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2026 Best Value Youth Ministry Schools in the Great Lakes Region
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in youth ministry, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value Youth Ministry Schools
Andrews University tops our 2026 list of the best value youth ministry schools in the Great Lakes Region. Set in the town of Berrien Springs, Andrews University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $35,056. Students borrow a median of $26,314 to complete the youth ministry program here. Early-career youth ministry graduates make about $57,865. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 82%.
Grace College And Theological Seminary is a great value for students pursuing a degree in youth ministry, landing the #2 spot this year. Located in the town of Winona Lake, Grace College And Theological Seminary is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $29,645. Students borrow a median of $25,500 to complete the youth ministry program here. Early-career youth ministry graduates make about $34,513. Set against $25,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Cornerstone University earned it the #3 place for youth ministry. Set in the city of Grand Rapids, Cornerstone University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $23,000. Typical student debt for youth ministry graduates is $29,243. Early-career youth ministry graduates make about $44,501. That is a strong return on a $29,243 median debt. The acceptance rate is 78%.
Indiana Wesleyan University came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value youth ministry schools. Indiana Wesleyan University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the town of Marion. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $32,352. Youth Ministry graduates carry a median of $24,221 in student loans. Soon after graduation, youth ministry degree recipients from Indiana Wesleyan University generally make around $31,281. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 89%.
A rank of #5 makes Taylor University one of the best values for youth ministry. 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. Youth Ministry graduates carry a median of $21,832 in student loans. Soon after graduation, youth ministry degree recipients from Taylor University generally make around $37,035. That is a strong return on a $21,832 median debt. The acceptance rate is 74%.
ADBLOCK #101
Maranatha Baptist Bible College came in at #6 for value in youth ministry this year. Maranatha Baptist Bible College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the town of Watertown. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $21,550. Early-career youth ministry graduates make about $56,298. The acceptance rate is 72%.
Moody Bible Institute came in at #7 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. In-state tuition and fees average $15,786. Typical student debt for youth ministry graduates is $12,000. Youth Ministry graduates of Moody Bible Institute earn a median of $35,426 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Moody Bible Institute admits about 83% of applicants.
Valor Christian College came in at #8 for value in youth ministry this year. Set in the city of Canal Winchester, Valor Christian College is a small private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,612. Students borrow a median of $17,635 to complete the youth ministry program here. Soon after graduation, youth ministry degree recipients from Valor Christian College generally make around $29,571.
Narrow Youth Ministry Schools by State
[Youth Ministry](/majors/theology-and-religious-vocations/pastoral-counseling-specialized-ministries/youth-ministry/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
