by our College Data Analytics Team
[Divinity/Ministry](/majors/theology-and-religious-vocations/theological-ministerial-studies/divinity-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.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 31 schools to find the best return on investment for divinity/ministry students.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in divinity/ministry, balancing cost against outcomes.
Leading the list is Azusa Pacific University, our #1 best value for divinity/ministry in California. Azusa Pacific University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Azusa. Students from in state pay about $44,458 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for divinity/ministry graduates is $23,709. Early-career divinity/ministry graduates make about $58,302. That is a strong return on a $23,709 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%.
A rank of #2 makes Sum Bible College And Theological Seminary one of the best values for divinity/ministry. Located in the suburb of El Dorado Hills, Sum Bible College And Theological Seminary is a small private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,460. Divinity/ministry graduates carry a median of $29,299 in student loans. Soon after graduation, divinity/ministry degree recipients from Sum Bible College And Theological Seminary generally make around $26,407. That is a strong return on a $29,299 median debt. The acceptance rate is 41%.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Life Pacific College earned it the #3 place for divinity/ministry. Located in the suburb of San Dimas, Life Pacific College is a small private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $22,118. Students borrow a median of $22,521 to complete the divinity/ministry program here. Divinity/ministry graduates of Life Pacific College earn a median of $39,411 early in their careers. Set against $22,521 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at World Mission University earned it the #4 place for divinity/ministry. World Mission University is a small private not-for-profit school located in the city of Los Angeles. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,920.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Hope International University earned it the #5 place for divinity/ministry. Hope International University is a small private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Fullerton. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $38,125. Students borrow a median of $18,054 to complete the divinity/ministry program here. Early-career divinity/ministry graduates make about $50,661. That is a strong return on a $18,054 median debt. The acceptance rate is 33%.
Biola University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value divinity/ministry schools. Located in the suburb of La Mirada, Biola University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $48,984. Students borrow a median of $25,308 to complete the divinity/ministry program here. Divinity/ministry graduates of Biola University earn a median of $42,625 early in their careers. Set against $25,308 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Biola University admits about 74% of applicants.
The Masters College And Seminary earned the #7 position for value in divinity/ministry this year. Located in the suburb of Santa Clarita, The Masters College And Seminary is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $39,020. Divinity/ministry graduates carry a median of $23,774 in student loans. Early-career divinity/ministry graduates make about $55,300. That is a strong return on a $23,774 median debt. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted.
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Santa Clara University earned the #8 position for value in divinity/ministry this year. Set in the city of Santa Clara, Santa Clara University is a large private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $61,293. Divinity/ministry graduates carry a median of $20,144 in student loans. Divinity/ministry graduates of Santa Clara University earn a median of $79,380 early in their careers. Set against $20,144 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Santa Clara University admits about 48% of applicants.
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 · 31 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 4 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.