by our College Data Analytics Team
[Christian Studies](/majors/philosophy-and-religious-studies/religious-studies/christian-studies/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong christian studies education at a price that pays off.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 91 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for christian studies students.
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Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in christian studies, balancing cost against outcomes.
For return on investment in christian studies, no school beat Andrews University this year. Located in the town of Berrien Springs, Andrews University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $35,056. Christian Studies graduates carry a median of $26,314 in student loans. Early-career christian studies graduates make about $62,634. That is a strong return on a $26,314 median debt. The acceptance rate is 82%.
Students looking for strong value in christian studies will find it at Wayland Baptist University, which ranked #2. Wayland Baptist University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the town of Plainview. Students from in state pay about $23,782 in tuition and fees. Christian Studies graduates carry a median of $30,204 in student loans. Christian Studies graduates of Wayland Baptist University earn a median of $51,930 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $30,204 median debt. The acceptance rate is 56%.
Ohio Christian University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in christian studies, landing the #3 spot this year. Ohio Christian University is a small private not-for-profit school located in the rural area of Circleville. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $19,190. Students borrow a median of $37,000 to complete the christian studies program here. Christian Studies graduates of Ohio Christian University earn a median of $31,410 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $37,000 median debt. Ohio Christian University admits about 38% of applicants.
Students looking for strong value in christian studies will find it at California Baptist University, which ranked #4. California Baptist University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Riverside. Students from in state pay about $41,228 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for christian studies graduates is $24,474. Christian Studies graduates of California Baptist University earn a median of $29,582 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California Baptist University admits about 85% of applicants.
Students looking for strong value in christian studies will find it at Anderson University Sc, which ranked #5. Anderson University Sc is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Anderson. Students from in state pay about $34,970 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for christian studies graduates is $28,034. Soon after graduation, christian studies degree recipients from Anderson University Sc generally make around $49,036. Set against $28,034 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Anderson University Sc admits about 55% of applicants.
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Liberty University came in at #6 for value in christian studies this year. Liberty University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Lynchburg. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,173. Christian Studies graduates carry a median of $36,495 in student loans. Early-career christian studies graduates make about $38,540. Set against $36,495 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Liberty University admits about 99% of applicants.
Looking for a different degree level? Compare best-value Christian Studies rankings across degree levels:
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 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 · 91 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 2 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.