Cheapest Theological and Ministerial Studies Colleges in Minnesota

Martin Luther College in New Ulm presents a striking contrast in Minnesota's theological education market, offering the lowest net price at $17,566 yet producing graduates who earn just $15,472 annually. This gap highlights the mission-driven nature of ministerial work, where financial rewards often take secondary importance to service calling. Minnesota's faith communities benefit from having 11 accredited programs producing clergy and ministry leaders, with net costs spanning from Martin Luther's bargain rate to University of St Thomas at $30,525. The state's strong nonprofit sector and community-focused culture create natural pathways for theology graduates beyond traditional parish roles.

Programs

$17,566 – $30,525

Net Price Range

$27,455

Avg. Program Earnings

65.8%

Avg. Graduation Rate

11 Theological and Ministerial Studies Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Concordia University-Saint Paul Saint Paul, Minnesota	$17,566	$25,000	58.8%	69.1%
2	Martin Luther College New Ulm, Minnesota	$20,483	$17,770	71.4%	83.7%
3	Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Winona, Minnesota	$21,034	$43,160	67.7%	96.8%
4	St Catherine University Saint Paul, Minnesota	$21,563	$49,758	65.1%	92.5%
5	North Central University Minneapolis, Minnesota	$23,574	$29,460	63.6%	90.8%
6	Oak Hills Christian College Bemidji, Minnesota	$24,674	$18,910	30.8%
7	University of Northwestern-St Paul Saint Paul, Minnesota	$25,140	$36,830	68.4%	92.5%
8	Saint Johns University Collegeville, Minnesota	$27,018	$53,942	75.7%	86.2%
9	Crown College Saint Bonifacius, Minnesota	$27,324	$30,200	64.3%	66.6%
10	College of Saint Benedict Saint Joseph, Minnesota	$28,065	$53,884	83.0%	87.8%
11	University of St Thomas Saint Paul, Minnesota	$30,525	$52,284	75.2%	77.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the wide earnings gap between theological programs in Minnesota?

University of Northwestern-St Paul graduates earn $37,208 annually while Martin Luther College graduates average just $15,472. This $21,736 difference often reflects career paths, with some graduates entering higher-paying chaplain or administrative roles while others pursue traditional parish ministry with lower but stable compensation.

How do graduation rates vary among Minnesota's theological programs?

College of Saint Benedict leads with an 83% graduation rate, while Oak Hills Christian College graduates just 30.8% of its students. The 52-percentage-point spread suggests significant differences in student support, program structure, or admission selectivity across these faith-based institutions.

Does attending a more expensive theological program guarantee better outcomes?

Not necessarily. Martin Luther College charges $17,770 in tuition but achieves a solid 71.4% graduation rate, outperforming several programs with higher sticker prices. Net cost after aid ranges from $17,566 to $30,525, making affordability achievable across different institutional models.

Where do theology graduates typically find employment in Minnesota?

Minnesota's 2,000+ congregations provide traditional ministry opportunities, while the state's strong healthcare system offers chaplain positions at major medical centers like Mayo Clinic. Nonprofit organizations and faith-based social services also actively recruit theology graduates for leadership and counseling roles.

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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.