2026 Best Value Religious Studies Schools in California
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in religious studies, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value Religious Studies Schools
University Of California Santa Barbara tops our 2026 list of the best value religious studies schools in California. University Of California Santa Barbara is a very large public school located in the suburb of Santa Barbara. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,444, while out-of-state students pay about $47,332. Religious Studies graduates carry a median of $15,873 in student loans. Soon after graduation, religious studies degree recipients from University Of California Santa Barbara generally make around $19,911. That is a strong return on a $15,873 median debt. The acceptance rate is 33%.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Vanguard University Of Southern California earned it the #2 place for religious studies. Vanguard University Of Southern California is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Costa Mesa. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $41,700. Students borrow a median of $21,111 to complete the religious studies program here. Early-career religious studies graduates make about $80,727. That is a strong return on a $21,111 median debt. Vanguard University Of Southern California admits about 62% of applicants.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Mount St Marys College earned it the #3 place for religious studies. Located in the city of Los Angeles, Mount St Marys College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $49,564. Typical student debt for religious studies graduates is $27,555. Religious Studies graduates of Mount St Marys College earn a median of $58,110 early in their careers. Set against $27,555 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 73%.
Yeshiva Ohr Elchonon Chabad West Coast Talmudical Seminary is a great value for students pursuing a degree in religious studies, landing the #4 spot this year. Located in the city of Los Angeles, Yeshiva Ohr Elchonon Chabad West Coast Talmudical Seminary is a small private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,900. Soon after graduation, religious studies degree recipients from Yeshiva Ohr Elchonon Chabad West Coast Talmudical Seminary generally make around $15,652. The acceptance rate is 58%.
A rank of #5 makes California Baptist University one of the best values for religious studies. Located in the city of Riverside, California Baptist University is a large private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $41,228 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $24,474 to complete the religious studies program here. Early-career religious studies graduates make about $29,582. Set against $24,474 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted.
Santa Clara University came in at #6 for value in religious studies this year. Located in the city of Santa Clara, Santa Clara University is a large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $61,293. Typical student debt for religious studies graduates is $20,144. Early-career religious studies graduates make about $79,380. Set against $20,144 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 48%.
Notes and References
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 63 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 4 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.
[Religious Studies](/majors/philosophy-and-religious-studies/religious-studies/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
