Theology programs produce graduates with career earnings ranging from $32,864 to $99,980 ten years after enrollment. Across 51 programs nationwide, median earnings of $47,935 reflect the diverse career paths available to graduates, from ministry and pastoral roles to nonprofit leadership and educational positions.
Leading the list is Freed-Hardeman University, achieving the highest program earnings at $64,039—substantially above the national average for theology graduates. Grace Christian University follows at $48,916, while University Of Valley Forge rounds out the top tier at $48,764, demonstrating how program selection directly impacts career outcomes in this field.
| Rank | School | Location | Earnings | Net Price | Acceptance Rate | Grad Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Freed-Hardeman UniversityPrivate | Henderson, TN | $64,039 Median Theology Earnings | $15,478 | 90.6% | 68.4% |
| #2 | Fullerton, CA | $51,643 Median Theology Earnings | $26,641 | 35.4% | 45.6% | |
| #3 | University Of Valley ForgePrivate | Phoenixville, PA | $46,829 Median Theology Earnings | $22,957 | 78.2% | 56.1% |
| #4 | Lubbock Christian UniversityPrivate | Lubbock, TX | $46,276 Median Theology Earnings | $23,241 | 73.2% | 48.7% |
| #5 | University Of Notre DamePrivate | Notre Dame, IN | $46,078 Median Theology Earnings | $8,873 | 12.4% | 96.8% |
| #6 | Seward, NE | $45,496 Median Theology Earnings | $19,320 | 90.0% | 64.1% | |
| #7 | Santa Clarita, CA | $44,574 Median Theology Earnings | $31,026 | 75.9% | 63.7% | |
| #8 | Deerfield, IL | $44,286 Median Theology Earnings | $17,250 | 93.2% | 45.6% | |
| #9 | Belhaven UniversityPrivate | Jackson, MS | $43,018 Median Theology Earnings | $16,855 | 53.3% | 51.1% |
| #10 | Winona Lake, IN | $42,812 Median Theology Earnings | $6,409 | 80.8% | 69.9% | |
| #11 | Northwest UniversityPrivate | Kirkland, WA | $42,682 Median Theology Earnings | $14,935 | 88.0% | 63.5% |
| #12 | Cedarville UniversityPrivate | Cedarville, OH | $42,572 Median Theology Earnings | $20,956 | 62.8% | 74.3% |
| #13 | Dallas Baptist UniversityPrivate | Dallas, TX | $42,363 Median Theology Earnings | $28,693 | 91.1% | 60.4% |
| #14 | Pineville, KY | $42,191 Median Theology Earnings | $10,750 | — | 33.3% | |
| #15 | William Jessup UniversityPrivate | Rocklin, CA | $42,011 Median Theology Earnings | $23,837 | 76.8% | 60.7% |
| #16 | Central Baptist CollegePrivate | Conway, AR | $41,937 Median Theology Earnings | $13,632 | 46.4% | 35.3% |
| #17 | Grace Christian UniversityPrivate | Wyoming, MI | $41,737 Median Theology Earnings | $12,048 | 99.3% | 42.9% |
| #18 | Blue Mountain, MS | $41,674 Median Theology Earnings | $14,058 | 100.0% | 51.2% | |
| #19 | Cornerstone UniversityPrivate | Grand Rapids, MI | $40,873 Median Theology Earnings | $17,129 | 73.2% | 61.6% |
| #20 | Azusa Pacific UniversityPrivate | Azusa, CA | $40,809 Median Theology Earnings | $17,839 | 79.5% | 64.4% |
