by our College Data Analytics Team
[Theological Ministerial Studies](/majors/theology-and-religious-vocations/theological-ministerial-studies/) programs reward a close look at where graduates go on to earn the most. A top-earning program sends graduates into careers with strong starting pay.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 6 schools on the early-career earnings of their theological ministerial studies graduates.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools whose theological ministerial studies graduates go on to earn the most.
Our analysis ranked Johnson University the top school for theological ministerial studies graduate earnings in the Southeast Region. Located in the rural area of Knoxville, Johnson University is a private not-for-profit institution. Early-career theological ministerial studies graduates from Johnson University make a median of around $43,314 per year.
The Baptist College Of Florida produces some of the highest-paid graduates in theological ministerial studies, landing the #2 spot this year. The Baptist College Of Florida is a private not-for-profit school located in the rural area of Graceville. After graduating, theological ministerial studies degree recipients from The Baptist College Of Florida typically earn about $34,350 annually.
Palm Beach Atlantic University West Palm Beach came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the highest-paying theological ministerial studies schools. Located in the city of West Palm Beach, Palm Beach Atlantic University West Palm Beach is a private not-for-profit institution. Students who complete the theological ministerial studies program here go on to a median salary of roughly $41,607.
A rank of #4 makes Southeastern University one of the highest-paying schools for theological ministerial studies. Located in the city of Lakeland, Southeastern University is a private not-for-profit institution. Early-career theological ministerial studies graduates from Southeastern University make a median of around $29,809 per year.
Strong graduate earnings at Bob Jones University earned it the #5 place for theological ministerial studies. Set in the city of Greenville, Bob Jones University is a private not-for-profit institution. Early-career theological ministerial studies graduates from Bob Jones University make a median of around $28,325 per year.
Ave Maria University placed #6 among the highest-paying schools for theological ministerial studies. Ave Maria University is a private not-for-profit school located in the rural area of Ave Maria. Early-career theological ministerial studies graduates from Ave Maria University make a median of around $26,924 per year.
The ranking above is published 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.