2026 Best Pastoral Studies/Counseling Schools in the Southeast Region

1

The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
Louisville, KY

The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary is one of the finest schools in the country for getting a degree in pastoral studies/counseling. This moderately-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Louisville. The six-year graduation rate is 35%. There were roughly 24 pastoral studies/counseling students who graduated with this degree at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in the most recent data year. Students who receive their pastoral studies/counseling degree from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary earn around $74,388 in the first couple years of their career. See the full pastoral studies/counseling program report for The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

2

Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA

Liberty University is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in pastoral studies/counseling, landing the #2 spot this year. This very large private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Lynchburg. Roughly 67% of students complete a degree within six years here. Liberty University awarded about 102 pastoral studies/counseling degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their pastoral studies/counseling degree from Liberty University earn around $34,083 in the first couple years of their career. Liberty University graduates carry a median of $23,750 in student loans. Get the full pastoral studies/counseling details for Liberty University

3

New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary
New Orleans, LA

New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in pastoral studies/counseling, landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the city of New Orleans, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. About 70% of students finish within six years. About 32 pastoral studies/counseling degrees were awarded at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in the most recent year. Read more about the pastoral studies/counseling program at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary

4

Lee University
Cleveland, TN

Lee University is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in pastoral studies/counseling, ranking #4. This mid-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Cleveland. Roughly 63% of students complete a degree within six years here. Lee University awarded about 50 pastoral studies/counseling degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their pastoral studies/counseling degree from Lee University earn around $35,189 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $28,750 to complete this degree. Read more about the pastoral studies/counseling program at Lee University

5

Southeastern University
Lakeland, FL

Students looking for a strong pastoral studies/counseling program will find one at Southeastern University, which ranked #5. Southeastern University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Lakeland. The six-year graduation rate is 44%. There were roughly 24 pastoral studies/counseling students who graduated with this degree at Southeastern University in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, pastoral studies/counseling degree recipients from Southeastern University generally make around $35,209. Typical student debt for the program is $26,000. More information about a degree in pastoral studies/counseling from Southeastern University

6

Amridge University
Montgomery, AL

Amridge University placed #6 among the best pastoral studies/counseling schools. Set in the city of Montgomery, Amridge University is a small private not-for-profit institution. Amridge University graduates 100% of students within six years. Amridge University awarded about 15 pastoral studies/counseling degrees in the most recent data year. Pastoral Studies/counseling graduates of Amridge University earn a median of $46,125 early in their careers. More information about a degree in pastoral studies/counseling from Amridge University

7

Luther Rice University And Seminary
Lithonia, GA

Luther Rice University And Seminary ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best pastoral studies/counseling schools. Set in the suburb of Lithonia, Luther Rice University And Seminary is a small private not-for-profit institution. Luther Rice University And Seminary awarded about 25 pastoral studies/counseling degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the pastoral studies/counseling program make about $38,760 in their early career. Luther Rice University And Seminary graduates carry a median of $36,730 in student loans. More information about a degree in pastoral studies/counseling from Luther Rice University And Seminary

8

Asbury Theological Seminary
Wilmore, KY

Asbury Theological Seminary ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best pastoral studies/counseling schools. Located in the town of Wilmore, Asbury Theological Seminary is a small private not-for-profit university. Asbury Theological Seminary awarded about 12 pastoral studies/counseling degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the pastoral studies/counseling program make about $44,082 in their early career. Read more about the pastoral studies/counseling program at Asbury Theological Seminary