by our College Data Analytics TeamLay Ministry is a field worth a close look when choosing where to study. The schools below stand out for the quality of their lay ministry programs.
College Factual analyzed 3 schools to build this 2027 ranking of the best lay ministry schools.
What’s on this page:
If you are not interested in a particular degree level and want to know which schools are the overall best at delivering an education for the lay ministry degrees they offer, see the list below.
Leading the list is Liberty University, our #1 school for lay ministry. This very large private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Lynchburg. The six-year graduation rate is 67%. About 22 lay ministry degrees were awarded at Liberty University in the most recent year. Graduates of the lay ministry program make about $34,083 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $23,750. Get the full lay ministry details for Liberty University
Regent University came in at #2 on our 2027 list of the best lay ministry schools. This large private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Virginia Beach. Regent University graduates 58% of students within six years. About 35 lay ministry degrees were awarded at Regent University in the most recent year. Lay Ministry graduates of Regent University earn a median of $33,407 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $35,500 to complete this degree. Read more about the lay ministry program at Regent University
South Florida Bible College And Theological Seminary is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in lay ministry, ranking #3. Set in the city of Deerfield Beach, South Florida Bible College And Theological Seminary is a small private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 17%. About 13 lay ministry degrees were awarded at South Florida Bible College And Theological Seminary in the most recent year. Read more about the lay ministry program at South Florida Bible College And Theological Seminary
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. Schools are scored on a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and program focus, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 3 schools evaluated.
More about our data sources and methodologies.