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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2026 Best Religious Studies Schools in the The Plains States Region

3 Colleges in the United States
131 Religious Studies Degrees Awarded
$42,857 Avg Early-Career Salary

Religious Studies is a field worth a close look when choosing where to study. While the number of schools offering the program varies, there are still top-quality ones to be found.

College Factual analyzed 68 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best religious studies schools.

What’s on this page:

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Best Schools for Religious Studies in the The Plains States Region

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest overall religious studies education in the The Plains States Region.

Top Schools in Religious Studies

1

University Of St Thomas Minnesota is one of the finest schools in the country for getting a degree in religious studies. Set in the city of Saint Paul, University Of St Thomas Minnesota is a large private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 77% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 34 religious studies degrees were awarded at University Of St Thomas Minnesota in the most recent year. Graduates of the religious studies program make about $27,496 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $19,500. More information about a degree in religious studies from University Of St Thomas Minnesota

2

Bethel University Minnesota is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in religious studies, landing the #2 spot this year. Bethel University Minnesota is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Saint Paul. Roughly 71% of students complete a degree within six years here. Bethel University Minnesota awarded about 13 religious studies degrees in the most recent data year. Religious Studies graduates of Bethel University Minnesota earn a median of $61,465 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $25,639. Get the full religious studies details for Bethel University Minnesota

3
Crown College crest
Crown College
Saint Bonifacius, MN

Crown College is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in religious studies, landing the #3 spot this year. This small private not-for-profit university is located in the rural area of Saint Bonifacius. The six-year graduation rate is 44%. About 27 religious studies degrees were awarded at Crown College in the most recent year. Graduates of the religious studies program make about $56,689 in their early career. Crown College graduates carry a median of $29,537 in student loans. More information about a degree in religious studies from Crown College

4

Missouri State University Springfield is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in religious studies, landing the #4 spot this year. Missouri State University Springfield is a very large public school located in the city of Springfield. Missouri State University Springfield graduates 58% of students within six years. There were roughly 21 religious studies students who graduated with this degree at Missouri State University Springfield in the most recent data year. Students who receive their religious studies degree from Missouri State University Springfield earn around $22,133 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $26,349. More information about a degree in religious studies from Missouri State University Springfield

5
Friends University crest
Friends University
Wichita, KS

Friends University came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best religious studies schools. This mid-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Wichita. Friends University graduates 43% of students within six years. There were roughly 36 religious studies students who graduated with this degree at Friends University in the most recent data year. Graduates of the religious studies program make about $46,502 in their early career. Friends University graduates carry a median of $29,721 in student loans. See the full religious studies program report for Friends University

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Notes and References

The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and program focus, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 68 schools evaluated.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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