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Best Value Religion/Religious Studies Colleges

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

Religion and Religious Studies programs show remarkable cost variation, with Talmudical Seminary of Bobov charging just $1,525 net while Faith International University costs $18,361 annually. This 12-fold difference reflects the field's unique educational market, spanning traditional seminaries to full university departments. American Public University System graduates earn $47,260 compared to $10,673 at Bobov, highlighting how institutional focus affects career outcomes. The field serves America's growing interfaith dialogue sector, with nonprofits, chaplaincy programs, and cultural institutions seeking graduates who understand religious traditions. Public universities like University of Florida ($6,351 net cost) and Florida State ($10,997) offer strong value propositions with graduation rates above 80%. Meanwhile, specialized Jewish institutions maintain distinct missions with lower earnings but serve tight-knit religious communities. California State campuses provide accessible pathways into the field, with Long Beach showing 69.9% graduation rates at $8,931 net cost.
50
Programs
$1,525 – $38,920
Net Price Range
$25,692
Avg. Program Earnings
65.5%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Religion/Religious Studies Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $1,525 $10,673 $13,200 43.0% 91.9%
2 $9,104 $47,260 $8,400 53.2%
3 $4,382 $19,794 $10,700 52.2% 92.1%
4 $8,931 $33,993 $7,008 69.9% 40.0%
5 $5,023 $18,074 $15,000 78.4%
6 $6,351 $22,824 $6,381 91.5% 23.4%
7 $13,485 $41,025 $12,643 83.7% 47.5%
8 $5,815 $16,323 $9,900 69.5% 89.1%
9 $4,843 $13,380 $12,300 53.0%
10 $10,043 $26,353 $6,410 74.6% 43.9%
11 $10,997 $25,967 $5,656 83.0% 25.0%
12 $7,599 $17,846 $7,095 56.2% 91.2%
13 $6,500 $13,599 $14,133 56.9%
14 $18,361 $38,337 $8,850 66.7%
15 $15,342 $31,127 $11,790 81.2% 82.4%
16 $10,170 $20,140 $7,593 57.9% 91.9%
17 $19,678 $37,208 $11,678 87.6% 31.4%
18 $14,745 $27,823 $7,214 67.7% 79.6%
19 $14,609 $26,353 $9,728 68.9% 95.0%
20 $29,744 $51,482 $65,545 86.8% 50.8%
21 $15,960 $25,194 $13,626 65.9% 86.8%
22 $21,398 $32,569 $10,964 73.1% 86.0%
23 $16,177 $24,615 $10,020 51.2% 86.3%
24 $21,607 $32,284 $23,700 35.7%
25 $18,705 $27,536 $27,192 64.8% 67.9%
26 $21,955 $31,848 $31,030 48.6% 86.8%
27 $17,893 $25,194 $25,950 47.5% 74.6%
28 $27,759 $37,568 $48,002 74.6% 85.5%
29 $21,887 $28,598 $16,230 38.2%
30 $12,258 $16,015 $16,900 20.0% 61.5%
31 $22,881 $28,598 $20,986 95.3% 18.7%
32 $19,710 $24,421 $38,100 49.8% 84.5%
33 $16,928 $20,824 $11,205 89.3% 49.1%
34 $29,552 $35,265 $21,222 63.5% 99.3%
35 $19,452 $22,938 $16,458 65.4% 91.0%
36 $29,997 $33,993 $58,312 81.5% 67.0%
37 $13,816 $15,552 $11,180 87.2% 42.6%
38 $20,911 $23,456 $21,698 62.8% 40.0%
39 $21,318 $22,771 $55,220 62.8% 93.8%
40 $19,518 $19,455 $12,978 65.0% 75.7%
41 $30,525 $29,685 $52,284 75.2% 77.0%
42 $29,577 $28,753 $32,625 65.2% 81.0%
43 $27,384 $26,585 $39,720 59.5% 79.9%
44 $22,355 $21,508 $32,480 70.3% 72.3%
45 $15,444 $12,961 $13,000 40.0%
46 $25,884 $21,508 $50,920 68.4% 90.5%
47 $19,968 $16,169 $27,870 52.0% 51.2%
48 $25,635 $17,481 $50,320 75.0% 75.3%
49 $28,690 $18,309 $33,150 53.4% 95.7%
50 $38,920 $23,351 $59,900 67.9% 82.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the massive cost differences between Religion programs?

Program costs range from $1,525 at Talmudical Seminary of Bobov to $18,361 at Faith International University, reflecting institutional missions and student populations. Traditional seminaries often subsidize tuition through community support, while full universities charge standard rates. Public institutions like University of Florida ($6,351) and Florida State ($10,997) benefit from state funding. Private religious institutions typically serve specific denominational communities with different financial models than secular universities.

How do earnings vary across different types of Religious Studies programs?

Graduate earnings span from $10,673 at traditional seminaries to $47,260 at American Public University System. Public universities typically produce mid-range earners, with University of Washington graduates earning $41,025 and University of Florida alumni making $22,824. Specialized religious institutions often prepare students for community leadership roles rather than high-paying careers. The earnings gap reflects different career paths, from academic and nonprofit work to chaplaincy and religious education.

Is graduation rate connected to program type in Religious Studies?

Graduation rates vary significantly by institutional focus, ranging from 43% at Talmudical Seminary of Bobov to 91.5% at University of Florida. Public research universities consistently show higher completion rates, with University of Washington at 83.7% and Florida State at 83%. Traditional seminaries often have lower formal graduation rates due to different educational structures and student commitments. Specialized religious institutions may prioritize community integration over degree completion timelines.

Does acceptance rate indicate program selectivity in Religious Studies?

Acceptance rates reveal varying admission standards, from University of Florida's competitive 23.35% to over 90% at several traditional seminaries. Public universities like California State-Long Beach (39.95%) and University of Washington (47.52%) show moderate selectivity. Religious institutions often maintain high acceptance rates while serving specific communities, with Bet Medrash Gadol Ateret Torah accepting 92.11%. These patterns reflect different institutional missions rather than academic quality alone.

Where do Religious Studies graduates find the best return on investment?

American Public University System offers the strongest earnings potential at $47,260 with moderate net costs of $9,104. University of Washington provides solid returns with $41,025 earnings at $13,485 net cost, while University of Florida delivers $22,824 earnings for just $6,351. California State-Long Beach offers accessible education at $8,931 with $33,993 graduate earnings. The best value depends on career goals, with public universities typically offering broader opportunities than specialized seminaries.

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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.