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Best Value Religious Education Colleges

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

Trinity International University-Florida stands out dramatically in Religious Education value with a net price of just $5,455, making it the most affordable option among these 20 programs. This creates an unusual situation where students can pursue religious studies training for less than many community college programs, while still earning a median salary of $31,314 after graduation. The earnings range across these programs spans from $19,227 to $41,937, reflecting the varied career paths available to Religious Education graduates. Many alumni find opportunities in faith-based nonprofits, educational institutions, and community organizations that serve the growing population of religiously affiliated Americans, which the Pew Research Center estimates at roughly 70% of adults. Private nonprofit institutions dominate this field, with net prices ranging from Trinity's strong low to $30,092 at the high end. Graduation rates vary significantly, from Carolina University's 29.2% to Messiah University's 78.5%, indicating that institutional support and student preparation levels differ substantially across programs.
50
Programs
$5,455 – $30,092
Net Price Range
$28,094
Avg. Program Earnings
53.9%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Religious Education Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $5,455 $31,314 $14,180
2 $24,016 $41,937 $39,330 64.1% 90.8%
3 $21,931 $33,655 $17,450 43.0% 77.9%
4 $19,655 $29,685 $18,610 35.5% 85.7%
5 $21,386 $31,314 $12,320 45.7% 91.3%
6 $21,539 $31,127 $37,940 60.3% 57.8%
7 $23,987 $33,637 $32,630 77.1% 66.7%
8 $19,798 $27,669 $43,600 64.4% 87.0%
9 $16,267 $21,052 $7,475 60.0%
10 $21,812 $26,933 $35,524 63.6% 85.3%
11 $27,324 $29,141 $30,200 64.3% 66.6%
12 $18,866 $19,227 $16,000 29.2% 52.0%
13 $24,327 $24,421 $39,104 76.6% 74.6%
14 $28,101 $26,933 $46,704 68.8% 56.6%
15 $27,686 $25,967 $40,640 78.5% 79.4%
16 $26,984 $25,194 $43,930 86.6% 88.4%
17 $30,092 $25,658 $38,140 60.4% 91.4%
18 $25,007 $20,824 $15,356 62.0% 94.1%
19 $25,022 $36,078 74.3% 64.9%
20 $14,320 $17,500 38.9% 50.0%
21 $23,722 $38,778 36.7% 62.9%
22 $23,731 $39,646 62.6% 86.0%
23 $22,881 $36,120 51.3% 77.6%
24 $20,204 $31,440 52.7% 86.4%
25 $17,838 $29,600 48.8%
26 $16,474 $17,322 20.5% 42.9%
27 $21,423 $25,900 55.2% 96.0%
28 $23,880 $34,050 49.7% 47.3%
29 $29,981 $40,940 68.7% 91.7%
30 $23,866 $30,310 50.8% 53.4%
31 $21,972 $33,120 57.7% 97.4%
32 $27,499 $24,510 56.1% 82.4%
33 $20,800 $39,470 65.9% 75.3%
34 $17,529 $23,400 69.6%
35 $21,660 $27,900 65.5% 48.2%
36 $20,375 $16,224 20.4%
37 $18,148 $33,494 49.5% 96.4%
38 $13,539 $8,992 28.6% 100.0%
39 $20,170 $11,976 32.5%
40 $18,745 $6,276 22.2%
41 $15,245 $9,810 75.0%
42 $11,562 $4,730
43 $5,607 $4,220 14.3%
44 $10,079 $11,500 61.5%
45 $11,987 $6,660 21.1%
46 $25,674 $44,432 73.6% 83.6%
47 $26,067 $34,250 64.3% 70.4%
48 $20,303 $20,318 62.2% 63.2%
49 $15,133 $10,506 35.7% 80.3%
50 $20,399 $22,690 60.7% 72.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the massive price difference between Trinity International University-Florida at $5,455 and other programs?

Trinity International University-Florida offers an unusually low net price that appears to include substantial institutional aid or represents a specific program format. Most other Religious Education programs fall between $16,000-$28,000 in net costs. This $5,455 figure makes Trinity nearly five times less expensive than typical alternatives. Students should verify whether this represents a full degree program or specific scholarship availability.

How do graduation rates correlate with earnings in Religious Education programs?

The data shows mixed correlation between graduation rates and earnings outcomes. Messiah University achieves a 78.5% graduation rate with $25,967 median earnings, while Concordia University-Nebraska graduates 64.1% of students but produces the highest earnings at $41,937. Franciscan University combines strong graduation rates of 77.1% with solid earnings of $33,637. Some programs like Carolina University show concerning patterns with only 29.2% graduation rates and $19,227 earnings.

Does attending a more expensive Religious Education program guarantee better career outcomes?

Higher tuition does not consistently translate to better earnings in Religious Education. Biola University charges $46,704 but graduates earn $26,933, while Concordia University-Nebraska costs $39,330 and produces $41,937 in median earnings. Grand Canyon University demonstrates middle-ground value with $17,450 tuition leading to $33,655 earnings. Cost-conscious students can find quality programs without premium pricing.

Where do Religious Education graduates typically find the highest-paying positions?

Concordia University-Nebraska graduates command the highest median earnings at $41,937, suggesting strong regional job markets or effective career placement. Programs in major metropolitan areas like Grand Canyon University in Phoenix ($33,655) and Franciscan University ($33,637) also show above-average earnings. Geographic location appears significant, as programs in smaller markets often show lower earnings despite quality education.

What debt levels should students expect from Religious Education programs?

Student debt data varies widely among these programs, with available figures ranging from $24,250 at Crown College to $32,000 at Trinity International locations. Azusa Pacific University shows relatively modest debt of $24,500 despite higher tuition costs, suggesting effective financial aid. Many programs do not report debt data, making it important for prospective students to request specific information about typical borrowing levels and repayment support.

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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.