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 best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
College Factual analyzed 46 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value theology schools.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in theology, balancing cost against outcomes.
Evangel University earned the #1 spot for value among theology schools in the The Plains States Region. Located in the city of Springfield, Evangel University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $28,548 in tuition and fees. Theology graduates carry a median of $24,876 in student loans. Early-career theology graduates make about $57,895. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 72%.
University Of Dubuque is a great value for students pursuing a degree in theology, landing the #2 spot this year. Set in the city of Dubuque, University Of Dubuque is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $42,095. Students borrow a median of $27,204 to complete the theology program here. Early-career theology graduates make about $51,725. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted.
Students looking for strong value in theology will find it at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, which ranked #3. Set in the city of Kansas City, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $11,530 in tuition and fees. Theology graduates carry a median of $15,559 in student loans. Soon after graduation, theology degree recipients from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary generally make around $73,186. Set against $15,559 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary admits about 96% of applicants.
Students looking for strong value in theology will find it at Northwestern College Minnesota, which ranked #4. Set in the suburb of Saint Paul, Northwestern College Minnesota is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $37,920 in tuition and fees. Theology graduates carry a median of $22,000 in student loans. Theology graduates of Northwestern College Minnesota earn a median of $40,532 early in their careers. Set against $22,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 94%.
Saint Johns University came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value theology schools. Set in the rural area of Collegeville, Saint Johns University is a small private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $55,816. Typical student debt for theology graduates is $26,646. Theology graduates of Saint Johns University earn a median of $47,238 early in their careers. Set against $26,646 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.
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Benedictine College landed the #6 spot for theology value this year. Set in the town of Atchison, Benedictine College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $36,350. Students borrow a median of $23,250 to complete the theology program here. Theology graduates of Benedictine College earn a median of $32,202 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $23,250 median debt. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted.
Bethel University Minnesota earned the #7 position for value in theology this year. Set in the suburb of Saint Paul, Bethel University Minnesota is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $44,226. Students borrow a median of $25,639 to complete the theology program here. Soon after graduation, theology degree recipients from Bethel University Minnesota generally make around $46,813. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Bethel University Minnesota admits about 88% of applicants.
University Of St Thomas Minnesota placed #8 among the best values for theology. Located in the city of Saint Paul, University Of St Thomas Minnesota is a large private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $54,398. Theology graduates carry a median of $23,923 in student loans. Theology graduates of University Of St Thomas Minnesota earn a median of $65,183 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $23,923 median debt. University Of St Thomas Minnesota admits about 85% of applicants.
Creighton University placed #9 among the best values for theology. Set in the city of Omaha, Creighton University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $48,856. Typical student debt for theology graduates is $25,831. Soon after graduation, theology degree recipients from Creighton University generally make around $64,369. That is a strong return on a $25,831 median debt. The acceptance rate is 80%.
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 · 46 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 3 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.