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. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
To produce this 2027 ranking, College Factual evaluated 5 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for theology students.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in theology, balancing cost against outcomes.
Concordia University Saint Paul tops our 2027 list of the best value theology schools in Minnesota. Set in the city of Saint Paul, Concordia University Saint Paul is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $25,600. Students borrow a median of $29,026 to complete the theology program here. Early-career theology graduates make about $54,835. Set against $29,026 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 79%.
Saint Johns University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in theology, landing the #2 spot this year. Saint Johns University is a small private not-for-profit school located in the rural area of Collegeville. In-state tuition and fees average $55,816. Theology graduates carry a median of $26,646 in student loans. Theology graduates of Saint Johns University earn a median of $47,238 early in their careers. Set against $26,646 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Saint Johns University admits about 91% of applicants.
Northwestern College Minnesota is a great value for students pursuing a degree in theology, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the suburb of Saint Paul, Northwestern College Minnesota is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $37,920. Theology graduates carry a median of $22,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, theology degree recipients from Northwestern College Minnesota generally make around $40,532. That is a strong return on a $22,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 94%.
Students looking for strong value in theology will find it at Bethel University Minnesota, which ranked #4. Set in the suburb of Saint Paul, Bethel University Minnesota is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $44,226. Typical student debt for theology graduates is $25,639. Early-career theology graduates make about $46,813. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted.
Students looking for strong value in theology will find it at University Of St Thomas Minnesota, which ranked #5. Located in the city of Saint Paul, University Of St Thomas Minnesota is a large private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $54,398. Typical student debt for theology graduates is $23,923. Soon after graduation, theology degree recipients from University Of St Thomas Minnesota generally make around $71,681. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of St Thomas Minnesota admits about 85% of applicants.
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 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 · 5 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 5 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.