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2023 Most Focused Colleges for Theological & Ministerial Studies in California

43 Ranked Colleges
1,302 Degrees Awarded
$26,700 Avg Cost*
Schools Highly Focused on Theology Major in California

When it comes to choosing a college, students have a lot of options - but not all of them are good. At College Factual, we’re committed to helping you make that decision by providing information such as that found in our “Schools Highly Focused on Theology Major in California” ranking.

Theological & Ministerial Studies is the 63rd most popular major in the country with 15,832 degrees awarded in 2020-2021. In 2019-2020, theological and ministerial studies graduates who were awarded their degree in 2017-2019, earned an average of $40,590 and had an average of $26,272 in loans still to pay off.

Across California, there were 1,302 theological and ministerial studies graduates with average earnings and debt of $39,427 and $24,354 respectively.

For this year’s “Schools Highly Focused on Theology Major in California” ranking, we looked at 43 colleges that offer a degree in theological and ministerial studies. That schools that top this list have a program in theological and ministerial studies in which the largest percentage of students at the school are enrolled.

Check out our ranking methodology for more information.

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The theology school you choose to invest your time and money in matters. To help you make the decision that is right for you, we’ve developed a number of major-specific rankings, including this list of “Schools Highly Focused on Theology Major in California”.

In addition to our rankings, you can take two colleges and compare them based on the criteria that matters most to you in our unique tool, College Combat. If you’re torn between two schools, you can use it to help you see how they stack up against one another. Bookmark it so you can compare any new schools that might interest you.

Schools Highly Focused on Theology Major in California

The following schools top our list of the Best “Schools Highly Focused on Theology Major in California”.

Top 25 Most Focused Colleges for Theological & Ministerial Studies in California

1
FST crest
Franciscan School of Theology
Oceanside, California

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend Franciscan School of Theology. The school came in at #1 for the Schools Highly Focused on Theology Major in California. FST is a small school located in Oceanside, California that handed out 9 ’s theology degrees in 2020-2021.

Since the school has a undergrad student-to-faculty ratio of to 1, those pursuing a degree will have more opportunities to interact with their professors.

Read full report on Theological & Ministerial Studies at FST

1
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Grace Mission University
Fullerton, California

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Grace Mission University. It ranked #1 on our 2023 Schools Highly Focused on Theology Major in California list. This small school is located in Fullerton, California, and it awarded 20 ’s theology degrees in 2020-2021.

Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 86%.

Full Grace Mission University Theological & Ministerial Studies Report

1
GTU Berkeley crest
Graduate Theological Union
Berkeley, California

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Graduate Theological Union. It ranked #1 on our 2023 Schools Highly Focused on Theology Major in California list. Located in Berkeley, California, this small private not-for-profit school handed out 36 diplomas to qualified ’s theology students in 2020-2021.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 3.0%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%. Since the school has a undergrad student-to-faculty ratio of to 1, those pursuing a degree will have more opportunities to interact with their professors.

Read more about Theological & Ministerial Studies at Graduate Theological Union

1
California Christian College crest
California Christian College
Fresno, California

Out of the 43 schools in the Schools Highly Focused on Theology Major in California that were part of this year’s ranking, California Christian College landed the #1 spot on the list. Located in Fresno, California, this small private not-for-profit school awarded 7 degrees to qualified ’s theology students in 2020-2021.

Since the school has a undergrad student-to-faculty ratio of 2 to 1, those pursuing a degree will have more opportunities to interact with their professors.

Read full report on Theological & Ministerial Studies at California Christian College

5
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Starr King School for Ministry
Berkeley, California

Out of the 43 schools in the Schools Highly Focused on Theology Major in California that were part of this year’s ranking, Starr King School for Ministry landed the #5 spot on the list. Starr King School for Ministry is a private not-for-profit institution located in Berkeley, California. The school has a small population, and it awarded 23 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

The impressive undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio of to 1 means that students may have more opportunities to work more closely with their professors than they would at other schools.

Full Starr King School for Ministry Theological & Ministerial Studies Report

6

American Baptist Seminary of the West ranked #6 on this year’s Schools Highly Focused on Theology Major in California list. American Baptist Seminary of the West is a private not-for-profit institution located in Berkeley, California. The school has a small population, and it awarded 27 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

With a undergrad student-to-faculty ratio of to 1, it’s easy to see that the school is committed to helping their undergraduates succeed.

Read full report on Theological & Ministerial Studies at American Baptist Seminary of the West

7

With a ranking of #7, Church Divinity School of the Pacific did quite well on the 2023 Schools Highly Focused on Theology Major in California list. CDSP is a private not-for-profit institution located in Berkeley, California. The school has a small population, and it awarded 19 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

The undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio of to 1 is a sign that students will have more opportunities to engage with their professors one-on-one.

Read full report on Theological & Ministerial Studies at Church Divinity School of the Pacific

8

Westminster Theological Seminary in California landed the #8 spot on the 2023 Schools Highly Focused on Theology Major in California ranking. Westminster Seminary California is a small private not-for-profit school situated in Escondido, California. It awarded 28 ’s theology degrees in 2020-2021.

The impressive undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio of to 1 means that students may have more opportunities to work more closely with their professors than they would at other schools.

Read more about Theological & Ministerial Studies at Westminster Seminary California

9
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Epic Bible College
Sacramento, California

Epic Bible College landed the #9 spot on the 2023 Schools Highly Focused on Theology Major in California ranking. Located in Sacramento, California, this small private not-for-profit school awarded 21 diplomas to qualified ’s theology students in 2020-2021.

The undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio of 9 to 1 is a sign that students will have more opportunities to engage with their professors one-on-one.

Read more about Theological & Ministerial Studies at Epic Bible College

10
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Pacific School of Religion
Berkeley, California

With a ranking of #10, Pacific School of Religion did quite well on the 2023 Schools Highly Focused on Theology Major in California list. Located in Berkeley, California, this small private not-for-profit school handed out 44 diplomas to qualified ’s theology students in 2020-2021.

The undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio of to 1 is a sign that students will have more opportunities to engage with their professors one-on-one. The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 3.2%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Full Pacific School of Religion Theological & Ministerial Studies Report

11
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Fuller Theological Seminary
Pasadena, California

Fuller Theological Seminary landed the #11 spot on the 2023 Schools Highly Focused on Theology Major in California ranking. Located in Pasadena, California, this small private not-for-profit school awarded 378 degrees to qualified ’s theology students in 2020-2021.

The impressive undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio of to 1 means that students may have more opportunities to work more closely with their professors than they would at other schools. The low undergrad student loan default rate of 1.0% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.

Read more about Theological & Ministerial Studies at Fuller

12

Academy for Jewish Religion - California did quite well in the 2023 Schools Highly Focused on Theology Major in California ranking, coming in at #12. Academy for Jewish Religion - California is a small private not-for-profit school situated in Los Angeles, California. It awarded 4 ’s theology degrees in 2020-2021.

Since the school has a undergrad student-to-faculty ratio of to 1, those pursuing a degree will have more opportunities to interact with their professors. The low undergrad student loan default rate of 4.7% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.

Read full report on Theological & Ministerial Studies at Academy for Jewish Religion - California

13
School of Urban Missions crest
SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary
El Dorado Hills, California

SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary landed the #13 spot on the 2023 Schools Highly Focused on Theology Major in California ranking. School of Urban Missions is a private not-for-profit institution located in El Dorado Hills, California. The school has a small population, and it awarded 40 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

The undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio of 10 to 1 is a sign that students will have more opportunities to engage with their professors one-on-one.

Read more about Theological & Ministerial Studies at School of Urban Missions

14

Dominican School of Philosophy & Theology ranked #14 on this year’s Schools Highly Focused on Theology Major in California list. The Domincan School Berkeley is a small school located in Berkeley, California that handed out 11 ’s theology degrees in 2020-2021.

The undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio of to 1 is a sign that students will have more opportunities to engage with their professors one-on-one.

Read more about Theological & Ministerial Studies at Dominican School of Philosophy & Theology

14
America Evangelical University crest
America Evangelical University
Los Angeles, California

With a ranking of #14, America Evangelical University did quite well on the 2023 Schools Highly Focused on Theology Major in California list. America Evangelical University is located in Los Angeles, California and, has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 6 ’s theology degrees to qualified students.

Read full report on Theological & Ministerial Studies at America Evangelical University

16
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Institute of Buddhist Studies
Berkeley, California

Institute of Buddhist Studies landed the #16 spot on the 2023 Schools Highly Focused on Theology Major in California ranking. Institute of Buddhist Studies is a private not-for-profit institution located in Berkeley, California. The school has a small population, and it awarded 4 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

The impressive undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio of to 1 means that students may have more opportunities to work more closely with their professors than they would at other schools.

Read more about Theological & Ministerial Studies at Institute of Buddhist Studies

17
Claremont School of Theology crest
Claremont School of Theology
Claremont, California

With a ranking of #17, Claremont School of Theology did quite well on the 2023 Schools Highly Focused on Theology Major in California list. Claremont, California is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out ’s theology degrees to 30 students in 2020-2021.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 4.6% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%. The impressive undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio of to 1 means that students may have more opportunities to work more closely with their professors than they would at other schools.

Read full report on Theological & Ministerial Studies at Claremont School of Theology

18
The Master's University crest
The Master's University and Seminary
Santa Clarita, California

The Master’s University and Seminary ranked #18 on this year’s Schools Highly Focused on Theology Major in California list. Santa Clarita, California is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out ’s theology degrees to 150 students in 2020-2021.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 1.5% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.

Read full report on Theological & Ministerial Studies at The Master’s University and Seminary

19
World Mission University crest
World Mission University
Los Angeles, California

With a ranking of #19, World Mission University did quite well on the 2023 Schools Highly Focused on Theology Major in California list. World Mission University is a small school located in Los Angeles, California that handed out 26 ’s theology degrees in 2020-2021.

With a undergrad student-to-faculty ratio of 7 to 1, it’s easy to see that the school is committed to helping their undergraduates succeed.

Full World Mission University Theological & Ministerial Studies Report

20
Hope crest
Hope International University
Fullerton, California

Hope International University did quite well in the 2023 Schools Highly Focused on Theology Major in California ranking, coming in at #20. Fullerton, California is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out ’s theology degrees to 69 students in 2020-2021.

The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 85%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year. The low undergrad student loan default rate of 4.5% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.

Read full report on Theological & Ministerial Studies at Hope International University

21
Southern California Seminary crest
Southern California Seminary
El Cajon, California

Southern California Seminary came in at #21 in this year’s edition of the Schools Highly Focused on Theology Major in California ranking. Southern California Seminary is a small private not-for-profit school situated in El Cajon, California. It awarded 4 ’s theology degrees in 2020-2021.

Since the school has a undergrad student-to-faculty ratio of 9 to 1, those pursuing a degree will have more opportunities to interact with their professors.

Read full report on Theological & Ministerial Studies at Southern California Seminary

22
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Bethesda University
Anaheim, California

Bethesda University did quite well in the 2023 Schools Highly Focused on Theology Major in California ranking, coming in at #22. Bethesda University is a private not-for-profit institution located in Anaheim, California. The school has a small population, and it awarded 8 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Since the school has a undergrad student-to-faculty ratio of 10 to 1, those pursuing a degree will have more opportunities to interact with their professors.

Read more about Theological & Ministerial Studies at Bethesda University

23
Biola crest
Biola University
La Mirada, California

Biola University landed the #23 spot on the 2023 Schools Highly Focused on Theology Major in California ranking. Biola is a medium-sized private not-for-profit school situated in La Mirada, California. It awarded 93 ’s theology degrees in 2020-2021.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 2.7% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.

Read full report on Theological & Ministerial Studies at Biola University

24
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San Diego Christian College
Santee, California

San Diego Christian College landed the #24 spot on the 2023 Schools Highly Focused on Theology Major in California ranking. Located in Santee, California, this small private not-for-profit school awarded 7 degrees to qualified ’s theology students in 2020-2021.

With a undergrad student-to-faculty ratio of 9 to 1, it’s easy to see that the school is committed to helping their undergraduates succeed.

Full San Diego Christian Theological & Ministerial Studies Report

25
AJU crest
American Jewish University
Los Angeles, California

American Jewish University landed the #25 spot on the 2023 Schools Highly Focused on Theology Major in California ranking. American Jewish University is a small school located in Los Angeles, California that handed out 2 ’s theology degrees in 2020-2021.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 2.2% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%. The impressive undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio of 4 to 1 means that students may have more opportunities to work more closely with their professors than they would at other schools.

Full American Jewish University Theological & Ministerial Studies Report

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