2026 Best Value Theology Schools in Texas
[Theology](/majors/theology-and-religious-vocations/theological-ministerial-studies/theology/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
College Factual analyzed 24 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value theology schools.
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2026 Best Value Theology Schools in Texas
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the theology degrees they offer, see the list below.
Best Value Theology Schools
Leading the list is University Of St Thomas Texas, our #1 best value for theology in Texas. Located in the city of Houston, University Of St Thomas Texas is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $34,634 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for theology graduates is $23,628. Theology graduates of University Of St Thomas Texas earn a median of $58,265 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #2 makes Houston Baptist University one of the best values for theology. Houston Baptist University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Houston. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $39,430. Typical student debt for theology graduates is $25,601. Theology graduates of Houston Baptist University earn a median of $51,968 early in their careers. Set against $25,601 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Houston Baptist University admits about 84% of applicants.
Students looking for strong value in theology will find it at Southwestern Assemblies Of God University, which ranked #3. Located in the suburb of Waxahachie, Southwestern Assemblies Of God University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $25,064. Students borrow a median of $28,248 to complete the theology program here. Early-career theology graduates make about $47,762. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 89%.
University Of Dallas came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value theology schools. Set in the city of Irving, University Of Dallas is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $53,930. Students borrow a median of $23,411 to complete the theology program here. Soon after graduation, theology degree recipients from University Of Dallas generally make around $58,396. Set against $23,411 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 53%.
Students looking for strong value in theology will find it at Kings University, which ranked #5. Kings University is a small private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Southlake. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,480. Students borrow a median of $48,998 to complete the theology program here. Theology graduates of Kings University earn a median of $41,066 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 61%.
Abilene Christian University landed the #6 spot for theology value this year. Set in the city of Abilene, Abilene Christian University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $44,200. Students borrow a median of $23,772 to complete the theology program here. Theology graduates of Abilene Christian University earn a median of $56,463 early in their careers. Set against $23,772 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 66% of applicants are accepted.
Dallas Baptist University placed #7 among the best values for theology. Located in the city of Dallas, Dallas Baptist University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $40,190. Typical student debt for theology graduates is $22,819. Theology graduates of Dallas Baptist University earn a median of $48,822 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $22,819 median debt. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted.
Southern Methodist University placed #8 among the best values for theology. Located in the suburb of Dallas, Southern Methodist University is a large private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,040. Students borrow a median of $20,712 to complete the theology program here. Early-career theology graduates make about $54,351. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 63% of applicants are accepted.
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Notes and References
This list is compiled 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 · 24 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 6 ranked schools only.
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
- Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
More about our data sources and methodologies.
