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.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 7 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for youth ministry students.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in youth ministry, balancing cost against outcomes.
Lee University earned the #1 spot for value among youth ministry schools in Tennessee. Set in the city of Cleveland, Lee University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $23,790. Youth Ministry graduates carry a median of $28,750 in student loans. Early-career youth ministry graduates make about $35,189. That is a strong return on a $28,750 median debt. The acceptance rate is 70%.
Milligan College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in youth ministry, landing the #2 spot this year. Milligan College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Milligan. Students from in state pay about $40,450 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for youth ministry graduates is $26,150. Youth Ministry graduates of Milligan College earn a median of $64,327 early in their careers. Set against $26,150 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 72%.
The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 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 · 7 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 1 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.