2023 Best Value Colleges for Theological & Ministerial Studies (Income $0-$30k) in the Southeast Region
29
Ranked Colleges
5,813
Degrees Awarded
$16,000
Avg Net Price*
It’s not easy to decide which college to attend when there so many options available for students. Our mission at College Factual is to arm you with as much information as we can to help you make that decision. Our “Best Value Theology Schools in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k” ranking is one tool we have developed to help in this regard.
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 Southeast region, there were 5,813 theological and ministerial studies graduates with average earnings and debt of $42,235 and $26,413 respectively.
For this year’s “Best Value Theology Schools in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k” ranking, we looked at 29 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.
To come up with these rankings, we looked at factors such as the cost to attend the school after aid is awarded and overall quality of the theological and ministerial studies program at the school. See our ranking methodology to learn more.
One Size Does Not Fit All
The theology 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 “Best Value Theology Schools in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k”.
To further help you make the college decision, we’ve developed a unique tool called College Combat that allows you to compare schools based on the factors that matter the most to 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 Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k
The colleges and universities below are the best for southeast region theology students whose families make $0-$30k.
Top 25 Best Value Colleges for Theological & Ministerial Studies (Income $0-$30k) in the Southeast Region
Out of the 29 schools in the Best Value Theology Schools in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k that were part of this year’s ranking, Duke University landed the #1 spot on the list. Durham, North Carolina is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out ’s theology degrees to 185 students in 2020-2021.
Duke did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #1 on our “Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Schools in the Southeast Region” list. The estimated yearly cost for Duke University is $371 for Southeast Region Theology students whose families make $0-$30k.
With a undergrad student-to-faculty ratio of 6 to 1, it’s easy to see that the school is committed to helping their undergraduates succeed. The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 0.3%, 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 97%.
Full Duke University Theological & Ministerial Studies Report
Out of the 29 schools in the Best Value Theology Schools in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k that were part of this year’s ranking, Vanderbilt University landed the #2 spot on the list. This fairly large school is located in Nashville, Tennessee, and it awarded 57 ’s theology degrees in 2020-2021.
In addition to being on our southeast region theology students whose families make $0-$30k list, Vanderbilt has also earned the #4 rank in our “Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. It costs about $3,176 for Southeast Region Theology students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend Vanderbilt.
The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 0.9%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%. 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. The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 96%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year.
Read more about Theological & Ministerial Studies at Vanderbilt University
You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Wake Forest University. It ranked #3 on our 2023 Best Value Theology Schools in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. Located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, this medium-sized private not-for-profit school awarded 34 degrees to qualified ’s theology students in 2020-2021.
Wake Forest University not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #14 on our “Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Schools in the Southeast Region” list. It costs about $10,401 for Southeast Region Theology students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend Wake Forest University.
The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 95%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year. The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 0.6%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.
Read full report on Theological & Ministerial Studies at Wake Forest University
You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Emory University. It ranked #4 on our 2023 Best Value Theology Schools in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. Emory is located in Atlanta, Georgia and, has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 145 ’s theology degrees to qualified students.
Emory also made our “Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Schools in the Southeast Region” list, coming in at #3. It costs about $8,538 for southeast region theology students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend Emory University.
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%. Since the school has a undergrad student-to-faculty ratio of 9 to 1, those pursuing a degree will have more opportunities to interact with their professors. Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 93%.
Read full report on Theological & Ministerial Studies at Emory University
You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend Ave Maria University. The school came in at #5 for the Best Value Theology Schools in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k. This small school is located in Ave Maria, Florida, and it awarded 37 ’s theology degrees in 2020-2021.
As a testament to the quality of education offered at AMU, the school also landed the #13 spot in our “Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for Ave Maria University is $15,479 for southeast region theology students whose families make $0-$30k.
The low undergrad student loan default rate of 4.2% 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 AMU
Johnson University landed the #6 spot on the 2023 Best Value Theology Schools in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Johnson University is a private not-for-profit institution located in Knoxville, Tennessee. The school has a small population, and it awarded 58 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.
Johnson University not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #9 on our “Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Schools in the Southeast Region” list. The yearly cost to attend Johnson University is $12,827 for southeast region theology students whose families make $0-$30k.
Since the school has a undergrad student-to-faculty ratio of 8 to 1, those pursuing a degree will have more opportunities to interact with their professors. The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 3.5%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.
Full Johnson University Theological & Ministerial Studies Report
The Baptist College of Florida came in at #7 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Theology Schools in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. This small school is located in Graceville, Florida, and it awarded 16 ’s theology degrees in 2020-2021.
It costs about $8,889 for Southeast Region Theology students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend BCF.
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 more about Theological & Ministerial Studies at The Baptist College of Florida
Harding University did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Theology Schools in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #8. Harding is located in Searcy, Arkansas and, has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 31 ’s theology degrees to qualified students.
Harding did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #10 on our “Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Schools in the Southeast Region” list. The yearly cost to attend Harding is $15,856 for Southeast Region Theology students whose families make $0-$30k.
With a freshman retention rate of 87%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students. The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 3.1%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.
Read full report on Theological & Ministerial Studies at Harding
Sewanee - The University of the South did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Theology Schools in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #9. Sewanee is a small private not-for-profit school situated in Sewanee, Tennessee. It awarded 31 ’s theology degrees in 2020-2021.
Sewanee not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #5 on our “Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Schools in the Southeast Region” list. It costs about $23,567 for southeast region theology students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend Sewanee - The University of the South.
With a freshman retention rate of 87%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students. 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. The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 2.0%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.
Full Sewanee Theological & Ministerial Studies Report
Columbia International University did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Theology Schools in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #10. CIU is located in Columbia, South Carolina and, has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 47 ’s theology degrees to qualified students.
As a testament to the quality of education offered at CIU, the school also landed the #7 spot in our “Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. It costs about $15,997 for southeast region theology students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend Columbia International University.
The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 4.3%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.
Read full report on Theological & Ministerial Studies at Columbia International University
Regent University did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Theology Schools in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #11. Virginia Beach, Virginia is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out ’s theology degrees to 198 students in 2020-2021.
Regent also took the #12 spot in our “Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for Regent is $20,479 for Southeast Region Theology students whose families make $0-$30k.
Read full report on Theological & Ministerial Studies at Regent
Freed-Hardeman University ranked #12 on this year’s Best Value Theology Schools in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. Henderson, Tennessee is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out ’s theology degrees to 7 students in 2020-2021.
As a testament to the quality of education offered at FHU, the school also landed the #18 spot in our “Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. It costs about $12,813 for southeast region theology students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend Freed-Hardeman University.
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 full report on Theological & Ministerial Studies at FHU
Southeastern University ranked #13 on this year’s Best Value Theology Schools in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. SEU is a private not-for-profit institution located in Lakeland, Florida. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 466 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.
SEU not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #2 on our “Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Schools in the Southeast Region” list. The yearly cost to attend Southeastern University is $25,798 for southeast region theology students whose families make $0-$30k.
Read full report on Theological & Ministerial Studies at Southeastern University
With a ranking of #14, Lee University did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Theology Schools in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. Lee University is a private not-for-profit institution located in Cleveland, Tennessee. The school has a small population, and it awarded 36 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.
In addition to being on our southeast region theology students whose families make $0-$30k list, Lee University has also earned the #23 rank in our “Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. The yearly cost to attend Lee University is $15,111 for Southeast Region Theology students whose families make $0-$30k.
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 full report on Theological & Ministerial Studies at Lee University
With a ranking of #15, Lenoir - Rhyne University did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Theology Schools in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. Lenoir - Rhyne University is a private not-for-profit institution located in Hickory, North Carolina. The school has a small population, and it awarded 12 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.
Lenoir - Rhyne University did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #21 on our “Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Schools in the Southeast Region” list. It costs about $16,337 for southeast region theology students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend Lenoir - Rhyne University.
Read full report on Theological & Ministerial Studies at Lenoir - Rhyne University
Point University ranked #16 on this year’s Best Value Theology Schools in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. Located in West Point, Georgia, this small private not-for-profit school awarded 19 diplomas to qualified ’s theology students in 2020-2021.
Point not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #22 on our “Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Schools in the Southeast Region” list. The estimated yearly cost for Point is $21,975 for Southeast Region Theology students whose families make $0-$30k.
Read more about Theological & Ministerial Studies at Point University
Mercer University landed the #17 spot on the 2023 Best Value Theology Schools in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Mercer University is a medium-sized private not-for-profit school situated in Macon, Georgia. It awarded 24 ’s theology degrees in 2020-2021.
As a testament to the quality of education offered at Mercer, the school also landed the #20 spot in our “Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. It costs about $16,024 for southeast region theology students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend Mercer University.
The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 87%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year. 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%.
Read full report on Theological & Ministerial Studies at Mercer
Lipscomb University came in at #18 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Theology Schools in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Lipscomb University is a small school located in Nashville, Tennessee that handed out 21 ’s theology degrees in 2020-2021.
Lipscomb did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #15 on our “Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Schools in the Southeast Region” list. The yearly cost to attend Lipscomb University is $21,459 for southeast region theology students whose families make $0-$30k.
The low undergrad student loan default rate of 2.9% 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 Lipscomb Theological & Ministerial Studies Report
Saint Leo University ranked #19 on this year’s Best Value Theology Schools in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. Saint Leo University is located in Saint Leo, Florida and, has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 42 ’s theology degrees to qualified students.
As a testament to the quality of education offered at St. Leo University, the school also landed the #24 spot in our “Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. It costs about $17,060 for southeast region theology students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend St. Leo University.
Read more about Theological & Ministerial Studies at St. Leo University
Samford University ranked #20 on this year’s Best Value Theology Schools in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. Samford University is a medium-sized private not-for-profit school situated in Birmingham, Alabama. It awarded 34 ’s theology degrees in 2020-2021.
Samford also made our “Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Schools in the Southeast Region” list, coming in at #11. The estimated yearly cost for Samford is $22,241 for Southeast Region Theology students whose families make $0-$30k.
The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 87%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year. The low undergrad student loan default rate of 2.0% 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 Samford University Theological & Ministerial Studies Report
With a ranking of #21, Palm Beach Atlantic University did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Theology Schools in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. Located in West Palm Beach, Florida, this small private not-for-profit school awarded 31 degrees to qualified ’s theology students in 2020-2021.
Palm Beach Atlantic not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #16 on our “Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Schools in the Southeast Region” list. It costs about $24,675 for Southeast Region Theology students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend Palm Beach Atlantic.
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%.
Full Palm Beach Atlantic University Theological & Ministerial Studies Report
Truett McConnell University did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Theology Schools in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #22. Cleveland, Georgia is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out ’s theology degrees to 4 students in 2020-2021.
The estimated yearly cost for TMU is $16,450 for Southeast Region Theology students whose families make $0-$30k.
Full Truett McConnell University Theological & Ministerial Studies Report
Campbell University landed the #23 spot on the 2023 Best Value Theology Schools in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Located in Buies Creek, North Carolina, this medium-sized private not-for-profit school handed out 24 degrees to qualified ’s theology students in 2020-2021.
The estimated yearly cost for Campbell is $21,152 for Southeast Region Theology students whose families make $0-$30k.
The low undergrad student loan default rate of 3.5% 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 Campbell University
Piedmont International University ranked #24 on this year’s Best Value Theology Schools in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. This small school is located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and it awarded 39 ’s theology degrees in 2020-2021.
The estimated yearly cost for Piedmont International University is $13,205 for Southeast Region Theology students whose families make $0-$30k.
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.
Read more about Theological & Ministerial Studies at Piedmont International University
Kentucky Christian University came in at #25 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Theology Schools in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Located in Grayson, Kentucky, this small private not-for-profit school awarded 8 degrees to qualified ’s theology students in 2020-2021.
The yearly cost to attend Kentucky Christian University is $19,142 for Southeast Region Theology students whose families make $0-$30k.
Read more about Theological & Ministerial Studies at Kentucky Christian University
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