2026 Best Value Theology Schools in the Southwest Region
[Theology](/majors/theology-and-religious-vocations/theological-ministerial-studies/theology/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 32 schools to find the best return on investment for theology students.
What’s on this page:
2026 Best Value Theology Schools in the Southwest Region
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in theology, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value Theology Schools
Our analysis ranked University Of St Thomas Texas the best value for a degree in theology in the Southwest Region. Located in the city of Houston, University Of St Thomas Texas is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $34,634 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for theology graduates is $23,628. Theology graduates of University Of St Thomas Texas earn a median of $58,265 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $23,628 median debt. University Of St Thomas Texas admits about 90% of applicants.
A rank of #2 makes Houston Baptist University one of the best values for theology. Set in the city of Houston, Houston Baptist University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $39,430. Typical student debt for theology graduates is $25,601. Soon after graduation, theology degree recipients from Houston Baptist University generally make around $51,968. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Houston Baptist University admits about 84% of applicants.
Students looking for strong value in theology will find it at Southwestern Assemblies Of God University, which ranked #3. Located in the suburb of Waxahachie, Southwestern Assemblies Of God University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $25,064. Students borrow a median of $28,248 to complete the theology program here. Theology graduates of Southwestern Assemblies Of God University earn a median of $47,762 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Oral Roberts University earned it the #4 place for theology. Set in the city of Tulsa, Oral Roberts University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $35,470. Typical student debt for theology graduates is $30,750. Soon after graduation, theology degree recipients from Oral Roberts University generally make around $34,577. Set against $30,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Oral Roberts University admits about 99% of applicants.
University Of Dallas is a great value for students pursuing a degree in theology, landing the #5 spot this year. Set in the city of Irving, University Of Dallas is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $53,930 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for theology graduates is $23,411. Theology graduates of University Of Dallas earn a median of $58,396 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 53% of applicants are accepted.
Kings University placed #6 among the best values for theology. Set in the suburb of Southlake, Kings University is a small private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,480. Typical student debt for theology graduates is $48,998. Soon after graduation, theology degree recipients from Kings University generally make around $41,066. That is a strong return on a $48,998 median debt. Roughly 61% of applicants are accepted.
Abilene Christian University came in at #7 for value in theology this year. Abilene Christian University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Abilene. Students from in state pay about $44,200 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for theology graduates is $23,772. Soon after graduation, theology degree recipients from Abilene Christian University generally make around $56,463. That is a strong return on a $23,772 median debt. The acceptance rate is 66%.
Dallas Baptist University came in at #8 for value in theology this year. Located in the city of Dallas, Dallas Baptist University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $40,190 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for theology graduates is $22,819. Soon after graduation, theology degree recipients from Dallas Baptist University generally make around $48,822. Set against $22,819 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Dallas Baptist University admits about 89% of applicants.
Southern Methodist University landed the #9 spot for theology value this year. Southern Methodist University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Dallas. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,040. Typical student debt for theology graduates is $20,712. Theology graduates of Southern Methodist University earn a median of $54,351 early in their careers. Set against $20,712 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 63% of applicants are accepted.
Narrow Theology Schools by State
View All Theology Rankings >
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 · 32 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 7 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.
