by our College Data Analytics Team
[Theology & Religious Vocations](/majors/theology-and-religious-vocations/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 33 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for theology & religious vocations students.
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If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the theology & religious vocations degrees they offer, see the list below.
Rosedale Bible College tops our 2026 list of the best value theology & religious vocations schools in Ohio. Located in the rural area of Irwin, Rosedale Bible College is a small private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $10,088 in tuition and fees. Graduates go on to earn a median of $35,558 ten years after entry.
A rank of #2 makes Mount Vernon Nazarene University one of the best values for theology & religious vocations. Set in the town of Mount Vernon, Mount Vernon Nazarene University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $27,193. Theology & Religious Vocations graduates carry a median of $26,602 in student loans. Early-career theology & religious vocations graduates make about $53,377. Set against $26,602 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Ohio Christian University earned it the #3 place for theology & religious vocations. Set in the rural area of Circleville, Ohio Christian University is a small private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $19,190. Students borrow a median of $30,947 to complete the theology & religious vocations program here. Soon after graduation, theology & religious vocations degree recipients from Ohio Christian University generally make around $45,829. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 38% of applicants are accepted.
Ashland University came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value theology & religious vocations schools. Set in the town of Ashland, Ashland University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $31,210 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $24,536 to complete the theology & religious vocations program here. Soon after graduation, theology & religious vocations degree recipients from Ashland University generally make around $52,813. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 76%.
Capital University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in theology & religious vocations, landing the #5 spot this year. Located in the suburb of Columbus, Capital University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $43,234. Students borrow a median of $28,269 to complete the theology & religious vocations program here. Early-career theology & religious vocations graduates make about $46,516. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted.
Franciscan University Of Steubenville ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value theology & religious vocations schools. 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. Typical student debt for theology & religious vocations graduates is $25,054. Early-career theology & religious vocations graduates make about $37,083. Set against $25,054 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Franciscan University Of Steubenville admits about 58% of applicants.
Cedarville University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value theology & religious vocations schools. Cedarville University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the rural area of Cedarville. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $37,150. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete the theology & religious vocations program here. Early-career theology & religious vocations graduates make about $41,554. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 65%.
Valor Christian College ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value theology & religious vocations schools. Set in the city of Canal Winchester, Valor Christian College is a small private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $10,612 in tuition and fees. Theology & Religious Vocations graduates carry a median of $17,677 in student loans. Soon after graduation, theology & religious vocations degree recipients from Valor Christian College generally make around $29,303.
This ranking is produced 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 · 33 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 2 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.