by our College Data Analytics Team
[Divinity/Ministry](/majors/theology-and-religious-vocations/theological-ministerial-studies/divinity-ministry/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
College Factual analyzed 15 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value divinity/ministry schools.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in divinity/ministry, balancing cost against outcomes.
Our analysis ranked Lancaster Bible College the best value for a degree in divinity/ministry in Pennsylvania. Located in the suburb of Lancaster, Lancaster Bible College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $29,990. Typical student debt for divinity/ministry graduates is $28,507. Early-career divinity/ministry graduates make about $35,130. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 56%.
Eastern University came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value divinity/ministry schools. Eastern University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Saint Davids. In-state tuition and fees average $38,400. Students borrow a median of $28,584 to complete the divinity/ministry program here. Divinity/ministry graduates of Eastern University earn a median of $47,185 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 91%.
Valley Forge Christian College came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value divinity/ministry schools. Valley Forge Christian College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Phoenixville. Students from in state pay about $25,240 in tuition and fees. Divinity/ministry graduates carry a median of $28,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, divinity/ministry degree recipients from Valley Forge Christian College generally make around $25,051. That is a strong return on a $28,000 median debt. Roughly 61% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #4 makes Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary Overbrook one of the best values for divinity/ministry. Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary Overbrook is a small private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Ambler. Students from in state pay about $25,774 in tuition and fees. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,225. The acceptance rate is 100%.
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The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 15 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 2 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.