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2023 Most Focused Colleges for Theological & Ministerial Studies

470 Ranked Colleges
15,832 Degrees Awarded
$10,300 Avg Cost*
Schools Highly Focused on Theology Major

It’s not easy to decide which college to attend when there so many options available for students. One of our goals at College Factual is to give you as much information as we can - such as our “Schools Highly Focused on Theology Major” ranking - to help you make that decision.

In 2020-2021, 15,832 people earned their degree in theological and ministerial studies, making the major the 63rd most popular in the United States. 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.

For this year’s “Schools Highly Focused on Theology Major” ranking, we looked at 470 colleges that offer a degree in theological and ministerial studies. The colleges and universities that top this list are recognized because their theological and ministerial studies program is one of the largest majors offered at the school.

See our ranking methodology to learn more.

More Ways to Rank Theological & Ministerial Studies Schools

Rankings by Degree Other Award Levels
Rankings by Location Check Out Other Locales
More Theology Rankings Other Ranking Categories

Since the program you select can have a significant impact on your future, we’ve developed a number of rankings, including this “Schools Highly Focused on Theology Major” list, to help you choose the best school for you.

One of our other unique offerings is College Combat. This tool lets you build your own customized comparisons utilizing the factors that are most important to you. 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

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

Top 27 Most Focused Colleges for Theological & Ministerial Studies

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Franciscan School of Theology
Oceanside, California

Out of the 470 schools in the Schools Highly Focused on Theology Major that were part of this year’s ranking, Franciscan School of Theology landed the #1 spot on the list. Located in Oceanside, California, this small private not-for-profit school awarded 9 degrees 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.

Read more about Theological & Ministerial Studies at Franciscan School of Theology

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Out of the 470 schools in the Schools Highly Focused on Theology Major that were part of this year’s ranking, Pope St John XXIII National Seminary landed the #1 spot on the list. This small school is located in Weston, Massachusetts, and it awarded 17 ’s theology 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 more about Theological & Ministerial Studies at Pope St John XXIII National Seminary

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Out of the 470 schools in the Schools Highly Focused on Theology Major that were part of this year’s ranking, Ohr Hameir Theological Seminary landed the #1 spot on the list. Located in Peekskill, New York, this small private not-for-profit school handed out 11 diplomas to qualified ’s theology students in 2020-2021.

Read more about Theological & Ministerial Studies at Ohr Hameir Theological Seminary

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Shepherds Theological Seminary
Cary, North Carolina

Out of the 470 schools in the Schools Highly Focused on Theology Major that were part of this year’s ranking, Shepherds Theological Seminary landed the #1 spot on the list. This small school is located in Cary, North Carolina, and it awarded 39 ’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 Shepherds Theological Seminary

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You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Rabbinical College of Ohr Shimon Yisroel. It ranked #1 on our 2023 Schools Highly Focused on Theology Major list. Rabbinical College of Ohr Shimon Yisroel is a small school located in Brooklyn, New York that handed out 68 ’s theology degrees in 2020-2021.

Read more about Theological & Ministerial Studies at Rabbinical College of Ohr Shimon Yisroel

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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 list. Grace Mission University is located in Fullerton, California and, has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 20 ’s theology degrees to qualified students.

With a freshman retention rate of 86%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students.

Read more about Theological & Ministerial Studies at Grace Mission University

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You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Yeshiva College of the Nations Capital. It ranked #1 on our 2023 Schools Highly Focused on Theology Major list. Silver Spring, Maryland is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out ’s theology degrees to 8 students in 2020-2021.

Read more about Theological & Ministerial Studies at Yeshiva College of the Nations Capital

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You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend Byzantine Catholic Seminary of Saints Cyril and Methodius. The school came in at #1 for the Schools Highly Focused on Theology Major. Byzantine Catholic Seminary of Saints Cyril and Methodius is a private not-for-profit institution located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The school has a small population, and it awarded 7 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Full Byzantine Catholic Seminary Theological & Ministerial Studies Report

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Yeshivath Viznitz
Monsey, New York

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Yeshivath Viznitz. It ranked #1 on our 2023 Schools Highly Focused on Theology Major list. Yeshivath Viznitz is a small school located in Monsey, New York that handed out 196 ’s theology degrees in 2020-2021.

Full Yeshivath Viznitz Theological & Ministerial Studies Report

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Out of the 470 schools in the Schools Highly Focused on Theology Major that were part of this year’s ranking, Saint Vladimirs Orthodox Theological Seminary landed the #1 spot on the list. Saint Vladimirs Orthodox Theological Seminary is a small private not-for-profit school situated in Yonkers, New York. It awarded 18 ’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. The low undergrad student loan default rate of 3.8% 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 Saint Vladimirs Orthodox Theological Seminary

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Northeastern Seminary
Rochester, New York

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Northeastern Seminary. It ranked #1 on our 2023 Schools Highly Focused on Theology Major list. Located in Rochester, New York, this small private not-for-profit school handed out 28 degrees to qualified ’s theology students 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 Northeastern Seminary

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Graduate Theological Union
Berkeley, California

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend Graduate Theological Union. The school came in at #1 for the Schools Highly Focused on Theology Major. Berkeley, California is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out ’s theology degrees to 36 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 low undergrad student loan default rate of 3.0% 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 full report on Theological & Ministerial Studies at Graduate Theological Union

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Kenrick Glennon Seminary
Saint Louis, Missouri

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Kenrick Glennon Seminary. It ranked #1 on our 2023 Schools Highly Focused on Theology Major list. Kenrick Glennon Seminary is a small private not-for-profit school situated in Saint Louis, Missouri. It awarded 18 ’s theology degrees in 2020-2021.

Full Kenrick Glennon Seminary Theological & Ministerial Studies Report

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You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend Rabbinical College Telshe. The school came in at #1 for the Schools Highly Focused on Theology Major. Wickliffe, Ohio is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out ’s theology degrees to 11 students in 2020-2021.

Full Rabbinical College Telshe Theological & Ministerial Studies Report

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California Christian College
Fresno, California

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend California Christian College. The school came in at #1 for the Schools Highly Focused on Theology Major. California Christian College is a private not-for-profit institution located in Fresno, California. The school has a small population, and it awarded 7 ’s degrees 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.

Full California Christian College Theological & Ministerial Studies Report

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You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend Sh’or Yoshuv Rabbinical College. The school came in at #1 for the Schools Highly Focused on Theology Major. Sh’or Yoshuv Rabbinical College is a small school located in Lawrence, New York that handed out 26 ’s theology degrees in 2020-2021.

Full Sh’or Yoshuv Rabbinical College Theological & Ministerial Studies Report

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Christ Mission College
San-Antonio, Texas

Out of the 470 schools in the Schools Highly Focused on Theology Major that were part of this year’s ranking, Christ Mission College landed the #1 spot on the list. Located in San-Antonio, Texas, this small private not-for-profit school awarded 7 degrees to qualified ’s theology students in 2020-2021.

Read full report on Theological & Ministerial Studies at Christ Mission College

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Mechon L'hoyroa
Monsey, New York

Out of the 470 schools in the Schools Highly Focused on Theology Major that were part of this year’s ranking, Mechon L’hoyroa landed the #1 spot on the list. Mechon L’hoyroa is located in Monsey, New York and, has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 7 ’s theology degrees to qualified students.

Full Mechon L’hoyroa Theological & Ministerial Studies Report

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Payne Theological Seminary
Wilberforce, Ohio

Out of the 470 schools in the Schools Highly Focused on Theology Major that were part of this year’s ranking, Payne Theological Seminary landed the #1 spot on the list. Payne Theological Seminary is located in Wilberforce, Ohio and, has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 40 ’s theology degrees to qualified students.

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 Payne Theological Seminary

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Union Theological Seminary
New York, New York

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Union Theological Seminary. It ranked #1 on our 2023 Schools Highly Focused on Theology Major list. New York, New York is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out ’s theology degrees to 93 students 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. The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 3.6%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Full Union Theological Seminary Theological & Ministerial Studies Report

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Out of the 470 schools in the Schools Highly Focused on Theology Major that were part of this year’s ranking, Phillips Theological Seminary landed the #1 spot on the list. Tulsa, Oklahoma is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out ’s theology degrees to 21 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 4.9%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Read more about Theological & Ministerial Studies at Phillips Theological Seminary

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Out of the 470 schools in the Schools Highly Focused on Theology Major that were part of this year’s ranking, Saint Paul School of Theology landed the #1 spot on the list. Saint Paul School of Theology is located in Leawood, Kansas and, has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 18 ’s theology degrees to qualified students.

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 Saint Paul School of Theology

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New York Theological Seminary
New York, New York

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend New York Theological Seminary. It ranked #1 on our 2023 Schools Highly Focused on Theology Major list. NYTS is a private not-for-profit institution located in New York, New York. The school has a small population, and it awarded 59 ’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 more about Theological & Ministerial Studies at New York Theological Seminary

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You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Wartburg Theological Seminary. It ranked #1 on our 2023 Schools Highly Focused on Theology Major list. This small school is located in Dubuque, Iowa, and it awarded 36 ’s theology degrees in 2020-2021.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 2.5%, which is much lower than the national rate of 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 Wartburg Theological Seminary

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Hood Theological Seminary
Salisbury, North Carolina

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend Hood Theological Seminary. The school came in at #1 for the Schools Highly Focused on Theology Major. This small school is located in Salisbury, North Carolina, and it awarded 28 ’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.

Full Hood Theological Seminary Theological & Ministerial Studies Report

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You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities. It ranked #1 on our 2023 Schools Highly Focused on Theology Major list. United Theological Seminary is located in New Brighton, Minnesota and, has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 21 ’s theology degrees to qualified students.

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 United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities Theological & Ministerial Studies Report

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You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend Pontifical Faculty of the Immaculate Conception at the Dominican House of Studies. The school came in at #1 for the Schools Highly Focused on Theology Major. PFIC is located in Washington, District of Columbia and, has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 36 ’s theology degrees to qualified students.

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 PFIC

Rest of the Best 48 in Schools Highly Focused on Theology Major

Not only did these schools make the top 48 list, but they also landed in the top 15% of this year’s ranking:

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Luther Seminary
Saint Paul, Minnesota
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Eden Theological Seminary
Webster Groves, Missouri
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Lancaster Theological Seminary
Lancaster, Pennsylvania
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35
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Princeton Theological Seminary
Princeton, New Jersey
36
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Starr King School for Ministry
Berkeley, California
37
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Saint John's Seminary
Brighton, Massachusetts
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Mid-South Christian College
Memphis, Tennessee
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Nashotah House
Nashotah, Wisconsin
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Oblate School of Theology
San Antonio, Texas
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New Brunswick Theological Seminary
New Brunswick, New Jersey
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Saint Meinrad School of Theology
St. Meinrad, Indiana
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Brite Divinity School
Fort Worth, Texas

Rest of the Top 15% Colleges in Schools Highly Focused on Theology Major

While not in the ‘top 50’, these schools make the top 15% of this year’s ranking:

Rank College Location
51 Union Presbyterian Seminary Richmond, VA
52 United Lutheran Seminary Gettysburg, PA
53 Memphis Theological Seminary Memphis, TN
54 Hellenic College - Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology Brookline, MA
55 Saint Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary Boynton Beach, FL
56 Westminster Theological Seminary in California Escondido, CA
56 Saint Vincent Seminary Latrobe, PA
58 Interdenominational Theological Center Atlanta, GA
59 Unification Theological Seminary Barrytown, NY
60 Pittsburgh Theological Seminary Pittsburgh, PA
61 Catholic Distance University Charles Town, WV
62 Ecumenical Theological Seminary Detroit, MI
63 Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary Louisville, KY
64 Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary Austin, TX
65 Aquinas Institute of Theology Saint Louis, MO
Rank College Location
66 Christian Theological Seminary Indianapolis, IN
67 Methodist Theological School in Ohio Delaware, OH
68 Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family Washington, DC
68 Iliff School of Theology Denver, CO
70 The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary Louisville, KY
71 Nazarene Theological Seminary Kansas City, MO

Notes and References

References

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Footnotes

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