by our College Data Analytics Team
[Youth Ministry](/majors/theology-and-religious-vocations/pastoral-counseling-specialized-ministries/youth-ministry/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
College Factual analyzed 97 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value youth ministry schools.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in youth ministry, balancing cost against outcomes.
Our analysis ranked Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary the best value for a degree in youth ministry in the United States. Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Wake Forest. In-state tuition and fees average $11,318. Early-career youth ministry graduates make about $54,863. The acceptance rate is 75%.
Andrews University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in youth ministry, landing the #2 spot this year. Andrews University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the town of Berrien Springs. In-state tuition and fees average $35,056. Typical student debt for youth ministry graduates is $26,314. Youth Ministry graduates of Andrews University earn a median of $57,865 early in their careers. Set against $26,314 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted.
Grace College And Theological Seminary is a great value for students pursuing a degree in youth ministry, landing the #3 spot this year. Grace College And Theological Seminary is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the town of Winona Lake. In-state tuition and fees average $29,645. Students borrow a median of $25,500 to complete the youth ministry program here. Youth Ministry graduates of Grace College And Theological Seminary earn a median of $43,966 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted.
Vanguard University Of Southern California came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value youth ministry schools. Located in the city of Costa Mesa, Vanguard University Of Southern California is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $41,700. Students borrow a median of $21,111 to complete the youth ministry program here. Soon after graduation, youth ministry degree recipients from Vanguard University Of Southern California generally make around $80,727. That is a strong return on a $21,111 median debt. Vanguard University Of Southern California admits about 62% of applicants.
Students looking for strong value in youth ministry will find it at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, which ranked #5. 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 youth ministry graduates make about $74,388. Roughly 56% of applicants are accepted.
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New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary placed #6 among the best values for youth ministry. Set in the city of New Orleans, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,368.
Milligan College placed #7 among the best values for youth ministry. Set in the suburb of Milligan, Milligan College is a small private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $40,450. Typical student debt for youth ministry graduates is $26,150. Soon after graduation, youth ministry degree recipients from Milligan College generally make around $64,327. That is a strong return on a $26,150 median debt. The acceptance rate is 72%.
Maranatha Baptist Bible College earned the #8 position 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. Soon after graduation, youth ministry degree recipients from Maranatha Baptist Bible College generally make around $56,298. The acceptance rate is 72%.
Asbury Theological Seminary ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best value youth ministry schools. Set in the town of Wilmore, Asbury Theological Seminary is a small private not-for-profit institution. Early-career youth ministry graduates make about $44,082.
Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best value youth ministry schools. Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary is a small private not-for-profit school located in the city of Austin. Youth Ministry graduates of Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary earn a median of $56,922 early in their careers.
Dallas Baptist University ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best value youth ministry schools. Dallas Baptist University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Dallas. Students from in state pay about $40,190 in tuition and fees. Youth Ministry graduates carry a median of $22,819 in student loans. Youth Ministry graduates of Dallas Baptist University earn a median of $40,502 early in their careers. Set against $22,819 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Dallas Baptist University admits about 89% of applicants.
Southeastern University placed #12 among the best values for youth ministry. Set in the city of Lakeland, Southeastern University is a large private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $32,950 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for youth ministry graduates is $26,000. Youth Ministry graduates of Southeastern University earn a median of $35,209 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 53% of applicants are accepted.
Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary landed the #13 spot for youth ministry value this year. Located in the suburb of South Hamilton, Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary is a small private not-for-profit university. Early-career youth ministry graduates make about $41,332.
Explore the best-value youth ministry schools at other degree levels:
The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 97 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 1 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.