by our College Data Analytics Team
[Divinity/Ministry](/majors/theology-and-religious-vocations/theological-ministerial-studies/divinity-ministry/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong divinity/ministry education at a price that pays off.
College Factual analyzed 11 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 Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary the best value for a degree in divinity/ministry in North Carolina. Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Wake Forest. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,318. Early-career divinity/ministry graduates make about $54,863. Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary admits about 75% of applicants.
Shaw University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in divinity/ministry, landing the #2 spot this year. Located in the city of Raleigh, Shaw University is a small private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,738. Divinity/ministry graduates carry a median of $37,044 in student loans. Divinity/ministry graduates of Shaw University earn a median of $28,533 early in their careers. Set against $37,044 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 80%.
A rank of #3 makes Lenoir Rhyne University one of the best values for divinity/ministry. Set in the city of Hickory, Lenoir Rhyne University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $31,900. Divinity/ministry graduates carry a median of $26,900 in student loans. Divinity/ministry graduates of Lenoir Rhyne University earn a median of $49,985 early in their careers. Set against $26,900 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #4 makes Piedmont International University one of the best values for divinity/ministry. Located in the city of Winston-Salem, Piedmont International University is a small private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $17,575. Divinity/ministry graduates carry a median of $35,382 in student loans. Divinity/ministry graduates of Piedmont International University earn a median of $48,372 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $35,382 median debt. The acceptance rate is 40%.
Campbell University came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value divinity/ministry schools. Located in the town of Buies Creek, Campbell University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $41,600 in tuition and fees. Divinity/ministry graduates carry a median of $23,641 in student loans. Soon after graduation, divinity/ministry degree recipients from Campbell University generally make around $40,858. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 87%.
Grace College Of Divinity came in at #6 for value in divinity/ministry this year. Set in the city of Fayetteville, Grace College Of Divinity is a small private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,105. Roughly 53% of applicants are accepted.
Wake Forest University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value divinity/ministry schools. Wake Forest University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Winston-Salem. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,642. Typical student debt for divinity/ministry graduates is $21,577. Soon after graduation, divinity/ministry degree recipients from Wake Forest University generally make around $40,732. That is a strong return on a $21,577 median debt. Roughly 22% of applicants are accepted.
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Duke University ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value divinity/ministry schools. Duke University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Durham. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,758. Typical student debt for divinity/ministry graduates is $13,296. Early-career divinity/ministry graduates make about $70,809. That is a strong return on a $13,296 median debt. Roughly 6% of applicants are accepted.
This list is compiled 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 · 11 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 1 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.