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2024 Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Schools

131 Colleges in the United States
15,832 Theology Degrees Awarded
$40,590 Avg Early-Career Salary
If you plan on majoring in theological & ministerial studies, you won't be alone since the degree program is ranked #63 in the country in terms of popularity. This means you won't have too much trouble finding schools that offer the degree.

College Factual reviewed 131 schools in the United States to determine which ones were the best for degree seekers in the field of theological & ministerial studies. When you put them all together, these colleges and universities awarded 15,832 degrees in theological & ministerial studies during the 2020-2021 academic year.

What's on this page: * Degree-Level Rankings

Choosing a Great Theological & Ministerial Studies School

Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Schools The theology program you select can have a big impact on your future. That's why we developed our collection of Best Schools for Theological & Ministerial Studies rankings. We derive our Best Overall Theological & Ministerial Studies School rankings by rolling up our degree-level rankings after weighting them by the number of degrees awarded at each school.

In order to find the schools that are the best fit for you, you may want to filter to one of the degree levels below.

Theological & Ministerial Studies Rankings by Degree Level

Associate Degrees in Theology
Bachelor's Degrees in Theology
Master's Degrees in Theology
Doctor's Degrees in Theology

When choosing the right school for you, it's important to arm yourself with all the facts you can. To that end, we've created a number of major-specific rankings, including this Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Schools list to help you make the college decision. You can also filter this list by location to find schools closer to you.

In addition to College Factual's rankings, you may want to take a look at College Combat, our unique tool that lets you pit your favorite schools head-to-head and compare how they rate on factors that most interest you. When you have some time, check it out - you may want to bookmark the link so you don't forget it.

More information on how we come up with our rankings can be found here: College Factual's Data Methodology.

Best Schools for Theological & Ministerial Studies in the United States

The schools below may not offer all types of theology degrees so you may want to filter by degree level first. However, they are great for the degree levels they do offer. Only those schools that rank in the top 15% of all the schools we analyze get awarded with a place on this list.

19 Top Schools in Theology

1
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
378 Theology Degrees Awarded
$46,934 Median Starting Salary

Fuller Theological Seminary is one of the finest schools in the country for getting a degree in theological & ministerial studies. Fuller is a small private not-for-profit school located in the medium-sized city of Pasadena.

There were approximately 378 theological & ministerial studies students who graduated with this degree at Fuller in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the theological & ministerial studies major at Fuller Theological Seminary get $6,344 above the standard graduate in this field when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in theological & ministerial studies from Fuller Theological Seminary

2
Duke crest
Duke University
Durham, NC
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
185 Theology Degrees Awarded
9.7% Growth in Graduates

Every student who is interested in theological & ministerial studies has to check out Duke University. Duke is a large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Durham. A Best Colleges rank of #7 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means Duke is a great university overall.

There were about 185 theological & ministerial studies students who graduated with this degree at Duke in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the theological & ministerial studies major at Duke University get $10,907 above the standard college graduate with the same degree shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in theological & ministerial studies from Duke University

3
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
139 Theology Degrees Awarded
1.4% Growth in Graduates

Any student pursuing a degree in theological & ministerial studies needs to look into University of Notre Dame. Notre Dame is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the large suburb of Notre Dame. A Best Colleges rank of #20 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means Notre Dame is a great university overall.

There were roughly 139 theological & ministerial studies students who graduated with this degree at Notre Dame in the most recent data year. Graduates who receive their degree from the theology program make an average of $31,667 for their early career.

More information about a degree in theological & ministerial studies from University of Notre Dame

4
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
464 Theology Degrees Awarded
39.9% Growth in Graduates

Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary is one of the best schools in the country for getting a degree in theological & ministerial studies. Located in the city of Kansas City, MBTS is a private not-for-profit school with a small student population.

There were roughly 464 theological & ministerial studies students who graduated with this degree at MBTS in the most recent year we have data available. Those theological & ministerial studies students who get their degree from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary receive $11,536 more than the typical theology grad.

More information about a degree in theological & ministerial studies from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary

5
Yale crest
Yale University
New Haven, CT
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
124 Theology Degrees Awarded
8.1% Growth in Graduates

Yale is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the midsize city of New Haven. A Best Colleges rank of #8 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Yale is a great university overall.

There were roughly 124 theological & ministerial studies students who graduated with this degree at Yale in the most recent data year. Students who graduate with their degree from the theology program report average early career income of $41,037.

More information about a degree in theological & ministerial studies from Yale University

6
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
1st Most Popular In FL
466 Theology Degrees Awarded

Located in the city of Lakeland, SEU is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 12th out of 77 schools for overall quality in the state of Florida.

There were about 466 theological & ministerial studies students who graduated with this degree at SEU in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in theological & ministerial studies from Southeastern University

7
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
172 Theology Degrees Awarded
$51,697 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of Dallas, DTS Dallas is a private not-for-profit school with a small student population.

There were approximately 172 theological & ministerial studies students who graduated with this degree at DTS Dallas in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the theological & ministerial studies major at Dallas Theological Seminary get $11,107 more than the standard college graduate in this field when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in theological & ministerial studies from Dallas Theological Seminary

8
Emory crest
Emory University
Atlanta, GA
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
145 Theology Degrees Awarded
14.5% Growth in Graduates

Emory is a large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Atlanta. A Best Colleges rank of #28 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Emory is a great university overall.

There were roughly 145 theological & ministerial studies students who graduated with this degree at Emory in the most recent year we have data available. Students who graduate with their degree from the theology program report average early career income of $41,204.

More information about a degree in theological & ministerial studies from Emory University

9
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
99 Theology Degrees Awarded
22.2% Growth in Graduates

UChicago is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Chicago. A Best Colleges rank of #2 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means UChicago is a great university overall.

There were roughly 99 theological & ministerial studies students who graduated with this degree at UChicago in the most recent data year. Theological & Ministerial Studies degree recipients from University of Chicago get an earnings boost of approximately $2,581 above the typical income of theological & ministerial studies majors.

More information about a degree in theological & ministerial studies from University of Chicago

10
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
200 Theology Degrees Awarded
1.5% Growth in Graduates

Located in the city of Chicago, Moody Theological Seminary and Graduate School is a private not-for-profit school with a small student population.

There were roughly 200 theological & ministerial studies students who graduated with this degree at Moody Theological Seminary and Graduate School in the most recent year we have data available. Students who graduate with their degree from the theology program report average early career earnings of $39,124.

More information about a degree in theological & ministerial studies from Moody Bible Institute

11
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
231 Theology Degrees Awarded
5.2% Growth in Graduates

Located in the town of Wilmore, Asbury Seminary is a private not-for-profit school with a small student population.

There were approximately 231 theological & ministerial studies students who graduated with this degree at Asbury Seminary in the most recent data year. Those theological & ministerial studies students who get their degree from Asbury Theological Seminary earn $5,035 more than the average theology student.

More information about a degree in theological & ministerial studies from Asbury Theological Seminary

12
Harvard crest
Harvard University
Cambridge, MA
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
94 Theology Degrees Awarded
$33,266 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of Cambridge, Harvard is a private not-for-profit university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #6 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means Harvard is a great university overall.

There were roughly 94 theological & ministerial studies students who graduated with this degree at Harvard in the most recent year we have data available. After graduating, theology degree recipients typically make about $33,266 in the first five years of their career.

More information about a degree in theological & ministerial studies from Harvard University

13
Concordia Seminary crest
Concordia Seminary
Saint Louis, MO
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
125 Theology Degrees Awarded
8.0% Growth in Graduates

Located in the large suburb of Saint Louis, Concordia Seminary is a private not-for-profit school with a small student population.

There were approximately 125 theological & ministerial studies students who graduated with this degree at Concordia Seminary in the most recent data year. Those theological & ministerial studies students who get their degree from Concordia Seminary make $33,065 more than the typical theology graduate.

More information about a degree in theological & ministerial studies from Concordia Seminary

14
Luther Seminary crest
Luther Seminary
Saint Paul, MN
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
127 Theology Degrees Awarded
20.5% Growth in Graduates

Luther Seminary is a fairly small private not-for-profit school located in the large city of Saint Paul.

There were roughly 127 theological & ministerial studies students who graduated with this degree at Luther Seminary in the most recent data year. Those theological & ministerial studies students who get their degree from Luther Seminary earn $23,827 more than the typical theology graduate.

More information about a degree in theological & ministerial studies from Luther Seminary

15
Vanderbilt crest
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
57 Theology Degrees Awarded
$40,854 Median Starting Salary

Located in the large city of Nashville, Vanderbilt is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #19 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means Vanderbilt is a great university overall.

There were approximately 57 theological & ministerial studies students who graduated with this degree at Vanderbilt in the most recent data year. Graduates who receive their degree from the theology program make an average of $40,854 in their early career salary.

More information about a degree in theological & ministerial studies from Vanderbilt University

16
Boston College crest
Boston College
Chestnut Hill, MA
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
110 Theology Degrees Awarded
2.7% Growth in Graduates

Located in the small city of Chestnut Hill, Boston College is a private not-for-profit college with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #60 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Boston College is a great college overall.

There were approximately 110 theological & ministerial studies students who graduated with this degree at Boston College in the most recent data year. Those theological & ministerial studies students who get their degree from Boston College make $2,199 more than the standard theology graduate.

More information about a degree in theological & ministerial studies from Boston College

17
Biola crest
Biola University
La Mirada, CA
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
93 Theology Degrees Awarded
37.6% Growth in Graduates

Biola is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university located in the suburb of La Mirada. This university ranks 58th out of 168 schools for overall quality in the state of California.

There were roughly 93 theological & ministerial studies students who graduated with this degree at Biola in the most recent year we have data available. Students who graduate with their degree from the theology program state that they receive average early career income of $40,448.

More information about a degree in theological & ministerial studies from Biola University

18
Drew crest
Drew University
Madison, NJ
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
80 Theology Degrees Awarded
1.3% Growth in Graduates

Located in the suburb of Madison, Drew is a private not-for-profit university with a small student population. This university ranks 29th out of 44 colleges for overall quality in the state of New Jersey.

There were approximately 80 theological & ministerial studies students who graduated with this degree at Drew in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the theological & ministerial studies degree program at Drew University make $22,714 above the average college graduate with the same degree when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in theological & ministerial studies from Drew University

19
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
31 Theology Degrees Awarded
$71,807 Median Starting Salary

Located in the rural area of Sewanee, Sewanee is a private not-for-profit university with a small student population. This university ranks 4th out of 45 schools for overall quality in the state of Tennessee.

There were about 31 theological & ministerial studies students who graduated with this degree at Sewanee in the most recent data year. Those theological & ministerial studies students who get their degree from Sewanee - The University of the South receive $31,217 more than the typical theology graduate.

More information about a degree in theological & ministerial studies from Sewanee - The University of the South

Rest of the Top Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Schools

Honorable Mentions

Here are some additional great schools for Theological & Ministerial Studies students that almost earned our Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Schools award.

Rank College Location
26 Columbia International University Columbia, SC
20 Liberty University Lynchburg, VA
21 Gordon - Conwell Theological Seminary South Hamilton, MA
22 Loyola University Chicago Chicago, IL
23 The Master’s University and Seminary Santa Clarita, CA
24 Southern Methodist University Dallas, TX
25 Johnson University Knoxville, TN

Theological & Ministerial Studies by Region

View the Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Schools for a specific region near you.

Region
Southeast
New England
Rocky Mountains
Plains States
Middle Atlantic
Far Western US
Southwest
Other U.S. Territories
Great Lakes

View All Rankings >

One of 7 majors within the Theology & Religious Vocations area of study, Theological & Ministerial Studies has other similar majors worth exploring.

Theology Concentrations

Major Annual Graduates
Divinity/Ministry 7,238
Theology 6,253
Other Theological & Ministerial Studies 1,925
Pre-Theology/Pre-Ministerial Studies 251
Rabbinical Studies 165

View All Theology Focus Areas >

Related Major Annual Graduates
Biblical Studies 4,119
Pastoral Counseling & Specialized Ministries 3,116
Religious Education 1,417
Missionary Studies 1,220
Theology & Religious Vocations (Other) 1,166
Sacred Music 554
Religious Institution Administration and Law 35

View All Theology Related Majors >

Notes and References

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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