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2023 Most Popular Colleges for Divinity/Ministry in California

28 Ranked Colleges
470 Degrees Awarded
$33,800 Avg Cost*
Most Well Attended Divinity Studies Major in California

Students have lots of options to chooose from today when trying to decide which college to attend. One of our goals at College Factual is to give you as much information as we can - such as our “Most Well Attended Divinity Studies Major in California” ranking - to help you make that decision.

In 2020-2021, 7,238 people earned their degree in divinity/ministry, making the major the 113th most popular in the United States.

Across California, there were 470 divinity/ministry graduates with average earnings and debt of $0 and $0 respectively.

This year’s “Most Well Attended Divinity Studies Major in California” ranking looked at 28 colleges that offer degrees in a bachelor’s in divinity/ministry. To top this list, a school must have a successful divinity/ministry program that graduates more students in the field than other colleges that offer the same major.

See our ranking methodology to learn more.

More Ways to Rank Divinity/Ministry Schools

Rankings by Degree Other Award Levels
Rankings by Location Check Out Other Locales
More Divinity Studies Rankings Other Ranking Categories

The divinity studies school you choose to invest your time and money in matters. To help you make the decision that is right for you, we’ve developed a number of major-specific rankings, including this list of “Most Well Attended Divinity Studies Major in California”.

One of our other unique offerings is College Combat. This tool lets you build your own customized comparisons utilizing the factors that are most important to you. When you have some time, check it out - you may want to bookmark the link so you don’t forget it.

Most Well Attended Divinity Studies Major in California

The following schools top our list of the Best “Most Well Attended Divinity Studies Major in California”.

1
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Fuller Theological Seminary
Pasadena, California

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Fuller Theological Seminary. It ranked #1 on our 2023 Most Well Attended Divinity Studies Major in California list. Located in Pasadena, California, this small private not-for-profit school handed out 100 degrees to qualified ’s divinity studies students in 2020-2021.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 1.0% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%. The undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio of to 1 is a sign that students will have more opportunities to engage with their professors one-on-one.

Read more about Divinity/Ministry at Fuller Theological Seminary

2
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The Master's University and Seminary
Santa Clarita, California

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend The Master’s University and Seminary. It ranked #2 on our 2023 Most Well Attended Divinity Studies Major in California list. Santa Clarita, California is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out ’s divinity studies degrees to 86 students in 2020-2021.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 1.5%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Read full report on Divinity/Ministry at The Master’s University and Seminary

3
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Biola University
La Mirada, California

Out of the 28 schools in the Most Well Attended Divinity Studies Major in California that were part of this year’s ranking, Biola University landed the #3 spot on the list. Biola is a private not-for-profit institution located in La Mirada, California. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 53 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 2.7% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.

Read more about Divinity/Ministry at Biola

4
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Azusa Pacific University
Azusa, California

Out of the 28 schools in the Most Well Attended Divinity Studies Major in California that were part of this year’s ranking, Azusa Pacific University landed the #4 spot on the list. Azusa Pacific is a private not-for-profit institution located in Azusa, California. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 39 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 3.3%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%. Since the school has a undergrad student-to-faculty ratio of 10 to 1, those pursuing a degree will have more opportunities to interact with their professors.

Read full report on Divinity/Ministry at Azusa Pacific

5
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Claremont School of Theology
Claremont, California

Out of the 28 schools in the Most Well Attended Divinity Studies Major in California that were part of this year’s ranking, Claremont School of Theology landed the #5 spot on the list. Claremont School of Theology is located in Claremont, California and, has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 30 ’s divinity studies degrees to qualified students.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 4.6% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%. The undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio of to 1 is a sign that students will have more opportunities to engage with their professors one-on-one.

Read more about Divinity/Ministry at Claremont School of Theology

6

Westminster Theological Seminary in California landed the #6 spot on the 2023 Most Well Attended Divinity Studies Major in California ranking. Westminster Theological Seminary in California is a small private not-for-profit school situated in Escondido, California. It awarded 18 ’s divinity studies degrees in 2020-2021.

The impressive undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio of to 1 means that students may have more opportunities to work more closely with their professors than they would at other schools.

Read full report on Divinity/Ministry at Westminster Seminary California

7
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California Lutheran University
Thousand Oaks, California

California Lutheran University came in at #7 in this year’s edition of the Most Well Attended Divinity Studies Major in California ranking. Thousand Oaks, California is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out ’s divinity studies degrees to 16 students in 2020-2021.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 2.7%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Read more about Divinity/Ministry at CLU

7

SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary ranked #7 on this year’s Most Well Attended Divinity Studies Major in California list. El Dorado Hills, California is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out ’s divinity studies degrees to 16 students in 2020-2021.

The undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio of 10 to 1 is a sign that students will have more opportunities to engage with their professors one-on-one.

Read more about Divinity/Ministry at School of Urban Missions

9
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World Mission University
Los Angeles, California

World Mission University ranked #9 on this year’s Most Well Attended Divinity Studies Major in California list. Located in Los Angeles, California, this small private not-for-profit school awarded 14 degrees to qualified ’s divinity studies students in 2020-2021.

With a undergrad student-to-faculty ratio of 7 to 1, it’s easy to see that the school is committed to helping their undergraduates succeed.

Read more about Divinity/Ministry at World Mission University

9
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Pacific School of Religion
Berkeley, California

With a ranking of #9, Pacific School of Religion did quite well on the 2023 Most Well Attended Divinity Studies Major in California list. This small school is located in Berkeley, California, and it awarded 14 ’s divinity studies degrees in 2020-2021.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 3.2%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%. With a undergrad student-to-faculty ratio of to 1, it’s easy to see that the school is committed to helping their undergraduates succeed.

Full Pacific School of Religion Divinity/Ministry Report

11
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Starr King School for Ministry
Berkeley, California

Starr King School for Ministry ranked #11 on this year’s Most Well Attended Divinity Studies Major in California list. Starr King School for Ministry is located in Berkeley, California and, has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 13 ’s divinity studies degrees to qualified students.

With a undergrad student-to-faculty ratio of to 1, it’s easy to see that the school is committed to helping their undergraduates succeed.

Full Starr King School for Ministry Divinity/Ministry Report

12
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Santa Clara University
Santa Clara, California

Santa Clara University came in at #12 in this year’s edition of the Most Well Attended Divinity Studies Major in California ranking. This medium-sized school is located in Santa Clara, California, and it awarded 11 ’s divinity studies degrees in 2020-2021.

With a freshman retention rate of 93%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students. The low undergrad student loan default rate of 0.7% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.

Read more about Divinity/Ministry at SCU

13

Church Divinity School of the Pacific ranked #13 on this year’s Most Well Attended Divinity Studies Major in California list. Church Divinity School of the Pacific is a small private not-for-profit school situated in Berkeley, California. It awarded 9 ’s divinity studies degrees in 2020-2021.

Since the school has a undergrad student-to-faculty ratio of to 1, those pursuing a degree will have more opportunities to interact with their professors.

Read full report on Divinity/Ministry at CDSP

14
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Bethesda University
Anaheim, California

Bethesda University ranked #14 on this year’s Most Well Attended Divinity Studies Major in California list. This small school is located in Anaheim, California, and it awarded 8 ’s divinity studies degrees in 2020-2021.

With a undergrad student-to-faculty ratio of 10 to 1, it’s easy to see that the school is committed to helping their undergraduates succeed.

Full Bethesda University Divinity/Ministry Report

15
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Simpson University
Redding, California

With a ranking of #15, Simpson University did quite well on the 2023 Most Well Attended Divinity Studies Major in California list. Simpson University is a private not-for-profit institution located in Redding, California. The school has a small population, and it awarded 7 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Read more about Divinity/Ministry at Simpson University

16
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Fresno Pacific University
Fresno, California

Fresno Pacific University did quite well in the 2023 Most Well Attended Divinity Studies Major in California ranking, coming in at #16. Fresno Pacific University is a private not-for-profit institution located in Fresno, California. The school has a small population, and it awarded 5 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 4.5%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Read more about Divinity/Ministry at Fresno Pacific University

16

American Baptist Seminary of the West did quite well in the 2023 Most Well Attended Divinity Studies Major in California ranking, coming in at #16. American Baptist Seminary of the West is located in Berkeley, California and, has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 5 ’s divinity studies degrees to qualified students.

The impressive undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio of to 1 means that students may have more opportunities to work more closely with their professors than they would at other schools.

Read full report on Divinity/Ministry at American Baptist Seminary of the West

18
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Franciscan School of Theology
Oceanside, California

Franciscan School of Theology ranked #18 on this year’s Most Well Attended Divinity Studies Major in California list. Franciscan School of Theology is located in Oceanside, California and, has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 4 ’s divinity studies degrees to qualified students.

The impressive undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio of to 1 means that students may have more opportunities to work more closely with their professors than they would at other schools.

Full Franciscan School of Theology Divinity/Ministry Report

18

Dominican School of Philosophy & Theology did quite well in the 2023 Most Well Attended Divinity Studies Major in California ranking, coming in at #18. Berkeley, California is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out ’s divinity studies degrees to 4 students in 2020-2021.

Since the school has a undergrad student-to-faculty ratio of to 1, those pursuing a degree will have more opportunities to interact with their professors.

Read more about Divinity/Ministry at Dominican School of Philosophy & Theology

18
Southern California Seminary crest
Southern California Seminary
El Cajon, California

Southern California Seminary landed the #18 spot on the 2023 Most Well Attended Divinity Studies Major in California ranking. Located in El Cajon, California, this small private not-for-profit school awarded 4 diplomas to qualified ’s divinity studies students in 2020-2021.

The impressive undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio of 9 to 1 means that students may have more opportunities to work more closely with their professors than they would at other schools.

Read more about Divinity/Ministry at Southern California Seminary

18
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Hope International University
Fullerton, California

With a ranking of #18, Hope International University did quite well on the 2023 Most Well Attended Divinity Studies Major in California list. Hope International University is a private not-for-profit institution located in Fullerton, California. The school has a small population, and it awarded 4 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 85%. The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 4.5%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Full Hope Divinity/Ministry Report

22
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University of Redlands
Redlands, California

University of Redlands ranked #22 on this year’s Most Well Attended Divinity Studies Major in California list. University of Redlands is a private not-for-profit institution located in Redlands, California. The school has a small population, and it awarded 3 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 1.6% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.

Read more about Divinity/Ministry at University of Redlands

22
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America Evangelical University
Los Angeles, California

America Evangelical University did quite well in the 2023 Most Well Attended Divinity Studies Major in California ranking, coming in at #22. America Evangelical University is located in Los Angeles, California and, has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 3 ’s divinity studies degrees to qualified students.

Read more about Divinity/Ministry at America Evangelical University

24
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Institute of Buddhist Studies
Berkeley, California

Institute of Buddhist Studies did quite well in the 2023 Most Well Attended Divinity Studies Major in California ranking, coming in at #24. Institute of Buddhist Studies is located in Berkeley, California and, has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 2 ’s divinity studies degrees to qualified students.

The impressive undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio of to 1 means that students may have more opportunities to work more closely with their professors than they would at other schools.

Read more about Divinity/Ministry at Institute of Buddhist Studies

25
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Epic Bible College
Sacramento, California

Epic Bible College did quite well in the 2023 Most Well Attended Divinity Studies Major in California ranking, coming in at #25. Located in Sacramento, California, this small private not-for-profit school awarded 1 diplomas to qualified ’s divinity studies students in 2020-2021.

The undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio of 9 to 1 is a sign that students will have more opportunities to engage with their professors one-on-one.

Read more about Divinity/Ministry at Epic Bible College

25
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Pepperdine University
Malibu, California

Pepperdine University ranked #25 on this year’s Most Well Attended Divinity Studies Major in California list. Pepperdine University is located in Malibu, California and, has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 1 ’s divinity studies degrees to qualified students.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 1.8%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%. The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 85%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year.

Read more about Divinity/Ministry at Pepperdine

Notes and References

References

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