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2026 Best Value Youth Ministry Schools in the United States
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the youth ministry degrees they offer, see the list below.
Best Value Youth Ministry Schools
Ozark Christian College tops our 2026 list of the best value youth ministry schools in the United States. Located in the city of Joplin, Ozark Christian College is a small private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $16,000 in tuition and fees. Youth Ministry graduates carry a median of $23,500 in student loans. Soon after graduation, youth ministry degree recipients from Ozark Christian College generally make around $26,422. That is a strong return on a $23,500 median debt. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted.
Grace College And Theological Seminary came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value youth ministry schools. Set in the town of Winona Lake, Grace College And Theological Seminary is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $29,645. Typical student debt for youth ministry graduates is $25,500. Youth Ministry graduates of Grace College And Theological Seminary earn a median of $25,060 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Grace College And Theological Seminary admits about 82% of applicants.
Southwestern Assemblies Of God University came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value youth ministry schools. Located in the suburb of Waxahachie, Southwestern Assemblies Of God University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $25,064. Students borrow a median of $26,750 to complete the youth ministry program here. Youth Ministry graduates of Southwestern Assemblies Of God University earn a median of $30,910 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Southwestern Assemblies Of God University admits about 89% of applicants.
Lee University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in youth ministry, landing the #4 spot this year. Located in the city of Cleveland, Lee University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $23,790 in tuition and fees. Youth Ministry graduates carry a median of $28,750 in student loans. Early-career youth ministry graduates make about $35,189. Set against $28,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 70%.
Students looking for strong value in youth ministry will find it at Lancaster Bible College, which ranked #5. Lancaster Bible College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Lancaster. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $29,990. Students borrow a median of $22,584 to complete the youth ministry program here. Soon after graduation, youth ministry degree recipients from Lancaster Bible College generally make around $35,130. That is a strong return on a $22,584 median debt. Lancaster Bible College admits about 56% of applicants.
ADBLOCK #101
Indiana Wesleyan University placed #6 among the best values for youth ministry. Indiana Wesleyan University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the town of Marion. Students from in state pay about $32,352 in tuition and fees. Youth Ministry graduates carry a median of $22,104 in student loans. Soon after graduation, youth ministry degree recipients from Indiana Wesleyan University generally make around $19,836. That is a strong return on a $22,104 median debt. Indiana Wesleyan University admits about 89% of applicants.
Cornerstone University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value youth ministry schools. Located in the city of Grand Rapids, Cornerstone University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $23,000. Students borrow a median of $29,243 to complete the youth ministry program here. Early-career youth ministry graduates make about $44,501. That is a strong return on a $29,243 median debt. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted.
Taylor University came in at #8 for value in youth ministry this year. Set in the rural area of Upland, Taylor University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $40,490 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $21,832 to complete the youth ministry program here. Early-career youth ministry graduates make about $37,035. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted.
Maranatha Baptist Bible College placed #9 among the best values for youth ministry. Set in the town of Watertown, Maranatha Baptist Bible College is a small private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $21,550 in tuition and fees. Early-career youth ministry graduates make about $56,298. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted.
Moody Bible Institute came in at #10 for value in youth ministry this year. Located in the city of Chicago, Moody Bible Institute is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,786. Youth Ministry graduates carry a median of $12,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, youth ministry degree recipients from Moody Bible Institute generally make around $35,426. Set against $12,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 83% of applicants are accepted.
[Youth Ministry](/majors/theology-and-religious-vocations/pastoral-counseling-specialized-ministries/youth-ministry/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
