by our College Data Analytics Team
[Theological Ministerial Studies](/majors/theology-and-religious-vocations/theological-ministerial-studies/) is a field where your choice of school can shape what you earn after graduation. A top-earning program sends graduates into careers with strong starting pay.
For its 2026 highest-paid-graduates ranking, College Factual looked at 6 schools to find where theological ministerial studies graduates earn the most.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools whose theological ministerial studies graduates go on to earn the most.
Our analysis ranked Capital University the top school for theological ministerial studies graduate earnings in Ohio. Set in the suburb of Columbus, Capital University is a private not-for-profit institution. After graduating, theological ministerial studies degree recipients from Capital University typically earn about $85,317 annually.
Students chasing top earnings in theological ministerial studies will find them at Methodist Theological School In Ohio, which ranked #2. Located in the suburb of Delaware, Methodist Theological School In Ohio is a private not-for-profit institution. Theological Ministerial Studies graduates of Methodist Theological School In Ohio earn a median of about $63,663 a year early in their careers.
Pontifical College Josephinum produces some of the highest-paid graduates in theological ministerial studies, landing the #3 spot this year. Pontifical College Josephinum is a private not-for-profit school located in the city of Columbus. Early-career theological ministerial studies graduates from Pontifical College Josephinum make a median of around $62,646 per year.
Ashland University produces some of the highest-paid graduates in theological ministerial studies, landing the #4 spot this year. Located in the town of Ashland, Ashland University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students who complete the theological ministerial studies program here go on to a median salary of roughly $67,517.
A rank of #5 makes Payne Theological Seminary one of the highest-paying schools for theological ministerial studies. Payne Theological Seminary is a private not-for-profit school located in the rural area of Wilberforce. After graduating, theological ministerial studies degree recipients from Payne Theological Seminary typically earn about $51,087 annually.
Franciscan University Of Steubenville earned the #6 position for theological ministerial studies graduate earnings this year. Located in the city of Steubenville, Franciscan University Of Steubenville is a private not-for-profit institution. Students who complete the theological ministerial studies program here go on to a median salary of roughly $41,490.
This list is compiled by College Factual, 2026 edition. Schools are ranked on the median early-career earnings of their theological ministerial studies graduates, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (College Scorecard field-of-study earnings and IPEDS).
Ranking method: College Major Earnings · 6 schools evaluated.
*Salary figures reflect median early-career earnings (about 5 years after graduation) and may vary by how long a person takes to complete their degree.
More about our data sources and methodologies.