by our College Data Analytics Team
[Theological & Ministerial Studies](/majors/theology-and-religious-vocations/theological-ministerial-studies/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
College Factual analyzed 18 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value theological & ministerial studies schools.
What’s on this page:
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the theological & ministerial studies degrees they offer, see the list below.
Leading the list is City Vision University, our #1 best value for theological & ministerial studies in Missouri. Located in the city of Kansas City, City Vision University is a small private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $6,600 in tuition and fees. Graduates go on to earn a median of $21,123 ten years after entry.
A rank of #2 makes Evangel University one of the best values for theological & ministerial studies. Located in the city of Springfield, Evangel University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $28,548. Students borrow a median of $24,876 to complete the theological & ministerial studies program here. Theological & Ministerial Studies graduates of Evangel University earn a median of $57,895 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 72%.
Central Christian College Of The Bible came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value theological & ministerial studies schools. Central Christian College Of The Bible is a small private not-for-profit school located in the town of Moberly. In-state tuition and fees average $12,200. Theological & Ministerial Studies graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $34,675. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary earned it the #4 place for theological & ministerial studies. Set in the city of Kansas City, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,530. Theological & Ministerial Studies graduates carry a median of $15,559 in student loans. Soon after graduation, theological & ministerial studies degree recipients from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary generally make around $73,186. Set against $15,559 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 96%.
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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 · 18 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 1 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.