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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2026 Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Schools in the Southeast Region

14 Colleges in the United States
5,445 Theological & Ministerial Studies Degrees Awarded
$46,317 Avg Early-Career Salary

Theological & Ministerial Studies programs are offered at a focused set of schools across the country. While the number of schools offering the program varies, there are still top-quality ones to be found.

To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 117 schools to find the best for theological & ministerial studies students.

What’s on this page:

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Best Schools for Theological & Ministerial Studies in the Southeast Region

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest overall theological & ministerial studies education in the Southeast Region.

Top Schools in Theological & Ministerial Studies

1
Duke University crest
Duke University
Durham, NC

Our analysis ranked Duke University the best school in the country for a degree in theological & ministerial studies. This large private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Durham. Duke University graduates 97% of students within six years. About 157 theological & ministerial studies degrees were awarded at Duke University in the most recent year. Students who receive their theological & ministerial studies degree from Duke University earn around $70,809 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $13,296. More information about a degree in theological & ministerial studies from Duke University

2
Emory University crest
Emory University
Atlanta, GA

Emory University is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in theological & ministerial studies, ranking #2. Located in the city of Atlanta, Emory University is a large private not-for-profit university. Roughly 91% of students complete a degree within six years here. Emory University awarded about 137 theological & ministerial studies degrees in the most recent data year. Theological & Ministerial Studies graduates of Emory University earn a median of $74,348 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $19,431 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in theological & ministerial studies from Emory University

3

A rank of #3 makes Sewanee The University Of The South one of the top schools for theological & ministerial studies. This small private not-for-profit university is located in the rural area of Sewanee. Sewanee The University Of The South graduates 80% of students within six years. About 27 theological & ministerial studies degrees were awarded at Sewanee The University Of The South in the most recent year. Theological & Ministerial Studies graduates of Sewanee The University Of The South earn a median of $36,927 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $22,091. Get the full theological & ministerial studies details for Sewanee The University Of The South

4
Vanderbilt University crest
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN

Vanderbilt University is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in theological & ministerial studies, ranking #4. This large private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Nashville. About 94% of students finish within six years. About 62 theological & ministerial studies degrees were awarded at Vanderbilt University in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, theological & ministerial studies degree recipients from Vanderbilt University generally make around $42,583. Vanderbilt University graduates carry a median of $13,975 in student loans. More information about a degree in theological & ministerial studies from Vanderbilt University

5
Lipscomb University crest
Lipscomb University
Nashville, TN

Students looking for a strong theological & ministerial studies program will find one at Lipscomb University, which ranked #5. Lipscomb University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Nashville. Lipscomb University graduates 72% of students within six years. Lipscomb University awarded about 22 theological & ministerial studies degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their theological & ministerial studies degree from Lipscomb University earn around $48,949 in the first couple years of their career. Lipscomb University graduates carry a median of $23,529 in student loans. Read more about the theological & ministerial studies program at Lipscomb University

6

Harding University placed #6 among the best theological & ministerial studies schools. Set in the town of Searcy, Harding University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 69% of students complete a degree within six years here. Harding University awarded about 19 theological & ministerial studies degrees in the most recent data year. Theological & Ministerial Studies graduates of Harding University earn a median of $53,629 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $26,715. Read more about the theological & ministerial studies program at Harding University

7

The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary landed the #7 spot for theological & ministerial studies this year. This moderately-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Louisville. Roughly 35% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 641 theological & ministerial studies students who graduated with this degree at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in the most recent data year. Graduates of the theological & ministerial studies program make about $74,388 in their early career. More information about a degree in theological & ministerial studies from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

8
Milligan College crest
Milligan College
Milligan, TN

Milligan College landed the #8 spot for theological & ministerial studies this year. Located in the suburb of Milligan, Milligan College is a small private not-for-profit university. About 63% of students finish within six years. About 12 theological & ministerial studies degrees were awarded at Milligan College in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, theological & ministerial studies degree recipients from Milligan College generally make around $64,327. Milligan College graduates carry a median of $26,150 in student loans. See the full theological & ministerial studies program report for Milligan College

9
Samford University crest
Samford University
Birmingham, AL

Samford University earned the #9 position for theological & ministerial studies this year. Set in the suburb of Birmingham, Samford University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Samford University graduates 77% of students within six years. Samford University awarded about 48 theological & ministerial studies degrees in the most recent data year. Theological & Ministerial Studies graduates of Samford University earn a median of $37,532 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $21,039. Read more about the theological & ministerial studies program at Samford University

10

Columbia International University earned the #10 position for theological & ministerial studies this year. This mid-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Columbia. The six-year graduation rate is 46%. There were roughly 56 theological & ministerial studies students who graduated with this degree at Columbia International University in the most recent data year. Theological & Ministerial Studies graduates of Columbia International University earn a median of $32,296 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $21,667. Read more about the theological & ministerial studies program at Columbia International University

11

Anderson University Sc placed #11 among the best theological & ministerial studies schools. Anderson University Sc is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Anderson. Roughly 66% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 20 theological & ministerial studies degrees were awarded at Anderson University Sc in the most recent year. Students who receive their theological & ministerial studies degree from Anderson University Sc earn around $49,036 in the first couple years of their career. Anderson University Sc graduates carry a median of $28,034 in student loans. See the full theological & ministerial studies program report for Anderson University Sc

12

New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary landed the #12 spot 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. There were roughly 261 theological & ministerial studies students who graduated with this degree at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in the most recent data year. See the full theological & ministerial studies program report for New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary

13

Freed Hardeman University came in at #13 for theological & ministerial studies this year. Located in the town of Henderson, Freed Hardeman University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The six-year graduation rate is 69%. Freed Hardeman University awarded about 13 theological & ministerial studies degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the theological & ministerial studies program make about $54,530 in their early career. Freed Hardeman University graduates carry a median of $24,479 in student loans. Get the full theological & ministerial studies details for Freed Hardeman University

14

Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary ranked #14 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. There were roughly 321 theological & ministerial studies students who graduated with this degree at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in the most recent data year. Theological & Ministerial Studies graduates of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary earn a median of $54,863 early in their careers. Read more about the theological & ministerial studies program at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

15

Southern Adventist University placed #15 among the best theological & ministerial studies schools. Located in the suburb of Collegedale, Southern Adventist University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Southern Adventist University graduates 55% of students within six years. About 20 theological & ministerial studies degrees were awarded at Southern Adventist University in the most recent year. Graduates of the theological & ministerial studies program make about $61,366 in their early career. Southern Adventist University graduates carry a median of $25,498 in student loans. Get the full theological & ministerial studies details for Southern Adventist University

16

Erskine College And Seminary earned the #16 position for theological & ministerial studies this year. This small private not-for-profit university is located in the rural area of Due West. Roughly 45% of students complete a degree within six years here. Erskine College And Seminary awarded about 22 theological & ministerial studies degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the theological & ministerial studies program make about $35,695 in their early career. Erskine College And Seminary graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Read more about the theological & ministerial studies program at Erskine College And Seminary

17

Loyola University New Orleans landed the #17 spot for theological & ministerial studies this year. Set in the city of New Orleans, Loyola University New Orleans is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 59% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 28 theological & ministerial studies students who graduated with this degree at Loyola University New Orleans in the most recent data year. Graduates of the theological & ministerial studies program make about $48,040 in their early career. Loyola University New Orleans graduates carry a median of $26,606 in student loans. Get the full theological & ministerial studies details for Loyola University New Orleans

18
Johnson University crest
Johnson University
Knoxville, TN

Johnson University came in at #18 for theological & ministerial studies this year. This small private not-for-profit university is located in the rural area of Knoxville. Johnson University graduates 54% of students within six years. There were roughly 53 theological & ministerial studies students who graduated with this degree at Johnson University in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, theological & ministerial studies degree recipients from Johnson University generally make around $37,989. Johnson University graduates carry a median of $23,250 in student loans. Read more about the theological & ministerial studies program at Johnson University

19
Wake Forest University crest
Wake Forest University
Winston-Salem, NC

Wake Forest University ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best theological & ministerial studies schools. This moderately-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Winston-Salem. Wake Forest University graduates 89% of students within six years. Wake Forest University awarded about 28 theological & ministerial studies degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their theological & ministerial studies degree from Wake Forest University earn around $40,732 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $21,577 to complete this degree. See the full theological & ministerial studies program report for Wake Forest University

20

Lenoir Rhyne University placed #20 among the best theological & ministerial studies schools. Located in the city of Hickory, Lenoir Rhyne University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Roughly 48% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 12 theological & ministerial studies students who graduated with this degree at Lenoir Rhyne University in the most recent data year. Graduates of the theological & ministerial studies program make about $49,985 in their early career. Lenoir Rhyne University graduates carry a median of $26,900 in student loans. See the full theological & ministerial studies program report for Lenoir Rhyne University

21

Southeastern University landed the #21 spot for theological & ministerial studies this year. Set in the city of Lakeland, Southeastern University is a large private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 44%. About 443 theological & ministerial studies degrees were awarded at Southeastern University in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, theological & ministerial studies degree recipients from Southeastern University generally make around $33,030. Typical student debt for the program is $19,609. See the full theological & ministerial studies program report for Southeastern University

22
Campbellsville University crest
Campbellsville University
Campbellsville, KY

Campbellsville University placed #22 among the best theological & ministerial studies schools. Set in the town of Campbellsville, Campbellsville University is a large private not-for-profit institution. About 42% of students finish within six years. About 10 theological & ministerial studies degrees were awarded at Campbellsville University in the most recent year. Students who receive their theological & ministerial studies degree from Campbellsville University earn around $54,029 in the first couple years of their career. Campbellsville University graduates carry a median of $24,148 in student loans. Read more about the theological & ministerial studies program at Campbellsville University

23
Lee University crest
Lee University
Cleveland, TN

Lee University earned the #23 position for theological & ministerial studies this year. This mid-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Cleveland. The six-year graduation rate is 63%. Lee University awarded about 41 theological & ministerial studies degrees in the most recent data 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

24
Ave Maria University crest
Ave Maria University
Ave Maria, FL

Ave Maria University landed the #24 spot for theological & ministerial studies this year. Set in the rural area of Ave Maria, Ave Maria University is a small private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 47%. Ave Maria University awarded about 29 theological & ministerial studies degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, theological & ministerial studies degree recipients from Ave Maria University generally make around $26,924. Ave Maria University graduates carry a median of $21,102 in student loans. More information about a degree in theological & ministerial studies from Ave Maria University

25

Columbia Theological Seminary ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best theological & ministerial studies schools. Located in the suburb of Decatur, Columbia Theological Seminary is a small private not-for-profit university. There were roughly 59 theological & ministerial studies students who graduated with this degree at Columbia Theological Seminary in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, theological & ministerial studies degree recipients from Columbia Theological Seminary generally make around $44,694. Read more about the theological & ministerial studies program at Columbia Theological Seminary

Rest of the Top 46 Theological & Ministerial Studies Schools

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

26
Liberty University crest
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA
27
Amridge University crest
Amridge University
Montgomery, AL
28
29
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Saint Leo University
Saint Leo, FL
30
31
32
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Regent University
Virginia Beach, VA
33
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Campbell University
Buies Creek, NC
34
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Brewton Parker College
Mount Vernon, GA
35
36
37
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Shaw University
Raleigh, NC
38
39
40
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Bob Jones University
Greenville, SC
41
42
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Grace College Of Divinity
Fayetteville, NC
43
44
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Bethel College
Gainesville, VA
45
46

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Notes and References

This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and program quality, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 117 schools evaluated.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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