by our College Data Analytics Team
[Theological & Ministerial Studies](/majors/theology-and-religious-vocations/theological-ministerial-studies/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
For its 2027 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 3 schools to find the best return on investment for theological & ministerial studies students.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in theological & ministerial studies, balancing cost against outcomes.
For return on investment in theological & ministerial studies, no school beat New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary this year. New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of New Orleans. In-state tuition and fees average $12,368.
Franciscan University Of Steubenville came in at #2 on our 2027 list of the best value theological & ministerial studies schools. Located in the city of Steubenville, Franciscan University Of Steubenville is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,100. Typical student debt for theological & ministerial studies graduates is $25,000. Theological & Ministerial Studies graduates of Franciscan University Of Steubenville earn a median of $37,089 early in their careers. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 58% of applicants are accepted.
Southeastern University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in theological & ministerial studies, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the city of Lakeland, Southeastern University is a large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $32,950. Typical student debt for theological & ministerial studies graduates is $16,000. Theological & Ministerial Studies graduates of Southeastern University earn a median of $27,591 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $16,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 53%.
Looking for a different degree level? Compare best-value Theological & Ministerial Studies rankings across degree levels:
The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 3 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 3 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.