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Cheapest Religion/Religious Studies Colleges in North Carolina

Ranked by lowest net price after financial aid. See our methodology.

North Carolina's most affordable religious studies programs show striking cost differences, with Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary offering the lowest net price at $6,608 compared to private colleges averaging over $17,000. The state's public universities provide strong value, particularly UNC Greensboro at $10,170 net cost and UNC Chapel Hill at $12,983, despite Chapel Hill's highly selective 17% acceptance rate. Religious studies graduates in North Carolina benefit from the state's growing nonprofit sector and faith-based healthcare systems, with UNC Charlotte graduates earning $27,823 annually while UNC Greensboro graduates start at $20,140. The 46-point graduation rate gap between top performers like Chapel Hill (92%) and struggling institutions like Livingstone College (27%) reveals significant quality differences among affordable options. North Carolina's strong Baptist and Methodist traditions create numerous ministry and faith-based organizational opportunities, particularly in the Research Triangle and Charlotte metropolitan areas where religious nonprofits serve varied populations.
35
Programs
$6,608 – $41,048
Net Price Range
$24,386
Avg. Program Earnings
56.8%
Avg. Graduation Rate

35 Religion/Religious Studies Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $6,608 $10,646 46.4% 80.0%
2 $10,170 $7,593 57.9% 91.9%
3 $12,865 $7,461 55.0% 74.3%
4 $12,983 $8,989 92.1% 17.1%
5 $13,467 $11,250 54.5%
6 $14,745 $7,214 67.7% 79.6%
7 $15,662 $18,296 27.1% 63.8%
8 $16,189 $27,110 28.5% 86.7%
9 $16,487 $7,541 73.1% 83.1%
10 $16,931 $8,895 84.6% 47.2%
11 $17,740 $16,896 33.2% 58.9%
12 $17,893 $25,950 47.5% 74.6%
13 $18,127 $60,300 91.9% 17.0%
14 $18,165 $35,536 40.4% 68.4%
15 $18,210 $33,400 52.1% 67.1%
16 $18,835 $32,236 56.3% 87.5%
17 $18,866 $16,000 29.2% 52.0%
18 $19,314 $20,400 40.8% 84.3%
19 $20,170 $7,163 69.2% 100.0%
20 $20,197 $43,936 65.0% 73.2%
21 $20,313 $37,270 41.9% 74.2%
22 $21,200 $41,140 47.7% 83.5%
23 $21,371 $40,196 46.8% 86.2%
24 $21,376 $31,250 39.0% 39.9%
25 $21,953 $33,930 42.6% 69.1%
26 $23,393 $30,900 51.0% 82.9%
27 $23,991 $40,410 55.9% 88.6%
28 $24,137 $33,450 61.7% 75.0%
29 $24,978 $39,664 40.1% 75.7%
30 $25,765 $31,140 44.2% 61.3%
31 $27,786 $43,285 65.9% 71.3%
32 $28,746 $64,758 90.9% 21.4%
33 $34,454 $65,805 95.8% 6.4%
34 $40,721 $44,208 70.0% 78.9%
35 $41,048 $44,536 83.0% 74.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary the most affordable option at $6,608?

This Wake Forest seminary specializes in graduate theological education with significant denominational support that reduces student costs. The school maintains an 80% acceptance rate while focusing primarily on ministry preparation. However, the 46% graduation rate suggests students should carefully evaluate program fit before enrolling.

How do North Carolina's public universities compare for religious studies affordability?

UNC Greensboro leads public options at $10,170 net cost with a 58% graduation rate, while UNC Chapel Hill costs $12,983 but delivers a 92% graduation rate. UNC Charlotte falls in the middle at $14,745 but offers the highest graduate earnings at $27,823. All three provide significantly better value than most private alternatives.

Is the earnings gap between $20,140 and $27,823 significant for religious studies graduates?

This $7,683 annual difference represents substantial earning potential variation across North Carolina programs. UNC Charlotte graduates command the highest salaries at $27,823, while UNC Greensboro graduates start at $20,140. Geographic factors and specialized program focus likely contribute to these earning differences within the state.

Does graduation rate correlate with program cost in North Carolina religious studies?

Not consistently, creating opportunities for value-conscious students. Davidson College achieves 92% graduation rates at $18,127 net cost, while Livingstone College graduates only 27% of students despite charging $15,662. UNC Chapel Hill delivers strong outcomes at moderate cost, proving that affordability doesn't require sacrificing quality.

Where do religious studies graduates find employment in North Carolina?

The Research Triangle and Charlotte areas offer numerous opportunities in faith-based healthcare systems, nonprofit organizations, and educational institutions. North Carolina's strong religious heritage supports ministry positions across Baptist, Methodist, and other denominational networks. The state's growing diversity also creates interfaith dialogue and community outreach roles, particularly in urban centers.

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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.