Compare 14 Religious Education. programs ranked by graduate earnings. Average earnings: $36,336. Top programs: $44,286+.
The highest-earning Religious Education program isn't at the most prestigious school. With a $17K earnings gap across 14 programs, the data confirms: program-level factors drive outcomes more than institutional brand.
Trinity International University-Illinois's Religious Education program leads with graduates earning $44,286, while the field average sits at $36,336. Dallas Baptist University follows closely at $43,798, demonstrating that specialized institutions often outperform broader universities in focused fields like religious education.
For students, Dallas Baptist University offers the strongest value proposition with graduates borrowing $21,591 and facing a 13.9% payment burden—classified as 'Manageable.' However, when parent loans are included, all top programs carry high family burdens exceeding 25% of discretionary income, requiring careful financial planning.
Highest program earnings: $44,286
Strong outcomes with 93% acceptance
13.9% payment burden | Manageable - payment 12-18% of discretionary
28.7% family burden | High burden - payment over 25% of discretionary
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $44,286 | 18 | $26,082 | Manageable | $19,098 | High | |
| #2 | Dallas Baptist UniversityPrivate | $43,798 | 23 | $21,591 | Manageable | $19,836 | High |
| #3 | Azusa Pacific UniversityPrivate | $41,677 | 22 | $23,219 | Manageable | $26,000 | High |
| #4 | Olivet Nazarene UniversityPrivate | $41,585 | 5 | $25,000 | Challenging | $21,966 | High |
| #5 | Crown CollegePrivate | $39,023 | 19 | $22,500 | Challenging | $17,533 | High |
| #6 | $37,683 | 26 | $23,384 | Challenging | $29,400 | High | |
| #7 | $37,481 | 10 | $25,750 | Challenging | $18,850 | High | |
| #8 | Wheaton CollegePrivate | $36,148 | 23 | $23,250 | Challenging | $35,000 | High |
| #9 | Benedictine CollegePrivate | $35,133 | 13 | $24,599 | High | $41,904 | High |
| #10 | Grace Christian UniversityPrivate | $33,308 | 15 | $24,375 | High | $14,303 | High |
| #11 | Moody Bible InstitutePrivate | $33,056 | 36 | $18,149 | Challenging | $13,226 | High |
| #12 | Messiah UniversityPrivate | $31,662 | 12 | $25,621 | High | $37,908 | High |
| #13 | Biola UniversityPrivate | $26,933 | 32 | $23,875 | High | $50,726 | High |
| #14 | $26,933 | 7 | $25,000 | High | $24,155 | High |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
