2026 Best Value Other Theological & Ministerial Studies Schools in California
[Other Theological & Ministerial Studies](/majors/theology-and-religious-vocations/theological-ministerial-studies/theological-and-ministerial-studies-other/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 19 schools to find the best return on investment for other theological & ministerial studies students.
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2026 Best Value Other Theological & Ministerial Studies Schools in California
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in other theological & ministerial studies, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value Other Theological & Ministerial Studies Schools
Azusa Pacific University earned the #1 spot for value among other theological & ministerial studies schools in California. Azusa Pacific University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Azusa. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $44,458. Students borrow a median of $23,709 to complete the other theological & ministerial studies program here. Soon after graduation, other theological & ministerial studies degree recipients from Azusa Pacific University generally make around $58,302. That is a strong return on a $23,709 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%.
Sum Bible College And Theological Seminary is a great value for students pursuing a degree in other theological & ministerial studies, landing the #2 spot this year. Set in the suburb of El Dorado Hills, Sum Bible College And Theological Seminary is a small private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,460. Other Theological & Ministerial Studies graduates carry a median of $29,299 in student loans. Other Theological & Ministerial Studies graduates of Sum Bible College And Theological Seminary earn a median of $26,407 early in their careers. Set against $29,299 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 41% of applicants are accepted.
World Mission University came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value other theological & ministerial studies schools. Located in the city of Los Angeles, World Mission University is a small private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,920.
Students looking for strong value in other theological & ministerial studies will find it at Hope International University, which ranked #4. Located in the suburb of Fullerton, Hope International University is a small private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $38,125. Other Theological & Ministerial Studies graduates carry a median of $18,054 in student loans. Other Theological & Ministerial Studies graduates of Hope International University earn a median of $50,661 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 33%.
Students looking for strong value in other theological & ministerial studies will find it at Biola University, which ranked #5. Set in the suburb of La Mirada, Biola University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $48,984. Students borrow a median of $25,308 to complete the other theological & ministerial studies program here. Soon after graduation, other theological & ministerial studies degree recipients from Biola University generally make around $42,625. That is a strong return on a $25,308 median debt. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted.
Notes and References
The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 19 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 3 ranked schools only.
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
- Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
More about our data sources and methodologies.
