ADBLOCK #102
College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2026 Best Theology Master’s Degree Schools

28 Colleges in the United States
2,766 Theology Degrees Awarded
$51,128 Avg Early-Career Salary

Theology programs are offered at a focused set of schools across the country. The schools below stand out for the quality of their theology programs.

For its 2026 ranking, College Factual looked at 339 schools in the United States to determine which ones were the best for theology students pursuing a degree.

What’s on this page:

ADBLOCK #159
DEBUG: Raw major_slug = ""
DEBUG: Initial offers_url = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/theology-and-religious-vocations/theological-ministerial-studies/theology/offers.json", major_slug = ""
DEBUG: After cleaning major_slug = ""
DEBUG: Before URL cleaning = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/theology-and-religious-vocations/theological-ministerial-studies/theology/offers.json"
DEBUG: After TrimSuffix = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/theology-and-religious-vocations/theological-ministerial-studies/theology/offers.json"
DEBUG: After HTTPS placeholder = "HTTPS_TEMP_PLACEHOLDERwww.collegefactual.com/majors/theology-and-religious-vocations/theological-ministerial-studies/theology/offers.json"
DEBUG: After slash cleaning = "HTTPS_TEMP_PLACEHOLDERwww.collegefactual.com/majors/theology-and-religious-vocations/theological-ministerial-studies/theology/offers.json"
DEBUG: After URL cleaning = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/theology-and-religious-vocations/theological-ministerial-studies/theology/offers.json"
DEBUG: offers_url = https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/theology-and-religious-vocations/theological-ministerial-studies/theology/offers.json
DEBUG: major_slug = ""
DEBUG: offers_url is valid, proceeding to fetch data
DEBUG: No offers_data.offers found, showing generic ESYOH widget

Best Schools for Theology in the United States

See the highest-ranked theology schools offering a master’s degree below.

Top Schools in Theology

1
Santa Clara University crest
Santa Clara University
Santa Clara, CA

Santa Clara University is one of the finest schools in the country for getting a degree in theology. Set in the city of Santa Clara, Santa Clara University is a large private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 88%. Santa Clara University awarded about 29 theology degrees in the most recent data year. Theology graduates of Santa Clara University earn a median of $79,380 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $20,144 to complete this degree. See the full theology program report for Santa Clara University

2
Villanova University crest
Villanova University
Villanova, PA

A rank of #2 makes Villanova University one of the top schools for theology. Set in the suburb of Villanova, Villanova University is a large private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 92%. There were roughly 17 theology students who graduated with this degree at Villanova University in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, theology degree recipients from Villanova University generally make around $72,601. Typical student debt for the program is $26,184. Read more about the theology program at Villanova University

3
Duke University crest
Duke University
Durham, NC

Students looking for a strong theology program will find one at Duke University, which ranked #3. Duke University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Durham. Duke University graduates 97% of students within six years. Duke University awarded about 127 theology degrees in the most recent data year. Theology graduates of Duke University earn a median of $44,015 early in their careers. Duke University graduates carry a median of $13,296 in student loans. More information about a degree in theology from Duke University

4
Yale University crest
Yale University
New Haven, CT

Students looking for a strong theology program will find one at Yale University, which ranked #4. Set in the city of New Haven, Yale University is a large private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 96% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 13 theology degrees were awarded at Yale University in the most recent year. Theology graduates of Yale University earn a median of $45,451 early in their careers. Yale University graduates carry a median of $14,357 in student loans. Get the full theology details for Yale University

5

A rank of #5 makes Loyola Marymount University one of the top schools for theology. This large private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Los Angeles. Loyola Marymount University graduates 79% of students within six years. There were roughly 10 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. See the full theology program report for Loyola Marymount University

6

Moody Bible Institute came in at #6 for theology this year. Located in the city of Chicago, Moody Bible Institute is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Roughly 62% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 20 theology students who graduated with this degree at Moody Bible Institute in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, theology degree recipients from Moody Bible Institute generally make around $61,890. Typical student debt for the program is $14,000. More information about a degree in theology from Moody Bible Institute

7
Seton Hall University crest
Seton Hall University
South Orange, NJ

Seton Hall University came in at #7 for theology this year. Set in the suburb of South Orange, Seton Hall University is a large private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 70% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 20 theology students who graduated with this degree at Seton Hall University in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, theology degree recipients from Seton Hall University generally make around $63,871. Seton Hall University graduates carry a median of $23,422 in student loans. Read more about the theology program at Seton Hall University

8

Southern Methodist University earned the #8 position for theology this year. Located in the suburb of Dallas, Southern Methodist University is a large private not-for-profit university. About 84% of students finish within six years. About 20 theology degrees were awarded at Southern Methodist University in the most recent year. Students who receive their theology degree from Southern Methodist University earn around $54,351 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $20,712. Get the full theology details for Southern Methodist University

9

Wheaton College Illinois earned the #9 position for theology this year. Located in the suburb of Wheaton, Wheaton College Illinois is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Wheaton College Illinois graduates 85% of students within six years. About 26 theology degrees were awarded at Wheaton College Illinois in the most recent year. Students who receive their theology degree from Wheaton College Illinois earn around $56,069 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $23,292. Read more about the theology program at Wheaton College Illinois

10
Emory University crest
Emory University
Atlanta, GA

Emory University earned the #10 position for theology this year. Emory University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Atlanta. The six-year graduation rate is 91%. There were roughly 31 theology students who graduated with this degree at Emory University in the most recent data year. Graduates of the theology program make about $46,547 in their early career. Emory University graduates carry a median of $19,431 in student loans. More information about a degree in theology from Emory University

11

The Masters College And Seminary earned the #11 position for theology this year. This mid-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the suburb of Santa Clarita. About 67% of students finish within six years. The Masters College And Seminary awarded about 18 theology degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, theology degree recipients from The Masters College And Seminary generally make around $66,923. The Masters College And Seminary graduates carry a median of $23,774 in student loans. Read more about the theology program at The Masters College And Seminary

12

Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary Overbrook came in at #12 for theology this year. This small private not-for-profit university is located in the suburb of Ambler. Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary Overbrook graduates 42% of students within six years. About 20 theology degrees were awarded at Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary Overbrook in the most recent year. Get the full theology details for Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary Overbrook

13
Boston University crest
Boston University
Boston, MA

Boston University came in at #13 for theology this year. This very large private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Boston. Roughly 89% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 28 theology students who graduated with this degree at Boston University in the most recent data year. Students who receive their theology degree from Boston University earn around $51,172 in the first couple years of their career. Boston University graduates carry a median of $25,232 in student loans. Read more about the theology program at Boston University

14

Vanguard University Of Southern California landed the #14 spot for theology this year. Vanguard University Of Southern California is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Costa Mesa. Roughly 57% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 14 theology degrees were awarded at Vanguard University Of Southern California in the most recent year. Graduates of the theology program make about $80,727 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $21,111. More information about a degree in theology from Vanguard University Of Southern California

15
Harvard University crest
Harvard University
Cambridge, MA

Harvard University ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best theology schools. Set in the city of Cambridge, Harvard University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. About 98% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 74 theology students who graduated with this degree at Harvard University in the most recent data year. Students who receive their theology degree from Harvard University earn around $37,385 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $16,616. See the full theology program report for Harvard University

16
Vanderbilt University crest
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN

Vanderbilt University ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best theology schools. This large private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Nashville. The six-year graduation rate is 94%. There were roughly 12 theology students who graduated with this degree at Vanderbilt University in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, theology degree recipients from Vanderbilt University generally make around $42,583. Students borrow a median of $13,975 to complete this degree. Get the full theology details for Vanderbilt University

17
Saint Johns University crest
Saint Johns University
Collegeville, MN

Saint Johns University placed #17 among the best theology schools. Located in the rural area of Collegeville, Saint Johns University is a small private not-for-profit university. Roughly 75% of students complete a degree within six years here. Saint Johns University awarded about 12 theology degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the theology program make about $47,238 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $26,646 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in theology from Saint Johns University

18

North Park University placed #18 among the best theology schools. North Park University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Chicago. Roughly 58% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 12 theology degrees were awarded at North Park University in the most recent year. Theology graduates of North Park University earn a median of $51,611 early in their careers. North Park University graduates carry a median of $27,360 in student loans. Read more about the theology program at North Park University

19
Boston College crest
Boston College
Chestnut Hill, MA

Boston College earned the #19 position for theology this year. Boston College is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Chestnut Hill. About 91% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 74 theology students who graduated with this degree at Boston College in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, theology degree recipients from Boston College generally make around $49,117. Typical student debt for the program is $18,101. See the full theology program report for Boston College

20

Concordia University Irvine landed the #20 spot for theology this year. Set in the city of Irvine, Concordia University Irvine is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 58%. Concordia University Irvine awarded about 15 theology degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, theology degree recipients from Concordia University Irvine generally make around $58,590. Students borrow a median of $26,085 to complete this degree. Read more about the theology program at Concordia University Irvine

21

Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best theology schools. This moderately-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Kansas City. Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary graduates 64% of students within six years. About 238 theology degrees were awarded at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in the most recent year. Students who receive their theology degree from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary earn around $54,819 in the first couple years of their career. Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary graduates carry a median of $15,559 in student loans. Read more about the theology program at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary

22

The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary came in at #22 for theology this year. The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Louisville. The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary graduates 35% of students within six years. There were roughly 29 theology students who graduated with this degree at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in the most recent data year. Students who receive their theology degree from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary earn around $56,478 in the first couple years of their career. Get the full theology details for The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

23

Seattle Pacific University ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best theology schools. Set in the city of Seattle, Seattle Pacific University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. About 62% of students finish within six years. Seattle Pacific University awarded about 13 theology degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, theology degree recipients from Seattle Pacific University generally make around $56,778. Students borrow a median of $25,188 to complete this degree. Get the full theology details for Seattle Pacific University

24

University Of Chicago earned the #24 position for theology this year. Located in the city of Chicago, University Of Chicago is a very large private not-for-profit university. University Of Chicago graduates 96% of students within six years. There were roughly 41 theology students who graduated with this degree at University Of Chicago in the most recent data year. Theology graduates of University Of Chicago earn a median of $34,557 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $15,854 to complete this degree. See the full theology program report for University Of Chicago

25

Mount St Marys University earned the #25 position for theology this year. Set in the rural area of Emmitsburg, Mount St Marys University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 65% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 17 theology degrees were awarded at Mount St Marys University in the most recent year. Theology graduates of Mount St Marys University earn a median of $50,657 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $23,539 to complete this degree. Read more about the theology program at Mount St Marys University

Rest of the Top 50 Theology Schools

These schools rounded out the top of this year’s theology ranking:

26
Concordia Seminary crest
Concordia Seminary
Saint Louis, MO
27
Biola University crest
Biola University
La Mirada, CA
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
Lee University crest
Lee University
Cleveland, TN
37
Campbellsville University crest
Campbellsville University
Campbellsville, KY
38
39
Western Seminary crest
Western Seminary
Portland, OR
40
41
Life Pacific College crest
Life Pacific College
San Dimas, CA
42
43
Liberty University crest
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA
44
45
46
Ave Maria University crest
Ave Maria University
Ave Maria, FL
47
Saint Leo University crest
Saint Leo University
Saint Leo, FL
48
49
Evangel University crest
Evangel University
Springfield, MO
50
Eastern University crest
Eastern University
Saint Davids, PA

Other Theology Degree Levels

Looking for a different degree level? Compare Theology rankings across degree levels:

All Degree Levels in Theology
Associate's Degrees in Theology
Bachelor's Degrees in Theology
ADBLOCK #173
View All Theology Rankings >

ADBLOCK #115

Notes and References

This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and program quality, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 339 schools evaluated.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

ADBLOCK #116

Popular Reports

College Rankings
Best by Location
Degree Guides by Major
Graduate Programs
ADBLOCK #613

Compare Your School Options