by our College Data Analytics Team
[Theology](/majors/theology-and-religious-vocations/theological-ministerial-studies/theology/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong theology education at a price that pays off.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 6 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for theology students.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in theology, balancing cost against outcomes.
Regent University tops our 2026 list of the best value theology schools in Virginia. Regent University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Virginia Beach. In-state tuition and fees average $21,650. Typical student debt for theology graduates is $29,451. Soon after graduation, theology degree recipients from Regent University generally make around $49,840. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 38%.
A rank of #2 makes Virginia Union University one of the best values for theology. Set in the city of Richmond, Virginia Union University is a small private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,830. Theology graduates carry a median of $30,593 in student loans. Early-career theology graduates make about $25,910. That is a strong return on a $30,593 median debt. Virginia Union University admits about 98% of applicants.
Students looking for strong value in theology will find it at Liberty University, which ranked #3. Located in the city of Lynchburg, Liberty University is a very large private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $16,173 in tuition and fees. Theology graduates carry a median of $27,414 in student loans. Soon after graduation, theology degree recipients from Liberty University generally make around $53,626. Set against $27,414 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 99%.
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This ranking is produced 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 · 6 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 2 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.