by our College Data Analytics Team
[Missionary Studies](/majors/theology-and-religious-vocations/missionary-studies/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 126 schools to find the best return on investment for missionary studies students.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in missionary studies, balancing cost against outcomes.
For return on investment in missionary studies, no school beat The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary this year. Located in the city of Louisville, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $11,046 in tuition and fees. Early-career missionary studies graduates make about $74,388. Roughly 56% of applicants are accepted.
Students looking for strong value in missionary studies will find it at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, which ranked #2. New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of New Orleans. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,368.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Columbia International University earned it the #3 place for missionary studies. Set in the city of Columbia, Columbia International University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $27,900 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $21,667 to complete the missionary studies program here. Early-career missionary studies graduates make about $32,296. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Columbia International University admits about 94% of applicants.
Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary is a great value for students pursuing a degree in missionary studies, landing the #4 spot this year. Located in the city of Kansas City, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,530. Missionary Studies graduates carry a median of $7,733 in student loans. Soon after graduation, missionary studies degree recipients from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary generally make around $39,368. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 96%.
Bethany Global University came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value missionary studies schools. Located in the city of Bloomington, Bethany Global University is a small private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,000. Missionary Studies graduates carry a median of $13,276 in student loans. Early-career missionary studies graduates make about $19,456. Bethany Global University admits about 93% of applicants.
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Colorado Christian University came in at #6 for value in missionary studies this year. Set in the suburb of Lakewood, Colorado Christian University is a large private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $28,846 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for missionary studies graduates is $36,092. Early-career missionary studies graduates make about $47,333. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Asbury Theological Seminary landed the #7 spot for missionary studies value this year. Asbury Theological Seminary is a small private not-for-profit school located in the town of Wilmore. Soon after graduation, missionary studies degree recipients from Asbury Theological Seminary generally make around $44,082.
Wheaton College Illinois ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value missionary studies schools. Set in the suburb of Wheaton, Wheaton College Illinois is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $45,546. Missionary Studies graduates carry a median of $23,292 in student loans. Missionary Studies graduates of Wheaton College Illinois earn a median of $43,654 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 87%.
Calvin Theological Seminary ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best value missionary studies schools. Located in the city of Grand Rapids, Calvin Theological Seminary is a small private not-for-profit university.
Fuller Theological Seminary In California earned the #10 position for value in missionary studies this year. Set in the city of Pasadena, Fuller Theological Seminary In California is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Soon after graduation, missionary studies degree recipients from Fuller Theological Seminary In California generally make around $60,724.
Explore the best-value missionary studies schools at other degree levels:
This list is compiled 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 · 126 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 6 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.