2026 Best Religious Education Schools in the Great Lakes Region

1

Wheaton College Illinois
Wheaton, IL

Our analysis ranked Wheaton College Illinois the best school in the country for a degree in religious education. Set in the suburb of Wheaton, Wheaton College Illinois is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 85%. About 44 religious education degrees were awarded at Wheaton College Illinois in the most recent year. Graduates of the religious education program make about $37,880 in their early career. Wheaton College Illinois graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. See the full religious education program report for Wheaton College Illinois

2

North Park University
Chicago, IL

A rank of #2 makes North Park University one of the top schools for religious education. Set in the city of Chicago, North Park University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 58%. About 24 religious education degrees were awarded at North Park University in the most recent year. Students who receive their religious education degree from North Park University earn around $51,611 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $27,360 to complete this degree. Read more about the religious education program at North Park University

3

Mount Vernon Nazarene University
Mount Vernon, OH

Mount Vernon Nazarene University came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best religious education schools. This mid-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the town of Mount Vernon. Mount Vernon Nazarene University graduates 68% of students within six years. Mount Vernon Nazarene University awarded about 27 religious education degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, religious education degree recipients from Mount Vernon Nazarene University generally make around $53,377. Mount Vernon Nazarene University graduates carry a median of $26,602 in student loans. See the full religious education program report for Mount Vernon Nazarene University

4

Moody Bible Institute
Chicago, IL

Moody Bible Institute is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in religious education, ranking #4. Set in the city of Chicago, Moody Bible Institute is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Moody Bible Institute graduates 62% of students within six years. About 26 religious education degrees were awarded at Moody Bible Institute in the most recent year. Graduates of the religious education program make about $30,671 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $14,000. See the full religious education program report for Moody Bible Institute

5

Franciscan University Of Steubenville
Steubenville, OH

Franciscan University Of Steubenville came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best religious education schools. This mid-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Steubenville. About 75% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 30 religious education students who graduated with this degree at Franciscan University Of Steubenville in the most recent data year. Students who receive their religious education degree from Franciscan University Of Steubenville earn around $35,803 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $26,980 to complete this degree. Read more about the religious education program at Franciscan University Of Steubenville

6

Trinity International University Illinois
Deerfield, IL

Trinity International University Illinois came in at #6 for religious education this year. Trinity International University Illinois is a small private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Deerfield. The six-year graduation rate is 46%. There were roughly 19 religious education students who graduated with this degree at Trinity International University Illinois in the most recent data year. Students who receive their religious education degree from Trinity International University Illinois earn around $31,903 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $32,934 to complete this degree. Read more about the religious education program at Trinity International University Illinois