2026 Best Value Religion/Religious Studies Master’s Degree Schools

1

Harvard University
Cambridge, MA

Leading the list is Harvard University, our #1 best value for religion/religious studies in the United States. Set in the city of Cambridge, Harvard University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $61,676. Typical student debt for religion/religious studies graduates is $16,616. Soon after graduation, religion/religious studies degree recipients from Harvard University generally make around $95,207. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 4%.

2

Columbia University In The City Of New York
New York, NY

Columbia University In The City Of New York came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value religion/religious studies schools. Columbia University In The City Of New York is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of New York. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $70,517. Religion/religious Studies graduates carry a median of $23,258 in student loans. Soon after graduation, religion/religious studies degree recipients from Columbia University In The City Of New York generally make around $86,770. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 4%.

3

Cornerstone University
Grand Rapids, MI

Students looking for strong value in religion/religious studies will find it at Cornerstone University, which ranked #3. Set in the city of Grand Rapids, Cornerstone University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $23,000. Typical student debt for religion/religious studies graduates is $29,243. Early-career religion/religious studies graduates make about $44,501. Set against $29,243 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 78%.

4

Yale University
New Haven, CT

Yale University came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value religion/religious studies schools. Located in the city of New Haven, Yale University is a large private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,250. Typical student debt for religion/religious studies graduates is $14,357. Religion/religious Studies graduates of Yale University earn a median of $74,578 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 4%.

5

Bethel University Minnesota
Saint Paul, MN

Students looking for strong value in religion/religious studies will find it at Bethel University Minnesota, which ranked #5. Set in the suburb of Saint Paul, Bethel University Minnesota is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $44,226. Typical student debt for religion/religious studies graduates is $25,639. Soon after graduation, religion/religious studies degree recipients from Bethel University Minnesota generally make around $61,465. Set against $25,639 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Bethel University Minnesota admits about 88% of applicants.

6

Denver Seminary
Littleton, CO

Denver Seminary landed the #6 spot for religion/religious studies value this year. Set in the suburb of Littleton, Denver Seminary is a small private not-for-profit institution. Religion/religious Studies graduates of Denver Seminary earn a median of $46,243 early in their careers.

7

Selma University
Selma, AL

Selma University earned the #7 position for value in religion/religious studies this year. Located in the town of Selma, Selma University is a small private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,800.

8

University Of St Thomas Minnesota
Saint Paul, MN

University Of St Thomas Minnesota landed the #8 spot for religion/religious studies value this year. Located in the city of Saint Paul, University Of St Thomas Minnesota is a large private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $54,398 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for religion/religious studies graduates is $19,500. Soon after graduation, religion/religious studies degree recipients from University Of St Thomas Minnesota generally make around $27,496. Set against $19,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted.

9

Trinity Episcopal School For Ministry
Ambridge, PA

Trinity Episcopal School For Ministry ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best value religion/religious studies schools. Trinity Episcopal School For Ministry is a small private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Ambridge.

10

Duke University
Durham, NC

Duke University placed #10 among the best values for religion/religious studies. Located in the city of Durham, Duke University is a large private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $68,758 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $13,296 to complete the religion/religious studies program here. Soon after graduation, religion/religious studies degree recipients from Duke University generally make around $39,956. Set against $13,296 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Duke University admits about 6% of applicants.

11

Santa Clara University
Santa Clara, CA

Santa Clara University placed #11 among the best values for religion/religious studies. Located in the city of Santa Clara, Santa Clara University is a large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $61,293. Students borrow a median of $20,144 to complete the religion/religious studies program here. Soon after graduation, religion/religious studies degree recipients from Santa Clara University generally make around $79,380. That is a strong return on a $20,144 median debt. Santa Clara University admits about 48% of applicants.