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2026 Best Value Theology Associate’s Degree Schools

[Theology](/majors/theology-and-religious-vocations/theological-ministerial-studies/theology/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.

College Factual analyzed 339 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value theology schools.

What’s on this page:

• Best Value Associate’s Degree Theology Schools
• Other Degree Levels

2026 Best Value Theology Schools in the United States

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in theology, balancing cost against outcomes.

Best Value Theology Schools

1

Franciscan University Of Steubenville
Steubenville, OH

$34,100 In-State Tuition & Fees

$25,000 Avg Student Debt

$50,030 Median Earnings (10yr)

Franciscan University Of Steubenville earned the #1 spot for value among theology schools in the United States. Located in the city of Steubenville, Franciscan University Of Steubenville is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $34,100. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete the theology program here. Early-career theology graduates make about $37,089. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Roughly 58% of applicants are accepted.

2

Southeastern University
Lakeland, FL

$32,950 In-State Tuition & Fees

$16,000 Avg Student Debt

$46,744 Median Earnings (10yr)

Southeastern University came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value theology schools. Located in the city of Lakeland, Southeastern University is a large private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $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%.

Other Theology Degree Levels

Explore the best-value theology schools at other degree levels:

View All Theology Rankings >

Notes and References

The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 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 · 339 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 1 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.