by our College Data Analytics Team
[Theology](/majors/theology-and-religious-vocations/theological-ministerial-studies/theology/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong theology education at a price that pays off.
College Factual analyzed 7 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value theology schools.
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.
Leading the list is Bob Jones University, our #1 best value for theology in South Carolina. Located in the city of Greenville, Bob Jones University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $22,892 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for theology graduates is $20,497. Theology graduates of Bob Jones University earn a median of $28,325 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $20,497 median debt.
A rank of #2 makes Columbia International University one of the best values for theology. Located in the city of Columbia, Columbia International University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $27,900 in tuition and fees. Theology graduates carry a median of $21,667 in student loans. Theology graduates of Columbia International University earn a median of $32,296 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $21,667 median debt. The acceptance rate is 94%.
A rank of #3 makes Erskine College And Seminary one of the best values for theology. Erskine College And Seminary is a small private not-for-profit school located in the rural area of Due West. Students from in state pay about $36,710 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the theology program here. Theology graduates of Erskine College And Seminary earn a median of $35,695 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 63% of applicants are accepted.
1
2
3
This list is compiled 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 · 7 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 1 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.