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2026 Best Value Lay Ministry Schools in the United States
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the lay ministry degrees they offer, see the list below.
Best Value Lay Ministry Schools
Andrews University tops our 2026 list of the best value lay ministry schools in the United States. 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. Lay Ministry graduates carry a median of $26,314 in student loans. Soon after graduation, lay ministry degree recipients from Andrews University generally make around $57,865. That is a strong return on a $26,314 median debt. Andrews University admits about 82% of applicants.
Students looking for strong value in lay ministry will find it at Grace College And Theological Seminary, which ranked #2. Located in the town of Winona Lake, Grace College And Theological Seminary is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $29,645. Students borrow a median of $25,500 to complete the lay ministry program here. Early-career lay ministry graduates make about $43,966. Set against $25,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted.
Students looking for strong value in lay ministry will find it at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, which ranked #3. Set in the city of Louisville, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,046. Lay Ministry graduates of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary earn a median of $74,388 early in their careers. The acceptance rate is 56%.
Regent University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in lay ministry, landing the #4 spot this year. Set in the city of Virginia Beach, Regent University is a large private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $21,650. Lay Ministry graduates carry a median of $35,500 in student loans. Lay Ministry graduates of Regent University earn a median of $33,407 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $35,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 38%.
A rank of #5 makes Bethel University Minnesota one of the best values for lay ministry. Bethel University Minnesota is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Saint Paul. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $44,226. Typical student debt for lay ministry graduates is $25,639. Lay Ministry graduates of Bethel University Minnesota earn a median of $45,641 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Bethel University Minnesota admits about 88% of applicants.
ADBLOCK #101
University Of St Thomas Minnesota came in at #6 for value in lay ministry 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 lay ministry graduates is $23,923. Early-career lay ministry graduates make about $65,183. That is a strong return on a $23,923 median debt. University Of St Thomas Minnesota admits about 85% of applicants.
Dallas Baptist University came in at #7 for value in lay ministry this year. Set in the city of Dallas, Dallas Baptist University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $40,190. Students borrow a median of $22,819 to complete the lay ministry program here. Soon after graduation, lay ministry degree recipients from Dallas Baptist University generally make around $48,822. That is a strong return on a $22,819 median debt. Dallas Baptist University admits about 89% of applicants.
The Masters College And Seminary ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value lay ministry schools. The Masters College And Seminary is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Santa Clarita. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $39,020. Typical student debt for lay ministry graduates is $22,089. Lay Ministry graduates of The Masters College And Seminary earn a median of $46,541 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $22,089 median debt. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted.
Saint Johns Seminary earned the #9 position for value in lay ministry this year. Set in the city of Brighton, Saint Johns Seminary is a small private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $30,642.
Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best value lay ministry schools. Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary is a small private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of South Hamilton. Lay Ministry graduates of Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary earn a median of $41,332 early in their careers.
[Lay Ministry](/majors/theology-and-religious-vocations/pastoral-counseling-specialized-ministries/lay-ministry/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
