by our College Data Analytics Team
[Theology](/majors/theology-and-religious-vocations/theological-ministerial-studies/theology/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong theology education at a price that pays off.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 14 schools to find the best return on investment for theology students.
What’s on this page:
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the theology degrees they offer, see the list below.
Ashland University tops our 2026 list of the best value theology schools in Ohio. Ashland University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the town of Ashland. Students from in state pay about $31,210 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for theology graduates is $24,536. Theology graduates of Ashland University earn a median of $52,813 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $24,536 median debt. The acceptance rate is 76%.
A rank of #2 makes Capital University one of the best values for theology. Located in the suburb of Columbus, Capital University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $43,234. Typical student debt for theology graduates is $28,269. Early-career theology graduates make about $46,516. Set against $28,269 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted.
Franciscan University Of Steubenville is a great value for students pursuing a degree in theology, landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the city of Steubenville, Franciscan University Of Steubenville is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $34,100. Theology graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Early-career theology graduates make about $37,089. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Franciscan University Of Steubenville admits about 58% of applicants.
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This ranking is produced 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 · 14 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 1 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.