by our College Data Analytics Team
[Youth Ministry](/majors/theology-and-religious-vocations/pastoral-counseling-specialized-ministries/youth-ministry/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
For its 2027 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 5 schools to find the best return on investment for youth ministry students.
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If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the youth ministry degrees they offer, see the list below.
New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary earned the #1 spot for value among youth ministry schools in the Southeast Region. Located in the city of New Orleans, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,368.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary earned it the #2 place for youth ministry. Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Wake Forest. In-state tuition and fees average $11,318. Youth Ministry graduates of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary earn a median of $54,863 early in their careers. The acceptance rate is 75%.
Lee University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in youth ministry, landing the #3 spot this year. Lee University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Cleveland. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $23,790. Students borrow a median of $28,750 to complete the youth ministry program here. Youth Ministry graduates of Lee University earn a median of $35,189 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 70%.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Liberty University earned it the #4 place for youth ministry. Set in the city of Lynchburg, Liberty University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,173. Students borrow a median of $23,750 to complete the youth ministry program here. Early-career youth ministry graduates make about $34,083. Set against $23,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 99%.
Students looking for strong value in youth ministry will find it at Southeastern University, which ranked #5. Set in the city of Lakeland, Southeastern University is a large private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $32,950. Typical student debt for youth ministry graduates is $26,000. Youth Ministry graduates of Southeastern University earn a median of $35,209 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. Roughly 53% of applicants are accepted.
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 5 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 5 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.