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2024 Best Theology & Religious Vocations Schools

140 Colleges in the United States
27,459 Theology & Religious Vocations Degrees Awarded
$36,020 Avg Early-Career Salary
You'll be studying one of the lesser sought-after majors if you pursue a degree in theology & religious vocations. It is ranked #26 out of 38 major degree programs in terms of popularity. While this may limit the number of schools that offer the degree program, there are still top-quality ones to be found.

For its 2024 ranking, College Factual looked at 140 schools in the United States to determine which ones were the best for theology & religious vocations students pursuing a degree. Combined, these schools handed out 27,459 degrees in theology & religious vocations to qualified students.

What's on this page: * Degree-Level Rankings

Choosing a Great Theology & Religious Vocations School

Best Theology & Religious Vocations Schools Your choice of theology & religious vocations school matters, so we have put together these rankings to help you make your decision. We derive our Best Overall Theology & Religious Vocations School rankings by rolling up our degree-level rankings after weighting them by the number of degrees awarded at each school.

In order to find the schools that are the best fit for you, you may want to filter to one of the degree levels below.

Pick Your Theology & Religious Vocations Degree Level

Associate Degrees in Theology & Religious Vocations
Bachelor's Degrees in Theology & Religious Vocations
Master's Degrees in Theology & Religious Vocations
Doctor's Degrees in Theology & Religious Vocations

Since the program you select can have a significant impact on your future, we've developed a number of rankings, including this Best Theology & Religious Vocations Schools list, to help you choose the best school for you. More interested in schools in a specific area of the country? Filter this list by region or state.

To further help you make the college decision, we've developed a unique tool called College Combat that allows you to compare schools based on the factors that matter the most to you. Go ahead and give it a try, or bookmark the link so you can check it out later.

Read more about College Factual's methodology.

Best Schools for Theology & Religious Vocations in the United States

If you aren't interested in a particular degree level and want to know which schools are the overall best at delivering an education for the theology & religious vocations degrees they offer, see the list below. Only those schools that rank in the top 15% of all the schools we analyze get awarded with a place on this list.

21 Top Schools in Theology & Religious Vocations

1
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
492 Theology & Religious Vocations Degrees Awarded
$44,766 Median Starting Salary

Fuller Theological Seminary is one of the finest schools in the United States for getting a degree in theology & religious vocations. Fuller is a small private not-for-profit school located in the city of Pasadena.

There were about 492 theology & religious vocations students who graduated with this degree at Fuller in the most recent year we have data available. Those theology & religious vocations students who get their degree from Fuller Theological Seminary earn $8,746 more than the average theology & religious vocations graduate.

More information about a degree in theology & religious vocations from Fuller Theological Seminary

2
Duke crest
Duke University
Durham, NC
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
191 Theology & Religious Vocations Degrees Awarded
8.4% Growth in Graduates

Duke University is one of the best schools in the United States for getting a degree in theology & religious vocations. Duke is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Durham. A Best Colleges rank of #7 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means Duke is a great university overall.

There were approximately 191 theology & religious vocations students who graduated with this degree at Duke in the most recent year we have data available. Theology & Religious Vocations degree recipients from Duke University get an earnings boost of around $15,477 above the average earnings of theology & religious vocations graduates.

More information about a degree in theology & religious vocations from Duke University

3
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
150 Theology & Religious Vocations Degrees Awarded
0.7% Growth in Graduates

University of Notre Dame is a great option for students pursuing a degree in theology & religious vocations. Notre Dame is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the suburb of Notre Dame. A Best Colleges rank of #20 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Notre Dame is a great university overall.

There were roughly 150 theology & religious vocations students who graduated with this degree at Notre Dame in the most recent year we have data available. Students who receive their degree from the theology & religious vocations program make around $31,667 in their early career salary.

More information about a degree in theology & religious vocations from University of Notre Dame

4
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
594 Theology & Religious Vocations Degrees Awarded
29.3% Growth in Graduates

It is hard to beat Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary if you want to pursue a degree in theology & religious vocations. Located in the large city of Kansas City, MBTS is a private not-for-profit school with a small student population.

There were approximately 594 theology & religious vocations students who graduated with this degree at MBTS in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, theology & religious vocations degree recipients generally make around $34,478 in their early careers.

More information about a degree in theology & religious vocations from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary

5
Yale crest
Yale University
New Haven, CT
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
133 Theology & Religious Vocations Degrees Awarded
10.5% Growth in Graduates

Yale is a large private not-for-profit university located in the midsize city of New Haven. A Best Colleges rank of #8 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means Yale is a great university overall.

There were approximately 133 theology & religious vocations students who graduated with this degree at Yale in the most recent year we have data available. Students who receive their degree from the theology & religious vocations program earn about $35,088 in their early career salary.

More information about a degree in theology & religious vocations from Yale University

6
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
515 Theology & Religious Vocations Degrees Awarded
5.8% Growth in Graduates

Located in the medium-sized city of Lakeland, SEU is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 12th out of 77 schools for overall quality in the state of Florida.

There were about 515 theology & religious vocations students who graduated with this degree at SEU in the most recent year we have data available. Students who graduate with their degree from the theology & religious vocations program report average early career income of $29,173.

More information about a degree in theology & religious vocations from Southeastern University

7
Emory crest
Emory University
Atlanta, GA
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
152 Theology & Religious Vocations Degrees Awarded
15.8% Growth in Graduates

Emory is a large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Atlanta. A Best Colleges rank of #28 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Emory is a great university overall.

There were roughly 152 theology & religious vocations students who graduated with this degree at Emory in the most recent year we have data available. Those theology & religious vocations students who get their degree from Emory University receive $5,184 more than the typical theology & religious vocations graduate.

More information about a degree in theology & religious vocations from Emory University

8
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
706 Theology & Religious Vocations Degrees Awarded
0.3% Growth in Graduates

Located in the city of Chicago, Moody Theological Seminary and Graduate School is a private not-for-profit school with a small student population.

There were approximately 706 theology & religious vocations students who graduated with this degree at Moody Theological Seminary and Graduate School in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, theology & religious vocations degree recipients generally earn an average of $36,242 at the beginning of their careers.

More information about a degree in theology & religious vocations from Moody Bible Institute

9
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
99 Theology & Religious Vocations Degrees Awarded
22.2% Growth in Graduates

UChicago is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Chicago. A Best Colleges rank of #2 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means UChicago is a great university overall.

There were approximately 99 theology & religious vocations students who graduated with this degree at UChicago in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the theology & religious vocations degree program at University of Chicago make $7,151 above the average college grad with the same degree shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in theology & religious vocations from University of Chicago

10
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
430 Theology & Religious Vocations Degrees Awarded
$39,978 Median Starting Salary

Located in the large city of Dallas, DTS Dallas is a private not-for-profit school with a small student population.

There were roughly 430 theology & religious vocations students who graduated with this degree at DTS Dallas in the most recent year we have data available. Theology & Religious Vocations degree recipients from Dallas Theological Seminary receive an earnings boost of around $3,958 above the average income of theology & religious vocations graduates.

More information about a degree in theology & religious vocations from Dallas Theological Seminary

11
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
63 Theology & Religious Vocations Degrees Awarded
$39,927 Median Starting Salary

Loyola Chicago is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Chicago. This university ranks 4th out of 85 schools for overall quality in the state of Illinois.

There were approximately 63 theology & religious vocations students who graduated with this degree at Loyola Chicago in the most recent year we have data available. Theology & Religious Vocations degree recipients from Loyola University Chicago receive an earnings boost of around $3,907 over the typical income of theology & religious vocations majors.

More information about a degree in theology & religious vocations from Loyola University Chicago

12
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
235 Theology & Religious Vocations Degrees Awarded
8.5% Growth in Graduates

Located in the large suburb of Santa Clarita, The Master's University is a private not-for-profit university with a small student population. This university ranks 42nd out of 168 colleges for overall quality in the state of California.

There were approximately 235 theology & religious vocations students who graduated with this degree at The Master's University in the most recent data year. Theology & Religious Vocations degree recipients from The Master's University and Seminary get an earnings boost of approximately $7,148 over the average income of theology & religious vocations graduates.

More information about a degree in theology & religious vocations from The Master’s University and Seminary

13
Harvard crest
Harvard University
Cambridge, MA
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
94 Theology & Religious Vocations Degrees Awarded
$33,266 Median Starting Salary

Located in the midsize city of Cambridge, Harvard is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #6 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means Harvard is a great university overall.

There were about 94 theology & religious vocations students who graduated with this degree at Harvard in the most recent data year. Graduates who receive their degree from the theology & religious vocations program earn an average of $33,266 for their early career.

More information about a degree in theology & religious vocations from Harvard University

14
Concordia Seminary crest
Concordia Seminary
Saint Louis, MO
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
125 Theology & Religious Vocations Degrees Awarded
8.0% Growth in Graduates

Located in the suburb of Saint Louis, Concordia Seminary is a private not-for-profit school with a small student population.

There were about 125 theology & religious vocations students who graduated with this degree at Concordia Seminary in the most recent data year. Theology & Religious Vocations degree recipients from Concordia Seminary get an earnings boost of about $37,635 above the typical earnings of theology & religious vocations majors.

More information about a degree in theology & religious vocations from Concordia Seminary

15
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
83 Theology & Religious Vocations Degrees Awarded
42.2% Growth in Graduates

Olivet Nazarene is a small private not-for-profit university located in the suburb of Bourbonnais. This university ranks 33rd out of 85 colleges for overall quality in the state of Illinois.

There were about 83 theology & religious vocations students who graduated with this degree at Olivet Nazarene in the most recent year we have data available. Those theology & religious vocations students who get their degree from Olivet Nazarene University earn $11,280 more than the average theology & religious vocations graduate.

More information about a degree in theology & religious vocations from Olivet Nazarene University

16
Luther Seminary crest
Luther Seminary
Saint Paul, MN
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
128 Theology & Religious Vocations Degrees Awarded
21.1% Growth in Graduates

Luther Seminary is a fairly small private not-for-profit school located in the large city of Saint Paul.

There were approximately 128 theology & religious vocations students who graduated with this degree at Luther Seminary in the most recent data year. Theology & Religious Vocations degree recipients from Luther Seminary get an earnings boost of about $28,397 over the typical income of theology & religious vocations graduates.

More information about a degree in theology & religious vocations from Luther Seminary

17
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
176 Theology & Religious Vocations Degrees Awarded
11.4% Growth in Graduates

CCU is a medium-sized private not-for-profit university located in the midsize city of Lakewood. This university ranks 14th out of 33 colleges for overall quality in the state of Colorado.

There were about 176 theology & religious vocations students who graduated with this degree at CCU in the most recent year we have data available. Those theology & religious vocations students who get their degree from Colorado Christian University receive $4,833 more than the average theology & religious vocations graduate.

More information about a degree in theology & religious vocations from Colorado Christian University

18
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
295 Theology & Religious Vocations Degrees Awarded
8.5% Growth in Graduates

Located in the fringe town of Wilmore, Asbury Seminary is a private not-for-profit school with a small student population.

There were roughly 295 theology & religious vocations students who graduated with this degree at Asbury Seminary in the most recent year we have data available. Theology & Religious Vocations degree recipients from Asbury Theological Seminary get an earnings boost of about $9,605 over the average earnings of theology & religious vocations graduates.

More information about a degree in theology & religious vocations from Asbury Theological Seminary

19
Johnson University crest
Johnson University
Knoxville, TN
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
261 Theology & Religious Vocations Degrees Awarded
$27,263 Median Starting Salary

Johnson University is a small private not-for-profit university located in the rural area of Knoxville.

There were approximately 261 theology & religious vocations students who graduated with this degree at Johnson University in the most recent year we have data available. Soon after graduation, theology & religious vocations degree recipients usually make an average of $27,263 in the first five years of their career.

More information about a degree in theology & religious vocations from Johnson University

20
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
231 Theology & Religious Vocations Degrees Awarded
$34,692 Median Starting Salary

Located in the suburb of Saint Paul, Northwestern is a private not-for-profit university with a small student population. This university ranks 21st out of 52 schools for overall quality in the state of Minnesota.

There were approximately 231 theology & religious vocations students who graduated with this degree at Northwestern in the most recent year we have data available. Soon after graduating, theology & religious vocations degree recipients typically earn about $34,692 at the beginning of their careers.

More information about a degree in theology & religious vocations from University of Northwestern - St Paul

21
Vanderbilt crest
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
57 Theology & Religious Vocations Degrees Awarded
$40,854 Median Starting Salary

Located in the large city of Nashville, Vanderbilt is a private not-for-profit university with a large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #19 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Vanderbilt is a great university overall.

There were roughly 57 theology & religious vocations students who graduated with this degree at Vanderbilt in the most recent year we have data available. Theology & Religious Vocations degree recipients from Vanderbilt University get an earnings boost of around $4,834 over the typical earnings of theology & religious vocations graduates.

More information about a degree in theology & religious vocations from Vanderbilt University

Rest of the Top Best Theology & Religious Vocations Schools

Honorable Mentions

These are some additional schools worth mentioning that are also great but just didn't quite make the cut to earn our top Best Theology & Religious Vocations Schools award.

Rank College Location
26 Grand Canyon University Phoenix, AZ
27 Drew University Madison, NJ
28 Columbia International University Columbia, SC
22 Lancaster Bible College Lancaster, PA
23 Boston College Chestnut Hill, MA
24 Sewanee - The University of the South Sewanee, TN
25 Gordon - Conwell Theological Seminary South Hamilton, MA

Theology & Religious Vocations by Region

View the Best Theology & Religious Vocations Schools for a specific region near you.

Region
Southeast
New England
Rocky Mountains
Plains States
Middle Atlantic
Far Western US
Southwest
Other U.S. Territories
Great Lakes

View All Rankings >

Theology & Religious Vocations Majors to Study

Major Annual Graduates
Theological & Ministerial Studies 15,832
Biblical Studies 4,119
Pastoral Counseling & Specialized Ministries 3,116
Religious Education 1,417
Missionary Studies 1,220
Theology & Religious Vocations (Other) 1,166
Sacred Music 554
Religious Institution Administration and Law 35

View All Theology & Religious Vocations Related Majors >

Notes and References

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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