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Best Schools for Theology in California
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest overall theology education in California.
Top Schools in Theology
Our analysis ranked Santa Clara University the best school in the country for a degree in theology. Located in the city of Santa Clara, Santa Clara University is a large private not-for-profit university. Santa Clara University graduates 88% of students within six years. About 43 theology degrees were awarded at Santa Clara University in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, theology degree recipients from Santa Clara University generally make around $79,380. Santa Clara University graduates carry a median of $20,144 in student loans.
See the full theology program report for Santa Clara University
A rank of #2 makes Loyola Marymount University one of the top schools for theology. Loyola Marymount University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Los Angeles. About 79% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 11 theology students who graduated with this degree at Loyola Marymount University in the most recent data year. Students who receive their theology degree from Loyola Marymount University earn around $52,935 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $22,248.
Get the full theology details for Loyola Marymount University
A rank of #3 makes Vanguard University Of Southern California one of the top schools for theology. Set in the city of Costa Mesa, Vanguard University Of Southern California is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Vanguard University Of Southern California graduates 57% of students within six years. Vanguard University Of Southern California awarded about 14 theology degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their theology degree from Vanguard University Of Southern California earn around $80,727 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $21,111 to complete this degree.
Get the full theology details for Vanguard University Of Southern California
The Masters College And Seminary is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in theology, ranking #4. Set in the suburb of Santa Clarita, The Masters College And Seminary is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 67%. About 63 theology degrees were awarded at The Masters College And Seminary in the most recent year. Graduates of the theology program make about $55,300 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $23,774.
More information about a degree in theology from The Masters College And Seminary
Students looking for a strong theology program will find one at Concordia University Irvine, which ranked #5. Concordia University Irvine is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Irvine. About 58% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 25 theology students who graduated with this degree at Concordia University Irvine in the most recent data year. Graduates of the theology program make about $58,590 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $26,085.
Read more about the theology program at Concordia University Irvine
Biola University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best theology schools. Located in the suburb of La Mirada, Biola University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. About 68% of students finish within six years. About 20 theology degrees were awarded at Biola University in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, theology degree recipients from Biola University generally make around $42,625. Typical student debt for the program is $25,308.
Read more about the theology program at Biola University
Fuller Theological Seminary In California came in at #7 for theology this year. This mid-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Pasadena. Fuller Theological Seminary In California awarded about 82 theology degrees in the most recent data year. Theology graduates of Fuller Theological Seminary In California earn a median of $60,609 early in their careers.
Read more about the theology program at Fuller Theological Seminary In California
Life Pacific College ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best theology schools. This small private not-for-profit university is located in the suburb of San Dimas. About 38% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 10 theology students who graduated with this degree at Life Pacific College in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, theology degree recipients from Life Pacific College generally make around $39,411. Students borrow a median of $22,521 to complete this degree.
See the full theology program report for Life Pacific College
Sum Bible College And Theological Seminary came in at #9 for theology this year. Located in the suburb of El Dorado Hills, Sum Bible College And Theological Seminary is a small private not-for-profit university. Roughly 14% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 51 theology degrees were awarded at Sum Bible College And Theological Seminary in the most recent year. Graduates of the theology program make about $26,407 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $29,299 to complete this degree.
More information about a degree in theology from Sum Bible College And Theological Seminary
World Mission University landed the #10 spot for theology this year. Set in the city of Los Angeles, World Mission University is a small private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 100% of students complete a degree within six years here. World Mission University awarded about 10 theology degrees in the most recent data year.
More information about a degree in theology from World Mission University
Notes and References
The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and program focus, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 30 schools evaluated.
- 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.
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