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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2026 Best Religion/Religious Studies Schools

23 Colleges in the United States
1,042 Religion/Religious Studies Degrees Awarded
$49,352 Avg Early-Career Salary

Religion/Religious Studies programs are offered at a focused set of schools across the country. A focused field like this rewards careful comparison of the schools that offer it.

To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 581 schools to find the best for religion/religious studies students.

What’s on this page:

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Choosing a Great Religion/Religious Studies School

Best Religion/Religious Studies Schools

Where you study religion/religious studies matters for your future. That is why we built our Best Religion/Religious Studies Schools rankings. For our Best Overall Religion/Religious Studies School ranking, we roll up the results of our degree-level rankings, weighted by the number of degrees awarded at that level.

In order to find the schools that are the best fit for you, you may want to filter to one of the degree levels below.

Religion/Religious Studies Rankings by Degree Level

Associate's Degrees in Religion/Religious Studies
Bachelor's Degrees in Religion/Religious Studies
Master's Degrees in Religion/Religious Studies
Doctoral Degrees in Religion/Religious Studies

Since the program you select can have a significant impact on your future, we have developed a number of rankings, including this Best Religion/Religious Studies Schools list, to help you choose. Want schools in a particular part of the country? Narrow the list by region or state.

To further help you make the college decision, we have developed a unique tool called College Combat that lets you compare schools on the factors that matter most to you.

Learn more about our methodology

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Best Schools for Religion/Religious Studies in the United States

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest overall religion/religious studies education, regardless of degree level.

Top Schools in Religion/Religious Studies

1

University Of Virginia Main Campus tops our 2026 ranking of the best religion/religious studies schools. This very large public university is located in the suburb of Charlottesville. The six-year graduation rate is 96%. University Of Virginia Main Campus awarded about 30 religion/religious studies degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the religion/religious studies program make about $25,260 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $18,267 to complete this degree. See the full religion/religious studies program report for University Of Virginia Main Campus

2
Yale University crest
Yale University
New Haven, CT

Yale University is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in religion/religious studies, landing the #2 spot this year. Set in the city of New Haven, Yale University is a large private not-for-profit institution. Yale University graduates 96% of students within six years. About 23 religion/religious studies degrees were awarded at Yale University in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, religion/religious studies degree recipients from Yale University generally make around $74,578. Students borrow a median of $14,357 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in religion/religious studies from Yale University

3

Columbia University In The City Of New York is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in religion/religious studies, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the city of New York, Columbia University In The City Of New York is a very large private not-for-profit university. The six-year graduation rate is 96%. There were roughly 17 religion/religious studies students who graduated with this degree at Columbia University In The City Of New York in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, religion/religious studies degree recipients from Columbia University In The City Of New York generally make around $86,770. Typical student debt for the program is $23,258. See the full religion/religious studies program report for Columbia University In The City Of New York

4
Harvard University crest
Harvard University
Cambridge, MA

Harvard University is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in religion/religious studies, landing the #4 spot this year. This very large private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Cambridge. The six-year graduation rate is 98%. There were roughly 31 religion/religious studies students who graduated with this degree at Harvard University in the most recent data year. Students who receive their religion/religious studies degree from Harvard University earn around $95,207 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $16,616. More information about a degree in religion/religious studies from Harvard University

5

University Of St Thomas Minnesota is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in religion/religious studies, landing the #5 spot this year. University Of St Thomas Minnesota is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Saint Paul. University Of St Thomas Minnesota graduates 77% of students within six years. There were roughly 34 religion/religious studies students who graduated with this degree at University Of St Thomas Minnesota in the most recent data year. Students who receive their religion/religious studies degree from University Of St Thomas Minnesota earn around $27,496 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $19,500 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in religion/religious studies from University Of St Thomas Minnesota

6

Bethel University Minnesota earned the #6 position for religion/religious studies this year. Set in the suburb of Saint Paul, Bethel University Minnesota is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 71%. About 13 religion/religious studies degrees were awarded at Bethel University Minnesota in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, religion/religious studies degree recipients from Bethel University Minnesota generally make around $61,465. Typical student debt for the program is $25,639. See the full religion/religious studies program report for Bethel University Minnesota

7
Duke University crest
Duke University
Durham, NC

Duke University placed #7 among the best religion/religious studies schools. This large private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Durham. Roughly 97% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 14 religion/religious studies students who graduated with this degree at Duke University in the most recent data year. Religion/religious Studies graduates of Duke University earn a median of $39,956 early in their careers. Duke University graduates carry a median of $13,296 in student loans. More information about a degree in religion/religious studies from Duke University

8

Baylor University earned the #8 position for religion/religious studies this year. Set in the city of Waco, Baylor University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. About 80% of students finish within six years. Baylor University awarded about 32 religion/religious studies degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, religion/religious studies degree recipients from Baylor University generally make around $31,672. Typical student debt for the program is $25,612. See the full religion/religious studies program report for Baylor University

9
Emory University crest
Emory University
Atlanta, GA

Emory University earned the #9 position for religion/religious studies this year. Emory University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Atlanta. The six-year graduation rate is 91%. Emory University awarded about 17 religion/religious studies degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, religion/religious studies degree recipients from Emory University generally make around $58,984. Emory University graduates carry a median of $19,431 in student loans. More information about a degree in religion/religious studies from Emory University

10

University Of Georgia came in at #10 for religion/religious studies this year. Located in the city of Athens, University Of Georgia is a very large public university. The six-year graduation rate is 90%. University Of Georgia awarded about 18 religion/religious studies degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, religion/religious studies degree recipients from University Of Georgia generally make around $53,546. University Of Georgia graduates carry a median of $21,792 in student loans. See the full religion/religious studies program report for University Of Georgia

11

University Of California Santa Barbara landed the #11 spot for religion/religious studies this year. Set in the suburb of Santa Barbara, University Of California Santa Barbara is a very large public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 83%. There were roughly 31 religion/religious studies students who graduated with this degree at University Of California Santa Barbara in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, religion/religious studies degree recipients from University Of California Santa Barbara generally make around $19,911. University Of California Santa Barbara graduates carry a median of $15,873 in student loans. Read more about the religion/religious studies program at University Of California Santa Barbara

12

Vanguard University Of Southern California came in at #12 for religion/religious studies this year. Vanguard University Of Southern California is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Costa Mesa. About 57% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 18 religion/religious studies students who graduated with this degree at Vanguard University Of Southern California in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, religion/religious studies degree recipients from Vanguard University Of Southern California generally make around $80,727. Typical student debt for the program is $21,111. Read more about the religion/religious studies program at Vanguard University Of Southern California

13
Mount St Marys College crest
Mount St Marys College
Los Angeles, CA

Mount St Marys College ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best religion/religious studies schools. This mid-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Los Angeles. Mount St Marys College graduates 48% of students within six years. About 13 religion/religious studies degrees were awarded at Mount St Marys College in the most recent year. Students who receive their religion/religious studies degree from Mount St Marys College earn around $58,110 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $27,555. Read more about the religion/religious studies program at Mount St Marys College

14

University Of Central Florida landed the #14 spot for religion/religious studies this year. This very large public university is located in the suburb of Orlando. University Of Central Florida graduates 78% of students within six years. University Of Central Florida awarded about 12 religion/religious studies degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, religion/religious studies degree recipients from University Of Central Florida generally make around $51,790. Students borrow a median of $21,620 to complete this degree. Get the full religion/religious studies details for University Of Central Florida

15

University Of North Carolina At Charlotte landed the #15 spot for religion/religious studies this year. Set in the city of Charlotte, University Of North Carolina At Charlotte is a very large public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 69%. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte awarded about 14 religion/religious studies degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the religion/religious studies program make about $31,123 in their early career. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte graduates carry a median of $24,621 in student loans. See the full religion/religious studies program report for University Of North Carolina At Charlotte

16

Catholic University Of America ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best religion/religious studies schools. Set in the city of Washington, Catholic University Of America is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Catholic University Of America graduates 80% of students within six years. There were roughly 10 religion/religious studies students who graduated with this degree at Catholic University Of America in the most recent data year. Graduates of the religion/religious studies program make about $65,120 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $25,771 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in religion/religious studies from Catholic University Of America

17

Arizona State University Skysong landed the #17 spot for religion/religious studies this year. Located in the city of Scottsdale, Arizona State University Skysong is a very large public university. There were roughly 15 religion/religious studies students who graduated with this degree at Arizona State University Skysong in the most recent data year. Students who receive their religion/religious studies degree from Arizona State University Skysong earn around $55,793 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $20,542 to complete this degree. See the full religion/religious studies program report for Arizona State University Skysong

18
Grove City College crest
Grove City College
Grove City, PA

Grove City College came in at #18 for religion/religious studies this year. This mid-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the town of Grove City. The six-year graduation rate is 83%. There were roughly 16 religion/religious studies students who graduated with this degree at Grove City College in the most recent data year. Read more about the religion/religious studies program at Grove City College

19

American Public University System ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best religion/religious studies schools. This very large private for-profit university is located in the town of Charles Town. American Public University System graduates 47% of students within six years. About 27 religion/religious studies degrees were awarded at American Public University System in the most recent year. Students who receive their religion/religious studies degree from American Public University System earn around $57,404 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $21,000 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in religion/religious studies from American Public University System

20
Liberty University crest
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA

Liberty University landed the #20 spot for religion/religious studies this year. This very large private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Lynchburg. The six-year graduation rate is 67%. Liberty University awarded about 532 religion/religious studies degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the religion/religious studies program make about $37,753 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $32,873 to complete this degree. Get the full religion/religious studies details for Liberty University

21

Missouri State University Springfield came in at #21 for religion/religious studies this year. This very large public university is located in the city of Springfield. Missouri State University Springfield graduates 58% of students within six years. About 21 religion/religious studies degrees were awarded at Missouri State University Springfield in the most recent year. Graduates of the religion/religious studies program make about $22,133 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $26,349. See the full religion/religious studies program report for Missouri State University Springfield

22
Wabash College crest
Wabash College
Crawfordsville, IN

Wabash College ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best religion/religious studies schools. Set in the town of Crawfordsville, Wabash College is a small private not-for-profit institution. Wabash College graduates 77% of students within six years. About 10 religion/religious studies degrees were awarded at Wabash College in the most recent year. Students who receive their religion/religious studies degree from Wabash College earn around $26,455 in the first couple years of their career. Wabash College graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. See the full religion/religious studies program report for Wabash College

23
Andrews University crest
Andrews University
Berrien Springs, MI

Andrews University ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best religion/religious studies schools. Andrews University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the town of Berrien Springs. Andrews University graduates 72% of students within six years. Andrews University awarded about 19 religion/religious studies degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the religion/religious studies program make about $62,634 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $26,314. Read more about the religion/religious studies program at Andrews University

24
Saint Leo University crest
Saint Leo University
Saint Leo, FL

Saint Leo University landed the #24 spot for religion/religious studies this year. Set in the town of Saint Leo, Saint Leo University is a large private not-for-profit institution. Saint Leo University graduates 44% of students within six years. Saint Leo University awarded about 11 religion/religious studies degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the religion/religious studies program make about $49,458 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $39,471. More information about a degree in religion/religious studies from Saint Leo University

25

Faith Evangelical College And Seminary landed the #25 spot for religion/religious studies this year. Faith Evangelical College And Seminary is a small private not-for-profit school located in the city of Tacoma. Faith Evangelical College And Seminary graduates 25% of students within six years. There were roughly 26 religion/religious studies students who graduated with this degree at Faith Evangelical College And Seminary in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, religion/religious studies degree recipients from Faith Evangelical College And Seminary generally make around $42,103. Faith Evangelical College And Seminary graduates carry a median of $17,813 in student loans. Read more about the religion/religious studies program at Faith Evangelical College And Seminary

Rest of the Top 28 Religion/Religious Studies Schools

Not far behind, these schools also delivered a strong religion/religious studies education:

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Religion/Religious Studies by Region

View the Best Religion/Religious Studies Schools for a specific region near you.

Region
Southeast
New England
Rocky Mountains
Plains States
Middle Atlantic
Far Western US
Southwest
Great Lakes

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Religion/Religious Studies is one of many programs to choose from within the area of study. Browse the parent area of study.

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Notes and References

This list is compiled 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 · 581 schools evaluated.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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