by our College Data Analytics Team
[Missionary Studies](/majors/theology-and-religious-vocations/missionary-studies/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
For its 2027 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 10 schools to find the best return on investment for missionary studies students.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in missionary studies, balancing cost against outcomes.
Our analysis ranked New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary the best value for a degree in missionary studies in the United States. New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of New Orleans. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,368.
A rank of #2 makes Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary one of the best values for missionary studies. Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Wake Forest. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,318. Early-career missionary studies graduates make about $54,863. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted.
The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary is a great value for students pursuing a degree in missionary studies, landing the #3 spot this year. The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Louisville. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,046. Early-career missionary studies graduates make about $74,388. The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary admits about 56% of applicants.
Students looking for strong value in missionary studies will find it at Regent University, which ranked #4. Located in the city of Virginia Beach, Regent University is a large private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $21,650. Missionary Studies graduates carry a median of $29,451 in student loans. Soon after graduation, missionary studies degree recipients from Regent University generally make around $50,406. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 38%.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Columbia International University earned it the #5 place for missionary studies. Located in the city of Columbia, Columbia International University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $27,900 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $21,667 to complete the missionary studies program here. Soon after graduation, missionary studies degree recipients from Columbia International University generally make around $32,296. That is a strong return on a $21,667 median debt. The acceptance rate is 94%.
Wheaton College Illinois came in at #6 for value in missionary studies this year. Wheaton College Illinois is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Wheaton. In-state tuition and fees average $45,546. Missionary Studies graduates carry a median of $23,292 in student loans. Soon after graduation, missionary studies degree recipients from Wheaton College Illinois generally make around $43,654. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted.
Asbury Theological Seminary earned the #7 position for value in missionary studies this year. Set in the town of Wilmore, Asbury Theological Seminary is a small private not-for-profit institution. Missionary Studies graduates of Asbury Theological Seminary earn a median of $44,082 early in their careers.
Calvin Theological Seminary landed the #8 spot for missionary studies value this year. Located in the city of Grand Rapids, Calvin Theological Seminary is a small private not-for-profit university.
Southeastern University earned the #9 position for value in missionary studies this year. Southeastern University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Lakeland. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $32,950. Missionary Studies graduates carry a median of $19,510 in student loans. Soon after graduation, missionary studies degree recipients from Southeastern University generally make around $30,938. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 53% of applicants are accepted.
Fuller Theological Seminary In California came in at #10 for value in missionary studies this year. Located in the city of Pasadena, Fuller Theological Seminary In California is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Missionary Studies graduates of Fuller Theological Seminary In California earn a median of $60,724 early in their careers.
Looking for a different degree level? Compare best-value Missionary Studies rankings across degree levels:
View All Missionary Studies Rankings >This list is compiled 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 · 10 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 10 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.