by our College Data Analytics Team
[Theology](/majors/theology-and-religious-vocations/theological-ministerial-studies/theology/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
To produce this 2027 ranking, College Factual evaluated 3 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for theology students.
What’s on this page:
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the theology degrees they offer, see the list below.
New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary earned the #1 spot for value among theology schools in the United States. Located in the city of New Orleans, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,368.
Franciscan University Of Steubenville came in at #2 on our 2027 list of the best value theology schools. Franciscan University Of Steubenville is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Steubenville. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $34,100. Typical student debt for theology graduates is $25,000. Theology graduates of Franciscan University Of Steubenville earn a median of $37,089 early in their careers. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 58%.
A rank of #3 makes Southeastern University one of the best values for theology. Southeastern University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Lakeland. In-state tuition and fees average $32,950. Theology graduates carry a median of $16,000 in student loans. Theology graduates of Southeastern University earn a median of $27,591 early in their careers. Set against $16,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 53%.
Looking for a different degree level? Compare best-value Theology rankings across degree levels:
The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 3 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 3 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.