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2022 Best Value Doctor’s Degree Colleges for Religious Studies (With Aid)

25 Ranked Colleges
233 Degrees Awarded
$35,000 Avg Grad Tuition & Fees*
Best Value Religion Schools for a Doctorate For Those Getting Aid

With all of the options students have for higher education today, it can be tough to choose which direction to take. College Factual was founded, in part, to help students make the decision as to what would be the best school for them. Our “Best Value Religion Schools for a Doctorate For Those Getting Aid” ranking is part of that endeavor.

In 2019-2020, 9,704 people earned their degree in religious studies, making the major the 115th most popular in the United States. In 2017-2018, religious studies graduates who were awarded their degree in 2015-2017, earned an average of $32,163 and had an average of $28,712 in loans still to pay off.

At the doctor’s degree level specifically, there were 233 religious studies graduates with average earnings and debt of $72,680 and $116,043 respectively.

This year’s “Best Value Religion Schools for a Doctorate For Those Getting Aid” ranking looked at 25 colleges that offer degrees in a bachelor’s in religious studies. The schools that top this list are recognized because they have great religious studies programs and cost less that schools of similar quality.

When determining these rankings, we looked at things such as overall quality of the religious studies program at the school and the cost to attend the school once aid has been awarded. For more information, check out our ranking methodology.

More Ways to Rank Religious Studies Schools

When choosing the right school for you, it’s important to arm yourself with all the facts you can. To that end, we’ve created a number of major-specific rankings, including this “Best Value Religion Schools for a Doctorate For Those Getting Aid” list to help you make the college decision.

In addition to College Factual’s rankings, you may want to take a look at College Combat, our unique tool that lets you pit your favorite schools head-to-head and compare how they rate on factors that most interest you. When you have some time, check it out - you may want to bookmark the link so you don’t forget it.

Best Value Religion Schools for a Doctorate For Those Getting Aid

The following schools top our list of the Best Best Value Religion Schools for a Doctorate For Those Getting Aid.

Top 25 Best Value Doctor’s Degree Colleges for Religious Studies (With Aid)

#1

University of Florida

Gainesville, Florida
#16 in overall quality

Out of the 25 schools in the Best Value Religion Schools for a Doctorate For Those Getting Aid that were part of this year’s ranking, University of Florida landed the #1 spot on the list. Located in Gainesville, Florida, this large public school awarded 3 diplomas to qualified doctorate’s religion students in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at UF, the school also landed the #16 spot in our “Best Religious Studies Doctor’s Degree Schools” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at University of Florida are $30,130.

Read more about Religious Studies at University of Florida

#2

University of Virginia - Main Campus

Charlottesville, Virginia

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend University of Virginia - Main Campus. It ranked #2 on our 2022 Best Value Religion Schools for a Doctorate For Those Getting Aid list. University of Virginia is a large public school situated in Charlottesville, Virginia. It awarded 9 doctorate’s religion degrees in 2019-2020.

University of Virginia did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #5 on our “Best Religious Studies Doctor’s Degree Schools” list. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at University of Virginia - Main Campus are $32,394.

Full University of Virginia Religious Studies Report

#3

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, North Carolina

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. It ranked #3 on our 2022 Best Value Religion Schools for a Doctorate For Those Getting Aid list. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is a public institution located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The school has a large population, and it awarded 2 doctorate’s degrees in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at UNC Chapel Hill, the school also landed the #19 spot in our “Best Religious Studies Doctor’s Degree Schools” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at UNC Chapel Hill are $30,248.

Read more about Religious Studies at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

#11 in overall quality

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend The University of Texas at Austin. The school came in at #4 for the Best Value Religion Schools for a Doctorate For Those Getting Aid. The University of Texas at Austin is a large public school situated in Austin, Texas. It awarded 2 doctorate’s religion degrees in 2019-2020.

UT Austin not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #11 on our “Best Religious Studies Doctor’s Degree Schools” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at UT Austin are $22,886, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read full report on Religious Studies at UT Austin

#5

Florida State University

Tallahassee, Florida
#21 in overall quality

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend Florida State University. The school came in at #5 for the Best Value Religion Schools for a Doctorate For Those Getting Aid. This large school is located in Tallahassee, Florida, and it awarded 3 doctorate’s religion degrees in 2019-2020.

Florida State also took the #21 spot in our “Best Religious Studies Doctor’s Degree Schools” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Florida State University are $26,707.

Full Florida State Religious Studies Report

#14 in overall quality

Arizona State University - Tempe came in at #6 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Religion Schools for a Doctorate For Those Getting Aid ranking. This large school is located in Tempe, Arizona, and it awarded 5 doctorate’s religion degrees in 2019-2020.

ASU - Tempe also took the #14 spot in our “Best Religious Studies Doctor’s Degree Schools” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Arizona State University - Tempe are $27,048, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Full Arizona State University - Tempe Religious Studies Report

#7

University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
#2 in overall quality

University of Pennsylvania did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Religion Schools for a Doctorate For Those Getting Aid ranking, coming in at #7. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out doctorate’s religion degrees to 1 students in 2019-2020.

UPenn also made our “Best Religious Studies Doctor’s Degree Schools” list, coming in at #2. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at University of Pennsylvania are $41,760.

Read more about Religious Studies at University of Pennsylvania

#8

University of California - Los Angeles

Los Angeles, California
#13 in overall quality

University of California - Los Angeles landed the #8 spot on the 2022 Best Value Religion Schools for a Doctorate For Those Getting Aid ranking. Located in Los Angeles, California, this large public school handed out 1 degrees to qualified doctorate’s religion students in 2019-2020.

UCLA did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #13 on our “Best Religious Studies Doctor’s Degree Schools” list. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at UCLA are $28,131.

Read full report on Religious Studies at UCLA

#6 in overall quality

Columbia University in the City of New York landed the #9 spot on the 2022 Best Value Religion Schools for a Doctorate For Those Getting Aid ranking. Located in New York, New York, this large private not-for-profit school awarded 4 diplomas to qualified doctorate’s religion students in 2019-2020.

Columbia not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #6 on our “Best Religious Studies Doctor’s Degree Schools” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at Columbia University in the City of New York are $51,194, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Full Columbia University in the City of New York Religious Studies Report

#10

University of California - Riverside

Riverside, California

University of California - Riverside did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Religion Schools for a Doctorate For Those Getting Aid ranking, coming in at #10. UCR is located in Riverside, California and, has a large student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 1 doctorate’s religion degrees to qualified students.

Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at University of California - Riverside are $28,686.

Read full report on Religious Studies at University of California - Riverside

#11

Indiana University - Bloomington

Bloomington, Indiana
#18 in overall quality

With a ranking of #11, Indiana University - Bloomington did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Religion Schools for a Doctorate For Those Getting Aid list. Indiana University - Bloomington is a public institution located in Bloomington, Indiana. The school has a large population, and it awarded 3 doctorate’s degrees in 2019-2020.

IU Bloomington not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #18 on our “Best Religious Studies Doctor’s Degree Schools” list. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Indiana University - Bloomington are $33,338.

Read full report on Religious Studies at IU Bloomington

#12

University of Iowa

Iowa City, Iowa
#15 in overall quality

University of Iowa landed the #12 spot on the 2022 Best Value Religion Schools for a Doctorate For Those Getting Aid ranking. Located in Iowa City, Iowa, this large public school handed out 4 diplomas to qualified doctorate’s religion students in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at Iowa, the school also landed the #15 spot in our “Best Religious Studies Doctor’s Degree Schools” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at University of Iowa are $27,613, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read more about Religious Studies at Iowa

#13

University of Georgia

Athens, Georgia
#24 in overall quality

University of Georgia ranked #13 on this year’s Best Value Religion Schools for a Doctorate For Those Getting Aid list. Located in Athens, Georgia, this large public school handed out 1 degrees to qualified doctorate’s religion students in 2019-2020.

UGA also took the #24 spot in our “Best Religious Studies Doctor’s Degree Schools” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at UGA are $27,476.

Full UGA Religious Studies Report

#14

University of California - Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, California
#17 in overall quality

University of California - Santa Barbara landed the #14 spot on the 2022 Best Value Religion Schools for a Doctorate For Those Getting Aid ranking. UCSB is located in Santa Barbara, California and, has a large student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 3 doctorate’s religion degrees to qualified students.

UCSB not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #17 on our “Best Religious Studies Doctor’s Degree Schools” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at UCSB are $28,670, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read full report on Religious Studies at UCSB

#15

Duke University

Durham, North Carolina
#3 in overall quality

Duke University did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Religion Schools for a Doctorate For Those Getting Aid ranking, coming in at #15. Located in Durham, North Carolina, this fairly large private not-for-profit school handed out 3 diplomas to qualified doctorate’s religion students in 2019-2020.

Duke also took the #3 spot in our “Best Religious Studies Doctor’s Degree Schools” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Duke University are $59,140.

Full Duke Religious Studies Report

#16

Emory University

Atlanta, Georgia

Emory University landed the #16 spot on the 2022 Best Value Religion Schools for a Doctorate For Those Getting Aid ranking. Emory is a fairly large school located in Atlanta, Georgia that handed out 15 doctorate’s religion degrees in 2019-2020.

Emory also made our “Best Religious Studies Doctor’s Degree Schools” list, coming in at #1. Average graduate tuition and fees at Emory are $44,676, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Full Emory University Religious Studies Report

#17

Vanderbilt University

Nashville, Tennessee

Vanderbilt University did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Religion Schools for a Doctorate For Those Getting Aid ranking, coming in at #17. Nashville, Tennessee is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out doctorate’s religion degrees to 12 students in 2019-2020.

Vanderbilt also took the #4 spot in our “Best Religious Studies Doctor’s Degree Schools” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Vanderbilt are $50,624, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Full Vanderbilt University Religious Studies Report

#18

Northwestern University

Evanston, Illinois
#7 in overall quality

Northwestern University came in at #18 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Religion Schools for a Doctorate For Those Getting Aid ranking. Northwestern University is a large private not-for-profit school situated in Evanston, Illinois. It awarded 2 doctorate’s religion degrees in 2019-2020.

Northwestern also took the #7 spot in our “Best Religious Studies Doctor’s Degree Schools” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Northwestern University are $56,567, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read more about Religious Studies at Northwestern

#23 in overall quality

University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh Campus landed the #19 spot on the 2022 Best Value Religion Schools for a Doctorate For Those Getting Aid ranking. Located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, this large public school awarded 1 diplomas to qualified doctorate’s religion students in 2019-2020.

Pitt also made our “Best Religious Studies Doctor’s Degree Schools” list, coming in at #23. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh Campus are $40,836.

Full Pitt Religious Studies Report

#20

Boston University

Boston, Massachusetts
#9 in overall quality

Boston University ranked #20 on this year’s Best Value Religion Schools for a Doctorate For Those Getting Aid list. Boston University is a private not-for-profit institution located in Boston, Massachusetts. The school has a large population, and it awarded 6 doctorate’s degrees in 2019-2020.

Boston U also made our “Best Religious Studies Doctor’s Degree Schools” list, coming in at #9. Average graduate tuition and fees at Boston University are $57,666, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Full Boston U Religious Studies Report

#21

Temple University

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
#22 in overall quality

Temple University came in at #21 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Religion Schools for a Doctorate For Those Getting Aid ranking. Temple University is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and, has a large student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 2 doctorate’s religion degrees to qualified students.

Temple not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #22 on our “Best Religious Studies Doctor’s Degree Schools” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at Temple University are $24,236, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read full report on Religious Studies at Temple

#22

Liberty University

Lynchburg, Virginia
#25 in overall quality

Liberty University came in at #22 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Religion Schools for a Doctorate For Those Getting Aid ranking. Liberty University is located in Lynchburg, Virginia and, has a large student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 9 doctorate’s religion degrees to qualified students.

Liberty University did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #25 on our “Best Religious Studies Doctor’s Degree Schools” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at Liberty University are $8,349, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Full Liberty University Religious Studies Report

#8 in overall quality

Jewish Theological Seminary of America did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Religion Schools for a Doctorate For Those Getting Aid ranking, coming in at #23. New York, New York is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out doctorate’s religion degrees to 2 students in 2019-2020.

Jewish Theological Seminary of America also took the #8 spot in our “Best Religious Studies Doctor’s Degree Schools” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Jewish Theological Seminary of America are $34,472, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read full report on Religious Studies at Jewish Theological Seminary of America

#24

Marquette University

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

With a ranking of #24, Marquette University did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Religion Schools for a Doctorate For Those Getting Aid list. Marquette University is a fairly large school located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin that handed out 8 doctorate’s religion degrees in 2019-2020.

Marquette did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #20 on our “Best Religious Studies Doctor’s Degree Schools” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at Marquette are $21,690, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read full report on Religious Studies at Marquette

#25

Baylor University

Waco, Texas

Baylor University came in at #25 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Religion Schools for a Doctorate For Those Getting Aid ranking. Baylor University is a private not-for-profit institution located in Waco, Texas. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 7 doctorate’s degrees in 2019-2020.

Baylor not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #12 on our “Best Religious Studies Doctor’s Degree Schools” list. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Baylor University are $36,936.

Read full report on Religious Studies at Baylor

Notes and References

References

  • 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).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

Read more about our data sources and methodologies

Footnotes

  • *Average salary, average net price, and average tuition and fees are for the top schools only.
  • Some schools otherwise deserving of recognition may have been removed from this ranking in the event that new data identified post-publication warranted it, or at the request of the school.

Credits

  • Credit for the banner image above goes to Sowlos.

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