by our College Data Analytics Team
[Religious Studies](/majors/philosophy-and-religious-studies/religious-studies/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 124 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for religious studies students.
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If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the religious studies degrees they offer, see the list below.
Our analysis ranked Hebrew Theological College the best value for a degree in religious studies in the Great Lakes Region. Located in the city of Skokie, Hebrew Theological College is a small private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $15,150. Median earnings reach $33,291 ten years out. The acceptance rate is 57%.
Andrews University came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value religious studies schools. Set in the town of Berrien Springs, Andrews University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $35,056. Students borrow a median of $26,314 to complete the religious studies program here. Early-career religious studies graduates make about $62,634. Set against $26,314 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Wabash College earned it the #3 place for religious studies. Wabash College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the town of Crawfordsville. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $50,800. Typical student debt for religious studies graduates is $27,000. Early-career religious studies graduates make about $26,455. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 63%.
A rank of #4 makes Cornerstone University one of the best values for religious studies. Cornerstone University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Grand Rapids. In-state tuition and fees average $23,000. Typical student debt for religious studies graduates is $29,243. Early-career religious studies graduates make about $44,501. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Ohio Christian University earned it the #5 place for religious studies. 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. Religious Studies graduates carry a median of $31,021 in student loans. Early-career religious studies graduates make about $31,410. Set against $31,021 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 38% of applicants are accepted.
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Franciscan University Of Steubenville ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value religious studies schools. Franciscan University Of Steubenville is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Steubenville. In-state tuition and fees average $34,100. Religious Studies graduates carry a median of $25,029 in student loans. Religious Studies graduates of Franciscan University Of Steubenville earn a median of $43,020 early in their careers. Set against $25,029 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Franciscan University Of Steubenville admits about 58% of applicants.
The ranking above is published 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 · 124 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 1 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.