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Best Value Missions/Missionary Studies and Missiology Colleges

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

Bob Jones University delivers the most affordable missions education at $17,529 net cost while maintaining a 69.60% graduation rate. This South Carolina institution anchors a field where earnings vary dramatically, from $18,771 at Palm Beach Atlantic to $36,141 at Mid-Atlantic Christian University. The missions field connects directly to the growing global nonprofit sector, which employs over 12.3 million Americans and requires skilled cross-cultural workers. Moody Bible Institute stands out with minimal debt loads averaging just $14,250, while Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary combines low costs at $9,400 tuition with strong 70% completion rates. Regional variations matter significantly, as schools near major metropolitan areas like Chicago and Kansas City often provide better internship access with international relief organizations and mission boards.
50
Programs
$3,138 – $32,751
Net Price Range
$24,797
Avg. Program Earnings
55.5%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Missions/Missionary Studies and Missiology Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $18,705 $33,459 $27,192 64.8% 67.9%
2 $25,876 $36,141 $17,280 42.6% 63.3%
3 $20,612 $26,896 $24,650 54.9% 76.1%
4 $21,539 $22,578 $37,940 60.3% 57.8%
5 $25,007 $21,166 $15,356 62.0% 94.1%
6 $25,140 $20,140 $9,400 70.0% 94.3%
7 $27,923 $19,227 $38,522 41.7%
8 $32,751 $18,771 $37,990 58.9% 94.7%
9 $20,303 $20,318 62.2% 63.2%
10 $6,740 $6,800 40.0%
11 $25,022 $36,078 74.3% 64.9%
12 $21,607 $23,700 35.7%
13 $3,138 $7,696 50.0% 63.8%
14 $21,812 $35,524 63.6% 85.3%
15 $26,827 $31,466 28.4% 52.1%
16 $17,838 $29,600 48.8%
17 $16,474 $17,322 20.5% 42.9%
18 $21,423 $25,900 55.2% 96.0%
19 $23,880 $34,050 49.7% 47.3%
20 $19,692 $21,316 12.7%
21 $29,981 $40,940 68.7% 91.7%
22 $23,866 $30,310 50.8% 53.4%
23 $23,520 $34,740 61.8% 66.9%
24 $25,525 $37,208 61.0% 34.8%
25 $21,873 $32,400 54.2% 65.2%
26 $25,885 $37,420 56.0% 63.2%
27 $21,043 $33,610 61.5% 79.1%
28 $22,870 $29,990 71.4% 97.2%
29 $27,499 $24,510 56.1% 82.4%
30 $28,183 $33,580 71.0% 45.4%
31 $21,955 $31,030 48.6% 86.8%
32 $17,529 $23,400 69.6%
33 $21,660 $27,900 65.5% 48.2%
34 $25,610 $38,824 68.7% 71.1%
35 $20,540 $23,186 19.2% 69.7%
36 $7,187 $6,230 36.4% 89.1%
37 $21,131 $39,350 60.3% 66.7%
38 $20,833 $20,700 61.2% 96.2%
39 $11,881 $11,905 75.0% 100.0%
40 $12,929 $14,310 57.1% 100.0%
41 $20,170 $7,163 69.2% 100.0%
42 $6,709 $6,400
43 $11,562 $4,730
44 $23,878 $12,480 40.0% 93.8%
45 $24,659 $20,280 65.7% 75.1%
46 $26,067 $34,250 64.3% 70.4%
47 $25,161 $36,035 63.5% 94.3%
48 $29,552 $21,222 63.5% 99.3%
49 $18,749 $20,686 54.1% 32.3%
50 $26,815 $38,450 70.9% 52.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the wide earnings gap between missions programs?

Graduate earnings range from $18,771 to $36,141 across these 20 programs, reflecting varied career paths within missions work. Mid-Atlantic Christian University graduates earn nearly double those from Palm Beach Atlantic University. Many missions graduates work for nonprofits or churches with varying compensation structures, while others pursue roles in international development that offer higher salaries.

How do graduation rates compare across different price points?

Higher costs don't guarantee better completion rates in missions programs. Bob Jones University achieves a 69.60% graduation rate at just $17,529 net cost, while Palm Beach Atlantic charges $32,751 with only a 58.90% rate. Lancaster Bible College leads with 71.40% graduation rates at moderate $22,870 net costs, suggesting institutional support matters more than price.

Does debt load vary significantly among missions schools?

Debt levels show dramatic differences, with Moody Bible Institute graduates averaging $14,250 in loans compared to Midwestern Baptist's remarkably low $7,733. These theological institutions often provide substantial aid packages to support students entering lower-paying ministry fields. Schools with seminary components typically offer more financial assistance than general Christian colleges.

What acceptance rates should missions students expect?

Most missions programs maintain relatively open admissions, with acceptance rates ranging from 34.77% at Corban University to 97.15% at Lancaster Bible College. Moody Bible Institute and Midwestern Baptist both accept over 94% of applicants while maintaining solid graduation rates above 62%. The field prioritizes calling and commitment over competitive academic metrics.

Where do the most cost-effective programs cluster geographically?

The Southeast offers several strong value options, with Bob Jones University in South Carolina leading at $17,529 net cost. North Carolina's Mid-Atlantic Christian University provides the highest graduate earnings at $36,141 despite moderate costs. Midwestern schools like those in Kansas City combine low tuition with solid outcomes, benefiting from lower regional living costs.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.