Cheapest Religious Education Colleges in California

Bethesda University stands out among California's Religious Education programs with a remarkably low net cost of $8,388, creating a $23,733 gap between the state's most and least expensive options. Eight programs serve students across regions from Silicon Valley to Los Angeles, where faith-based nonprofits and educational ministries create steady demand for graduates. Graduation rates vary dramatically from 18.20% to 68.80%, reflecting different institutional approaches to Religious Education training.

Programs

$8,388 – $32,121

Net Price Range

$27,301

Avg. Program Earnings

53.3%

Avg. Graduation Rate

8 Religious Education Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Bethesda University Anaheim, California	$8,388	$7,220	18.2%
2	Fresno Pacific University Fresno, California	$14,317	$35,558	55.9%	75.0%
3	Azusa Pacific University Azusa, California	$19,798	$43,600	64.4%	87.0%
4	Los Angeles Pacific University San Dimas, California	$20,170	$11,976	32.5%
5	William Jessup University Rocklin, California	$25,300	$37,150	60.7%	65.9%
6	Concordia University-Irvine Irvine, California	$28,046	$41,390	62.5%	69.0%
7	Biola University La Mirada, California	$28,101	$46,704	68.8%	56.6%
8	The Master's University and Seminary Santa Clarita, California	$32,121	$36,930	63.7%	78.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the huge cost difference between Religious Education programs in California?

Bethesda University charges just $8,388 net compared to The Master's University's $32,121, largely due to different financial aid packages and institutional funding models. Private religious colleges often use endowments and donor support to reduce student costs, though this varies significantly by school.

How do graduation rates compare across California's Religious Education programs?

Graduation rates span from Bethesda University's 18.20% to Biola University's 68.80%, reflecting varying academic standards and student support systems. Schools with acceptance rates above 75% tend to show more variation in completion rates than those with more selective admissions.

Where do Religious Education graduates typically find employment in California?

Graduates earning around $27,000 annually often work for churches, faith-based nonprofits, and religious education centers throughout California's major metropolitan areas. The state's large religious communities in Los Angeles, San Diego, and the Bay Area provide steady ministry and education opportunities.

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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.