by our College Data Analytics Team
[Religious Studies](/majors/philosophy-and-religious-studies/religious-studies/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
To produce this 2027 ranking, College Factual evaluated 7 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for religious studies students.
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Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in religious studies, balancing cost against outcomes.
For return on investment in religious studies, no school beat University Of Mary this year. Set in the rural area of Bismarck, University Of Mary is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $22,356. Typical student debt for religious studies graduates is $26,983. Religious Studies graduates of University Of Mary earn a median of $65,565 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,983 median debt. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted.
Students looking for strong value in religious studies will find it at Missouri State University Springfield, which ranked #2. Located in the city of Springfield, Missouri State University Springfield is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,502, with out-of-state students paying around $18,770. Religious Studies graduates carry a median of $26,349 in student loans. Religious Studies graduates of Missouri State University Springfield earn a median of $22,133 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%.
A rank of #3 makes Hannibal Lagrange College one of the best values for religious studies. Located in the town of Hannibal, Hannibal Lagrange College is a small private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $26,880. Typical student debt for religious studies graduates is $21,705. Early-career religious studies graduates make about $43,544. Set against $21,705 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 73%.
Crown College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in religious studies, landing the #4 spot this year. Crown College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the rural area of Saint Bonifacius. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $31,410. Religious Studies graduates carry a median of $29,537 in student loans. Religious Studies graduates of Crown College earn a median of $56,689 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Crown College admits about 23% of applicants.
Friends University came in at #5 on our 2027 list of the best value religious studies schools. Located in the city of Wichita, Friends University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,192. Typical student debt for religious studies graduates is $29,721. Religious Studies graduates of Friends University earn a median of $46,502 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 55% of applicants are accepted.
Bethel University Minnesota earned the #6 position for value in religious studies this year. Bethel University Minnesota is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Saint Paul. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $44,226. Typical student debt for religious studies graduates is $25,639. Early-career religious studies graduates make about $61,465. That is a strong return on a $25,639 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%.
University Of St Thomas Minnesota placed #7 among the best values for religious studies. Set in the city of Saint Paul, University Of St Thomas Minnesota is a large private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $54,398. Students borrow a median of $19,500 to complete the religious studies program here. Soon after graduation, religious studies degree recipients from University Of St Thomas Minnesota generally make around $27,496. Set against $19,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted.
The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 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 · 7 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 7 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.