant Theological Seminary came in at #52 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Louis, MO. Read more about Covenant Theological Seminary
Seattle University placed #53 among the best-value Theological Ministerial Studies schools in the United States. Based in Seattle, WA, Seattle University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $56,721. Typical Theological Ministerial Studies student debt is $22,289. Median earnings reach $75,272 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,289 median debt. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. More on Seattle University
Evangel University landed the #53 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Springfield, MO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $28,548. Typical Theological Ministerial Studies student debt is $24,876. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,573 ten years after entry. Set against $24,876 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Evangel University report
Related Theological Ministerial Studies Value Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best Value Theological Ministerial Studies Schools (All Levels)
- 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 Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published 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
- 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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