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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
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2026 Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Bachelor’s Degree Schools

31 Colleges in the United States
3,408 Theological & Ministerial Studies Degrees Awarded
$42,066 Avg Early-Career Salary

Theological & Ministerial Studies is a field worth a close look when choosing where to study. The schools below stand out for the quality of their theological & ministerial studies programs.

College Factual analyzed 464 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best theological & ministerial studies schools.

What’s on this page:

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Best Schools for Theological & Ministerial Studies in the United States

These are the top schools for a bachelor’s degree in theological & ministerial studies, based on student outcomes and program quality.

Top Schools in Theological & Ministerial Studies

1
Seton Hall University crest
Seton Hall University
South Orange, NJ

Our analysis ranked Seton Hall University the best school in the country for a degree in theological & ministerial studies. Located in the suburb of South Orange, Seton Hall University is a large private not-for-profit university. The six-year graduation rate is 70%. Seton Hall University awarded about 20 theological & ministerial studies degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the theological & ministerial studies program make about $63,871 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $23,422. See the full theological & ministerial studies program report for Seton Hall University

2

A rank of #2 makes University Of Notre Dame one of the top schools for theological & ministerial studies. Set in the suburb of Notre Dame, University Of Notre Dame is a large private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 95% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 34 theological & ministerial studies degrees were awarded at University Of Notre Dame in the most recent year. Students who receive their theological & ministerial studies degree from University Of Notre Dame earn around $45,874 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $19,000. Get the full theological & ministerial studies details for University Of Notre Dame

3

Students looking for a strong theological & ministerial studies program will find one at Concordia University Irvine, which ranked #3. This mid-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Irvine. The six-year graduation rate is 58%. There were roughly 10 theological & ministerial studies students who graduated with this degree at Concordia University Irvine in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, theological & ministerial studies degree recipients from Concordia University Irvine generally make around $58,590. Concordia University Irvine graduates carry a median of $26,085 in student loans. More information about a degree in theological & ministerial studies from Concordia University Irvine

4

Moody Bible Institute is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in theological & ministerial studies, landing the #4 spot this year. Set in the city of Chicago, Moody Bible Institute is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. About 62% of students finish within six years. Moody Bible Institute awarded about 176 theological & ministerial studies degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, theological & ministerial studies degree recipients from Moody Bible Institute generally make around $33,488. Typical student debt for the program is $14,000. Get the full theological & ministerial studies details for Moody Bible Institute

5

Martin Luther College came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best theological & ministerial studies schools. Martin Luther College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the town of New Ulm. The six-year graduation rate is 72%. There were roughly 45 theological & ministerial studies students who graduated with this degree at Martin Luther College in the most recent data year. Students who receive their theological & ministerial studies degree from Martin Luther College earn around $15,327 in the first couple years of their career. Martin Luther College graduates carry a median of $18,949 in student loans. See the full theological & ministerial studies program report for Martin Luther College

6

The Masters College And Seminary landed the #6 spot for theological & ministerial studies this year. Set in the suburb of Santa Clarita, The Masters College And Seminary is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 67%. There were roughly 49 theological & ministerial studies students who graduated with this degree at The Masters College And Seminary in the most recent data year. Theological & Ministerial Studies graduates of The Masters College And Seminary earn a median of $43,677 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $23,774 to complete this degree. See the full theological & ministerial studies program report for The Masters College And Seminary

7

The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary came in at #7 for theological & ministerial studies this year. Set in the city of Louisville, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 35% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 489 theological & ministerial studies degrees were awarded at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in the most recent year. Theological & Ministerial Studies graduates of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary earn a median of $74,388 early in their careers. More information about a degree in theological & ministerial studies from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

8

New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary earned the #8 position for theological & ministerial studies this year. This mid-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the city of New Orleans. New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary graduates 70% of students within six years. About 188 theological & ministerial studies degrees were awarded at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in the most recent year. More information about a degree in theological & ministerial studies from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary

9
Biola University crest
Biola University
La Mirada, CA

Biola University landed the #9 spot for theological & ministerial studies this year. This moderately-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the suburb of La Mirada. Biola University graduates 68% of students within six years. Biola University awarded about 113 theological & ministerial studies degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their theological & ministerial studies degree from Biola University earn around $42,625 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $25,308. See the full theological & ministerial studies program report for Biola University

10

Northwestern College Minnesota landed the #10 spot for theological & ministerial studies this year. This mid-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the suburb of Saint Paul. Roughly 68% of students complete a degree within six years here. Northwestern College Minnesota awarded about 38 theological & ministerial studies degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the theological & ministerial studies program make about $32,815 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $22,000. See the full theological & ministerial studies program report for Northwestern College Minnesota

11
Liberty University crest
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA

Liberty University ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best theological & ministerial studies schools. Liberty University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Lynchburg. The six-year graduation rate is 67%. About 1,222 theological & ministerial studies degrees were awarded at Liberty University in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, theological & ministerial studies degree recipients from Liberty University generally make around $53,626. Typical student debt for the program is $27,414. Get the full theological & ministerial studies details for Liberty University

12

Southern Adventist University landed the #12 spot for theological & ministerial studies this year. Located in the suburb of Collegedale, Southern Adventist University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. About 55% of students finish within six years. About 11 theological & ministerial studies degrees were awarded at Southern Adventist University in the most recent year. Students who receive their theological & ministerial studies degree from Southern Adventist University earn around $61,366 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $25,498 to complete this degree. Read more about the theological & ministerial studies program at Southern Adventist University

13

Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best theological & ministerial studies schools. Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Wake Forest. Roughly 17% of students complete a degree within six years here. Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary awarded about 35 theological & ministerial studies degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, theological & ministerial studies degree recipients from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary generally make around $54,863. Read more about the theological & ministerial studies program at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

14

Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary earned the #14 position for theological & ministerial studies this year. Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Kansas City. Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary graduates 64% of students within six years. About 14 theological & ministerial studies degrees were awarded at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in the most recent year. Students who receive their theological & ministerial studies degree from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary earn around $73,186 in the first couple years of their career. Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary graduates carry a median of $15,559 in student loans. More information about a degree in theological & ministerial studies from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary

15
Johnson University crest
Johnson University
Knoxville, TN

Johnson University placed #15 among the best theological & ministerial studies schools. Johnson University is a small private not-for-profit school located in the rural area of Knoxville. The six-year graduation rate is 54%. Johnson University awarded about 41 theological & ministerial studies degrees in the most recent data year. Theological & Ministerial Studies graduates of Johnson University earn a median of $33,627 early in their careers. Johnson University graduates carry a median of $23,250 in student loans. See the full theological & ministerial studies program report for Johnson University

16

University Of Dallas placed #16 among the best theological & ministerial studies schools. University Of Dallas is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Irving. University Of Dallas graduates 73% of students within six years. University Of Dallas awarded about 15 theological & ministerial studies degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the theological & ministerial studies program make about $58,396 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $23,411 to complete this degree. See the full theological & ministerial studies program report for University Of Dallas

17
Benedictine College crest
Benedictine College
Atchison, KS

Benedictine College earned the #17 position for theological & ministerial studies this year. Located in the town of Atchison, Benedictine College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. About 62% of students finish within six years. About 33 theological & ministerial studies degrees were awarded at Benedictine College in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, theological & ministerial studies degree recipients from Benedictine College generally make around $32,202. Benedictine College graduates carry a median of $23,250 in student loans. Read more about the theological & ministerial studies program at Benedictine College

18

Concordia University Wisconsin landed the #18 spot for theological & ministerial studies this year. This moderately-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the suburb of Mequon. Concordia University Wisconsin graduates 69% of students within six years. There were roughly 20 theological & ministerial studies students who graduated with this degree at Concordia University Wisconsin in the most recent data year. Graduates of the theological & ministerial studies program make about $58,227 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $25,926. See the full theological & ministerial studies program report for Concordia University Wisconsin

19

Franciscan University Of Steubenville landed the #19 spot for theological & ministerial studies this year. This mid-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Steubenville. Roughly 75% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 89 theological & ministerial studies students who graduated with this degree at Franciscan University Of Steubenville in the most recent data year. Theological & Ministerial Studies graduates of Franciscan University Of Steubenville earn a median of $29,656 early in their careers. Franciscan University Of Steubenville graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. More information about a degree in theological & ministerial studies from Franciscan University Of Steubenville

20
Ave Maria University crest
Ave Maria University
Ave Maria, FL

Ave Maria University placed #20 among the best theological & ministerial studies schools. Ave Maria University is a small private not-for-profit school located in the rural area of Ave Maria. Ave Maria University graduates 47% of students within six years. There were roughly 17 theological & ministerial studies students who graduated with this degree at Ave Maria University in the most recent data year. Students who receive their theological & ministerial studies degree from Ave Maria University earn around $26,924 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $21,102 to complete this degree. Read more about the theological & ministerial studies program at Ave Maria University

21

Southeastern University placed #21 among the best theological & ministerial studies schools. This large private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Lakeland. Southeastern University graduates 44% of students within six years. About 274 theological & ministerial studies degrees were awarded at Southeastern University in the most recent year. Graduates of the theological & ministerial studies program make about $29,809 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $23,218. Read more about the theological & ministerial studies program at Southeastern University

22
Lee University crest
Lee University
Cleveland, TN

Lee University came in at #22 for theological & ministerial studies this year. Set in the city of Cleveland, Lee University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 63% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 16 theological & ministerial studies degrees were awarded at Lee University in the most recent year. Students who receive their theological & ministerial studies degree from Lee University earn around $42,658 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $26,422 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in theological & ministerial studies from Lee University

23

Valley Forge Christian College came in at #23 for theological & ministerial studies this year. Located in the suburb of Phoenixville, Valley Forge Christian College is a small private not-for-profit university. The six-year graduation rate is 49%. About 20 theological & ministerial studies degrees were awarded at Valley Forge Christian College in the most recent year. Theological & Ministerial Studies graduates of Valley Forge Christian College earn a median of $25,051 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $28,000 to complete this degree. Get the full theological & ministerial studies details for Valley Forge Christian College

24
Nazarene Bible College crest
Nazarene Bible College
Colorado Springs, CO

Nazarene Bible College landed the #24 spot for theological & ministerial studies this year. Located in the city of Colorado Springs, Nazarene Bible College is a small private not-for-profit university. About 14 theological & ministerial studies degrees were awarded at Nazarene Bible College in the most recent year. Theological & Ministerial Studies graduates of Nazarene Bible College earn a median of $40,357 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $40,332. More information about a degree in theological & ministerial studies from Nazarene Bible College

25

Northwest University College Of Adult And Professional Studies landed the #25 spot for theological & ministerial studies this year. Set in the suburb of Kirkland, Northwest University College Of Adult And Professional Studies is a small private not-for-profit institution. Northwest University College Of Adult And Professional Studies graduates 41% of students within six years. Northwest University College Of Adult And Professional Studies awarded about 36 theological & ministerial studies degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, theological & ministerial studies degree recipients from Northwest University College Of Adult And Professional Studies generally make around $41,139. Students borrow a median of $26,453 to complete this degree. See the full theological & ministerial studies program report for Northwest University College Of Adult And Professional Studies

Rest of the Top 37 Theological & Ministerial Studies Schools

Not far behind, these schools also delivered a strong theological & ministerial studies education:

26
Cornerstone University crest
Cornerstone University
Grand Rapids, MI
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Bob Jones University crest
Bob Jones University
Greenville, SC
35
Grace College Of Divinity crest
Grace College Of Divinity
Fayetteville, NC
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Other Theological & Ministerial Studies Degree Levels

Looking for a different degree level? Compare Theological & Ministerial Studies rankings across degree levels:

All Degree Levels in Theological & Ministerial Studies
Associate's Degrees in Theological & Ministerial Studies
Master's Degrees in Theological & Ministerial Studies
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View All Theological & Ministerial Studies Rankings >

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Notes and References

This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and program focus, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 464 schools evaluated.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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