by our College Data Analytics Team
[Christian Studies](/majors/philosophy-and-religious-studies/religious-studies/christian-studies/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong christian studies education at a price that pays off.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 34 schools to find the best return on investment for christian studies students.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in christian studies, balancing cost against outcomes.
Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary tops our 2026 list of the best value christian studies schools in the Southeast Region. Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Wake Forest. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,318. Early-career christian studies graduates make about $54,863. Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary admits about 75% of applicants.
Anderson University Sc came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value christian studies schools. Set in the city of Anderson, Anderson University Sc is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,970. Students borrow a median of $28,034 to complete the christian studies program here. Christian Studies graduates of Anderson University Sc earn a median of $49,036 early in their careers. Set against $28,034 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 55% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #3 makes Liberty University one of the best values for christian studies. Set in the city of Lynchburg, Liberty University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,173. Typical student debt for christian studies graduates is $32,873. Early-career christian studies graduates make about $37,753. That is a strong return on a $32,873 median debt. The acceptance rate is 99%.
Duke University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in christian studies, landing the #4 spot this year. Set in the city of Durham, Duke University is a large private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,758. Students borrow a median of $13,296 to complete the christian studies program here. Early-career christian studies graduates make about $39,956. Set against $13,296 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 6% of applicants are accepted.
1
2
3
4
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 34 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 1 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.