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2022 Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $48-$75k

41 Ranked Colleges
1,419 Degrees Awarded
$24,000 Avg Grad Tuition & Fees*
Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $48-$75k

It’s not easy to decide which college to attend when there so many options available for students. College Factual has developed its “Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $48-$75k” ranking as one item you can use to help make this decision.

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 $48-$75k” 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.

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. For more information, check out our ranking methodology.

One Size Does Not Fit All

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 $48-$75k” list, to help you choose the best school for you.

You can create your own custom comparison that focuses on the factors most important to you using our tool, College Combat. Test it out by comparing your favorite schools against others you are considering, or bookmark the tool so you can experiment with it later.

Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $48-$75k

The following schools top our list of the Best Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $48-$75k.

Top 25 Best Value Doctor’s Degree Colleges for Theological & Ministerial Studies (Income $48-$75k)

#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 $48-$75k list. Duke is a fairly large private not-for-profit school situated in Durham, North Carolina. It awarded 27 doctorate’s theology degrees in 2019-2020.

Duke not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #2 on our “Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Doctor’s Degree Schools” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at Duke are $59,140, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Full Duke Theological & Ministerial Studies Report

#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 $48-$75k. Located in Chicago, Illinois, this fairly large private not-for-profit school awarded 14 diplomas to qualified doctorate’s theology students in 2019-2020.

UChicago did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #4 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 University of Chicago are $61,548.

Read more about 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 $48-$75k. 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.

Notre Dame also took the #1 spot in our “Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Doctor’s Degree Schools” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at University of Notre Dame are $57,522, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Full University of Notre Dame Theological & Ministerial Studies Report

#4

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 $48-$75k that were part of this year’s ranking, Emory University landed the #4 spot on the list. Emory is a fairly large school located in Atlanta, Georgia 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 $48-$75k list, Emory has also earned the #6 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 Emory University are $44,676.

Full Emory University Theological & Ministerial Studies Report

#5

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 #5 for the Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $48-$75k. 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 $48-$75k list, Boston College has also earned the #7 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 Boston College are $31,930.

Read more about Theological & Ministerial Studies at Boston College

#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 $48-$75k ranking. Boston U is a large private not-for-profit school situated in Boston, Massachusetts. It awarded 19 doctorate’s theology degrees in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our doctor’s degree theology students whose families make $48-$75k list, Boston U has also earned the #16 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 Boston U are $57,666.

Read more about Theological & Ministerial Studies at Boston U

#10 in overall quality

Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary came in at #7 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $48-$75k ranking. MBTS is a small school located in Kansas City, Missouri that handed out 61 doctorate’s theology degrees in 2019-2020.

MBTS also took the #10 spot in our “Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Doctor’s Degree Schools” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary are $6,950, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read more about Theological & Ministerial Studies at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary

#8

Bethel University Minnesota

Saint Paul, Minnesota
#5 in overall quality

Bethel University Minnesota did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $48-$75k ranking, coming in at #8. 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.

Full Bethel University Minnesota Theological & Ministerial Studies Report

#9

Drew University

Madison, New Jersey

Drew University landed the #9 spot on the 2022 Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $48-$75k ranking. Located in Madison, New Jersey, this small private not-for-profit school awarded 22 diplomas to qualified doctorate’s theology students in 2019-2020.

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

Read full report on Theological & Ministerial Studies at Drew University

#10

Wheaton College Illinois

Wheaton, Illinois
#23 in overall quality

Wheaton College Illinois did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $48-$75k ranking, coming in at #10. Wheaton College Illinois is a small school located in Wheaton, Illinois that handed out 5 doctorate’s theology degrees in 2019-2020.

Wheaton College Illinois not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #23 on our “Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Doctor’s Degree Schools” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at Wheaton College Illinois are $17,424, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read more about Theological & Ministerial Studies at Wheaton College Illinois

#11

Bob Jones University

Greenville, South Carolina

Bob Jones University came in at #11 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $48-$75k ranking. Bob Jones University is a small school located in Greenville, South Carolina that handed out 3 doctorate’s theology degrees in 2019-2020.

Average graduate tuition and fees at Bob Jones University are $9,573, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read more about Theological & Ministerial Studies at Bob Jones University

#12

Columbia International University

Columbia, South Carolina
#25 in overall quality

Columbia International University landed the #12 spot on the 2022 Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $48-$75k ranking. Columbia, South Carolina 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.

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 CIU are $10,640, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read full report on Theological & Ministerial Studies at CIU

#13

Andrews University

Berrien Springs, Michigan

Andrews University did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $48-$75k ranking, coming in at #13. Berrien Springs, Michigan is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out doctorate’s theology degrees to 26 students in 2019-2020.

Andrews did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #13 on our “Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Doctor’s Degree Schools” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at Andrews University are $28,910, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read full report on Theological & Ministerial Studies at Andrews University

#14

Ave Maria University

Ave Maria, Florida

Ave Maria University landed the #14 spot on the 2022 Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $48-$75k 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 Ave Maria University are $15,386, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read full report on Theological & Ministerial Studies at Ave Maria University

#15

Saint Louis University

Saint Louis, Missouri

Saint Louis University landed the #15 spot on the 2022 Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $48-$75k ranking. Saint Louis University is a fairly large private not-for-profit school situated in Saint Louis, Missouri. It awarded 1 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 SLU are $22,074.

Read more about Theological & Ministerial Studies at SLU

Grace College and Theological Seminary came in at #16 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $48-$75k ranking. Grace College is a private not-for-profit institution located in Winona Lake, Indiana. The school has a small population, and it awarded 2 doctorate’s degrees in 2019-2020.

Average graduate tuition and fees at Grace College and Theological Seminary are $7,872, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Full Grace College Theological & Ministerial Studies Report

#17

Lancaster Bible College

Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Lancaster Bible College did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $48-$75k ranking, coming in at #17. Lancaster Bible College is a small private not-for-profit school situated in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. It awarded 5 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 Lancaster Bible College are $11,460.

Read full report on Theological & Ministerial Studies at Lancaster Bible College

#18

Ashland University

Ashland, Ohio

Ashland University ranked #18 on this year’s Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $48-$75k list. Ashland is a small private not-for-profit school situated in Ashland, Ohio. It awarded 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.

Read full report on Theological & Ministerial Studies at Ashland University

#19

Mercer University

Macon, Georgia

Mercer University did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $48-$75k ranking, coming in at #19. Mercer University is located in Macon, Georgia and, has a medium-sized student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 15 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 Mercer are $15,264.

Read full report on Theological & Ministerial Studies at Mercer University

#20

Santa Clara University

Santa Clara, California
#8 in overall quality

Santa Clara University came in at #20 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $48-$75k ranking. 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 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 SCU are $23,507, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Full SCU Theological & Ministerial Studies Report

With a ranking of #21, Trinity International University - Illinois did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $48-$75k 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.

Average graduate tuition and fees at Trinity International University - Illinois are $17,780, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Full Trinity International University - Illinois Theological & Ministerial Studies Report

Hardin - Simmons University came in at #22 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $48-$75k ranking. Hardin - Simmons University is a small school located in Abilene, Texas that handed out 5 doctorate’s theology degrees in 2019-2020.

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

Read full report on Theological & Ministerial Studies at Hardin - Simmons

#23

Nyack College

Nyack, New York

Nyack College came in at #23 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $48-$75k ranking. Nyack College is a small school located in Nyack, New York that handed out 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 are $13,800.

Read more about Theological & Ministerial Studies at Nyack College

#24

Lipscomb University

Nashville, Tennessee

Lipscomb University landed the #24 spot on the 2022 Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $48-$75k ranking. Lipscomb University is a small school located in Nashville, Tennessee that handed out 2 doctorate’s theology degrees in 2019-2020.

Average graduate tuition and fees at Lipscomb University are $18,000, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read more about Theological & Ministerial Studies at Lipscomb University

#25

Anderson University Indiana

Anderson, Indiana

Anderson University Indiana landed the #25 spot on the 2022 Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $48-$75k ranking. Anderson University Indiana is located in Anderson, Indiana 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 Anderson University Indiana are $11,455, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Full Anderson University Indiana Theological & Ministerial Studies Report

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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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