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2022 Best Value Doctor’s Degree Colleges for Theological & Ministerial Studies (Income $0-$30k)

41 Ranked Colleges
1,419 Degrees Awarded
$24,000 Avg Grad Tuition & Fees*
Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k

When it comes to choosing a college, students have a lot of options - but not all of them are good. College Factual was founded, in part, to help students make the decision as to what would be the best school for them. Our “Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k” ranking is part of that endeavor.

In 2019-2020, 15,051 people earned their degree in theological and ministerial studies, making the major the 55th most popular in the United States. In 2017-2018, theological and ministerial studies graduates who were awarded their degree in 2015-2017, earned an average of $36,911 and had an average of $41,597 in loans still to pay off.

At the doctor’s degree level specifically, there were 1,419 theological and ministerial studies graduates with average earnings and debt of $72,680 and $116,043 respectively.

This year’s “Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k” ranking analyzed 41 colleges that offered a degree in theological and ministerial studies. The schools that top this list are recognized because they have great theological and ministerial studies programs and cost less that schools of similar quality.

When determining these rankings, we looked at things such as overall quality of the theological and ministerial studies program at the school and the cost to attend the school once aid has been awarded. For more information, check out our ranking methodology.

More Ways to Rank Theological & Ministerial Studies Schools

Since picking the right college can be one of the most important decisions of your life, we’ve developed the “Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k” ranking, along with many other major-related rankings, to help you make that decision.

In addition to our rankings, you can take two colleges and compare them based on the criteria that matters most to you in our unique tool, College Combat. We encourage you to try it out and pit your favorite colleges and universities head to head! If you don’t have time right now, you can bookmark it for later.

Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k

The following schools top our list of the Best Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k.

Top 25 Best Value Doctor’s Degree Colleges for Theological & Ministerial Studies (Income $0-$30k)

#1

Duke University

Durham, North Carolina

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Duke University. It ranked #1 on our 2022 Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k list. Duke is a fairly large school located in Durham, North Carolina that handed out 27 doctorate’s theology degrees in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our doctor’s degree theology students whose families make $0-$30k list, Duke has also earned the #2 rank in our “Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Doctor’s Degree Schools” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Duke are $59,140, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read more about Theological & Ministerial Studies at Duke

#2

University of Chicago

Chicago, Illinois
#4 in overall quality

Out of the 41 schools in the Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k that were part of this year’s ranking, University of Chicago landed the #2 spot on the list. UChicago is located in Chicago, Illinois and, has a fairly large student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 14 doctorate’s theology degrees to qualified students.

In addition to being on our doctor’s degree theology students whose families make $0-$30k list, UChicago has also earned the #4 rank in our “Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Doctor’s Degree Schools” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at University of Chicago are $61,548.

Full University of Chicago Theological & Ministerial Studies Report

#3

University of Notre Dame

Notre Dame, Indiana

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend University of Notre Dame. It ranked #3 on our 2022 Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k list. University of Notre Dame is a private not-for-profit institution located in Notre Dame, Indiana. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 21 doctorate’s degrees in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our doctor’s degree theology students whose families make $0-$30k list, Notre Dame has also earned the #1 rank in our “Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Doctor’s Degree Schools” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Notre Dame are $57,522.

Read more about Theological & Ministerial Studies at University of Notre Dame

#4

Emory University

Atlanta, Georgia
#6 in overall quality

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Emory University. It ranked #4 on our 2022 Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k list. Emory University is located in Atlanta, Georgia and, has a fairly large student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 27 doctorate’s theology degrees to qualified students.

In addition to being on our doctor’s degree theology students whose families make $0-$30k list, Emory has also earned the #6 rank in our “Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Doctor’s Degree Schools” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Emory University are $44,676, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Full Emory University Theological & Ministerial Studies Report

#5

Boston College

Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts
#7 in overall quality

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Boston College. It ranked #5 on our 2022 Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k list. Boston College is a fairly large school located in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts that handed out 15 doctorate’s theology degrees in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our doctor’s degree theology students whose families make $0-$30k list, Boston College has also earned the #7 rank in our “Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Doctor’s Degree Schools” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Boston College are $31,930, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read more about Theological & Ministerial Studies at Boston College

#6

Boston University

Boston, Massachusetts
#16 in overall quality

With a ranking of #6, Boston University did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k list. Located in Boston, Massachusetts, this large private not-for-profit school handed out 19 diplomas to qualified doctorate’s theology students in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at Boston U, the school also landed the #16 spot in our “Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Doctor’s Degree Schools” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Boston U are $57,666, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read more about Theological & Ministerial Studies at Boston University

#10 in overall quality

Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary ranked #7 on this year’s Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k list. Located in Kansas City, Missouri, this small private not-for-profit school awarded 61 degrees to qualified doctorate’s theology students in 2019-2020.

MBTS also made our “Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Doctor’s Degree Schools” list, coming in at #10. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary are $6,950.

Read more about Theological & Ministerial Studies at MBTS

#8

Drew University

Madison, New Jersey

Drew University ranked #8 on this year’s Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k list. Located in Madison, New Jersey, this small private not-for-profit school awarded 22 diplomas to qualified doctorate’s theology students in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our doctor’s degree theology students whose families make $0-$30k list, Drew has also earned the #14 rank in our “Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Doctor’s Degree Schools” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Drew are $19,871, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Full Drew Theological & Ministerial Studies Report

#9

Wheaton College Illinois

Wheaton, Illinois
#23 in overall quality

Wheaton College Illinois landed the #9 spot on the 2022 Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Wheaton College Illinois is a small school located in Wheaton, Illinois that handed out 5 doctorate’s theology degrees in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at Wheaton College Illinois, the school also landed the #23 spot in our “Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Doctor’s Degree Schools” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Wheaton College Illinois are $17,424.

Full Wheaton College Illinois Theological & Ministerial Studies Report

#10

Bethel University Minnesota

Saint Paul, Minnesota
#5 in overall quality

With a ranking of #10, Bethel University Minnesota did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k list. Bethel University Minnesota is located in Saint Paul, Minnesota and, has a small student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 13 doctorate’s theology degrees to qualified students.

Bethel University Minnesota did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #5 on our “Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Doctor’s Degree Schools” list. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Bethel University Minnesota are $11,700.

Read full report on Theological & Ministerial Studies at Bethel University Minnesota

Grace College and Theological Seminary did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #11. Grace College and Theological Seminary is a small private not-for-profit school situated in Winona Lake, Indiana. It awarded 2 doctorate’s theology degrees in 2019-2020.

Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Grace College and Theological Seminary are $7,872.

Read more about Theological & Ministerial Studies at Grace College and Theological Seminary

#12

Saint Louis University

Saint Louis, Missouri

Saint Louis University did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #12. SLU is a private not-for-profit institution located in Saint Louis, Missouri. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 1 doctorate’s degrees in 2019-2020.

Average graduate tuition and fees at Saint Louis University are $22,074, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read full report on Theological & Ministerial Studies at Saint Louis University

#13

Bob Jones University

Greenville, South Carolina

With a ranking of #13, Bob Jones University did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k list. Bob Jones University is a small private not-for-profit school situated in Greenville, South Carolina. It awarded 3 doctorate’s theology degrees in 2019-2020.

Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Bob Jones University are $9,573.

Full Bob Jones University Theological & Ministerial Studies Report

#14

Andrews University

Berrien Springs, Michigan

Andrews University ranked #14 on this year’s Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k list. Andrews University is a private not-for-profit institution located in Berrien Springs, Michigan. The school has a small population, and it awarded 26 doctorate’s degrees in 2019-2020.

Andrews also made our “Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Doctor’s Degree Schools” list, coming in at #13. Average graduate tuition and fees at Andrews are $28,910, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read full report on Theological & Ministerial Studies at Andrews

#15

Columbia International University

Columbia, South Carolina
#25 in overall quality

Columbia International University came in at #15 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. CIU is a small school located in Columbia, South Carolina that handed out 5 doctorate’s theology degrees in 2019-2020.

CIU not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #25 on our “Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Doctor’s Degree Schools” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at Columbia International University are $10,640, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read full report on Theological & Ministerial Studies at Columbia International University

#16

Mercer University

Macon, Georgia

Mercer University did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #16. Mercer is a medium-sized school located in Macon, Georgia that handed out 15 doctorate’s theology degrees in 2019-2020.

Average graduate tuition and fees at Mercer University are $15,264, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read full report on Theological & Ministerial Studies at Mercer University

#17

Nyack College

Nyack, New York

Nyack College came in at #17 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. This small school is located in Nyack, New York, and it awarded 11 doctorate’s theology degrees in 2019-2020.

Average graduate tuition and fees at Nyack College are $13,800, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Full Nyack College Theological & Ministerial Studies Report

#18

Ave Maria University

Ave Maria, Florida

Ave Maria University came in at #18 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Ave Maria, Florida is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out doctorate’s theology degrees to 3 students in 2019-2020.

Average graduate tuition and fees at AMU are $15,386, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read more about Theological & Ministerial Studies at Ave Maria University

#19

Lancaster Bible College

Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Lancaster Bible College ranked #19 on this year’s Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k list. This small school is located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and it awarded 5 doctorate’s theology degrees in 2019-2020.

Average graduate tuition and fees at Lancaster Bible College are $11,460, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Full Lancaster Bible College Theological & Ministerial Studies Report

#20

Oral Roberts University

Tulsa, Oklahoma

Oral Roberts University came in at #20 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Oral Roberts University is located in Tulsa, Oklahoma and, has a small student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 4 doctorate’s theology degrees to qualified students.

Average graduate tuition and fees at Oral Roberts University are $12,282, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read full report on Theological & Ministerial Studies at Oral Roberts University

Hardin - Simmons University did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #21. This small school is located in Abilene, Texas, and it awarded 5 doctorate’s theology degrees in 2019-2020.

Average graduate tuition and fees at Hardin - Simmons University are $14,320, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read more about Theological & Ministerial Studies at Hardin - Simmons University

#18 in overall quality

Sewanee - The University of the South came in at #22 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Sewanee - The University of the South is a small private not-for-profit school situated in Sewanee, Tennessee. It awarded 9 doctorate’s theology degrees in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at Sewanee, the school also landed the #18 spot in our “Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Doctor’s Degree Schools” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Sewanee are $18,243, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read full report on Theological & Ministerial Studies at Sewanee

#23

Santa Clara University

Santa Clara, California
#8 in overall quality

Santa Clara University landed the #23 spot on the 2022 Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Located in Santa Clara, California, this medium-sized private not-for-profit school handed out 27 diplomas to qualified doctorate’s theology students in 2019-2020.

SCU not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #8 on our “Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Doctor’s Degree Schools” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at Santa Clara University are $23,507, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read full report on Theological & Ministerial Studies at SCU

Trinity International University - Illinois ranked #24 on this year’s Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k list. Trinity International University - Illinois is a small private not-for-profit school situated in Deerfield, Illinois. It awarded 9 doctorate’s theology degrees in 2019-2020.

Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at TIU Illinois are $17,780.

Full TIU Illinois Theological & Ministerial Studies Report

#25

Maranatha Baptist University

Watertown, Wisconsin

Maranatha Baptist University landed the #25 spot on the 2022 Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. MBU is located in Watertown, Wisconsin and, has a small student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 1 doctorate’s theology degrees to qualified students.

Average graduate tuition and fees at Maranatha Baptist University are $7,010, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read more about Theological & Ministerial Studies at MBU

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Notes and References

References

  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

Read more about our data sources and methodologies

Footnotes

  • *Average salary, average net price, and average tuition and fees are for the top schools only.
  • Some schools otherwise deserving of recognition may have been removed from this ranking in the event that new data identified post-publication warranted it, or at the request of the school.

Credits

  • Credit for the banner image above goes to Jonund.

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