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2027 Best Theology & Religious Vocations Schools in the Great Lakes Region

40 Colleges in the United States
2,968 Theology & Religious Vocations Degrees Awarded
$46,114 Avg Early-Career Salary

Theology & Religious Vocations programs are offered at a focused set of schools across the country. A focused field like this rewards careful comparison of the schools that offer it.

College Factual analyzed 40 schools to build this 2027 ranking of the best theology & religious vocations schools.

What’s on this page:

Best Schools for Theology & Religious Vocations in the Great Lakes Region

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest overall theology & religious vocations education in the Great Lakes Region.

Top Schools in Theology & Religious Vocations

1

Our analysis ranked Wheaton College Illinois the best school in the country for a degree in theology & religious vocations. Set in the suburb of Wheaton, Wheaton College Illinois is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. About 85% of students finish within six years. Wheaton College Illinois awarded about 114 theology & religious vocations degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their theology & religious vocations degree from Wheaton College Illinois earn around $55,323 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $24,074. More information about a degree in theology & religious vocations from Wheaton College Illinois

2

Olivet Nazarene University came in at #2 on our 2027 list of the best theology & religious vocations schools. Located in the suburb of Bourbonnais, Olivet Nazarene University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Roughly 61% of students complete a degree within six years here. Olivet Nazarene University awarded about 51 theology & religious vocations degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, theology & religious vocations degree recipients from Olivet Nazarene University generally make around $48,505. Typical student debt for the program is $26,797. Read more about the theology & religious vocations program at Olivet Nazarene University

3
Xavier University crest
Xavier University
Cincinnati, OH

Xavier University came in at #3 on our 2027 list of the best theology & religious vocations schools. Set in the city of Cincinnati, Xavier University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Xavier University graduates 68% of students within six years. About 14 theology & religious vocations degrees were awarded at Xavier University in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, theology & religious vocations degree recipients from Xavier University generally make around $55,045. Typical student debt for the program is $26,614. See the full theology & religious vocations program report for Xavier University

4
Calvin College crest
Calvin College
Grand Rapids, MI

Calvin College came in at #4 on our 2027 list of the best theology & religious vocations schools. Calvin College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Grand Rapids. The six-year graduation rate is 74%. There were roughly 20 theology & religious vocations students who graduated with this degree at Calvin College in the most recent data year. Students who receive their theology & religious vocations degree from Calvin College earn around $44,220 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $22,707. More information about a degree in theology & religious vocations from Calvin College

5
Andrews University crest
Andrews University
Berrien Springs, MI

A rank of #5 makes Andrews University one of the top schools for theology & religious vocations. Set in the town of Berrien Springs, Andrews University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Andrews University graduates 72% of students within six years. About 177 theology & religious vocations degrees were awarded at Andrews University in the most recent year. Graduates of the theology & religious vocations program make about $64,008 in their early career. Andrews University graduates carry a median of $26,314 in student loans. Read more about the theology & religious vocations program at Andrews University

6

North Park University came in at #6 for theology & religious vocations this year. North Park University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Chicago. The six-year graduation rate is 58%. About 53 theology & religious vocations degrees were awarded at North Park University in the most recent year. Students who receive their theology & religious vocations degree from North Park University earn around $51,611 in the first couple years of their career. North Park University graduates carry a median of $27,360 in student loans. Read more about the theology & religious vocations program at North Park University

7
Cedarville University crest
Cedarville University
Cedarville, OH

Cedarville University earned the #7 position for theology & religious vocations this year. This moderately-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the rural area of Cedarville. Cedarville University graduates 72% of students within six years. About 80 theology & religious vocations degrees were awarded at Cedarville University in the most recent year. Students who receive their theology & religious vocations degree from Cedarville University earn around $41,554 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $25,000. Read more about the theology & religious vocations program at Cedarville University

8
Taylor University crest
Taylor University
Upland, IN

Taylor University landed the #8 spot for theology & religious vocations this year. This mid-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the rural area of Upland. Roughly 74% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 17 theology & religious vocations degrees were awarded at Taylor University in the most recent year. Students who receive their theology & religious vocations degree from Taylor University earn around $37,035 in the first couple years of their career. Taylor University graduates carry a median of $21,832 in student loans. Read more about the theology & religious vocations program at Taylor University

9

Moody Bible Institute ranked #9 on our 2027 list of the best theology & religious vocations schools. This mid-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Chicago. About 62% of students finish within six years. About 564 theology & religious vocations degrees were awarded at Moody Bible Institute in the most recent year. Students who receive their theology & religious vocations degree from Moody Bible Institute earn around $43,134 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $13,064 to complete this degree. See the full theology & religious vocations program report for Moody Bible Institute

10

Loyola University Chicago landed the #10 spot for theology & religious vocations this year. Located in the city of Chicago, Loyola University Chicago is a large private not-for-profit university. Loyola University Chicago graduates 75% of students within six years. There were roughly 56 theology & religious vocations students who graduated with this degree at Loyola University Chicago in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, theology & religious vocations degree recipients from Loyola University Chicago generally make around $46,241. Typical student debt for the program is $23,521. More information about a degree in theology & religious vocations from Loyola University Chicago

11

Sacred Heart Major Seminary landed the #11 spot for theology & religious vocations this year. Set in the city of Detroit, Sacred Heart Major Seminary is a small private not-for-profit institution. Sacred Heart Major Seminary graduates 67% of students within six years. There were roughly 62 theology & religious vocations students who graduated with this degree at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in the most recent data year. Get the full theology & religious vocations details for Sacred Heart Major Seminary

12
Viterbo University crest
Viterbo University
La Crosse, WI

Viterbo University came in at #12 for theology & religious vocations this year. Located in the city of La Crosse, Viterbo University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. About 68% of students finish within six years. Viterbo University awarded about 12 theology & religious vocations degrees in the most recent data year. Theology & Religious Vocations graduates of Viterbo University earn a median of $60,309 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $29,107 to complete this degree. Get the full theology & religious vocations details for Viterbo University

13

University Of Chicago landed the #13 spot for theology & religious vocations this year. University Of Chicago is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Chicago. Roughly 96% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 69 theology & religious vocations degrees were awarded at University Of Chicago in the most recent year. Students who receive their theology & religious vocations degree from University Of Chicago earn around $45,985 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $15,854. More information about a degree in theology & religious vocations from University Of Chicago

14

Maranatha Baptist Bible College came in at #14 for theology & religious vocations this year. Maranatha Baptist Bible College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the town of Watertown. About 64% of students finish within six years. About 70 theology & religious vocations degrees were awarded at Maranatha Baptist Bible College in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, theology & religious vocations degree recipients from Maranatha Baptist Bible College generally make around $56,298. Get the full theology & religious vocations details for Maranatha Baptist Bible College

15

University Of Notre Dame ranked #15 on our 2027 list of the best theology & religious vocations schools. This large private not-for-profit university is located in the suburb of Notre Dame. The six-year graduation rate is 95%. About 135 theology & religious vocations degrees were awarded at University Of Notre Dame in the most recent year. Students who receive their theology & religious vocations degree from University Of Notre Dame earn around $44,657 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $19,000 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in theology & religious vocations from University Of Notre Dame

16

Grace College And Theological Seminary placed #16 among the best theology & religious vocations schools. Located in the town of Winona Lake, Grace College And Theological Seminary is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Grace College And Theological Seminary graduates 69% of students within six years. About 108 theology & religious vocations degrees were awarded at Grace College And Theological Seminary in the most recent year. Students who receive their theology & religious vocations degree from Grace College And Theological Seminary earn around $34,513 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $25,460. Read more about the theology & religious vocations program at Grace College And Theological Seminary

17
Malone University crest
Malone University
Canton, OH

Malone University earned the #17 position for theology & religious vocations this year. Located in the city of Canton, Malone University is a small private not-for-profit university. Roughly 45% of students complete a degree within six years here. Malone University awarded about 21 theology & religious vocations degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, theology & religious vocations degree recipients from Malone University generally make around $48,359. Students borrow a median of $27,956 to complete this degree. Get the full theology & religious vocations details for Malone University

18

Mount Vernon Nazarene University came in at #18 for theology & religious vocations this year. Mount Vernon Nazarene University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the town of Mount Vernon. The six-year graduation rate is 68%. There were roughly 11 theology & religious vocations students who graduated with this degree at Mount Vernon Nazarene University in the most recent data year. Students who receive their theology & religious vocations degree from Mount Vernon Nazarene University earn around $53,377 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $26,602. More information about a degree in theology & religious vocations from Mount Vernon Nazarene University

19

Trinity International University Illinois placed #19 among the best theology & religious vocations schools. Trinity International University Illinois is a small private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Deerfield. The six-year graduation rate is 46%. Trinity International University Illinois awarded about 160 theology & religious vocations degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, theology & religious vocations degree recipients from Trinity International University Illinois generally make around $50,091. Students borrow a median of $32,934 to complete this degree. Read more about the theology & religious vocations program at Trinity International University Illinois

20

Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global placed #20 among the best theology & religious vocations schools. Set in the rural area of Marion, Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global is a large private not-for-profit institution. Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global awarded about 140 theology & religious vocations degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their theology & religious vocations degree from Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global earn around $40,261 in the first couple years of their career. Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global graduates carry a median of $26,585 in student loans. Get the full theology & religious vocations details for Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global

21

Indiana Wesleyan University came in at #21 for theology & religious vocations this year. Set in the town of Marion, Indiana Wesleyan University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Indiana Wesleyan University graduates 66% of students within six years. There were roughly 52 theology & religious vocations students who graduated with this degree at Indiana Wesleyan University in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, theology & religious vocations degree recipients from Indiana Wesleyan University generally make around $33,461. Students borrow a median of $24,510 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in theology & religious vocations from Indiana Wesleyan University

22
Capital University crest
Capital University
Columbus, OH

Capital University came in at #22 for theology & religious vocations this year. Capital University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Columbus. About 60% of students finish within six years. Capital University awarded about 12 theology & religious vocations degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, theology & religious vocations degree recipients from Capital University generally make around $46,516. Capital University graduates carry a median of $28,269 in student loans. Get the full theology & religious vocations details for Capital University

23
Cornerstone University crest
Cornerstone University
Grand Rapids, MI

Cornerstone University came in at #23 for theology & religious vocations this year. This mid-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Grand Rapids. Cornerstone University graduates 63% of students within six years. About 54 theology & religious vocations degrees were awarded at Cornerstone University in the most recent year. Graduates of the theology & religious vocations program make about $46,456 in their early career. Cornerstone University graduates carry a median of $43,009 in student loans. See the full theology & religious vocations program report for Cornerstone University

24

Franciscan University Of Steubenville ranked #24 on our 2027 list of the best theology & religious vocations schools. This mid-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Steubenville. The six-year graduation rate is 75%. Franciscan University Of Steubenville awarded about 250 theology & religious vocations degrees in the most recent data year. Theology & Religious Vocations graduates of Franciscan University Of Steubenville earn a median of $37,083 early in their careers. Franciscan University Of Steubenville graduates carry a median of $25,054 in student loans. Read more about the theology & religious vocations program at Franciscan University Of Steubenville

25

Concordia University Wisconsin came in at #25 for theology & religious vocations this year. Set in the suburb of Mequon, Concordia University Wisconsin is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 69%. About 22 theology & religious vocations degrees were awarded at Concordia University Wisconsin in the most recent year. Theology & Religious Vocations graduates of Concordia University Wisconsin earn a median of $58,227 early in their careers. Concordia University Wisconsin graduates carry a median of $25,926 in student loans. Get the full theology & religious vocations details for Concordia University Wisconsin

Rest of the Top 40 Theology & Religious Vocations Schools

Not far behind, these schools also delivered a strong theology & religious vocations education:

26
27
Earlham College crest
Earlham College
Richmond, IN
28
29
30
Ashland University crest
Ashland University
Ashland, OH
31
32
33
34
35
36
Valor Christian College crest
Valor Christian College
Canal Winchester, OH
37
38
39
40
Virginia Baptist College crest
Virginia Baptist College
Lawrenceburg, IN

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Notes and References

The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. The methodology weighs graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and program quality, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 40 schools evaluated.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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