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2023 Best Value Colleges for Theological & Ministerial Studies (Income Over $110k) in the Great Lakes Region

17 Ranked Colleges
2,366 Degrees Awarded
$28,400 Avg Net Price*
Best Vallue Theology Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making Over $110k

When it comes to choosing a college, students have a lot of options - but not all of them are good. Our mission at College Factual is to arm you with as much information as we can to help you make that decision. Our “Best Vallue Theology Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making Over $110k” ranking is one tool we have developed to help in this regard.

In 2020-2021, 15,832 people earned their degree in theological and ministerial studies, making the major the 63rd most popular in the United States. In 2019-2020, theological and ministerial studies graduates who were awarded their degree in 2017-2019, earned an average of $40,590 and had an average of $26,272 in loans still to pay off.

Across the Great Lakes region, there were 2,366 theological and ministerial studies graduates with average earnings and debt of $41,653 and $21,394 respectively.

This year’s “Best Vallue Theology Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making Over $110k” ranking analyzed 17 colleges that offered a degree in theological and ministerial studies. The schools that top this list are recognized because they have great theological and ministerial studies programs and cost less that schools of similar quality.

When determining these rankings, we looked at things such as overall quality of the theological and ministerial studies program at the school and the cost to attend the school once aid has been awarded. Check out our ranking methodology for more information.

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When choosing the right school for you, it’s important to arm yourself with all the facts you can. To that end, we’ve created a number of major-specific rankings, including this “Best Vallue Theology Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making Over $110k” list to help you make the college decision.

We’ve created a tool called College Combat that lets you create your own customized comparisons based on the factors that matter the most to you. We encourage you to try it out and pit your favorite colleges and universities head to head! If you don’t have time right now, you can bookmark it for later.

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Best Vallue Theology Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making Over $110k

The following schools top our list of the Best Best Vallue Theology Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making Over $110k.

Top 17 Best Value Colleges for Theological & Ministerial Studies (Income Over $110k) in the Great Lakes Region

1
Moody Theological Seminary and Graduate School crest
Moody Bible Institute
Chicago, Illinois

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Moody Bible Institute. It ranked #1 on our 2023 Best Vallue Theology Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making Over $110k list. Moody Bible Institute is a private not-for-profit institution located in Chicago, Illinois. The school has a small population, and it awarded 200 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Moody Theological Seminary and Graduate School also made our “Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Schools in the Great Lakes Region” list, coming in at #3. It costs about $19,679 for great lakes region theology students whose families make more than $110k per year to attend Moody Bible Institute.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 3.3%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Read full report on Theological & Ministerial Studies at Moody Theological Seminary and Graduate School

2

Out of the 17 schools in the Best Vallue Theology Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making Over $110k that were part of this year’s ranking, Lincoln Christian University landed the #2 spot on the list. Lincoln Christian University is located in Lincoln, Illinois and, has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 60 ’s theology degrees to qualified students.

Lincoln Christian College and Seminary also made our “Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Schools in the Great Lakes Region” list, coming in at #6. The estimated yearly cost for Lincoln Christian College and Seminary is $19,638 for great lakes region theology students whose families make more than $110k.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 5.0% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.

Read more about Theological & Ministerial Studies at Lincoln Christian College and Seminary

3
OCU crest
Ohio Christian University
Circleville, Ohio

Out of the 17 schools in the Best Vallue Theology Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making Over $110k that were part of this year’s ranking, Ohio Christian University landed the #3 spot on the list. OCU is a small school located in Circleville, Ohio that handed out 156 ’s theology degrees in 2020-2021.

OCU also made our “Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Schools in the Great Lakes Region” list, coming in at #8. The yearly cost to attend OCU is $22,901 for great lakes region theology students whose families make more than $110k.

The impressive undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio of 8 to 1 means that students may have more opportunities to work more closely with their professors than they would at other schools.

Read full report on Theological & Ministerial Studies at Ohio Christian University

4
Olivet Nazarene crest
Olivet Nazarene University
Bourbonnais, Illinois

Out of the 17 schools in the Best Vallue Theology Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making Over $110k that were part of this year’s ranking, Olivet Nazarene University landed the #4 spot on the list. Olivet Nazarene University is located in Bourbonnais, Illinois and, has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 24 ’s theology degrees to qualified students.

Olivet Nazarene did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #4 on our “Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Schools in the Great Lakes Region” list. The estimated yearly cost for Olivet Nazarene is $19,470 for great lakes region theology students whose families make more than $110k.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 2.7% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.

Read full report on Theological & Ministerial Studies at Olivet Nazarene

5
Andrews crest
Andrews University
Berrien Springs, Michigan

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Andrews University. It ranked #5 on our 2023 Best Vallue Theology Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making Over $110k list. Andrews University is a private not-for-profit institution located in Berrien Springs, Michigan. The school has a small population, and it awarded 154 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

In addition to being on our great lakes region theology students whose families make more than $110k list, Andrews has also earned the #9 rank in our “Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Schools in the Great Lakes Region” ranking. The yearly cost to attend Andrews University is $23,408 for Great Lakes Region Theology students whose families make more than $110k.

With a undergrad student-to-faculty ratio of 10 to 1, it’s easy to see that the school is committed to helping their undergraduates succeed. The low undergrad student loan default rate of 3.5% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%. The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 85%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year.

Full Andrews Theological & Ministerial Studies Report

6

Franciscan University of Steubenville did quite well in the 2023 Best Vallue Theology Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making Over $110k ranking, coming in at #6. Franciscan U is a small school located in Steubenville, Ohio that handed out 205 ’s theology degrees in 2020-2021.

In addition to being on our great lakes region theology students whose families make more than $110k list, Franciscan U has also earned the #7 rank in our “Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Schools in the Great Lakes Region” ranking. The yearly cost to attend Franciscan University of Steubenville is $23,415 for great lakes region theology students whose families make more than $110k.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 1.4% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%. The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 86%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year.

Full Franciscan U Theological & Ministerial Studies Report

7

Grace College and Theological Seminary came in at #7 in this year’s edition of the Best Vallue Theology Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making Over $110k ranking. Grace College is a small school located in Winona Lake, Indiana that handed out 9 ’s theology degrees in 2020-2021.

Grace College not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #12 on our “Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Schools in the Great Lakes Region” list. The yearly cost to attend Grace College and Theological Seminary is $20,060 for great lakes region theology students whose families make more than $110k.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 3.1% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.

Read more about Theological & Ministerial Studies at Grace College and Theological Seminary

8
Ashland crest
Ashland University
Ashland, Ohio

Ashland University came in at #8 in this year’s edition of the Best Vallue Theology Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making Over $110k ranking. Ashland University is a private not-for-profit institution located in Ashland, Ohio. The school has a small population, and it awarded 17 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Ashland did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #16 on our “Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Schools in the Great Lakes Region” list. The estimated yearly cost for Ashland University is $20,974 for Great Lakes Region Theology students whose families make more than $110k.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 4.1%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Read more about Theological & Ministerial Studies at Ashland University

9
Cornerstone crest
Cornerstone University
Grand Rapids, Michigan

Cornerstone University did quite well in the 2023 Best Vallue Theology Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making Over $110k ranking, coming in at #9. Cornerstone University is located in Grand Rapids, Michigan and, has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 42 ’s theology degrees to qualified students.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at Cornerstone, the school also landed the #19 spot in our “Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Schools in the Great Lakes Region” ranking. It costs about $20,397 for Great Lakes Region Theology students whose families make more than $110k per year to attend Cornerstone University.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 4.3%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%. With a freshman retention rate of 86%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students.

Read more about Theological & Ministerial Studies at Cornerstone

10

Trinity International University - Illinois came in at #10 in this year’s edition of the Best Vallue Theology Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making Over $110k ranking. Trinity International University - Illinois is a small school located in Deerfield, Illinois that handed out 99 ’s theology degrees in 2020-2021.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at TIU Illinois, the school also landed the #18 spot in our “Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Schools in the Great Lakes Region” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for TIU Illinois is $21,200 for great lakes region theology students whose families make more than $110k.

Since the school has a undergrad student-to-faculty ratio of 8 to 1, those pursuing a degree will have more opportunities to interact with their professors.

Read more about Theological & Ministerial Studies at Trinity International University - Illinois

11

Concordia University, Wisconsin did quite well in the 2023 Best Vallue Theology Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making Over $110k ranking, coming in at #11. Concordia University, Wisconsin is a medium-sized school located in Mequon, Wisconsin that handed out 7 ’s theology degrees in 2020-2021.

Concordia University, Wisconsin also took the # spot in our "" ranking. The estimated yearly cost for Concordia University, Wisconsin is $22,996 for great lakes region theology students whose families make more than $110k.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 2.4% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.

Read full report on Theological & Ministerial Studies at Concordia University, Wisconsin

12

Indiana Wesleyan University landed the #12 spot on the 2023 Best Vallue Theology Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making Over $110k ranking. Indiana Wesleyan University is a small private not-for-profit school situated in Marion, Indiana. It awarded 10 ’s theology degrees in 2020-2021.

IWU also made our “Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Schools in the Great Lakes Region” list, coming in at #15. It costs about $21,204 for Great Lakes Region Theology students whose families make more than $110k per year to attend IWU.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 5.0% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.

Full IWU Theological & Ministerial Studies Report

13

Indiana Wesleyan University - National & Global ranked #13 on this year’s Best Vallue Theology Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making Over $110k list. Marion, Indiana is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out ’s theology degrees to 36 students in 2020-2021.

IWU also made our “Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Schools in the Great Lakes Region” list, coming in at #14. The yearly cost to attend Indiana Wesleyan University - National & Global is $18,904 for great lakes region theology students whose families make more than $110k.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 5.0%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Read full report on Theological & Ministerial Studies at IWU

14
Wheaton College Illinois crest
Wheaton College Illinois
Wheaton, Illinois

Wheaton College Illinois ranked #14 on this year’s Best Vallue Theology Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making Over $110k list. Wheaton College Illinois is a small private not-for-profit school situated in Wheaton, Illinois. It awarded 25 ’s theology degrees in 2020-2021.

In addition to being on our great lakes region theology students whose families make more than $110k list, Wheaton College Illinois has also earned the #11 rank in our “Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Schools in the Great Lakes Region” ranking. It costs about $25,692 for Great Lakes Region Theology students whose families make more than $110k per year to attend Wheaton College Illinois.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 0.5% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%. The impressive undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio of 10 to 1 means that students may have more opportunities to work more closely with their professors than they would at other schools. With a freshman retention rate of 90%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students.

Full Wheaton College Illinois Theological & Ministerial Studies Report

15
Notre Dame crest
University of Notre Dame
Notre Dame, Indiana

University of Notre Dame ranked #15 on this year’s Best Vallue Theology Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making Over $110k list. University of Notre Dame is a fairly large private not-for-profit school situated in Notre Dame, Indiana. It awarded 139 ’s theology degrees in 2020-2021.

Notre Dame did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #1 on our “Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Schools in the Great Lakes Region” list. It costs about $31,101 for Great Lakes Region Theology students whose families make more than $110k per year to attend Notre Dame.

With a undergrad student-to-faculty ratio of 9 to 1, it’s easy to see that the school is committed to helping their undergraduates succeed. The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 97%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year. The low undergrad student loan default rate of 0.7% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.

Read more about Theological & Ministerial Studies at University of Notre Dame

16
UChicago crest
University of Chicago
Chicago, Illinois

With a ranking of #16, University of Chicago did quite well on the 2023 Best Vallue Theology Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making Over $110k list. Chicago, Illinois is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out ’s theology degrees to 99 students in 2020-2021.

UChicago also made our “Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Schools in the Great Lakes Region” list, coming in at #2. The estimated yearly cost for University of Chicago is $28,517 for great lakes region theology students whose families make more than $110k.

The impressive undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio of 5 to 1 means that students may have more opportunities to work more closely with their professors than they would at other schools. The low undergrad student loan default rate of 1.0% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%. Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 100%.

Read full report on Theological & Ministerial Studies at University of Chicago

17
Loyola Chicago crest
Loyola University Chicago
Chicago, Illinois

Loyola University Chicago ranked #17 on this year’s Best Vallue Theology Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making Over $110k list. Loyola Chicago is a fairly large private not-for-profit school situated in Chicago, Illinois. It awarded 17 ’s theology degrees in 2020-2021.

Loyola Chicago also made our “Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Schools in the Great Lakes Region” list, coming in at #5. The estimated yearly cost for Loyola Chicago is $36,434 for great lakes region theology students whose families make more than $110k.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 2.7%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%. Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 85%.

Full Loyola University Chicago Theological & Ministerial Studies Report

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