2023 Best Value Colleges for Theological & Ministerial Studies (Income $0-$30k) in the Great Lakes Region
17
Ranked Colleges
2,366
Degrees Awarded
$17,200
Avg Net Price*
It’s not easy to decide which college to attend when there so many options available for students. At College Factual, we’re committed to helping you make that decision by providing information such as that found in our “Best Value Theology Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k” ranking.
In 2020-2021, 15,832 people earned their degree in theological and ministerial studies, making the major the 63rd most popular in the United States. In 2019-2020, theological and ministerial studies graduates who were awarded their degree in 2017-2019, earned an average of $40,590 and had an average of $26,272 in loans still to pay off.
Across the Great Lakes region, there were 2,366 theological and ministerial studies graduates with average earnings and debt of $41,653 and $21,394 respectively.
For this year’s “Best Value Theology Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k” ranking, we looked at 17 colleges that offer 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.
Some of the factors we look at when determining these rankings are overall quality of the theological and ministerial studies program at the school and the cost of the school after aid is awarded among other things. See our ranking methodology to learn more.
More Ways to Rank Theological & Ministerial Studies Schools
Since the program you select can have a significant impact on your future, we’ve developed a number of rankings, including this “Best Value Theology Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k” list, to help you choose the best school for you.
In addition to College Factual’s rankings, you may want to take a look at College Combat, our unique tool that lets you pit your favorite schools head-to-head and compare how they rate on factors that most interest you. When you have some time, check it out - you may want to bookmark the link so you don’t forget it.
Best Value Theology Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k
The colleges and universities below are the best for great lakes region theology students whose families make $0-$30k.
Top 17 Best Value Colleges for Theological & Ministerial Studies (Income $0-$30k) in the Great Lakes Region
Out of the 17 schools in the Best Value Theology Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k that were part of this year’s ranking, University of Chicago landed the #1 spot on the list. Chicago, Illinois is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out ’s theology degrees to 99 students in 2020-2021.
UChicago did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #2 on our “Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Schools in the Great Lakes Region” list. It costs about $2,500 for great lakes region theology students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend UChicago.
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%. With a undergrad student-to-faculty ratio of 5 to 1, it’s easy to see that the school is committed to helping their undergraduates succeed. Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 100%.
Read full report on Theological & Ministerial Studies at University of Chicago
Out of the 17 schools in the Best Value Theology Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k that were part of this year’s ranking, University of Notre Dame landed the #2 spot on the list. This fairly large school is located in Notre Dame, Indiana, and it awarded 139 ’s theology degrees in 2020-2021.
Notre Dame also made our “Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Schools in the Great Lakes Region” list, coming in at #1. The yearly cost to attend Notre Dame is $9,872 for great lakes region theology students whose families make $0-$30k.
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%. The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 97%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year. 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 Theological & Ministerial Studies at University of Notre Dame
You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend Moody Bible Institute. The school came in at #3 for the Best Value Theology Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k. Moody Bible Institute is located in Chicago, Illinois and, has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 200 ’s theology degrees to qualified students.
In addition to being on our great lakes region theology students whose families make $0-$30k list, Moody Theological Seminary and Graduate School has also earned the #3 rank in our “Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Schools in the Great Lakes Region” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for Moody Theological Seminary and Graduate School is $20,301 for great lakes region theology students whose families make $0-$30k.
The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 3.3%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.
Read full report on Theological & Ministerial Studies at Moody Theological Seminary and Graduate School
You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Olivet Nazarene University. It ranked #4 on our 2023 Best Value Theology Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. Olivet Nazarene is a small school located in Bourbonnais, Illinois that handed out 24 ’s theology degrees in 2020-2021.
As a testament to the quality of education offered at Olivet Nazarene, the school also landed the #4 spot in our “Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Schools in the Great Lakes Region” ranking. The yearly cost to attend Olivet Nazarene University is $16,451 for great lakes region theology students whose families make $0-$30k.
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 full report on Theological & Ministerial Studies at Olivet Nazarene
Out of the 17 schools in the Best Value Theology Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k that were part of this year’s ranking, Lincoln Christian University landed the #5 spot on the list. Lincoln Christian University is located in Lincoln, Illinois and, has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 60 ’s theology degrees to qualified students.
As a testament to the quality of education offered at Lincoln Christian College and Seminary, the school also landed the #6 spot in our “Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Schools in the Great Lakes Region” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for Lincoln Christian College and Seminary is $16,161 for Great Lakes Region Theology students whose families make $0-$30k.
The low undergrad student loan default rate of 5.0% 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%.
Read full report on Theological & Ministerial Studies at Lincoln Christian College and Seminary
Andrews University came in at #6 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Theology Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Berrien Springs, Michigan is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out ’s theology degrees to 154 students in 2020-2021.
In addition to being on our great lakes region theology students whose families make $0-$30k list, Andrews has also earned the #9 rank in our “Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Schools in the Great Lakes Region” ranking. The yearly cost to attend Andrews University is $19,916 for great lakes region theology students whose families make $0-$30k.
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. The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 3.5%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%. Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 85%.
Full Andrews Theological & Ministerial Studies Report
Franciscan University of Steubenville did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Theology Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #7. Franciscan University of Steubenville is a private not-for-profit institution located in Steubenville, Ohio. The school has a small population, and it awarded 205 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.
In addition to being on our great lakes region theology students whose families make $0-$30k list, Franciscan U has also earned the #7 rank in our “Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Schools in the Great Lakes Region” ranking. It costs about $16,790 for great lakes region theology students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend Franciscan University of Steubenville.
Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 86%. The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 1.4%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.
Full Franciscan U Theological & Ministerial Studies Report
Wheaton College Illinois landed the #8 spot on the 2023 Best Value Theology Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Wheaton College Illinois is a small school located in Wheaton, Illinois that handed out 25 ’s theology degrees in 2020-2021.
Wheaton College Illinois also made our “Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Schools in the Great Lakes Region” list, coming in at #11. The estimated yearly cost for Wheaton College Illinois is $15,933 for great lakes region theology students whose families make $0-$30k.
The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 0.5%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%. The impressive undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio of 10 to 1 means that students may have more opportunities to work more closely with their professors than they would at other schools. Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 90%.
Read more about Theological & Ministerial Studies at Wheaton College Illinois
Ashland University ranked #9 on this year’s Best Value Theology Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. Ashland is located in Ashland, Ohio and, has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 17 ’s theology degrees to qualified students.
In addition to being on our great lakes region theology students whose families make $0-$30k list, Ashland has also earned the #16 rank in our “Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Schools in the Great Lakes Region” ranking. The yearly cost to attend Ashland is $19,728 for Great Lakes Region Theology students whose families make $0-$30k.
The low undergrad student loan default rate of 4.1% 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 Theological & Ministerial Studies at Ashland University
With a ranking of #10, Grace College and Theological Seminary did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Theology Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. Winona Lake, Indiana is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out ’s theology degrees to 9 students in 2020-2021.
Grace College not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #12 on our “Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Schools in the Great Lakes Region” list. The estimated yearly cost for Grace College and Theological Seminary is $13,669 for Great Lakes Region Theology students whose families make $0-$30k.
The low undergrad student loan default rate of 3.1% 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 Theological & Ministerial Studies at Grace College and Theological Seminary
Indiana Wesleyan University ranked #11 on this year’s Best Value Theology Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. Indiana Wesleyan University is located in Marion, Indiana and, has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 10 ’s theology degrees to qualified students.
IWU also took the #15 spot in our “Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Schools in the Great Lakes Region” ranking. The yearly cost to attend Indiana Wesleyan University is $15,834 for great lakes region theology students whose families make $0-$30k.
The low undergrad student loan default rate of 5.0% 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%.
Full IWU Theological & Ministerial Studies Report
With a ranking of #12, Trinity International University - Illinois did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Theology Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. TIU Illinois is located in Deerfield, Illinois and, has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 99 ’s theology degrees to qualified students.
In addition to being on our great lakes region theology students whose families make $0-$30k list, TIU Illinois has also earned the #18 rank in our “Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Schools in the Great Lakes Region” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for Trinity International University - Illinois is $17,670 for Great Lakes Region Theology students whose families make $0-$30k.
With a undergrad student-to-faculty ratio of 8 to 1, it’s easy to see that the school is committed to helping their undergraduates succeed.
Read full report on Theological & Ministerial Studies at TIU Illinois
Concordia University, Wisconsin landed the #13 spot on the 2023 Best Value Theology Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Concordia University, Wisconsin is a private not-for-profit institution located in Mequon, Wisconsin. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 7 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.
As a testament to the quality of education offered at Concordia University, Wisconsin, the school also landed the # spot in our "" ranking. The yearly cost to attend Concordia University, Wisconsin is $17,665 for Great Lakes Region Theology students whose families make $0-$30k.
The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 2.4%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.
Read full report on Theological & Ministerial Studies at Concordia University, Wisconsin
Cornerstone University did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Theology Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #14. Grand Rapids, Michigan is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out ’s theology degrees to 42 students in 2020-2021.
As a testament to the quality of education offered at Cornerstone, the school also landed the #19 spot in our “Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Schools in the Great Lakes Region” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for Cornerstone University is $17,675 for Great Lakes Region Theology students whose families make $0-$30k.
The low undergrad student loan default rate of 4.3% 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 school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 86%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year.
Full Cornerstone University Theological & Ministerial Studies Report
Indiana Wesleyan University - National & Global did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Theology Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #15. Indiana Wesleyan University - National & Global is a private not-for-profit institution located in Marion, Indiana. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 36 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.
IWU also took the #14 spot in our “Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Schools in the Great Lakes Region” ranking. The yearly cost to attend Indiana Wesleyan University - National & Global is $18,474 for Great Lakes Region Theology students whose families make $0-$30k.
The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 5.0%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.
Read full report on Theological & Ministerial Studies at IWU
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