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2022 Best Value Doctor’s Degree Colleges for Theological & Ministerial Studies (Income $30-$48k)

41 Ranked Colleges
1,419 Degrees Awarded
$23,800 Avg Grad Tuition & Fees*
Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $30-$48k

Students have lots of options to chooose from today when trying to decide which college to attend. 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 $30-$48k” ranking is part of that endeavor.

Theological & Ministerial Studies is the 55th most popular major in the country with 15,051 degrees awarded in 2019-2020. 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 $30-$48k” ranking analyzed 41 colleges that offered a degree in theological and ministerial studies. This ranking identifies schools with high-quality theological and ministerial studies programs that also have a lower cost than 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.

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 for a Doctorate For Those Making $30-$48k” list, to help you choose the best school for you.

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. Test it out when you get a chance! You may also want to bookmark the link and share it with others who are trying to make the college decision.

Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $30-$48k

The following schools top our list of the Best Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $30-$48k.

Top 25 Best Value Doctor’s Degree Colleges for Theological & Ministerial Studies (Income $30-$48k)

#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 $30-$48k list. Duke University is located in Durham, North Carolina 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 $30-$48k list, Duke has also earned the #2 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 Duke University are $59,140.

Read more about Theological & Ministerial Studies at Duke

#2

University of Chicago

Chicago, Illinois
#4 in overall quality

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend University of Chicago. The school came in at #2 for the Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $30-$48k. UChicago is a fairly large private not-for-profit school situated in Chicago, Illinois. It awarded 14 doctorate’s theology degrees in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at UChicago, the school also landed the #4 spot in our “Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Doctor’s Degree Schools” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at UChicago are $61,548, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read full report on Theological & Ministerial Studies at UChicago

#3

University of Notre Dame

Notre Dame, Indiana

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend University of Notre Dame. The school came in at #3 for the Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $30-$48k. This fairly large school is located in Notre Dame, Indiana, and it awarded 21 doctorate’s theology degrees in 2019-2020.

Notre Dame also made our “Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Doctor’s Degree Schools” list, coming in at #1. Average graduate tuition and fees at University of Notre Dame are $57,522, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read more about Theological & Ministerial Studies at Notre Dame

#4

Boston College

Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts
#7 in overall quality

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend Boston College. The school came in at #4 for the Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $30-$48k. This fairly large school is located in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, and it awarded 15 doctorate’s theology degrees in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at Boston College, the school also landed the #7 spot 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

#5

Emory University

Atlanta, Georgia
#6 in overall quality

Out of the 41 schools in the Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $30-$48k that were part of this year’s ranking, Emory University landed the #5 spot on the list. Emory University is a fairly large school located in Atlanta, Georgia that handed out 27 doctorate’s theology degrees in 2019-2020.

Emory not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #6 on our “Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Doctor’s Degree Schools” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at Emory are $44,676, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read full report on Theological & Ministerial Studies at Emory University

#6

Boston University

Boston, Massachusetts
#16 in overall quality

Boston University landed the #6 spot on the 2022 Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. Boston U is a large school located in Boston, Massachusetts that handed out 19 doctorate’s theology degrees in 2019-2020.

Boston U also took the #16 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 Boston University are $57,666.

Full Boston U Theological & Ministerial Studies Report

#10 in overall quality

With a ranking of #7, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $30-$48k list. MBTS is a small private not-for-profit school situated in Kansas City, Missouri. It awarded 61 doctorate’s theology degrees in 2019-2020.

MBTS also made our “Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Doctor’s Degree Schools” list, coming in at #10. Average graduate tuition and fees at MBTS are $6,950, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Full MBTS Theological & Ministerial Studies Report

#8

Drew University

Madison, New Jersey

Drew University came in at #8 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. Madison, New Jersey is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out doctorate’s theology degrees to 22 students in 2019-2020.

Drew also made our “Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Doctor’s Degree Schools” list, coming in at #14. Average graduate tuition and fees at Drew University are $19,871, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read full report on Theological & Ministerial Studies at Drew

#9

Lancaster Bible College

Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Lancaster Bible College came in at #9 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. Lancaster Bible College is located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania and, has a small student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 5 doctorate’s theology degrees to qualified students.

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

Read more about Theological & Ministerial Studies at Lancaster Bible College

#10

Andrews University

Berrien Springs, Michigan

Andrews University landed the #10 spot on the 2022 Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. Located in Berrien Springs, Michigan, this small private not-for-profit school awarded 26 degrees to qualified doctorate’s theology students in 2019-2020.

Andrews not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #13 on our “Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Doctor’s Degree Schools” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at Andrews are $28,910, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read more about Theological & Ministerial Studies at Andrews University

#11

Bethel University Minnesota

Saint Paul, Minnesota
#5 in overall quality

Bethel University Minnesota ranked #11 on this year’s Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $30-$48k list. Saint Paul, Minnesota is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out doctorate’s theology degrees to 13 students in 2019-2020.

Bethel University Minnesota also made our “Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Doctor’s Degree Schools” list, coming in at #5. Average graduate tuition and fees at Bethel University Minnesota are $11,700, but some majors have different tuition rates.

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

#12

Ashland University

Ashland, Ohio

Ashland University ranked #12 on this year’s Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $30-$48k list. Ashland is a small school located in Ashland, Ohio that handed out 13 doctorate’s theology degrees in 2019-2020.

Average graduate tuition and fees at Ashland University are $6,444, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Full Ashland Theological & Ministerial Studies Report

With a ranking of #13, Grace College and Theological Seminary did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $30-$48k list. Located in Winona Lake, Indiana, this small private not-for-profit school handed out 2 diplomas to qualified doctorate’s theology students in 2019-2020.

Average graduate tuition and fees at Grace College and Theological Seminary are $7,872, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read full report on Theological & Ministerial Studies at Grace College and Theological Seminary

#14

Bob Jones University

Greenville, South Carolina

Bob Jones University did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $30-$48k ranking, coming in at #14. Bob Jones University is located in Greenville, South Carolina and, has a small student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 3 doctorate’s theology degrees to qualified students.

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.

Read full report on Theological & Ministerial Studies at Bob Jones University

#15

Wheaton College Illinois

Wheaton, Illinois
#23 in overall quality

With a ranking of #15, Wheaton College Illinois did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $30-$48k list. Wheaton College Illinois is a private not-for-profit institution located in Wheaton, Illinois. The school has a small population, and it awarded 5 doctorate’s degrees in 2019-2020.

Wheaton College Illinois also took 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.

Read more about Theological & Ministerial Studies at Wheaton College Illinois

#16

Saint Louis University

Saint Louis, Missouri

With a ranking of #16, Saint Louis University did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $30-$48k list. Saint Louis University 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.

Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at SLU are $22,074.

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

#17

Ave Maria University

Ave Maria, Florida

Ave Maria University landed the #17 spot on the 2022 Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. Ave Maria University is a small private not-for-profit school situated in Ave Maria, Florida. It awarded 3 doctorate’s theology degrees in 2019-2020.

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

Full Ave Maria University Theological & Ministerial Studies Report

#18

Santa Clara University

Santa Clara, California
#8 in overall quality

Santa Clara University ranked #18 on this year’s Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $30-$48k list. Santa Clara, California is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out doctorate’s theology degrees to 27 students in 2019-2020.

SCU did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #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 some majors have different tuition rates.

Read full report on Theological & Ministerial Studies at Santa Clara University

#19

Columbia International University

Columbia, South Carolina
#25 in overall quality

Columbia International University came in at #19 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. CIU is located in Columbia, South Carolina and, has a small student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 5 doctorate’s theology degrees to qualified students.

CIU did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #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 you may pay more or less depending on your major.

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

#20

Oral Roberts University

Tulsa, Oklahoma

Oral Roberts University did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $30-$48k ranking, coming in at #20. Oral Roberts University is a small school located in Tulsa, Oklahoma that handed out 4 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 ORU are $12,282.

Read full report on Theological & Ministerial Studies at ORU

#21

Mercer University

Macon, Georgia

Mercer University landed the #21 spot on the 2022 Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. 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 are $15,264, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Full Mercer University Theological & Ministerial Studies Report

#22

Nyack College

Nyack, New York

Nyack College came in at #22 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. This small school is located in Nyack, New York, and it awarded 11 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 Nyack College are $13,800.

Full Nyack College Theological & Ministerial Studies Report

#23

Anderson University Indiana

Anderson, Indiana

With a ranking of #23, Anderson University Indiana did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $30-$48k list. Anderson, Indiana is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out doctorate’s theology degrees to 5 students in 2019-2020.

Average graduate tuition and fees at Anderson University Indiana are $11,455, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read full report on Theological & Ministerial Studies at Anderson University Indiana

#18 in overall quality

Sewanee - The University of the South ranked #24 on this year’s Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $30-$48k list. This small school is located in Sewanee, Tennessee, and it awarded 9 doctorate’s theology degrees in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our doctor’s degree theology students whose families make $30-$48k list, Sewanee has also earned the #18 rank in our “Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Doctor’s Degree Schools” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Sewanee - The University of the South are $18,243, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read full report on Theological & Ministerial Studies at Sewanee - The University of the South

Hardin - Simmons University did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $30-$48k ranking, coming in at #25. Abilene, Texas is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out doctorate’s theology degrees to 5 students 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

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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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