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2022 Best Value Doctor’s Degree Colleges for Theological & Ministerial Studies in the Southeast Region

20 Ranked Colleges
651 Degrees Awarded
$17,100 Avg Grad Tuition & Fees*
Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region

When pursuing a degree in today’s world, students have many different options to choose from. 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 in the Southeast Region” ranking is part of that endeavor.

In 2019-2020, 15,051 people earned their degree in theological and ministerial studies, making the major the 55th most popular in the United States. 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.

Across the Southeast region, there were 5,611 theological and ministerial studies graduates with average earnings and debt of $36,410 and $44,367 respectively. At the doctor’s degree level specifically, there were 651 theological and ministerial studies graduates with average earnings and debt of $71,978 and $116,300 respectively.

This year’s “Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region” ranking looked at 20 colleges that offer degrees in a bachelor’s in theological and ministerial studies. Not only do the schools that top this list have excellent theological and ministerial studies programs, but they also 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.

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 in the Southeast Region” 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 in the Southeast Region

The following schools top our list of the Best Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region.

Top 22 Best Value Doctor’s Degree Colleges for Theological & Ministerial Studies in the Southeast Region

#1

Liberty University

Lynchburg, Virginia

Out of the 20 schools in the Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region that were part of this year’s ranking, Liberty University landed the #1 spot on the list. Lynchburg, Virginia is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out doctorate’s theology degrees to 75 students in 2019-2020.

Liberty University not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #7 on our “Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” list. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Liberty University are $8,349.

Read full report on Theological & Ministerial Studies at Liberty University

#2

Asbury Theological Seminary

Wilmore, Kentucky
#3 in overall quality

Out of the 20 schools in the Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region that were part of this year’s ranking, Asbury Theological Seminary landed the #2 spot on the list. This small school is located in Wilmore, Kentucky, and it awarded 40 doctorate’s theology degrees in 2019-2020.

Asbury Seminary also took the #3 spot in our “Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Asbury Seminary are $16,950.

Read full report on Theological & Ministerial Studies at Asbury Theological Seminary

#3

Columbia International University

Columbia, South Carolina
#8 in overall quality

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend Columbia International University. The school came in at #3 for the Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region. Located in Columbia, South Carolina, this small private not-for-profit school awarded 5 diplomas to qualified doctorate’s theology students in 2019-2020.

CIU not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #8 on our “Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at Columbia International University are $10,640, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Full CIU Theological & Ministerial Studies Report

#4

Regent University

Virginia Beach, Virginia
#6 in overall quality

Out of the 20 schools in the Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region that were part of this year’s ranking, Regent University landed the #4 spot on the list. Regent University is a private not-for-profit institution located in Virginia Beach, Virginia. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 94 doctorate’s degrees in 2019-2020.

Regent also made our “Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” list, coming in at #6. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Regent University are $17,052.

Full Regent Theological & Ministerial Studies Report

#4 in overall quality

Out of the 20 schools in the Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region that were part of this year’s ranking, Sewanee - The University of the South landed the #5 spot on the list. Sewanee, Tennessee is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out doctorate’s theology degrees to 9 students in 2019-2020.

Sewanee also took the #4 spot in our “Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Sewanee - The University of the South are $18,243.

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

#6

Bob Jones University

Greenville, South Carolina
#11 in overall quality

Bob Jones University ranked #6 on this year’s Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region list. 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.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at Bob Jones University, the school also landed the #11 spot in our “Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Bob Jones University are $9,573, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read more about Theological & Ministerial Studies at Bob Jones University

#7

Southeastern University

Lakeland, Florida
#9 in overall quality

Southeastern University ranked #7 on this year’s Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region list. Located in Lakeland, Florida, this medium-sized private not-for-profit school awarded 8 diplomas to qualified doctorate’s theology students in 2019-2020.

SEU also made our “Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” list, coming in at #9. Average graduate tuition and fees at SEU are $13,515, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read more about Theological & Ministerial Studies at Southeastern University

#8

Samford University

Birmingham, Alabama
#5 in overall quality

Samford University came in at #8 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region ranking. Samford is located in Birmingham, Alabama and, has a medium-sized student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 5 doctorate’s theology degrees to qualified students.

Samford also made our “Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” list, coming in at #5. Average graduate tuition and fees at Samford University are $21,227, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read more about Theological & Ministerial Studies at Samford

#9

Union University

Jackson, Tennessee
#14 in overall quality

Union University ranked #9 on this year’s Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region list. Located in Jackson, Tennessee, this small private not-for-profit school handed out 3 degrees to qualified doctorate’s theology students in 2019-2020.

Union also made our “Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” list, coming in at #14. Average graduate tuition and fees at Union are $10,671, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read full report on Theological & Ministerial Studies at Union

#10

Mercer University

Macon, Georgia
#10 in overall quality

With a ranking of #10, Mercer University did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region list. Located in Macon, Georgia, this medium-sized private not-for-profit school handed out 15 diplomas to qualified doctorate’s theology students in 2019-2020.

Mercer also took the #10 spot in our “Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Mercer are $15,264, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read full report on Theological & Ministerial Studies at Mercer University

#11

Pentecostal Theological Seminary

Cleveland, Tennessee
#15 in overall quality

Pentecostal Theological Seminary ranked #11 on this year’s Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region list. Pentecostal Theological Seminary is a small private not-for-profit school situated in Cleveland, Tennessee. It awarded 3 doctorate’s theology degrees in 2019-2020.

Pentecostal Theological Seminary not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #15 on our “Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at Pentecostal Theological Seminary are $11,995, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Full Pentecostal Theological Seminary Theological & Ministerial Studies Report

#17 in overall quality

Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region ranking, coming in at #12. Located in Louisville, Kentucky, this small private not-for-profit school handed out 11 diplomas to qualified doctorate’s theology students in 2019-2020.

Louisville Seminary not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #17 on our “Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at Louisville Seminary are $11,838, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read full report on Theological & Ministerial Studies at Louisville Seminary

#13

Ave Maria University

Ave Maria, Florida
#12 in overall quality

Ave Maria University landed the #13 spot on the 2022 Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region ranking. AMU is a small school located in Ave Maria, Florida that handed out 3 doctorate’s theology degrees in 2019-2020.

AMU also made our “Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” list, coming in at #12. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at AMU are $15,386.

Read more about Theological & Ministerial Studies at Ave Maria University

#14

Columbia Theological Seminary

Decatur, Georgia
#13 in overall quality

Columbia Theological Seminary did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region ranking, coming in at #14. Columbia Theological Seminary is a small private not-for-profit school situated in Decatur, Georgia. It awarded 5 doctorate’s theology degrees in 2019-2020.

Columbia Theological Seminary not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #13 on our “Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” list. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Columbia Theological Seminary are $15,770.

Read more about Theological & Ministerial Studies at Columbia Theological Seminary

#15

Campbell University

Buies Creek, North Carolina
#16 in overall quality

Campbell University came in at #15 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region ranking. Campbell University is located in Buies Creek, North Carolina and, has a medium-sized student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 11 doctorate’s theology degrees to qualified students.

Campbell not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #16 on our “Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at Campbell are $14,985, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read more about Theological & Ministerial Studies at Campbell

#16

Union Presbyterian Seminary

Richmond, Virginia
#19 in overall quality

Union Presbyterian Seminary ranked #16 on this year’s Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region list. This small school is located in Richmond, Virginia, and it awarded 2 doctorate’s theology degrees in 2019-2020.

Union Presbyterian not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #19 on our “Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” list. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Union Presbyterian are $13,190.

Full Union Presbyterian Seminary Theological & Ministerial Studies Report

#16

Memphis Theological Seminary

Memphis, Tennessee

Memphis Theological Seminary came in at #16 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region ranking. This small school is located in Memphis, Tennessee, and it awarded 21 doctorate’s theology degrees in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at Memphis Theological Seminary, the school also landed the #18 spot in our “Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Memphis Theological Seminary are $15,945, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read full report on Theological & Ministerial Studies at Memphis Theological Seminary

#17

Piedmont International University

Winston-Salem, North Carolina
#19 in overall quality

With a ranking of #17, Piedmont International University did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region list. Piedmont International University is a small school located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina that handed out 3 doctorate’s theology degrees in 2019-2020.

Piedmont International University not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #19 on our “Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at Piedmont International University are $8,230, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read more about Theological & Ministerial Studies at Piedmont International University

#18

Luther Rice College & Seminary

Lithonia, Georgia
#20 in overall quality

Luther Rice College & Seminary landed the #18 spot on the 2022 Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region ranking. Luther Rice is a private not-for-profit institution located in Lithonia, Georgia. The school has a small population, and it awarded 20 doctorate’s degrees in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at Luther Rice, the school also landed the #20 spot in our “Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Luther Rice College & Seminary are $6,156, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Full Luther Rice College & Seminary Theological & Ministerial Studies Report

#18

Lipscomb University

Nashville, Tennessee
#9 in overall quality

Lipscomb University came in at #18 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region ranking. Lipscomb is a private not-for-profit institution located in Nashville, Tennessee. The school has a small population, and it awarded 2 doctorate’s degrees in 2019-2020.

Lipscomb also took the #9 spot in our “Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Lipscomb University are $18,000, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Full Lipscomb University Theological & Ministerial Studies Report

#19

Emory University

Atlanta, Georgia
#2 in overall quality

Emory University did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region ranking, coming in at #19. This fairly large school is located in Atlanta, Georgia, and it awarded 27 doctorate’s theology degrees in 2019-2020.

Emory also took the #2 spot in our “Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Emory are $44,676, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Full Emory Theological & Ministerial Studies Report

#20

Duke University

Durham, North Carolina

Duke University landed the #20 spot on the 2022 Best Value Theology Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region ranking. Duke University is a fairly large private not-for-profit school situated in Durham, North Carolina. It awarded 27 doctorate’s theology degrees in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at Duke, the school also landed the #1 spot in our “Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Duke are $59,140, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read full report on Theological & Ministerial Studies at Duke

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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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