2024: The Most Affordable Online and Campus-Based Master of Divinity (MDiv) Programs in the United States

Most Affordable Master of Divinity Programs BadgeIf you have been called to any high-level role in Christian leadership, and certainly if you plan to lead from the front as a church pastor, then you already know that there are number of major legs that are part of that journey. And chances are, if you’ve come to this resource, you are preparing for one of the most significant steps in that process: earning your Master of Divinity (MDiv) from a college recognized by your denomination.

An MDiv isn’t the only graduate degree that church pastors and other Christian leaders hold, but in many ways it is the most complete scriptural and pastoral training you can receive. This fact places the MDiv among the most widely recognized and respected ways to prepare for a career in ministry. As a comprehensive course of graduate study lasting as many as four years, it’s also among the most expensive Christian graduate degrees.

All MDiv programs are offered through private Christian Universities. This provides the assurance that you will receive a first-rate Christ-centered education. That kind of preparation comes with a significant cost. According to 2020 data from the National Center for Education Statistics, the average cost of tuition and fees at a private university in the United States rings in at $26,500 per year.

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With most MDiv programs lasting between three and four years of full-time study, you are easily looking at six-figures to earn that important qualification.

You already know that God will provide everything you need to fulfill your calling. But that doesn’t change the fact that the responsibility falls to you to make prudent and wise decisions as you follow that path.

With our comprehensive, state-by-state analysis of the most affordable Master of Divinity degrees, we give you the tools to make well-informed decisions about how you spend your tuition dollars.

How We Identified the Most Affordable Christian Universities Offering MDiv Programs

We have a simple formula for finding the MDiv programs with the best comparative tuition rates in each state.

First, we start with only fully accredited universities.

We understand the integrity it takes to follow the path to a life in ministry. Looking for the most reasonable tuition rates available must start with a baseline assumption that we are evaluating only high-value MDiv programs that are uncompromising about quality and rigor. Rest assured, those are the only types of programs we even consider in our tuition evaluation.

We only look at Christian universities that have met the rigorous standards it takes to receive a stamp of approval from an institutional accrediting agency sanctioned by CHEA (the Council for Higher Education Accreditation) and the US Department of Education. This type of institutional accreditation is a requirement for any university to be eligible to receive Title IV federal subsidized loans and grants.

Then, we collect detailed tuition data for every MDiv program in the United States offered at an accredited university.

Those tuition details include the per-credit rate and total credits required for the MDiv, which allows us to present a clear picture of the total program cost at each school. Although we include everything from tuition to technology fees to give the real cost of the education you’ll receive, we exclude cost of living expenses, room and board, as well as books and other necessary and discretionary supplies.

Because some schools run on a quarter-system, rather than the more common semester-system, we use a standard conversion (1.5 quarter credits = 1 semester credit) for all quarter-system schools to provide an apple-to-apple cost comparison in each state.

Next, we simply find the average total cost for all accredited MDiv programs in each state.

In the end, it’s the Christian universities offering MDiv programs with total costs below the state average that earn the distinction of being called the “most affordable.” From coast to coast, each one of those MDiv programs is featured right here on this list, conveniently organized by state.

Oh, and you might find a few that sneak in just over the line—if a school’s total tuition costs are closer to the typical cost of the more affordable options but just over the state average, we make an exception to ensure we’re providing you the full breadth of affordable MDiv options in your state.

In all cases, you will find that you can get a high-quality MDiv for considerably less than you might have thought.

Saving You Money Without Compromising the Quality and Rigor of Your MDiv Program

Of course, both your calling and your church may have a lot to say about the Christian university you should attend. No two MDiv programs are exactly alike. They have different concentrations, are taught in different ways, and come in different formats, from online, to hybrid, to traditional.

So, although we are giving you only the most affordable options in the marketplace, we’re also laying out a lot more information for you to help narrow down your choices. For each listing, in addition to the per-credit and total estimated program cost, you’ll find other key points that will be very important in helping you make your final decision:

And we also looked closer at every single program to tease out some of the important factors you might want to weigh in making one of the most important decisions of your life – the key points that may differ from school to school. Every school is unique, and every program has something special to offer that you might not find anywhere else. So we dove in to look for things like:

You’ll find every point that stood out to us about the school when we performed our evaluation - things that make each one a place you might want to consider as another step to fulfilling your unique calling.

Most Affordable MDiv Degrees by State

Most Affordable Master’s of Divinity Programs

ALABAMA - State average: $38,048

Heritage Christian University
Ezell Institute of Biblical Research
Florence, AL

Website

heritage christian university logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus, online)

Total Estimated Cost: $18,675
Cost Per Credit: $249

Total cost is $19,373 below the state average for similar programs!

Also offers: Master of Ministry, MA in Christian Scripture

The holistic program offered at HCU specifically focuses on the needs of a Christian community, building leadership skills out of the shared religious heritage stretching back to the Old and New Testament. Youll study those writings in the original Hebrew and Greek for the complete experience. Youll also get a better picture of the church through history as you explore world religions and specific cultural contexts such as the limits of resource dynamics in Ancient Israel. A six-hour practicum rounds off your studies to allow you to hone leadership skills in front of a real congregation.

Amridge University
Turner School of Theology
Montgomery, AL

Website

amridge university logo

Master of Divinity (online)

  • Ministerial Leadership

Total Estimated Cost: $37,440
Cost Per Credit: $480

Total cost is $608 below the state average for similar programs!

Also offers: MA in Christian Education, MA in New Testament Studies, MA in Old Testament Studies, MS in Christian Ministry, MS in Ministerial Leadership

A lifetime of learning and leadership are offered at Amridge through a focus on church, family, and society. As an independent co-educational school dedicated to Christian ideal and heritage, Amridge has been in a unique position to break new ground in divinity studies since it was founded in 1967. The school was one of the first 15 participants in the U.S. Department of Educations pioneering distance education project, a forerunner in schools that resulted in changes to federal law to open up remote training. You can be sure youre getting the total experience here with no shortcuts, and no massive loans to pay off!

ARIZONA - State average: $48,665

International Baptist College and Seminary
Chandler, AZ

Website

international baptist college seminary logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus)

Total Estimated Cost: $41,280
Cost Per Credit: $430

Total cost is $7,385 below the state average for similar programs!

Also offers: Master of Christian Education, MA in Ministry

IBC was founded to fill a gap in seminary education in the growing Southwest region. Charged with training young men and women for gospel ministries in evangelism, church planting, missions, and education, the school has been offering graduate degrees since 1986. The strong relationship with Tri-City Baptist Church opens up many regular opportunities for students to experience path such as music pastorship and Christian education. With residential options for students, this program offers a holistic approach to divinity training that includes your personal growth with pastoral training.

Phoenix Seminary
Scottsdale, AZ

Website

phoenix seminary logo

Master of Divinity (hybrid)

  • Biblical and Theological Studies
  • Leadership and Administration
  • Christian Studies

Total Estimated Cost: $48,300
Cost Per Credit: $525

Total cost is $365 below the state average for similar programs!

Also offers: MA in Ministry (Christian Studies, Ministry Skills, Leadership and Administration, Intercultural Studies), MA in Biblical and Theological Studies

Practical and effective training at Phoenix Seminarys MDiv program comes along with something else that you dont often find when training for the ministry: adventure! The joy and inspiration of the ministry come front and center through your journey here, in fellowship with a community of students and leaders destined to change the world. Phoenix Seminary hands you all the tools you need to be effective in this role, from detailed biblical studies in the original Greek and Hebrew to learning how to communicate Christs truth in a pluralistic world.

CALIFORNIA - State average: $49,264

America Evangelical University
Gardena, CA

Website

america evangelical university logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus)

  • Pastoral Ministry
  • Christian Counseling

Total Estimated Cost: $21,600
Cost Per Credit: $300

Total cost is $27,664 below the state average for similar programs!

Also offers: MA in Counseling

AEU trains lay leaders, missionaries, and pastors through strong donation to biblical principles but using the latest educational methods. By cultivating partnerships with organizations in different sectors, the university offers unique and in-depth internship experiences. A strong emphasis on accommodating the local cultural environment makes this school a natural choice for those performing mission work overseas.

SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary
El Dorado Hills, CA

Website

sum bible college logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus, online)

Total Estimated Cost: $21,660
Cost Per Credit: $285

Total cost is $27,604 below the state average for similar programs!

Also offers: MA in Biblical Studies, MA in Christian Leadership

SUM originally stood for the School of Urban Missions. Although the college has a broader mission and more programs now, it remains a center for training for pastors interested in evangelizing in cities throughout the world. A significant emphasis on online learning means that youll be joined in your studies by students from around the world. The school intentionally doubles down on this by focusing on creating leaders for the global Christian movement. A requirement for MDiv applicants to already be active in ministry ensures you are joined on your path by fellow students who are serious and experienced.

World Mission University
Los Angeles, CA

Website

world mission university logo

Master of Divinity (hybrid)

  • Biblical Preaching
  • Christian Counseling
  • Church Ministry
  • Church Music

Total Estimated Cost: $24,640
Cost Per Credit: $280

Total cost is $24,624 below the state average for similar programs!

Also offers: MA in Theology; MA in Worship Studies

Founded in the firm belief that the global village is the pastors ranch, WMU is the place to go for experienced training in the missionary aspects of pastoral work. The international perspective brings training in innovative worship models and cultural diversity, preparing you for a soft landing in any ministry you end up in. Taking a broader vision of what a Biblical education means leads the school to develop new and innovative approaches to divinity training. Outreach to other ethnic groups is part of the process here, meaning WMU offers a multicultural experience throughout your program of study.

Bethesda University
Graduate Department

Anaheim, CA

Website

bethesda university logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus, online)

Total Estimated Cost: $25,440
Cost Per Credit: $265

Total cost is $23,824 below the state average for similar programs!

Also offers: MA in Biblical Studies

Striving to become a global center for Christian academic training is all the motivation that is needed at Bethesda to create an effective program for training future Christian leaders. Taking the Pentecostal Evangelical perspective, the MDiv program trains you in both theological and social constructs to develop the knowledge and professional skills you will need to bring the Word of God to the faithful. A devotion to developing the spiritual life of students also fires the passion and drive that you need to do His work each day.

Presbyterian Theological Seminary
Santa Fe Springs, CA

Website

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Master of Divinity (on-campus)

Total Estimated Cost: $25,480
Cost Per Credit: $260

Total cost is $23,784 below the state average for similar programs!

Also offers: Master of Arts in Christian Counseling Psychology

Youll graduate from PTS with a deeper knowledge of yourself and your own relationship with God on top of the strong Christian worldview and comprehensive Biblical knowledge their MDiv program prepares you with. The cultural context of Christianity is placed with insights from the humanities, natural and social sciences, and the arts to give you a better footing in evangelism and theological reasoning.

Shasta Bible College and Graduate School
Redding, CA

Website

shasta bible college logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus)

  • Pastoral and General Ministry
  • Military Chaplaincy

Total Estimated Cost: $27,000
Cost Per Credit: $375

Total cost is $22,264 below the state average for similar programs!

Also offers: MA in Christian Ministries; MA in Biblical Counseling

The main priority at Shasta is creating an atmosphere that is conducive to spiritual growth, in the knowledge that academic excellence is sure to follow inspiration. With passionate, highly-experienced and academically accomplished professors and mentors, the MDiv program here gives you every chance at success in the ministry. An active residential campus is family-oriented and offers plenty of outreach opportunities for students, as well as the promise of making new friends.

Epic Bible College and Graduate School
Sacramento, CA

Website

epic bible college logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus, online)

Total Estimated Cost: $33,912
Cost Per Credit: $471

Total cost is $15,352 below the state average for similar programs!

Also offers: M.A. in Christian Ministry; M.A. in Biblical Studies; M.A. in Ethical Leadership

Epic divides their MDiv program objectives into spiritual, professional, and academic realms, then gives you all the support you need to hit all three targets. The school works hard to cultivate a sense of family, with each student valued for their individual abilities and contributions. The school bases its curriculum on current and relevant experiences, delivered by instructors with a background in real-world ministry. You can be sure the skills you are learning here are the best practices being used out in the field of ministry today.

Fresno Pacific University
Biblical Seminary

Fresno, CA

Website

fresno pacific university logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus)

Total Estimated Cost: $34,920
Cost Per Credit: $485

Total cost is $14,344 below the state average for similar programs!

Also offers: MA (Theology, Old Testament, New Testament, Ministry Leadership and Culture, Christian Ministry)

Empowering churches and transforming people into leaders is what the MDiv program at FPU is all about. Kingdom-minded leaders are developed through accessible and affordable educational programs here, including the Master of Divinity. Faculty here bring together strong, dynamic Christian faith with a commitment to warm and personal relationships with students. Year of experience in both ministry and teaching offers you the best of both worlds in your coursework here.

Simpson University
A.W. Tozer Theological Seminary

Redding, CA

Website

simpson university logo

Master of Divinity (online, hybrid)

Total Estimated Cost: $37,000
Cost Per Credit: $500

Total cost is $12,264 below the state average for similar programs! 

Also offers: MA in Ministry Leadership

Calling, character, and competence are the three things that are most developed at the A.W. Tozer Theological Seminary at Simpson. Rigorous and respected Biblical training is delivered by faculty who are both accomplished scholars and experienced ministers. Simpsons Bible studies go back as far as 1921, with a strong track record of developing missionaries for overseas evangelizing. Long known as the Gateway to World Service, Simpson today trains ministers for a wide range of different pastoral duties just as comprehensively and effectively.

Hope International University

Pacifica Christian College of Ministry and Biblical Studies

Fullerton, CA

Website

hope international university logo

Master of Divinity (hybrid, online)

  • Christian Ministry and Leadership
  • Church Planting
  • Intercultural Studies
  • Pastoral Care
  • Spiritual Formation
  • Worship Ministry

Total Estimated Cost: $37,800
Cost Per Credit: $525

Total cost is $11,464 below the state average for similar programs!

Also offers: MA (Ministry, Ministry and Business); Master of Church Music

You can expect to be transformed through your education at HIU, as previous graduates have reported. The tools and techniques of ministry are all offered through the MDiv program, of course, but the heart and secret of your schooling here will be in the personal growth of your self-confidence and your relationship with God. The expansive Fullerton campus is located right in the heart of Orange County, a diverse, urbanized area with plenty to see and do.

Azusa Pacific University
Azusa Pacific Seminary

Azusa, CA

Website

azusa pacific university logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus)

  • Biblical Studies

Total Estimated Cost: $42,106
Cost Per Credit: $569

Total cost is $7,158 below the state average for similar programs!

Also offers: MA in Korean Pastoral Studies; MA in Pastoral Studies (English, Spanish); MA in Theological Studies

Azusa is located in one of the most diverse corners of the country, and is recognized as having one of the most diverse student populations. Thats a key setup to the MDivs purpose in offering a global awareness of Church and ministry, teaching you to develop effective patterns of ministry through a combination of classroom instruction and practical experience. Youll get a chance to learn as much from your peers in this setting as you will in turn offer them from your own lived experiences. Transformational mentoring relationships with faculty round out this very human, very expressive path to the ministry.

Southern California Seminary
San Diego, CA

Website

southern california seminary logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus, online)

Total Estimated Cost: $43,680
Cost Per Credit: $455

Total cost is $5,584 below the state average for similar programs!

Also offers: MA in Christian Ministry; MA in Science and Religion; MA in Christian Counseling; MA in Biblical Studies; Master of Theology

Although SCS is proud of their diverse, far-ranging alumni and multi-cultural campus, they are first and foremost educators of pastors to local churches. The modest tuition is in service to that goal, as is the schools partnership with Shadow Mountain Community Church, where you can hone your practical skills on top of the strong course of Biblical knowledge you get through class. The highest standards of study are maintained by devoted, highly qualified instructors. You graduate equipped to serve in senior leadership in the pastorate, missions, Christian education, or social work.

La Sierra University
HMS Richards Divinity School

Riverside, CA

Website

la sierra university logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus)

  • Youth Ministry
  • Family Ministry
  • Cross-Cultural and Urban Ministry
  • Preaching
  • Cross-Cultural Missions
  • Creative Evangelism
  • Relief and Development
  • Community Service
  • Social Justice

Total Estimated Cost: $44,496
Cost Per Credit: $618

Total cost is $4,768 below the state average for similar programs!

Also offers: MA in Religion; Master of Theological Studies

La Sierra offers an open community of learning and service. Youll find a hospitable environment here for your education and personal growth, fostered by caring, engaged, compassionate instructors and staff. A collaborative approach to teaching follows through in offering additional opportunities to expand your studies to other schools at the college, delivering unique specialization options such as in Christian Philanthropy and Worship and Music. La Sierra is a big school with many resources that offers an MDiv at an extremely attractive price.

California Lutheran University
Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary

Berkeley, CA

Website

california lutheran university logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus, online)

  • Climate Justice and Faith
  • Evangelism and Justice

Total Estimated Cost: $44,895
Cost Per Credit: $615

Total cost is $4,369 below the state average for similar programs!

Also offers: MA in Spirituality and Social Change; Joint MA-MDiv

An intellectual engagement with Scripture, various traditions of faith, and the wider world of culture and society opens up for you at PLTS through engagement with a wide array of theological voices. Youll get a solid grounding in Biblical studies and Christian doctrine, but also learn how to peer through the socio-ecological lens at modern cultural challenges in race, class, gender, and even ecology to find new ways to apply those immaculate teachings in todays world. Located in the heart of the Bay Area, youll find diversity on and off campus to support your understanding of faith and society.

The Master's University and Seminary
Los Angeles, CA

Website

the masters seminary logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus)

Total Estimated Cost: $45,570
Cost Per Credit: $465

Total cost is $3,694 below the state average for similar programs!

Also offers: MA in Biblical Counseling; MA in Biblical Studies; Master of Theology

The Masters University and Seminary is aptly named on several fronts. First, faculty are acknowledged leaders in spiritual and academic fields alike, offering great experience and expertise to draw on in your training. Next, the school offers no shortcuts in their studies, requiring as much as twice the credit hours of other programs and requiring mastery of Biblical languages so you have no doubt that your understanding of Scripture is correct. You will fully master the disciplines of holiness, prayer, leadership, and compassion, which will come together to make you the minister you are meant to be.

COLORADO - State average: $55,020

Denver Seminary
Littleton, CO

Website

denver seminary logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus, online, hybrid)

  • Apologetics and Ethics
  • Biblical Preaching
  • Biblical Studies
  • Chaplaincy
  • Christian Formation and Spiritual Direction Leadership
  • New Testament
  • Old Testament
  • Pastoral Care and Counseling
  • Theology

Total Estimated Cost: $50,955
Cost Per Credit: $645

Total cost is $4,065 below the state average for similar programs!

Also offers: MA (Apologetics and Ethics, Biblical and Theological Studies, Christian Formation, Christian Studies, Counseling Ministries, Cultural Engagement, Leadership, New Testament, Old Testament, Theology); Master of Theology (New Testament, Old Testament, Theology)

A broad but deep foundation in Biblical and theological studies awaits you at the Denver Seminary, whether you choose to attend at either physical location (a campus is also operated in Washington D.C.) or in hybrid or online formats alone. More than 70 years of preparing graduates for intensive work in the ministry gives Denver Seminary an unsurpassed standing in a community that embraces more than 50 denominations. The flexibility of fully online, on-campus, or hybrid training shows that this school has also kept up with the times, though, with a global campus that relies on the same faculty and a cohort model that keeps you connected to fellow students throughout your studies.

CONNECTICUT - State average: $53,208

Holy Apostles College and Seminary
Cromwell, CT

Website

holy apostles college seminary logo

Master of Divinity (online)

  • New Evangelization

Total Estimated Cost: $27,000
Cost Per Credit: $375 

Total cost is $26,208 below the state average for similar programs!

Also offers: MA in Pastoral Studies (Apologetics, Catechetical Ministry, General Studies, Marriage and Family Studies, Pastoral Counseling, Spiritual Direction, Youth & Young Adult Ministry); MA in Theology (Bioethics – with NCBC Certification, Bioethics – non-NCBC, Church History, Dogmatic Theology, General Studies, Moral Theology, Sacred Scripture, Thomistic Studies)

Although Holy Apostles is a small seminary, as seen in the attractively low student/faculty ratio, it has a big reach. Students here are drawn from all 50 states and 5 different continents, bringing a multicultural perspective to Christianity as part of the package. Yet the school is unique in that, as both college and seminary, you may find both fellow divinity students and lay students attending the same classes. A top-quality, affordable education grounded in Catholicism and academic excellence is available to all.

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA - State average: $80,474

Wesley Theological Seminary
Washington, DC

Website

wesley theological seminary logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus)

  • Children and Youth Ministry & Advocacy
  • African American Church Studies
  • Arts
  • Missional Church
  • Urban Ministry
  • Public Theology

Total Estimated Cost: $55,242
Cost Per Credit: $682

Total cost is $25,232 below the state average for similar programs!!

Also offers: Master of Theological Studies; MA (Faith and politics, Faith and health Pastoral care ministry, Multicultural ministry)

Collaborative agreements with local churches, hospitals, and other agencies put an exclamation point behind this seminarys commitment to practical field learning. Youll be trained in your calling not just by accomplished faculty members, but also by church officials, pastors, and even the laity. The complementary nature of academic and practical training is part of the schools commitment to prepare every graduate for service. The seminary also offers continuing education, certificate programs, and other community educational programs, bringing the liberating Gospel to a wide range of people.

FLORIDA - State average: $39,813

South Florida Bible College and Seminary
Deerfield, FL

Website

sfbc logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus, online)

Total Estimated Cost: $22,125
Cost Per Credit: $295

Total cost is $17,688 below the state average for similar programs!

Also offers: MA in Biblical Studies; MA in Christian Counseling; MA in Pastoral Counseling; Master of Theology (Christian Apologetics, New Testament Studies)

Flexibility and affordability are the dual hallmarks of the MDiv program at SFBC. A senior pastor discount can make it even more affordable for those who are eligible! Many specialized areas of study ensure that your specific requirements are met for whatever ministry you feel called to. In-depth research ensures that you get to the bottom of thorny theological questions, and options to study in the original Greek or Hebrew allow you to take your explorations further.

Southeastern University
School of Divinity

Lakeland, FL

Website

southeastern u logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus, online)

Total Estimated Cost: $35,640
Cost Per Credit: $495

Total cost is $4,173 below the state average for similar programs!

Also offers: MA in Ministerial Leadership (Executive); MA in Biblical Studies; MA in Theological Studies; MA in Family Ministry; MA in Ministerial Leadership

Southeastern understands that location matters, and beautiful Lakeland offers a vibrant community in which to study. Close to some of the countrys best beaches and Disney World and Busch Gardens, you wont have trouble finding ways to stay occupied after class. But you might not ever feel the need to leave this new, modern, and still-growing campus, with a brand new Welcome Center, expanded Student Activities Center, a coffeehouse, and even an on-campus Chick-fil-A. But none of the amenities here distract from a quality program that covers Old and New Testaments in the original Greek and Hebrew and offers inspirational courses in ecclesiology and preaching.

GEORGIA - State average: $48,401

Luther Rice College and Seminary
Lithonia, GA

Website

luther rice college seminary logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus, online)

  • Biblical Languages

Total Estimated Cost: $21,420
Cost Per Credit: $238

Total cost is $26,981 below the state average for similar programs!

Also offers: Master of Arts in Apologetics; Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling; Master of Arts in Christian Studies; Master of Arts in Leadership; Master of Arts in Ministry

As a center for Christian academic excellence for over 50 years, Luther Rice College and Seminary is a beacon in the metro Atlanta area for ministerial training. Many students are non-traditional, which gives the school great expertise in offering flexible online coursework to help you complete your studies while working or maintaining other obligations. Dedicated faculty here bring real-world experience to their lessons, adhering to the inspired, inerrant, and authoritative Word of God at every turn. All the tools you need to graduate and become a success in ministry are offered while you attend or when you join more than 8,000 alumni out in the working ministry.

Truett McConnell University
Balthasar Hubmaier School of Missions & Theology
Cleveland, GA

Website

truett mcconnell university logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus, online)

Total Estimated Cost: $31,488
Cost Per Credit: $384

Total cost is $16,913 below the state average for similar programs!

Also offers: MA in Theology

Youll be trained not just as a fully equipped minister, versed in Scripture and theology, but also as a critical thinker. Youll get the knowledge and training you need to evaluate thorny issues of ethics and morality here, grounded in the bedrock of the Word of God. The four pillars behind this successful program of study are love of the Lord, love of His Word, love of the Church, and love of the lost. Youll quickly feel part of the TMU community through leadership opportunities and campus organizations offering opportunities for service.

Beulah Heights University
Atlanta, GA

Website

beulah heights university logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus, online)

  • Leadership
  • Chaplaincy

Total Estimated Cost: $38,250
Cost Per Credit: $425

Total cost is $10,151 below the state average for similar programs!

Also offers: MA in Religious Studies

As the premier Christian university in Atlanta and one of the oldest Christian universities in the Southeast, you cant go wrong with choosing BHU for your Master of Divinity program. Two specializations allow you to tailor your training toward your individual calling, while strong core coursework in Biblical studies and ministry skills equip you for leadership and evangelical work in any ministry. The schools goal of becoming a resource center for Christian leaders means it has accumulated the materials and the expertise to offer a top-notch program in Divinity, at an extremely affordable price.

Mercer University
McAfee School of Theology
Atlanta, GA

Website

mercer university logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus, online)

Total Estimated Cost: $38,610
Cost Per Credit: $495

Total cost is $9,791 below the state average for similar programs! 

Also offers: Master of Theological Study; MA in Christian Ministry; M.Div+(MBA, MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, MS in Organizational Leadership); Master of Theological Studies-MS Clinical Mental Health Counseling; MA in Christian Ministry-MS in Organizational Leadership

Mercer was founded in 1833 with a dual goal of providing both classical and theological education simultaneously. That sort of recognition of the combination of culture and religion services graduates from todays Mercer MDiv program well. The school embraces traditional Baptist principles of intellectual and religious freedom, while offering rigorous training in serious theological matters and practical aspects of ministry. Faculty with enormous academic expertise and solid practical experience offer a broad range of interests to pass along, from Celtic Spirituality to Faith and Art.

HAWAII - State average: $42,840

Pacific Rim Christian University
Honolulu, HI

Website

pacific rim christian university logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus)

Total Estimated Cost: $42,840
Cost Per Credit: $595

Total cost is consistent with the state average for similar programs.

Also offers: MA in Christian Studies; MA in Christian Leadership

The Pacific Rim has a great need of disciples and missionaries, and PRCU is ideally placed to help train them. Located in beautiful Honolulu, the school has forged ties on both side of the Pacific to offer an unparalleled opportunity to tap into the resources of larger schools and institutes on the Mainland and conduct direct missionary work in Asia and the South Pacific. Students have made mission trips to Japan, Costa Rica, and the Philippines. The student experience is built around community and discipleship, with a characteristically friendly island attitude. Youll still get the in-depth studies in Greek and Hebrew, but its easier and more fun to make an impact with the support and attitudes you will find here.

IDAHO - State average: $42,840

Northwest Nazarene University
College of Theology and Christian Ministries

Nampa, ID

Website

northwest nazarene university logo

Master of Divinity (online)

  • Mission Leadership
  • Spiritual Formation
  • Youth, Children, and Family Ministry

Total Estimated Cost: $42,840
Cost Per Credit: $540

Total cost is consistent with the state average for similar programs.

Also offers: MA in Leadership and Formation (Missional Leadership, Spiritual Formation, Youth Children and Family Ministry); MA in Pastoral Ministry

NNU graduates head off to a wide variety of ministerial positions after graduation, ranging from staff ministry to church planting. Other graduates head on to pursue doctoral studies at prestigious schools such as Drew Divinity School, Portland Seminary, and Fuller Theological Seminary to name a few. The broad range of jobs they are prepared for is a testament to the excellent MDiv education that NNU has to offer. The leading-edge theological education offered here is powered by a highly-respected, well-prepared cadre of professors with strong academic credentials piled on top of legitimate real-world experience. You can tap into that expertise and head off to your next ministerial position with confidence and grace with this MDiv behind you.

ILLINOIS - State average: $62,305

McCormick Theological Seminary
Chicago, IL

Website

mccormick theological seminary logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus, hybrid)

Total Estimated Cost: $25,920
Cost Per Credit: $320

Total cost is $36,385 below the state average for similar programs!

Also offers: MA in Ministry (Spanish option); Master of Theological Studies

McCormick has been in the business of religious education for 190 years and is still going strong. That tells you something about the tradition and quality you will find here, either online or on campus. Yet the campus remains on the leading edge of progressive Christian education, with a multicultural student body and a faculty committed to teaching social justice and the latest perspectives in Biblical hermeneutics. Youll get diverse perspectives in your classes here, but also a strong element of classical training through Greek and Hebrew exegesis and courses in Church history. Institutional partnerships with other area schools and faith-based organizations broadens your horizons even further, and opportunities for service are endless.

Olivet Nazarene University
School of Theology and Christian Ministry

Bourbonnais, IL

Website

olivet nazarene university logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus, hybrid)

  • Pastoral Leadership
  • Missional Multiplication
  • Ministerial Studies
  • Urban Ministry
  • Family Ministry
  • Pastoral Ministry
  • Theology
  • Bible
  • Religious Studies

Total Estimated Cost: $32,400
Cost Per Credit: $450

Total cost is $29,905 below the state average for similar programs!

Also offers: MA in Pastoral Leadership; MA in Missional Multiplication; MA in Ministerial Studies; MA in Urban Ministry; MA in Family Ministry; MA in Pastoral Ministry; MA in Christian Ministry; MA in Religion; Master of Ministry; Master of Ministry in Spanish

Just 50 miles outside of Chicago, Olivet is within easy range for remote students flying in to attend one-week intensive seminars as part of the hybrid program here. The beautiful campus evokes public parks, but includes 25 well-equipped buildings on 275 acres. SMART classrooms and some 400 network access locations, on top of a campus-wide wireless network, makes it easy to connect for online resources access from anywhere on campus. Its a big educational opportunity for a surprisingly low cost.

Moody Bible Institute
Moody Theological Seminary
Chicago, IL

Website

moody bible institute logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus, online, hybrid)

  • Pastoral Studies
  • Ministry Leadership
  • Biblical Spiritual Formation and Discipleship
  • TESOL
  • Interdisciplinary Studies

Total Estimated Cost: $32,712
Cost Per Credit: $376

Total cost is $29,593 below the state average for similar programs!

Also offers: BA-MA; MA in Ministry Leadership; MA in Biblical Spiritual Formation and Discipleship; MA in Biblical Studies

Education at Moody begins with the Word. The Institute proudly claims that you will spend more time studying the Bible than any other book, pulling truth from the pages at every step. If you are interested in an MDiv program that makes serving Christ your lifelong pursuit, you have picked the right school. But a spiritual education does not have to be a traditional education, and Moody delivers high-tech options to make sure your grad program fits in with your obligations. With practical ministry options ranging from churches, youth outreach programs, homeless shelters, and refugee ministries, you wont have trouble getting hands-on opportunities on top of your academic progress.

Lincoln Christian University
Lincoln, IL

Website

lincoln christian university logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus, online)

  • Bible
    • Biblical Languages
    • General
    • New Testament
    • Old Testament
  • Theology and Philosophy
    • Church History/Historical Theology
    • Philosophy and Apologetics
    • Theology
  • Christian Ministries
    • Chaplaincy
    • Christian Education
    • Intercultural studies (Missions)
    • Leadership Studies
    • Pastoral Care & Counseling
    • Preaching Ministry
    • Spiritual Formation
    • Worship Studies

Total Estimated Cost: $36,300
Cost Per Credit: $484

Total cost is $26,005 below the state average for similar programs!

Also offers: MA in Biblical Studies; MA in Church History/Historical Theology; MA in Theology; MA in Bible and Theology; MA in Ministry

Lincoln Christian recognizes that every calling is different, and builds their extremely flexible, extremely affordable Master of Divinity program around that. With an enormous array of specializations, you would think that just about every ministry would be covered, but thats really just the start—students are free to combine their elective credits in any way to create their own unique specialization track. Youll form deep relationships with fellow students and staff, and always find a helping hand near when you need one.

North Park University
Theological Seminary

Chicago, IL

Website

north park theological seminary university logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus, hybrid)

Total Estimated Cost: $44,240
Cost Per Credit: $560

Total cost is $18,065 below the state average for similar programs!

Also offers: MA in Christian Formation; MA in Christian Ministry (Restorative Arts); MA in Christian Formation-MBA/MNA; MA in Theological Studies

North Parks MDiv is a great course of study to prepare for ordination in Christian service to the ministry. But the college also goes broader, serving up a degree that is also solid training for roles in parachute and nonprofit organizations, allowing you to take your training to support almost any Christian calling. Located on the North Side of Chicago, North Park embodies a multi-cultural heritage that is exemplified by their 3,200 strong student body, drawn from around the world. But with international study options, you dont have to settle for second-hand exposure. Opportunities exist around the world for practical ministry experience.

Bexley Seabury Seminary
Chicago, IL

Website

bexley seabury seminary logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus, hybrid)

Total Estimated Cost: $54,675
Cost Per Credit: $675

Total cost is $7,630 below the state average for similar programs!

Bexley Seabury is the King of contextual divinity studies. Every course you go through here will link to both other classes you have taken, as well as real-world settings that will keep your studies on a practical level. The Communities of Learning and Formation emphasis offers an unparalleled course of instruction in ministerial and pastoral leadership skills as well as equipping you for management and organizing work that is key in effective ministries of all types. Youll develop interpretive and interpersonal skills through interfaith reading of sacred texts, broadening your cultural competency and empathy.

Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago 
Chicago, IL

Website

lutheran school theology chicago logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus, online)

Total Estimated Cost: $58,725
Cost Per Credit: $725

Total cost is $3,580 below the state average for similar programs!

Also offers: Master of Theology; BA-MDiv; AM(MSW)-MDiv; AM(MSW)-MA; Master of Arts in Ministry-AM(MSW); MA in Ministry

A commitment to social transformation and witnessing the Gospel is at the heart of the MDiv program at LSTC. Youre doing more than just checking boxes when you pursue your degree here—you will be building key competencies for leading a practical ministry. The organizing principle behind the program is the LSTC concept of Public Church, using community-building skills to grow congregations and engagement beyond the church itself. The school is a shining beacon of community involvement, offering you the opportunity to put down roots in the Chicago area and make connections for your future.

Trinity International University
Trinity Evangelical Divinity School

Deerfield, IL

Website

trinity international university logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus, online)

Total Estimated Cost: $62,640
Cost Per Credit: $720

Also offers: MA in Chaplaincy and Ministry Care; MA in Educational Ministries; MA in Systemic Theology; MA in Church History; MA in New Testament; MA in Old Testament and Semitic Languages; MA in Theological Studies; Master of Theology

TEDS offers a diverse community of cultures, traditions, experiences, ideas and stories to immerse yourself in for a full perspective on divinity and what faith really means in a cross-cultural context. Trinity staff and faculty are known for their engagement with and mentorship of every student. A strong set of on-campus centers and a comprehensive library offer plenty of resources to fuel your academic pursuits, while Career Services and Ministry Placement offices help you get your footing in the real-world workforce after graduation.

INDIANA - State average: $85,913

Oakland City University
Chapman Seminary

Oakland City, IN

Website

oakland city university logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus)

  • Pastoral Care

Total Estimated Cost: $24,750
Cost Per Credit: $275 

Total cost is $61,163 below the state average for similar programs!

OCU can feel like a family, drawing on its roots as a basic two-story brick building when it was founded in 1885. Youll feel the same sense of connection and support as those first classes of students must have known, with dedicated faculty and administrators who have a genuine interest in your learning and success. The campus is a lot bigger today, with a beautiful, comfortable 34 acres for you to enjoy and contemplate the divine. A strong alumni network worldwide, with more than 15,000 members, will help you get connected after graduation and start your ministerial career off on the right foot.

Anderson University
School of Theology and 
Christian Ministry
Anderson, IN

Website

anderson university logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus, online)

Total Estimated Cost: $33,840
Cost Per Credit: $470

Total cost is $52,073 below the state average for similar programs!

Also offers: MA in Christian Ministry; Master of Theological Studies

Anderson sees your studies for the Master of Divinity as not just an education to develop your ministry for others, but also as a way to grow your own passion and faith for success. With a relatively small student body but more than 130 different clubs, intramurals, and service opportunities available, youll quickly find your personal growth happening alongside your studies. Twice weekly Chapel services helps focus your spiritual needs while you develop your academic expertise in the ministry.

Bethany Theological Seminary
Richmond, IN

Website

bethany global university logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus, hybrid)

  • Pastoral Care

Total Estimated Cost: $36,000
Cost Per Credit: $500

Total cost is $49,913 below the state average for similar programs!

Also offers: MA (Biblical studies, Brethren studies, Historical studies     Peace studies, Theological studies); MA in Theopoetics and Writing; MA in Spiritual and Social Transformation

A completely reorganized and refocused MDiv program awaits you at BTS, revolving around how students can put their learning into practice. Hands-on ministry work is combined with classroom or remote instruction to give you the academic founding for day-to-day ministry tasks. As part of both an intellectual and spiritual community of distinction, youll come to better understand Christianity and your own faith through supportive interactions with both faculty and fellow students. BTS has been nimble and adaptive throughout its more than 100 years as a theological seminary, and youll pick up the same traits in this affordable MDiv program.

Indiana Wesleyan University
Wesleyan Seminary

Marion, IN

Website

indiana wesleyan u logo

Master of Divinity (online)

  • Children, Youth, and Family Ministry
  • Church Planting and Multiplication
  • Intercultural Studies
  • Leadership
  • Pastoral Care
  • Pastoral Ministry
  • Spiritual Formation
  • Worship Arts
  • Biblical Studies

Total Estimated Cost: $39,000
Cost Per Credit: $520

Total cost is $46,913 below the state average for similar programs!

Also offers: MA in Biblical and Theological Studies; Masters in Christian Theology; MA in Ministry (Children Youth and Family Ministry, Biblical Studies, Leadership, Pastoral Care, Spiritual Formation, Worship Arts, Pastoral Ministry); Master of Practical Theology; Masters of Spiritual Care

The innovative degree program at Indiana Wesleyan is built around the real-world demands of a local church ministry. Youll find intellectual explorations of Scripture bound closely together with practical skills training for counseling and delivering sermons, equipping you with the knowledge and hands-on skills to step up to pastorship immediately on graduation. Nearly ten different specialties give you a chance to hone those academic and practical skills around specific ministries, making this an affordable choice for almost any goal you have in mind.

Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary
Elkhart, IN

Website

ambs logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus, online)

  • Pastoral Ministry
  • Chaplaincy
  • Christian Faith Formation
  • Theological Studies (on-campus only)

Total Estimated Cost: $43,200
Cost Per Credit: $540

Total cost is $42,713 below the state average for similar programs!

Also offers: MA in Christian Formation; MA in Theology and Global Anabaptism; MA in Theology and Peace Studies

As a program designed for spiritually mature, Spirit-led leaders, you can expect focus and intensity alike in your fellow students and in the goals of the program. The MDiv Connect online option deepens this commitment to mature students even further, offering flexibility that is welcome for anyone with existing career or family commitments. Affordable pricing is another key selling point for the mature student demographic, with less than seven percent of AMBS students requiring loans to complete the program.

Grace Theological Seminary
Winona Lake, IN

Website

grace theological seminary logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus)

  • Chaplaincy
  • Ministry
  • Exegetical Studies
  • General Studies
  • Intercultural Studies
  • Pastoral Counseling
  • Pastoral Studies
  • Womens Leadership

Total Estimated Cost: $43,950
Cost Per Credit: $586

Total cost is $41,963 below the state average for similar programs!

Also offers: MA Local Church Ministry; MA in Chaplaincy; MA in Womens Ministry Leadership

Positive biblical standards have been the foundations for education at Grace ever since the seminary was first established in 1937. Staying true to that history and to the Word of God has led Grace to earning a worldwide reputation for excellence. Thats part of the reason the student body here represents more than 30 different denominations and various non-denominational churches. Grace offers a transformative experience through in-depth Biblical knowledge that will both boost your pastoral skills and affect your life.

Earlham College
School of Religion

Richmond, IN

Website

earlham college logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus, hybrid)

  • Pastoral Care
  • Pastoral Ministry
  • Peace and Justice
  • Quaker Ministry
  • Spirituality
  • Teaching
  • Writing
  • Unitarian Universalist Ministry

Total Estimated Cost: $45,000
Cost Per Credit: $600

Total cost is $40,913 below the state average for similar programs!

Rooted in the Christian Quaker tradition, Earlham offers students a course of study that teaches how contemplation can inspire action. Your spiritual formation comes together with social engagement and academic study here, whether you are engaged on-campus in full-time study or participate through the innovative ESR Access remote hybrid learning option. Either way you have access to the same excellent instructors and the same clear style of deep engagement and preparation for ministry.

Christian Theological Seminary
Indianapolis, IN

Website

christian theological seminary logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus, online)

Total Estimated Cost: $51,120
Cost Per Credit: $710

Total cost is $34,793 below the state average for similar programs!

Also offers: Master of Theological Studies

CTS offers an intellectually rigorous but spiritually formative course of study that addresses the whole student. Both spiritual and academic needs are addressed through the program, rooted in inclusivity and dignity. Youll find support everywhere you turn here, whether you are studying entirely online or in the beautiful, classic campus environment. Field experiences are stressed here, and additional options to fulfill your calling are offered in social justice through the schools highly respected Faith and Action Project.

IOWA - State average: $38,334

Shiloh University
Ministry and Leadership Program

Le Claire, IA

Website

shiloh university logo

Master of Divinity (online)

  • Traditional
  • Care of Souls

Total Estimated Cost: $27,000
Cost Per Credit: $375

Total cost is $11,334 below the state average for similar programs!

Also offers: MA in Practical Ministry (Jewish Foundations of the New Testament, Care of Souls); Master of Apostolic Leadership; Masters in Healing and Spiritual Care

Shilohs innovative online MDiv program makes it a truly global university, exposing students from every nation to the kind of divinity program that will help them boost their community and change the world. With a strong biblical basis for ministry serving as the foundation of the degree, you can branch out into either traditional studies or explore the Care of Souls track to build your expertise in assisting those facing difficult life challenges in your congregation.

Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary
Ankeny, IA

Website

faith baptist bible college seminary logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus, online)

Total Estimated Cost: $35,040
Cost Per Credit: $365

Total cost is $3,294 below the state average for similar programs!

Also offers: MA in Biblical Studies; MA in Practical Theology; MA in Religion; MA in Theological Studies

Faith Baptist is not just a regional, but also a global center for divinity studies. The Refresh Conference draws in pastors from all over for an emphasis on ministry each spring; the Missions Conference in the fall similarly focuses on outreach. A terrific campus experience centered around daily chapel helps keep your own faith focused and your own calling clear. The incredible Faith Music Academy uses the gift of music to take worship for both students and the surrounding community to a new level. Expert instructors bring their knowledge and wisdom to class each day, taking an active interest in each student and helping you fulfill your full potential as a pastor.

KANSAS - State average: $50,323

Saint Paul School of Theology
Leawood, KS

Website

saint paul school theology logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus, online, hybrid)

  • Evangelism
  • Wesleyan Studies
  • Women, Society, and Church Studies

Total Estimated Cost: $50,323
Cost Per Credit: $637

Total cost is consistent with the state average for similar programs.

Also offers: MA in Christian Ministry (Prophetic Witness and Service, Deacon Ministries); MA in Theological Studies

As the only accredited program offering a master of divinity degree in Kansas, St. Paul is the most affordable in the state by default. But at a substantially lower cost than most regional schools as well, its sure to draw in students from all over through the superb online and hybrid programs. Either way, you get a contextual education through St. Paul through strong ties to local church and Ministry Collaboration Groups. Youll get a more intensive experience in these small instructional units that gives every student a voice and opportunity to reflect on life and ministry experiences.

KENTUCKY - State average: $37,130

Campbellsville University
Campbellsville, KY

Website

campbellsville university logo

Master of Divinity (online)

  • Missions & Ministry Leadership
  • Biblical Studies
  • Pastoral Care & Chaplaincy

Total Estimated Cost: $22,425
Cost Per Credit: $299

Total cost is $14,705 below the state average for similar programs!

Also offers: Master of Theology

Convenience comes with affordability at Campbellsville. A strong faith-based education here focuses on your own growth through a combined arts and sciences program that informs the cultural context for your divinity studies. The online campus has received accolades from numerous evaluators, and provides a strong and cohesive platform that remains flexible enough to match your schedule. Although remote, youll find the schools dedication to your growth in both personal and professional fields is up close and entirely focused.

Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
Louisville, KY

Website

southern baptist theological seminary logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus, online)

  • Christian Ministry
  • Great Commission Studies
  • Apologetics
  • Biblical and Theological Studies
  • Biblical Counseling
  • Biblical Spirituality
  • Ethics and Philosophy
  • Evangelism and Missions
  • Islamic Studies
  • Leadership and Discipleship
  • MBA
  • Missions and Bible Translation
  • Missions and Bible Counseling
  • Missions and Church Planting
  • Pastoral Studies
  • Worship Leadership

Total Estimated Cost: $24,200
Cost Per Credit: $275

Total cost is $12,930 below the state average for similar programs!

Also offers: MA in Apologetics; MA in Biblical Counseling; MA in Christian Education; MA in Church Ministries; MA in Church Music; MA in Discipleship and Family Ministry; MA in Islamic Studies; MA in Missiology; MA in Theological Studies (Intercultural Leadership, Lay Leadership); MA in Worship Leadership; Master of Theology (Biblical Studies, Biblical Theology, Church History, Evangelism and Missions, New Testament, Old Testament, Philosophy Worldview and Apologetics, Practical Theology, Systematic Theology, Biblical Theology and Exegesis, Evangelism and Missions, Philosophy Worldview and Apologetics, Practical Theology, Theological and Historical Studies); BA+M.Div

If you were looking for coddling in a Master of Divinity program, SBTS isnt the place for you to find it. The seminary is up front about the demands of the MDiv here: the degree is challenging because ministry is challenging. With the kind of comprehensive training, you will receive here, however, you will be well-equipped for any kind of issue that ministry work throws at you. A jaw-dropping number of concentrations are compounded by the availability of more than 300 electives in all kinds of subjects to fulfill any need you can name. The teachers and students here are all serious about the Gospel, and you will be too once you enroll. Its an enormous foundational education at an extremely low price.

Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary
Louisville, KY

Website

louisville presbyterian theological seminary logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus)

Total Estimated Cost: $34,506
Cost Per Credit: $426

Total cost is $2,624 below the state average for similar programs!

Also offers: MA in Religion

LPTS has a long history of reaching across cultural and religious divides to produce compassionate, effective, inspirational leaders. Graduates have become pastors, chaplains, social justice advocates, non-profit leaders, and community organizers. The community support you receive here will enhance your spiritual, ethical, and professional development over the course of the program through resources such as the Womens Center. As a notably family-friendly campus, LPTS also make a great choice for students with families.

Lexington Theological Seminary
Lexington, KY

Website

lexington theological seminary logo

Master of Divinity (hybrid)

Total Estimated Cost: $38,760
Cost Per Credit: $510 

Also offers: Master in Pastoral Studies; Master of Theological Studies

LTS is dedicated to offering a 100 percent online, hybrid model of study that delivers a modern approach to a more than 150-year tradition of pastoral study. Affordability is part of the package, but youre not sacrificing a sense of support or community here, which is part of what has led the school to a nearly 90 percent retention rate for the most recent school year in which data was available. And the online presence has drawn in students from 34 states, giving you a broadly intercultural experience in your class.

LOUISIANA - State average: $23,940

New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary
New Orleans, LA

Website

new orleans baptist theological seminary logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus, online)

  • Standard Track
  • Biblical Languages
  • Biblical Studies
  • Chaplaincy/Pastoral Care
  • Christian Apologetics
  • Christian Education
  • Christian Leadership
  • Christian Theology
  • Christian Thought
  • Church Music
  • Church Planting
  • Collegiate Ministry
  • Counseling (non-licensure)
  • Evangelistic Church Growth
  • Expository Preaching
  • Islamic Studies
  • Marriage and Family Counseling
  • Mentoring
  • Ministry to Women
  • Missions
  • Pastoral Ministry
  • Philosophy
  • Urban Missions
  • Worship Ministries

Total Estimated Cost: $23,940
Cost Per Credit: $285

Total cost is consistent with the state average for similar programs.

Also offers: MA Apologetics; MA Biblical Archaeology; MA Biblical Studies; MA Cross-Cultural Studies; MA Philosophy; MA Theology; MA in Christian Apologetics; MA in Christian Education; MA in Church and Community Ministries; MA in Counseling (Specialization in Clinical Mental Health); MA in Counseling (Specialization in Marriage and Family); MA in Discipleship; MA in Missiology; MA in Ministry Leadership; MA in Ministry to Women; MA in Pastoral Ministry; MA in Worship Ministries; Master of Theological Studies; Master of Music in Church Music; Master of Theology

You can tell just by looking at the more than 20 specializations available for the NOBTS MDiv that this is a school that values giving students options. A curriculum tailored to your specific calling is just the beginning. Characteristic excellence is a key value here, expressed through helping every student develop into the kind of servant leader that Christ intended. Youll find the New Orleans setting an ideal reflection of the kind of combination of scholarship, practicality, and accessibility that NOBTS offers. Its a seminary that is as one-of-a-kind as the city where it lives, and as the most affordable, and only, program in Louisiana, its a clear choice for students from across the Southeast.

MAINE - State average: $35,820

Saint Joseph's College of Maine
Standish, ME

Website

saint josephs college of maine logo

Master of Divinity (online)

Total Estimated Cost: $35,820
Cost Per Credit: $398

Total cost is consistent with the state average for similar programs.

Also offers: MA in Theology (Pastoral Theology, Sacred Theology, Advanced Diaconal Studies)

Saint Joes, as it is lovingly referred to by both students and alums, offers you a community that will grow your talents, shape your ambitions, hone your innovation, and give you the tools you need to help build a more compassionate world. Youll find staff and professors interested in boosting your professional development as well as mastering coursework. Your fellow students will pull together with you to lighten the load of study. And an active campus ministry helps fuse faith with daily life throughout your training.

MARYLAND - State average: $27,000

Maple Springs Baptist Bible College & Seminary
Capitol Heights, MD

Website

maple springs baptist bible college logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus)

  • New Testament
  • Old Testament
  • Christian Counseling
  • Church Administration

Total Estimated Cost: $27,000
Cost Per Credit: $300

Total cost is consistent with the state average for similar programs.

Also offers: MA in Biblical Studies; MA in Christian Counseling

Youll get a comprehensive graduate education in divinity here at a low cost that is dropped even lower by generous scholarship options available at the school. The program itself delivers a healthy balance of biblical, theological, historical, and practical studies to prepare you for a wide range of different positions in or out of the ministry. Once youve graduated, your ties to MSBBC&S will be kept strong through an active alumni association.

MASSACHUSETTS - State average: $78,441

Hellenic College
Holy Cross Greek School of Theology

Brookline, MA

Website

hellenic college logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus)

Total Estimated Cost: $66,156
Cost Per Credit: $731

Total cost is $12,285 below the state average for similar programs! 

Also offers: Master of Theological Studies; Master of Theology

Education at Hellenic goes hand-in-hand with the schools mission to elevate the whole person of each student. Youll pursue higher education here to develop your moral and spiritual self as well as to follow intellectual pursuits. And culture is an integral part of the education, with the Archbishop Iaokovos Collection of the personal effects of His Eminence reflecting almost 40 years of leadership and ministry on two continents. The Office of Vocation and Ministry further supports your goals through various student programs such as vocation retreats, leadership workshops, and career services counseling.

Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary
Boston, MA

Website

gordon conwell logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus, online, hybrid)

Total Estimated Cost: $67,500
Cost Per Credit: $750

Total cost is $10,941 below the state average for similar programs!

Also offers: MA in Theological Studies; MA in Christian Ministries; Master of Theology

Fulfilling a calling to vocational ministry is what the program at Gordon Conwell is all about. Coming from the strong working-class tradition of Boston, GCTS nonetheless offers cutting-edge educational innovation. The school remains priced for students of every background, however. Online student life support keeps you connected to the community no matter where you will be studying. Hybrid learning options also give you a chance to change up your training from online to on-campus, taking advantage of the array of local campuses the school supports from Florida to North Carolina to Massachusetts. Your urban ministry skills have a chance to be sharpened at the Boston location, known as the Campus for Urban Ministerial Education, an international leader in the field.

Boston University
School of Theology

Boston, MA

Website

boston university theology logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus)

  • Pastoral Ministry
  • Global and Community Engagement
  • Religion and the Academy
  • Organizational Management
  • Chaplaincy
  • Interfaith Leadership
  • Theology and the Arts

Total Estimated Cost: $69,116
Cost Per Credit: $934

Total cost is $9,325 below the state average for similar programs!

Also offers: Master of Theological Studies; Master of Sacred Music; Master of Sacred Theology

Transformation happens every day at the BU School of Theology. A world-famous program anchored by renowned faculty and a rigorous curriculum, no student passes through this MDiv without deep spiritual formation and fresh inspiration to the ministry. At the same time, BU recognizes that every calling is unique, and strives to present each student with unique opportunities through the track-based system to get exactly the education they need. With 21 different student interest groups, you will be sure to find others on campus who are on a similar path, and enjoy their fellowship and support. And with an 11-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio, you will also enjoy unparalleled support from your professors.

MICHIGAN - State average: $46,885

Andrews University
Seventh-Day Adventist Theological Seminary

Berrien Springs, MI

Website

andrews university logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus, online)

  • Chaplaincy
  • Youth and Young Adult Ministry
  • Marriage and Family Ministry

Total Estimated Cost: $22,230
Cost Per Credit: $285

Total cost is $24,655 below the state average for similar programs!

Also offers: MA of Pastoral Ministry; MA in Religion; MA in Discipleship in Lifespan Education; MS in Community and International Development-MA in Youth and Young Adult Ministry; MA in Discipleship in Lifespan Education-MSW; MA in Religious Education

A multi-cultural student population of more than 400 complements internationally-renowned faculty members in this program with global scope and recognition. Kept affordable by design, the seminary still manages not to sacrifice quality or experience. The Seminary Online Learning Center (SOLC) is a high-tech solution to remote studies, using cutting-edge technology to keep students connected from anywhere. With nine other on-campus centers for research and ministry, from the Global Research Center to the International Religious Liberty Institute, there are plenty of experts and learning opportunities to be found in every specialization or niche.

Western Theological Seminary
Holland, MI

Website

western theological seminary logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus, online)

Total Estimated Cost: $44,805
Cost Per Credit: $515

Total cost is $2,080 below the state average for similar programs!

Also offers: MA in Christian Studies; Master of Theology

The fact that students plan and lead chapel services at Western every Monday through Thursday tells you all you need to know about the commitment here to practical ministry education. Internship settings include congregational placements, hospitals, parachurch organizations, and faith-based agencies among others. You can tune your studies to almost any kind of ministry practice, and faculty work hard to match you with placements that offer the best fit. Student support services help you through the entire program, from the Student Assistance Program that delivers counseling and spiritual direction, to formative workshops and other campus events that educate you for ministry.

MINNESOTA - State average: $51,526

University of Northwestern-St. Paul
College of Graduate and Online Adult Learning

St. Paul, MN

Website

university northwestern st paul logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus, online)

  • Biblical Studies
  • Clinical Pastoral Education
  • Educational Studies
  • Human Services
  • Organizational Leadership
  • Practical Theology

Total Estimated Cost: $37,924
Cost Per Credit: $499

Total cost is $13,602 below the state average for similar programs!

Also offers: MA in Ministry Leadership (Pastoral Leadership, Organizational Leadership, Biblical Studies, Theological Studies, Human Services, Educational Studies, Clinical Pastoral Education); MA in Theological Studies (Biblical Studies, Cultural Engagement, and Ministry Leadership); MA in Theological Studies

A recent survey of Northwestern grads found that 92 percent of them felt professionally prepared by the education they received here. Thats what is in store for you, too, with a curriculum that is rooted in Scripture and designed to develop your abilities to analyze theology and doctrine, think critically, and communicate effectively with your congregation and community. Students also give a great deal of credit to their advisors and professors, who stay close and offer real care and attention throughout the program. Youll be inspired as well as instructed by these expert faculty. The campus setting, for in-person instruction, is also perfect for contemplation and spiritual reflection on the shores of beautiful Lake Johanna.

Bethel University
Seminary

St. Paul, MN

Website

bethel u logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus, online)

Total Estimated Cost: $39,624
Cost Per Credit: $508

Total cost is $11,902 below the state average for similar programs!

Also offers: MA in Christian Thought; MA in Theological Studies; MA in Ministry

Bethel delivers both the skills and knowledge to ascend to leadership in the church. Become a pastor or a chaplain, train others as a teacher, or go on to doctoral studies—it’s all available to you through the comprehensive education and spiritual transformation of the MDiv degree here. After 145 years in operation, Bethel is clearly doing something right when it comes to training for the ministry. By tapping into your passion, the school can prepare you for everything from youth ministry to urban community leadership. Through the three centers philosophy, Bethel offers you a strong biblical foundation, strength of leadership, and an impeccable spiritual character to go forth and fulfill your calling.

Crown College
Saint Bonifacius, MN

Website

crown college logo

Master of Divinity (online)

  • Church Development
  • Community Development
  • Disaster and Emergency Management
  • Executive Leadership
  • Hmong Ministry
  • Intercultural Ministries
  • International Christian Education
  • Media Ministry
  • Non-profit Leadership
  • Pastoral Counseling
  • Pastoral Leadership
  • Spiritual Formation
  • Theological Studies
  • Urban Ministry

Total Estimated Cost: $41,400
Cost Per Credit: $575

Total cost is $10,126 below the state average for similar programs!

Also offers: MA in Christian Studies; MA in Ministry Leadership; MA in Pastoral Counseling; Accelerated Masters in Ministry

Crown views spiritual formation as a lifelong journey, not a checkmark on the box of your college education. Youll learn to think and act with theological convocation and clarity here, yet maintain an openness to personal growth and inspiration that will last through your entire career in ministry and life with the Lord. Beyond that, you are trained to empower other leaders, enhancing the impact of your individual ministry by inspiring others. Not only does Crown make it all affordable, but also easy, with a Canvas-based virtual classroom that is open 24/7 to fit your life and commitments.

United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities
Minneapolis, MN

Website

united theological seminary twin cities logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus, online, hybrid)

  • Interreligious Chaplaincy
    • Islamic focus
  • Social Transformation
  • Theology and the Arts
  • Church Leadership
  • Methodist Studies
  • Presbyterian Studies
  • UCC Studies
  • UU Studies
  • Bahá’í Pastoral Care
  • Spiritual Direction
  • Biblical Studies
  • Religion and Theology
  • General Studies

Total Estimated Cost: $47,880
Cost Per Credit: $575

Total cost is $3,646 below the state average for similar programs!

Also offers: MA Theology and the Arts; MA Ethics and Justice; MA Religion and Theology; MA Biblical Studies; MA Bahá’í Studies; Master of Arts in Leadership (Faith Formation, Spiritual Direction, Specialized Ministry)

United delivers a low-cost education with an incredible number of concentration options. Youre encouraged to ask big questions, take big risks, and grow your capacity as a leader and a human being in the process. Support for your personal and social transformation comes from fellow students and staff from diverse backgrounds and perspectives who nonetheless offer you every part of themselves to help you through the program. A particular focus on the intersectionality of spirituality and the arts makes this a great school for creative souls. No matter what, youll find a great education and a great experience through this open and affirming community.

MISSOURI - State average: $50,574

Urshan Graduate School of Theology
Wentzville, MO

Website

urshan college logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus)

  • General Studies
  • Arts and Worship
  • Intercultural Studies
  • Pastoral Care and Counseling
  • Historical Studies
  • Biblical Theological Studies

Total Estimated Cost: $28,800
Cost Per Credit: $400

Total cost is $21,774 below the state average for similar programs!

Also offers: Master of Theological Studies (General, Research); MA in Christian Ministry (General Studies, Arts and Worship, Intercultural Studies, Pastoral Care and Counseling)

UGST equips students for service in the church and to the world. Global leaders emerge from the program here, with big ambitions fueled by the big support you get for your calling throughout the program. Core values of Scriptural fidelity, spiritual empowerment, and personal integrity come together to make the student body here a diverse, collegial group who create a community you will come to love. Academic excellence is provided by a core of experienced, highly credentialed faculty who subscribe to the same servant-leadership model that they teach.

Calvary University
Kansas City, MO

Website

calvary university logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus, online)

  • Pastoral Ministry
  • General Ministry

Total Estimated Cost: $30,525
Cost Per Credit: $407

Total cost is $20,049 below the state average for similar programs!

Also offers: MA in Bible and Theology

If you are ready to grow, you a ready for Calvary. The MDiv program here is a course of study that will prepare you for ministry through intensive Scriptural study in the original languages and strong theological perspectives grounded in research. You will graduate equipped with a philosophy of ministry and practice you will develop individually but with strong support along the way. The school prides itself on delivering high quality at a low cost, delivering an excellent education that will have churches clamoring to hire you.

Baptist Bible College
Theological Seminary

Springfield, MO

Website

baptist bible college logo

Master of Divinity (online)

Total Estimated Cost: $31,875
Cost Per Credit: $425

Total cost is $18,699 below the state average for similar programs!

Also offers: MA in Bible Counseling; MA in Church Ministry

BBC has such an impact on students that they sometimes call themselves Life Change U.” The threefold mission of the school is to develop your head, heart, and hands: Biblical knowledge, faith, and community and global awareness. With those tools, students have taken their evangelism on the road, performing effective ministry work both close to home and worldwide. If you want to make a difference, no matter where you are, BBC has the tools and the knowledge to help.

Nazarene Theological Seminary
Kansas City, MO

Website

nazarene theological seminary logo

Master of Divinity (hybrid)

  • Pastoral Ministry
  • Chaplaincy
  • Custom

Total Estimated Cost: $41,040
Cost Per Credit: $540

Total cost is $9,534 below the state average for similar programs!

Also offers: MA in Transformational Leadership (Intercultural Studies, Nonprofit Management, Organizational Leadership, Curriculum and Design, Ministerial Entrepreneurship, Music or the Arts, Media and Communications, Urban Renewal, Spiritual Direction, Age-level Ministries, Church planting development or evangelism); MA in Theological Studies

You cant look at what NTS offers without the term forward-thinking” coming to mind. Whether its a dedicated on-campus center dedicated to imagining the possibilities of womens contributions in ministry to the development of a dedicated mobile app to offer student services, NTS is clearly on the cutting edge of whats possible in ministry education today. A hybrid program takes full advantage of the possibilities, building in both flexibility and community to give you the best of both worlds. And with on-campus intensives baked in, you wont miss out on the strong community formation that comes from gathering for worship, sharing meals, and taking part in on-campus events one week per semester.

Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
Kansas City, MO

Website

midwestern baptist theological seminary logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus, online)

  • Preaching and Pastoral Ministry
  • Worship Ministries
  • Womens Ministry
  • Biblical Education
  • Christian Education
  • Church Planting
  • Biblical Counseling
  • International Church Planting
  • Leadership
  • Youth Ministry
  • Biblical Languages

Total Estimated Cost: $43,650
Cost Per Credit: $485

Total cost is $6,924 below the state average for similar programs! 

Also offers: Master of Theological Studies (Church Planting, Church Revitalization, Biblical Counseling, Leadership, Discipleship Ministries, Missions, Preaching and Pastoral Ministry, Womens Ministry, Worship Ministry); MA (Biblical Counseling, Christian Education, Worship Ministries, Ministry Service)

MBTS is dedicated to producing pastor-theologians, experts in knowledge of Scripture and doctrine who also have advanced pastoral care skills. A broad range of specializations can develop your skills toward almost any calling, and the schools innovative Timothy Track, if you qualify, can give you a unique set of on-the-ground experiences in a tight-knit community of supportive fellow students and mentors. With a vibrant on-campus experience but extensive online connections and support, MBTS is a great choice whether you pursue their residential or online program options.

Evangelical University
Assemblies of God Theological Seminary

Springfield, MO

Website

evangelical university agts logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus, online, hybrid)

  • Expository Preaching
  • Islamic Studies
  • Military and Institutional Chaplaincy

Total Estimated Cost: $44,070
Cost Per Credit: $565

Total cost is $6,504 below the state average for similar programs!

Also offers: MA in Theological Studies; Master of Leadership and Ministry; Master of Theology

You might be able to tell from the concentrations available that AGTS has a high level of expertise in preparing military chaplains for service. Accustomed to helping candidates meet both denominational and branch requirements, and with flexible study options that match the military lifestyle, you wont go wrong choosing Evangels MDiv as a service chaplain. But the course of study here is flexible and deep enough to pursue almost any kind of ministry, with experiential learning in local districts and churches to give you all-important hands-on experience. The school has a strong belief that education doesnt happen just in the classroom, so in addition to field placements, you should expect plenty of support for social, personal, and spiritual growth outside of class hours.

Eden Theological Seminary
Saint Louis, MO

Website

eden theological seminary logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus)

Total Estimated Cost: $45,000
Cost Per Credit: $625

Total cost is $5,574 below the state average for similar programs!

Also offers: Master of Theological Studies (Bible, Historical, Theological, Ethical Studies)

Springing from the needs of frontier churches, ETS believes that community can be transformative. They have done their level best to putting together a comprehensive education that still offers an intimate, interconnected setting. You live, learn, and worship alongside classmates from all kinds of backgrounds and varied denominations. And as a proud icon in the larger community of St. Louis, the school also encourages your engagement with issues of racial justice, equality, and social transformation. Your voice is a welcome addition, and your educational experience will be both affordable and holistic.

NEW JERSEY - State average: $54,794

Seton Hall University
Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology

South Orange, NJ

Website

seton hall u logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus)

Total Estimated Cost: $51,948
Cost Per Credit: $702

Total cost is $2,846 below the state average for similar programs! 

Also offers: MA in Jewish-Christian Studies; MA in Theology (Biblical studies, Moral Theology, Systematic Theology, Church History       Jewish-Christian Studies); MA in Pastoral Ministry

Personal, academic, ministerial, and spiritual formation have been the pillars of building men for the priesthood at Seton Hall since the 1860s. This storied Catholic seminary might well have been your top choice for the MDiv even before you found out that it was among the lowest priced programs in the state. Your studies take place on the larger campus of Seton Hall University, surrounded by experts in a wide range of areas both spiritual and secular. Campus resources such as the Institute for Christian Spirituality and the G.K. Chesterton Institute for Faith and Culture represent expertise you can tap into to take your studies and your calling in almost any direction.

New Brunswick Theological Seminary
New Brunswick, NJ

Website

new brunswick theological seminary logo

Master of Divinity (hybrid, online)

Total Estimated Cost: $54,675
Cost Per Credit: $675

Total cost is $119 below the state average for similar programs!

Also offers: MA in Pastoral Care and Counseling; MA in Theological Studies (Biblical Studies Concentration, Theology and Public Policy Concentration, Ministry in the Church Concentration Individualized Concentration)

Your studies at NBTS will lead you to think critically, act justly, and lead faithfully… all critical skills for a future pastor. Its a justice-oriented MDiv program with a vocational focus that gives you hands-on preparation for ministry, advocacy, or even non-profit management. A flexible online or hybrid class offering is complemented by an elastic time to complete the degree—you set your own pace here! A frequent calendar of events offers opportunities for learning and fellowship outside of class, helping develop your community ties alongside your expertise in ministry.

Drew University
Madison, NJ

Website

drew university logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus, online, hybrid)

  • Congregational Ministries
  • United Methodist Congregational Ministries
  • Social Justice Advocacy
  • Chaplaincy Ministries

Total Estimated Cost: $55,536
Cost Per Credit: $712

Also offers: MA in Religion (General Studies, Bible and Cultures, Theology and Philosophy, Religion and Society, self-declared); MA in Theology and Ministry; Master of Sacred Theology

Drew offers the education you need to answer your call to the ministry. From community organizing to producing congregational leaders and ordained ministers, this comprehensive MDiv hands you the tools to do Gods work. A flexible approach to studying here means you may take classes entirely online in video conferencing courses, in the glorious Seminary Hall on campus, or through off-campus immersion courses that put you in the thick of real-world studies. Drews MDiv marches to the beat of a different drummer, while still inculcating you with the kind of deep Scriptural and theological knowledge you need in the ministry.

NEW YORK - State average: $50,730

St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary
Yonkers, NY

Website

st vladimirs seminary logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus)

Total Estimated Cost: $37,800
Cost Per Credit: $525

Total cost is $12,930 below the state average for similar programs!

St. Vladimirs traces a lineage of Orthodox Christianity in America back through 1794, but its a school that has kept up with the challenges of service in the 21st Century. A flexible program that is nonetheless rigorous and focused, youll find tradition woven together with modern tools and techniques. The school still believes in the importance of music in worship, and incorporates it into the MDiv program. The seminary has been a valued and respected member of the Yonkers community since 2962, recognized and honored by both the city, county, and state. A diverse and enriching community that reflects both Yonkers and the world, youll feel right at home no matter what your background.

Northeastern Seminary
Rochester, NY

Website

northeastern seminary logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus, online)

  • Advanced Bible Study
  • Chaplaincy
  • Christian Spiritual Formation
  • Theology and Social Justice
  • Transformational Leadership
  • Denominational Studies

Total Estimated Cost: $44,240
Cost Per Credit: $553

Total cost is $6,490 below the state average for similar programs!

Also offers: MA in Theology and Social Justice; MA in Theological Studies; MA in Spiritual Formation, MA in Ministry Practice

Northeastern offers this highly customizable MDiv both online and on-campus, but it offers a transformational experience either way. A unique seminary-wide course sequence introduces you to the Great Conversation, exploring Christian history and developing your individual sense of spirituality. That builds a sense of community and camaraderie, one that extends beyond graduation—alumni enjoy ongoing benefits in career advising, job search, resume writing, and even mock interviews. The diversity, with online students from all over the world and 30 different denominations represented, expands your perspectives and strengthens your convictions in this affordable, affecting program.

Unification Theological Seminary
New York, NY

Website

unification theological seminary logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus, online)

  • Youth Ministry
  • Campus Ministry
  • Interfaith Ministry
  • Pastoral Care
  • Social Justice Ministry

Total Estimated Cost: $45,200
Cost Per Credit: $565

Total cost is $5,530 below the state average for similar programs!

Community life at UTS is considered a vital part of your Master of Divinity education. Organized daily chapel services not only foster your connection to God, but also bring in a variety of noted speakers and offer an opportunity for student-led worship. Extracurricular service opportunities hone your faith too, along with encouragement in participation in services at other local churches. With broad cultural horizons and strong academic support, you can take your UTS education and turn it into extraordinary support for your calling, no matter what your destination.

Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School
Rochester, NY

Website

colgate rochester crozer divinity school logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus)

Total Estimated Cost: $46,644
Cost Per Credit: $598

Total cost is $4,086 below the state average for similar programs! 

Also offers: MA in Theological Studies; MA in Religious Studies

CRC takes a completely fresh approach to the Master of Divinity degree. Usually seen as a specialized course of study to prepare candidates for ordination, the MDiv here is instead presented as a Swiss Army knife that can lead not only to ordination, but also chaplaincy, church administration, youth work, or even education. Although faithful to its distinctive identity, the school prepares ministers for many different denominations. The schools unique heritage as a merger between three different seminaries with different roots gives you a diverse set of traditions to stand for, including the Social Gospel and American Civil Rights movements.

St. Bernard’s School of Theology and Ministry
Rochester, NY

Website

st bernards logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus, online)

Total Estimated Cost: $49,320
Cost Per Credit: $685

Total cost is $1,410 below the state average for similar programs! 

Also offers: MA in Theological Studies (Biblical Studies, Historical Theology, Systematic Theology, Pastoral Theology); MA in Pastoral Studies; MA in Catholic Philosophy

You are assured of getting a dynamic but extensive education in the critical areas of theology and ministry here at St. Bernards, combining in-depth explorations of the various dimensions of formation with practical applications of your newfound tools and expertise. Founded in 1893, the Roman Catholic foundations offer the very best of American Catholic philosophical and theological traditions. At the same time, tradition can be found blended with the practical advantages of high-tech modern life through the robust online distance learning option. Access to online resources such as the Academic Writing Services as well as library references through Populi makes this school a strong candidate for students anywhere in the country.

New York Theological Seminary
New York, NY

Website

new york theological seminary logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus, hybrid)

Total Estimated Cost: $50,040
Cost Per Credit: $695

Total cost is $690 below the state average for similar programs!

Also offers: MA in Pastoral Care and Counseling (Buddhist track); MA in Religious Education (Youth Ministry concentration); MA in Transformational Leadership and Administration

Ministry studies in the Big Apple offer advantages you wont find anywhere else in the country: strong traditions, a vast multicultural canvas of humanity, and inclusiveness that comes from experience. NYTS has a strong intellectual and moral legacy as a foundation, in one of the major cities of the world, buzzing with potential. Youll tap into a community of proud roots and forward-thinking practices that offer strong training for social justice and organizational skills for the modern world. The hybrid program options show how well the school has kept up with modern tools, though, allowing you to tap into this low-cost but priceless education from anywhere in the country.

NORTH CAROLINA - State average: $51,085

Manna University
Fayetteville, NC

Website

manna university logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus, online)

  • Chaplaincy
    • Community
    • Military
  • Intercultural Studies
  • Pastoral Ministry

Total Estimated Cost: $21,000
Cost Per Credit: $280

Total cost is $30,085 below the state average for similar programs! 

Also offers: MA in Biblical Studies; MA in Christian Leadership (Biblical Studies, Intercultural Studies, Organizational Leadership, Worship Ministry); MA in Religious Studies

    • Abilene, TX
    • Chapel Hill, NC
    • Columbia, NC
    • Lafayette, LA
    • Newport News, VA
    • Weldon, NC

Manna is quick to point out that the 12 Apostles were all from different backgrounds, overlooked by traditional religious leaders of their era. That fact is a touchstone for the divinity program here, following Jesus’ path in offering a transformational course of instruction to individuals from every culture and background. Co-located with the broadcast location of Manna Church, practical experience in a wide variety of ministries can be had at one of the largest and fastest-growing churches in the U.S. You’ll find a strong community exists that promotes relationships with both other students and faculty, for a web of support that extends across the nation.

Carolina University
Piedmont Divinity School

Winston-Salem, NC

Website

carolina university logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus, online)

Total Estimated Cost: $28,330
Cost Per Credit: $395

Total cost is $22,755 below the state average for similar programs!

Also offers: MA in Ministry (Portuguese, Spanish, English); MA in Biblical Studies

Piedmont combines a rich heritage with a strong and deserved reputation for cutting-edge innovation. Put that together with the affordability and flexibility that comes with their online MDiv program, and you have a recipe for a degree that can prepare almost any type of student for service in a dynamic church environment, theological research, or chaplaincy. By studying at a major Christian university, you tap into the strength of diversity and strong programs in many related fields. You also join a global family of pastors, missionaries, chaplains, educators, and leaders who are eager to help make your life in the ministry a success after graduation.

Gardner-Webb University
School of Divinity

Boiling Springs, NC

Website

gardner webb university logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus, online, hybrid)

  • Pastoral Studies
  • Biblical Studies
  • Congregational Health Through Formation: Christian Education
  • Pastoral Care and Counseling
  • Missiology
  • Intercultural Studies

Total Estimated Cost: $39,390
Cost Per Credit: $505

Total cost is $11,695 below the state average for similar programs!

Also offers: MA in Religion

Gardener-Webb offers a pathway for you to not just develop theological and practical ministry skills, but also to uncover your personal gifts, talents, and abilities along the way—and tap into the best ways to apply them in your own individual call to the ministry. Thats also reflected in the wealth of dual-degree options available, which let you hone your expertise through multiple masters to take on new and interesting aspects of ministry according to your own plan. No matter what, you will graduate with leadership skills forged in a supportive and diverse Christian environment.

Charlotte Christian College and Theological Seminary
Department of Pastoral Studies

Charlotte, NC

Website

charlotte christian college logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus, online)

  • Chaplaincy
  • Pastoral Counseling
  • General Pastoral Studies

Total Estimated Cost: $44,640
Cost Per Credit: $465

Total cost is $6,445 below the state average for similar programs!

Also offers: MA in Biblical Studies (Old Testament, New Testament, Theology); MA in Urban Christian Ministry (Multi-Cultural Studies, Youth Ministry)

CCCTS offers a non-traditional fast-track approach to educating divinity students that delivers an affordable but comprehensive preparation for ministry. Eight-week block classes move you through subjects quickly, with always some new and exciting class on the horizon. At the same time, the CCCTS family will ensure you never have to worry about getting left behind, with close ties developed among students as well as strong support services like tutoring and advising coming through the school itself. Youll graduate with a high level of academic accomplishment, strong interpersonal skills, and a rock-like foundation in your individual moral constitution to base a career in ministry upon.

Shaw University
Divinity School

Raleigh, NC

Website

shaw university logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus)

Total Estimated Cost: $45,084
Cost Per Credit: $578

Total cost is $6,001 below the state average for similar programs!

A rich Baptist heritage backs up the educational programs at Shaw. That tradition remains a strong point of connection with the regional church community, with many of them hosting Shaw Day observances to showcase the university and affirm the contributions made by both student volunteers and graduates from the school. Experiential learning is a crucial component of the Shaw experience, and the ELCD center has the resources to connect MDiv students with graduate internships to help polish your pastoral skills in the field.

Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary
Wake Forest, NC

Website

southeastern baptist theological seminary logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus, online)

  • Preaching and Pastoral Ministry
  • Christian Ministry
  • Student Ministry
  • Christian Ethics
  • Biblical Counseling
  • Ministry Leadership
  • Ministry to Women
  • Christian Apologetics
  • Advanced Biblical Studies
  • Worship Leadership
  • Missiology
  • North American Church Planting
  • International Church Planting
  • Advanced
  • Church Revitalization

Total Estimated Cost: $49,329
Cost Per Credit: $609

Total cost is $1,756 below the state average for similar programs!

Also offers: MA in Worship Ministry; MA in Biblical Counseling; MA in Christian Education (Bible Counseling); MA in Church Planting; MA in Ministry Leadership; MA in Ministry to Women; MA in Philosophy of Religion; MA in Biblical and Theological Studies; MA in Biblical Languages; MA in Christian Studies; MA in Ethics Theology and Culture; MA in New Testament; MA in Old Testament; MA in Christian Marriage Family and Individual Counseling; MA in Christian Ministry; MA in Intercultural Studies; MA in Student Ministry; MA in Church Revitalization; MA in Ministry to Women with Biblical Counseling

As a Great Commission seminary, SBTS seeks to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ and spread His love and acceptance around the globe. You never have to worry about where your courses here are focused with a clear mission and inspired, compassionate instructors leading the way. Youll find your own leadership skills being developed through in-depth, challenging courses that revolve around specializations that develop your unique calling to its full potential.

Campbell University
The Divinity School

Buies Creek, NC

Website

campbell university logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus, hybrid)

  • Biblical Studies
  • Christian Education
  • Counseling and Chaplaincy
  • Historical and Theological Studies
  • Missions and Evangelism
  • Music and Worship
  • Preaching and Pastoral Ministry

Total Estimated Cost: $52,200
Cost Per Credit: $580

Also offers: MA in Christian Ministry (Christian Education, Church Music and Worship, Congregational Leadership, Ministry to Children, Teaching the Bible, Youth Ministry); MA in Faith and Leadership Formation

The Campbell Divinity School is well aware that a calling can lead you in unexpected directions. Thats why this low-cost program offers robust preparation that can take you in any direction of service, from education to a career as a pastor. Youll find that professors here are also partners, with the school taking a strong interest in your individual preferences. In fact, the Student Advisory Leadership Team takes part in decision making for the school as a hole, hosting fellowship events and facilitating mission-focused projects designed by the student body.

OHIO - State average: $61,554

Winebrenner Theological Seminary
Findlay, OH

Website

winebrenner theological seminary logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus)

Total Estimated Cost: $10,773
Cost Per Credit: $133

Total cost is $50,781 below the state average for similar programs! 

Also offers: MA in Practical Theology (Pastoral Care and Counseling, Homiletics, Christian Worship, Leadership Communication, History and Polity, Spiritual Formation, Discipleship Ministries, Spiritual Direction, Formational Prayer, Human Growth and Development, Group Counseling, Career Counseling, Multicultural Counseling, Counseling Children and Adolescents, Family Relations, Counseling the Dying and Grieving, Addictions and Counseling)

A rigorous education of the whole person is one of the key features of an MDiv at Winebrenner. You can expect a place at the table in this welcoming, grace-filled community, which will offer you support through the course of the demanding, but fulfilling program of study here. Youll develop the education and skills you need for effective service in lay or ordained ministry, all at an incredibly low price not just for the state, but for the country! Winebrenner is a school that builds its identity around its students, not a campus, and so youll find every class is focused on your needs and calling.

Cedarville University
School of Biblical and Theological Studies

Saint Louis, OH

Website

cedarville university logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus)

  • Academic Ministry
  • Biblical Apologetics
  • Biblical Care and Counseling
  • Missions
  • Pastoral Ministry
  • Womens Ministry
  • Worship and Theology
  • Youth and Family Ministry

Total Estimated Cost: $31,521
Cost Per Credit: $399

Total cost is $30,033 below the state average for similar programs!

Also offers: Master of Ministry; MA in Biblical Leadership; MA in Worship and Theology

Field experience is the name of the game in Cedarvilles School of Biblical and Theological Studies MDiv program. Guided ministry work starts as soon as you do, and builds to a full internship experience by the end of your studies. With a strong academic backing from coursework in one of eight different concentrations, youll be set for success. As a comprehensive university, Cedarville also puts you shoulder-to-shoulder with many other future professionals in different fields, expanding your horizons and developing your skills as a multicultural minister.

Payne Theological Seminary
Wilberforce, OH

Website

payne theological seminary logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus, online)

Total Estimated Cost: $49,200
Cost Per Credit: $600

Total cost is $12,354 below the state average for similar programs!

Payne offers an environment of tolerance and excellence, with the community giving both support and upholding high standards for every student enrolled here. In the finest tradition of servant leadership, youll find experienced, expert professors who are compassionate and invested in making your MDiv experience a success. Affiliations with both the African Methodist Episcopal Church and the Anderson Ecumenical Institute offer inroads for experiential learning and future employment. With top-notch student and academic services behind you all the way, your odds of getting the job you want with a PTS MDiv behind you are some of the highest in the state!

Ashland University
Ashland Theological Seminary

Ashland, OH

Website

ashland university logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus, online, hybrid)

  • Chaplaincy

Total Estimated Cost: $50,400
Cost Per Credit: $630

Total cost is $11,154 below the state average for similar programs!

Also offers: MA in Biblical Studies; MA in Black Church Studies; MA in Historical and Theological Studies

Ashland recognizes that effective ministry evolves with culture. Todays pastors face more challenges than ever, which is why they have built a comprehensive MDiv offering that steps up your skills, devotion, and critical knowledge to successful navigate modern ministry demands. Even better, the program is built around the realities of modern life, which means it can be conducted both in-person and remote, with on-demand classes that are available when you have time for them. Better yet, you can mix and match in a hybrid style that delivers the right kind of class to match the coursework involved. All those options at one of the most affordable prices in the state make this a program worth considering for anyone!

Capital University
Trinity Lutheran Seminary

Columbus, OH

Website

capital university trinity logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus)

Total Estimated Cost: $53,760
Cost Per Credit: $640

Total cost is $7,794 below the state average for similar programs! 

Also offers: MA in Youth and Family Ministry; Master of Theological Studies (option to combine with JD); Master of Sacred Theology (Biblical Studies, Mission and Evangelism, Pastoral Leadership and Practice, Theological Studies)

Contextual education is the biggest emphasis at Capital, which you can immediately spot in their well-designed internship program. With a full two years of on-site pastoral ministry work, punctuated with intensive return visits to campus and part-time online studies, you get far more real-world experience than most seminary programs can offer. At the same time, you get full support from classmates and faculty during your immersion, smoothing your entry to the ministry. Capital offers a dynamic, exciting, comprehensive ministerial education at a low price you dont want to miss.

United Theological Seminary
Datron, OH

Website

united theological seminary logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus, online)

  • Biblical Interpretation
  • Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care
  • Church Planting
  • Holy Spirit and Renewal
  • Ministry Leadership
  • Preaching
  • Wesleyan and Methodist Studies

Total Estimated Cost: $61,620
Cost Per Credit: $790

Also offers: Master of Ministry; MA in Christian Ministry; Master of Theological Studies

Enormously flexible class options and diverse Christian perspectives characterize the Master of Divinity degree program at UTS. The courses are pursued not only by traditional students from more than 30 different denominations, but also but currently working pastors and professionals who bring valuable insight to combined courses. It also helps ensure that you get a tremendously practical education, rooted in the real-world challenges of ministry, with realistic solutions and an education from faculty who have been there and know what works.

OKLAHOMA - State average: $33,378

Family of Faith Christian University
Global Awakening Theological Seminary

Shawnee, OK

Website

family of faith christian university logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus)

  • Bible
  • Ministry

Total Estimated Cost: $20,625
Cost Per Credit: $275

Total cost is $12,753 below the state average for similar programs!

Also offers: MA in Evangelism; MA in Pastoral Ministry; MA in Bible

If learning the commanded instruction to heal the sick, cast out demons, raise the dead, and minister to the poor were on your checklist for things to learn in a Master of Divinity program, then FFCU has got you covered. With a universal perspective of continuationism, youll learn in each class how the ever-living miracles brought by God and Jesus Christ continue into the present day, not just in Biblical history. The school is associated with International Christian Leadership Connections for a network of churches and training centers worldwide that help provide a quality education with local and trans local experience.

OREGON - State average: $52,120

Corban University
School of Divinity

Salem, OR

Website

corban university logo

Master of Divinity (hybrid, online)

  • Biblical Languages
  • Church Ministry

Total Estimated Cost: $38,250
Cost Per Credit: $250

Total cost is $13,870 below the state average for similar programs!

Also offers: MA in Christian Leadership (Christian Teaching, Non-Profit Leadership, Spiritual Formation)

When it comes to getting a multicultural education, West Coast campuses are hard to beat. In Corbans case, the students on campus here are actually outnumbered by worldwide students, bringing a virtual diversity to your education that few other divinity schools can match. The school places a big emphasis on accurate interpretation of scripture, which makes their Biblical Languages track even more important. Youll graduate with a solid foundation in Christian apologetics, lived theology, and have the skills to clearly communicate the gospel in any scenario.

George Fox University
Portland Seminary

Portland, OR

Website

george fox portland seminary logo

Master of Divinity (hybrid)

  • Biblical Studies
  • Chaplaincy
  • Christian History and Theology
  • Spiritual Direction
  • Spiritual Formation and Discipleship

Total Estimated Cost: $46,020
Cost Per Credit: $590

Total cost is $6,100 below the state average for similar programs!

The emphasis on spiritual formation at George Fox is front and center in this MDiv program. Youll pursue an ever-deepening sense of the reality of Jesus Christ as you progress through the program. Thats a boost to your intercultural and interpersonal relationships, and offers benefits as you learn pastoral care, preaching, and Christian leadership. Youll find clarity in Christianity both through your own spiritual development and the diversity of Christian heritages that you will find enrolled and teaching at this program.

Multnomah University
Seminary

Portland, OR

Website

multnomah university logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus, online)

  • Theological Studies
  • Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care

Total Estimated Cost: $46,401
Cost Per Credit: $595 

Total cost is $5,719 below the state average for similar programs!

Multnomah knows that you were made for more, and this MDiv sets you up for wherever the Lord has called you. The school believes that higher education is an empowering experience, and understanding the Holy path you are on requires guidance from committed, faithful faculty. You deserve to earn your MDiv at a university that believes in you, and the tight-knit Christian community here delivers the ultimate in support to help you along your path. Education goes beyond the walls of the classroom here, not just through the community, but also in a deep appreciation for Gods world and the people who inhabit it.

Western Seminary
Portland, OR

Website

western seminary logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus, online)

  • Biblical/Theological Studies
  • Chaplaincy
  • Coaching
  • Exegetical Studies
  • Pastoral Studies
  • Womens Transformational Leadership

Total Estimated Cost: $50,594
Cost Per Credit: $617

Total cost is $1,526 below the state average for similar programs!

Also offers: MA in Ministry and Leadership (Biblical/Theological Studies Chaplaincy, Coaching, Pastoral Studies, Women's Transformational Leadership); MA in Biblical and Theological Studies (Biblical Languages, Biblical/Theological Studies, Chaplaincy     Coaching, Exegetical Studies, Pastoral Studies, Women's Transformational Leadership); Master of Applied Biblical Leadership; Master of Theology (Systematic Theology, Historical Theology, Pastoral Theology, Old Testament, New Testament)

Western Seminary seems to always know exactly where you are coming from. Rather than force you to adopt a standard seminary Statement of Faith, youre allowed to create your own, expressing your denominational and personal views. Where you are concerned about cost, WS offers a low-cost program and encourages financial stewardship through schooling to keep your costs down. Where you want to know that your education will bring you knowledge and skill in your own individual ministry, Western encourages the formation of a leadership mentoring team drawn from people within that ministry already. Its a custom-tailored education at a fraction of the cost of larger seminaries, with the freedom and flexibility to be accessible to any student.

PENNSYLVANIA - State average: $62,070

Evangelical Theological Seminary
Myerstown, PA

Website

evangelical theological seminary logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus)

Total Estimated Cost: $14,256
Cost Per Credit: $198

Total cost is $47,814 below the state average for similar programs!

Also offers: MA (Ministry, Bible, Religion, Leadership, Spiritual formation)

Rooted in the Wesleyan tradition, ETS adopts the qualities of boldness and broadness in its evangelical commitments. That has resulted in many innovative and useful collaborations, including the Kairos Project through which this epic MDiv is offered. You are challenged by your coursework to become a person of skill and integrity, yet you are supported with innovative contextual learning that maintains a constant focus on your personal calling. Community and mentorship round out the experience, with not just one, but three devoted mentors for each student.

Reformed Episcopal Seminary
Blue Bell, PA

Website

reformed episcopal seminary logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus)

Total Estimated Cost: $24,500
Cost Per Credit: $345

Total cost is $37,570 below the state average for similar programs!

Also offers: MA in Theological Studies (Anglican Theology, Christian Education)

As the flagship degree at this seminary, the MDiv offers the best the school has to offer: top-notch instructors, first-rate curriculum, unparalleled rigor. Youll study with the best here, with students and faculty alike committed to orthodox biblical Christianity and integrity. The faculty have a passion for historic faith and worship of the Gospel, and youll be a good fit if you do, too. A low student-to-faculty ratio means you will have plenty of interaction along the way with experienced and expert professors.

Pittsburgh Theological Seminary
Pittsburgh, PA

Website

pittsburgh theological seminary logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus)

  • Church Planting
  • Anglican-Episcopal Studies
  • Urban Ministries

Total Estimated Cost: $38,070
Cost Per Credit: $479

Total cost is $24,000 below the state average for similar programs! 

Also offers: MA in Pastoral Studies (Anglican-Episcopal Studies, MAPS-JD); Master of Theological Studies (MTS-JD)

PTS has a lot going for it even before you realize that it offers one of the lowest cost MDivs in Pennsylvania. The school develops a deep integration between classical theological disciplines and the modern necessity of missional outreach. You will appreciate the emphasis on contextual education, as you take part in a mandatory cross-cultural mission trip and spend a full year in a ministry field placement. But along with the rigor comes flexibility in electives and learning more about your own faith as well as that of others. Graduates have gone on to further education, chaplaincies, non-profit management, church planting, and of course successful pastoral positions. Cooperative agreements with the University of Pittsburgh and Duquesne University expand your scholarly horizons even further with two dual degree options.

Eastern University
Palmer Theological Seminary and College

St. Davids, PA

Website

eastern university logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus, online, hybrid)

  • Pastoral Leadership
  • Adaptive Leadership

Total Estimated Cost: $38,454
Cost Per Credit: $493

Total cost is $23,616 below the state average for similar programs!

Also offers: MA in Theological and Cultural Anthropology; Master of Theology-Spanish; Master of Practical Theology

A deep commitment to social justice throughout the coursework and work of the faculty here characterize the Palmer program in divinity. With both online and on-campus programs, you will master six key dimensions of church practice as well as absorbing traditional knowledge of history and scripture. You wont find yourself buried in the past, however. Youll be asked to identify emerging questions within your own ministry context and learn how to apply theological thought and humanities to help answer them.

Byzantine Catholic Seminary of Saints Cyril and Methodius
Pittsburgh, PA

Website

byzantine seminary logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus, hybrid)

Total Estimated Cost: $39,750
Cost Per Credit: $375

Total cost is $22,320 below the state average for similar programs!

Also offers: Master of Arts in Theology

Youll find your gifts quickly uncovered and nurtured to maturity through this proud and effective MDiv program. As one of the foremost schools offering education in Eastern ecclesial traditions, BCS has a strong history of supporting students through a tight-knit community of active priests and accomplished professors. Spiritual guidance is a deeply integrated part of the program, with prayer rule formation and other helpful instruction offered. There is a commitment to your success as a person, a priest, and a student here that you wont soon forget.

Clarks Summit University
Baptist Bible Seminary

Clarks Summit, PA

Website

clarks summit university logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus, online, hybrid)

  • Pastoral
    • Greek
    • Non-greek
  • General
    • Greek
    • Non-greek

Total Estimated Cost: $41,325
Cost Per Credit: $475

Total cost is $20,745 below the state average for similar programs! 

Also offers: MA (Bible Language and Theology, Bible Apologetics, Languages, Studies, Church Planting and Renewal, New Testament Studies, Old Testament Studies, Theological Studies); Master of Ministry (Pastoral, General); Master of Theology

Baptist Bible Seminary is on the lookout for students who are passionate about professional ministry, value rigorous academics, and arent afraid of a practical, hands-on education. Thats exactly what they deliver, with a core curriculum of Bible and theology coursework built up into first-hand experience for excellence in ministry. Additional discounts are available to some students, which can make this already affordable program even more inexpensive. A focus on languages means your two track options can be further split into advanced standing by your command of Greek. Youll graduate with the ability to understand Scripture and deliver the healing Word of God to a hurting world.

Lancaster Bible College
Capital Seminary and Graduate School

Lancaster, PA

Website

lancaster bible college logo

Master of Divinity (online, hybrid)

  • Formational Leadership
  • Christian Care
  • Bible Exposition
  • Children and Family Ministry
  • Christian Apologetics
  • Christian Theology
  • Church Planting
  • Organization Leadership
  • Pastoral Studies
  • Worship Arts
  • Youth and Young Adult Ministry

Total Estimated Cost: $41,475
Cost Per Credit: $553

Total cost is $20,595 below the state average for similar programs!

Also offers: MA in Biblical Studies (Bible Exposition, Christian Apologetics, Theology); MA in Christian Care; MA in Ministry (Church Planting, Formational Children & Family Ministry, Leadership Studies     Pastoral Studies, Youth & Young Adult Ministry)

Intentional formation and reflective practice are two of the things that make the LBC|Capital program unique among MDivs. Foundational coursework dedicated to help you develop personal spiritual formation and ongoing support from faculty are key pieces of this distinction. Youll also have a healthy helping of cultural awareness here, with diversity addressed both through courses and your field experience. Students have gone on to become teachers, church planters, non-profit leaders, pastors, and chaplains. High tech here means high flexibility, with many concentration options and both scheduling and location based freedom through online and hybrid attendance options.

Missio Theological Seminary
Pennsylvania, PA

Website

missio theological seminary logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus)

  • Language
  • Pastoral Ministry
  • Urban Ministry
  • Counseling
  • Missiology

Total Estimated Cost: $45,780
Cost Per Credit: $545

Total cost is $16,920 below the state average for similar programs!

Also offers: MA in Ministry; MA in Missiology Theology (Ministry, Counseling); MA in Missional Theology; MA in Biblical Studies; Master of Theology (hermeneutics and biblical interpretation)

Students from Missio graduate fully equipped to enter with vocational ministry or academic or research professions. Original biblical language studies are rigorous and deep, allowing you to form your own perspectives on Scriptural text. But despite strength in ancient language programs, Missio operates with full appreciation for the modern world, tailoring their training to the messy reality that you will need to engage with as a minister. The Philadelphia location of the school makes it and ideal place to prepare for urban missions anywhere in the country. Students here feel both challenged and supported by their peers and professors.

Trinity School for Ministry
Ambridge, PA

Website

trinity school ministry logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus, hybrid)

  • Lutheran Focus
  • Presbyterian Focus

Total Estimated Cost: $50,400
Cost Per Credit: $560

Total cost is $11,670 below the state average for similar programs!

Also offers: MA in Religion [Biblical Studies, Catechesis & Christian Formation, Christian History & Theology, Christian Ministry and Missiology, Christian History & Theology (Lutheran Focus), Christian Ministry and Missiology (Lutheran Focus)]; Master of Sacred Theology (Church History, New Testament, Old Testament, Theology of the Trinity, The Atonement, Baptism, Christianity and the Arts)

When you find a school that offers Lenten Devotionals online, then you know youve found a divinity program where you can truly feel comfortable with a mostly remote course of study. Trinity is that school, and the ways they go the extra mile to support remote students will make you feel right at home. But the traditional on campus program brings you to the heart of a strong community with genuine care and accountability among students and faculty. Its a superb learning environment for the intricacies of scripture as well as the details of spiritual formation. The small-town setting means Trinity is a big part of the community, and vice versa, offering a real home-town feeling for students attending here.

Cairn University
School of Divinity

Langhome, PA

Website

cairn university logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus)

Total Estimated Cost: $58,464
Cost Per Credit: $609

Total cost is $3,606 below the state average for similar programs!

Also offers: MA in Religion; MA in Worship and Music; Master of Theology

Cairn is serious about biblical knowledge as a part of this classic Master of Divinity program. Youll study the Bible cover-to-cover, and dive in with the original Greek and Hebrew with two years of language studies. When this divinity school says they create Biblically-minded students, they mean it! But your study opportunities range far broader than just the Good Book. Guest lectures and conferences, faculty presentations, forums, and university-sponsored field trips all help you broaden your perspective and develop your ministry skills for success in the 21st century.

Bryn Athyn College of the New Church
Bryn Athyn, PA

Website

bryn athyn college logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus)

Total Estimated Cost: $59,013
Cost Per Credit: $472

Total cost is $3,057 below the state average for similar programs!

Youll be challenged here to think independently, to develop your thoughts clearly, and to communicate them effectively. Its a core concept that serves both your religious learning and your abilities to successfully minister in a modern community. That starts close to home, in delightful Bryn Athyn, home to the Glencairn Museum, the Bryn Athyn Cathedral, and Cairnwood Estate. At the same time, youre on the doorstep to busy, thriving Philadelphia, with all the cultural and urban ministry opportunities that await. The CARE Community Service Organization is just one student-run volunteer group that organizes community service events and opportunities for off-campus contributions. It all fits together with strong, intellectually open coursework that give you the knowledge and tools you need to be a success in the ministry.

SOUTH CAROLINA - State average: $32,083

Allen University
Dickerson-Green Theological Seminary

Columbia, SC

Website

allen university logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus, online, hybrid)

  • Chaplaincy

Total Estimated Cost: $25,350
Cost Per Credit: $338

Total cost is $6,733 below the state average for similar programs! 

Also offers: MA in Religious Studies

Prepare for leadership roles in Christian congregational life and beyond with this fast, affordable Master of Divinity program. Allen has been producing educators, clergy, and officials with character since 1870. When you go to a school with a campus core listed on the Register of Historic Places, you know youve found somewhere that heritage counts. In particular, the school definitely has a handle on preparing high-quality graduates with a community focus and strong theological backing to fulfill their calling.

Anderson University
Clamp Divinity School

Greenville, SC

Website

anderson university logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus, online, hybrid)

  • Youth Ministry

Total Estimated Cost: $28,125
Cost Per Credit: $375

Total cost is $3,958 below the state average for similar programs!

Also offers: Master of Ministry; Master of Ministry Management

Clamp faculty take a vested interest in your performance throughout your time in this intense but practical program. Youll get valuable mentorship from individuals who have been there and done the work. Their real-world experience is reflected in the curriculum here, which emphasizes leadership training far beyond what most MDivs offer. At least three courses in leadership, teaching you how to deal with the practical issues of ministry like budgeting, volunteer management, and strategic planning give you a strong foundation in managing large or small churches or foundations. Youll graduate here fully prepared to lead and to serve, and with your bank account intact.

North Greenville University
Graduate School of Christian Ministry

Tigerville, SC

Website

north greenville university logo

Master of Divinity (online)

  • Pastoral Ministry
  • Church Health and Revitalization
  • Discipleship and Spiritual Formation
  • Missions and Evangelism

Total Estimated Cost: $31,125
Cost Per Credit: $415

Total cost is $958 below the state average for similar programs!

Also offers: Masters in Christian Ministry

The NGU MDiv won’t make you choose between academic growth and learning the day-to-day people-centered skills required of practical ministry. The program successfully integrates academic learning with real-world impact, teaching you how to translate classical theological and biblical frameworks into ministry areas such as evangelism, missions, discipleship, and more. The four available tracks are enough to cover most interest areas without stretching the curriculum outside the bounds of the reasonable. With an emphasis on strong support for remote learning, you can absorb everything that this information-packed degree has for you and graduate ready to excel.

SOUTH DAKOTA - State average: $22,833

Kairos University
Sioux Falls Seminary

Sioux Falls, SD

Website

kairos university logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus, online)

  • Missional Theology
  • Systems Design and Thinking
  • Pastoral Care
  • Clinical Pastoral Education
  • Biblical Languages
  • Spiritual Formation and Direction
  • Chaplaincy
  • Finances
  • Strategic Leadership

Total Estimated Cost: $8,136
Cost Per Credit: $113

Total cost is $14,697 below the state average for similar programs!

Also offers: MA (Biblical studies, Theology, Spiritual formation and direction)

Kairos offers a unique MDiv experience that has turned out to be a wild success. Started only a decade ago, it has successfully educated more than 4,000 students, with partners and mentors from more than 30 countries and over 70 denominations. Thats a big stamp of approval for a program that clocks in with possibly the lowest cost-per-credit in the nation, and one of the lowest total costs of education. Personalization is part of the brand, with unique focus areas available, a design revolving around your own calling and interests, and a team of not one, not two, but three different mentors with different specializations to give you support in every area of study.

TENNESSEE - State average: $59,406

Lipscomb University
Hazelip School of Technology

Nashville, TN

Website

lipscomb university logo

Master of Divinity (hybrid)

Total Estimated Cost: $37,800
Cost Per Credit: $525

Total cost is $21,606 below the state average for similar programs!

Also offers: MA in Christian Ministry; Master of Theological Studies (Scripture, Old Testament, New Testament, Theology & History)

Graduates from this comprehensive MDiv program have gone on to work in areas as varied as nonprofit work, Christian publishing, and education alongside the usual path to ordination as pastors. A basic competence in practicing day-to-day works of the ministry is delivered alongside elective options that allow you to narrow down your studies in line with your personal calling. A flexible hybrid structure with multiple campus locations and options for which courses to pursue online and which to take on-campus makes this a suitable program for both traditional and non-traditional students.

Welch College
Welch Divinity School

Gallatin, TN

Website

welch college logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus)

Total Estimated Cost: $38,250
Cost Per Credit: $450

Total cost is $21,156 below the state average for similar programs!

Also offers: MA in Theology and Ministry

Welch starts students off with a traditional perspective in Scriptural interpretation and systematic theology. But youll find your education quickly shifting to modern debates and cultural challenges, as theological critique informed by a Christian worldview tackles modern trends and issues in secular cultures, as well as exploring the effects of these trajectories in church culture itself. Its a nuanced, informed perspective to take in the education of future pastors. Youll cultivate lifelong friendships with fellow students in your program, and find plenty of support as you enter your own ministry after graduation.

Pentecostal Theological Seminary
Cleveland, TN

Website

pentecostal theological seminary logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus, online)

  • Biblical Studies
  • Historical Studies
  • Theological Studies
  • Chaplaincy
  • Childrens ministry
  • Discipleship and Christian Formation
  • World Mission and Evangelism
  • Ministry Leadership
  • Community Development and Urban Care
  • Youth and Family Ministry
  • Counseling/Marriage and Family

Total Estimated Cost: $40,640
Cost Per Credit: $508

Total cost is $18,766 below the state average for similar programs!

Also offers: Master of Theological Studies (Biblical Studies); MA in Christian Studies; MA in Church Ministries (Discipleship & Ministry Leadership, Global Pentecostalism & Mission, Congregational Care & Counseling)

The effective PTS MDiv program is built so that every student has the flexibility to design a course of study most appropriate to their personal calling and needs. Dedicated academic advisors help you put your plan together for the most tailored experience, online or on campus. In both cases, youll find a vibrant community that is committed to helping you explore the roots and progression of Pentecostalism. A strong alumni group is a good sign that people who go to PTS are connected to their fellow students and their formation in this program for life.

Milligan University
Emmanuel Christian Seminary at Milligan

Milligan, TN

Website

milligan university logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus)

  • New Testament
  • Old Testament
  • Church History
  • Historical Theology
  • Christian Care and Counseling
  • Christian Ministries
  • Christian World Mission
  • Christian Spiritual Formation

Total Estimated Cost: $44,550
Cost Per Credit: $495

Total cost is $14,856 below the state average for similar programs! 

Also offers: MA in Christian Ministries; MA in Religion (New Testament, Old Testament, Church History, Christian Theology, Historical Theology)

Located in beautiful northeast Tennessee, youll fall in love with this campus from the first moment you visit. Youre not alone—1,300 students from 35 states and more than 30 countries are already there studying. Its also a sign of quality and continuity that some 60 percent of Milligan professors are there for the long haul, with 10 or more years teaching here. More than 40 social, service, honorary, professional, or campus life organizations make it a sure bet that you will fit in somewhere with your interests. Youll also find plenty of service projects and mission works to help you with experiential progress toward your MDiv.

Memphis Theological Seminary
Memphis, TN

Website

memphis theological seminary logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus, hybrid)

Total Estimated Cost: $51,240
Cost Per Credit: $610

Total cost is $8,166 below the state average for similar programs!

Also offers: MA in Christian Ministry (Youth and Young Adult Ministry, Christian Education, Social Justice, Methodist Ministry, Chaplain Studies)

Practical, hands-on ministry is a highlight and area of emphasis in the MTS program, with plenty of experiential studies starting right from the very beginning of the program. Youll spend plenty of time in class, too, interpreting Scripture and doctrine, developing personal piety, and growing your sense of justice, but be prepared to put all those things into practice, because MTS is serious about equipping competent pastors ready for the field. A strong emphasis on social justice here and ties with the larger Christian community also open your eyes to the challenges the church faces today, and equips you with the skills to meet them.

Freed-Hardeman University
Graduate School of Theology

Henderson, TN

Website

freed hardeman university logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus, online)

  • Old Testament
  • New Testament
  • Biblical Languages
  • Apologetics
  • Ministry
  • Missions
  • Church History
  • Chaplaincy

Total Estimated Cost: $53,070
Cost Per Credit: $610

Total cost is $6,336 below the state average for similar programs!

Also offers: MA in Ministry (Preaching, Missions, Leadership); MA in Old Testament; MA in New Testament; MA in Pastoral Care and Counseling

An emphasis on your spiritual life, academic excellence, and fellowship, FHU offers a supportive community for your transformation to ministry. Prayer, scripture, and service are embedded into all classes and activities, deepening your relationship with the Lord even as you advance your education in Bible studies and doctrine. The strong community here makes the academic elements of your MDiv even more powerful, as dedicated faculty mentors seek to help you find your passions and strengths and build on them.

University of the South (Sewanee)
School of Theology

Sewanee, TN

Website

sewanee university south logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus)

Total Estimated Cost: $54,900
Cost Per Credit: $732

Total cost is $4,506 below the state average for similar programs!

Also offers: MA (General Track, Concentration in Bible, Concentration in Church History, Concentration in Theology, Concentration in Religion and the Environment); Master of Sacred Theology (General Track, Anglican Studies Track)

The Sewanee community is grounded in worship. Morning prayer, the Eucharist, and evening prayer are going to be regular features in your days here, taken together in the Chapel of the Apostles with fellow students and instructors. Your preparation for the ministry will be both practical and rigorous, however, with extensive field experience and plenty of training for the day-to-day aspects of pastoral care: cross-cultural and diversity workshops, mental health training, and parish leadership. Professors are approachable and accessible, and open to new challenges just as they expect students to be.

TEXAS - State average: $46,825

Arlington Baptist University
Graduate School of Theology
Arlington, TX

Website

arlington baptist university

Master of Divinity (online)

  • Chaplaincy
  • Theology
  • Pastoral Ministry
  • Biblical Counseling
  • Biblical Missions
  • Apologetics
  • Biblical Languages
  • Educational Ministries

Total Estimated Cost: $24,000
Cost Per Credit: $250

Total cost is $23,895 below the state average for similar programs!

Also offers: MA in Biblical and Theological Studies

For more than 80 years, Arlington Baptist University has been fully devoted to preparing men and women for Christian life and ministries. Through the integration of faith and learning in a Christian worldview, students of ABU have gone on to become leaders and changemakers in Christ, whether in a lay or professional role. Today, ABU’s MDiv continues this legacy of learning and exploration through Christ. Offering both a comprehensive study of the Bible and an overview of theology, the MDiv dives deep into the Christian worldview with topics like the Hebrew and Greek languages, the historical and poetical writings of the Old Testament, the Reformation in Christian history, and much more. This thoughtful graduate course of study offers no less than eight concentrations, allowing you to create a program that’s built with your interests and professional pursuits in mind.

Houston Graduate School of Theology
Houston, TX

Website

houston graduate school theology logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus)

Total Estimated Cost: $14,250
Cost Per Credit: $190

Total cost is $32,575 below the state average for similar programs!

Also offers: MA (Christian Ministry, Theological Studies, Bible, Religion, Leadership, Spiritual Formation)

A passionate pursuit of the calling to reconcile the world and conform to the image of Christ is behind this strong community. The school is known for welcoming all students, regardless of background or calling. As a multicultural, multi denominational school, collaboration and acceptance are key to educational success. That includes demonstrating competency in Christian spirituality, biblical exegesis, theology and worship, and care and collaboration. Youll develop all those skills and more in a program that is contextually integrated with your own life and ministry setting.

Grace School of Theology
The Woodlands, TX

Website

new grace school theology logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus, online)

  • Church Planting
  • Pastoral Ministry
  • Counseling
  • Interdisciplinary

Total Estimated Cost: $23,750
Cost Per Credit: $250

Total cost is $23,075 below the state average for similar programs!

Also offers: Master of Ministry; MA in Biblical Studies; Master of Theology; MA in Chaplaincy; MA in Military Chaplaincy

Grace embraces a global vision for spiritual leadership that means you will leave this program with broad horizons and full of new ideas and new possibilities for your own ministry journey. Although the Grace learning community is worldwide, youll find it is a tight-knit and nurturing part of your MDiv journey, offering support through the Discipleship and Mentorship Program, or even just giving you a little boost in your day with the ShareGrace acts of kindness. It all comes with a deep academic foundation based on the absolute truth of Gods Word, with sound theological teaching that will leave you fully equipped for service.

Southwestern Assemblies of God University
College of Bible & Church Ministries

Waxahachie, TX

Website

southwestern assemblies god university logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus)

  • Compassion Ministry and Islamic Studies
  • Biblical Languages
  • Biblical Studies
  • Counseling
  • Chaplaincy
  • Intercultural Studies
  • Family Ministry
  • Pastoral Theology
  • Theological Studies

Total Estimated Cost: $28,440
Cost Per Credit: $395

Total cost is $18,385 below the state average for similar programs! 

Also offers: Master of Theological Studies (Biblical, Theological); Masters of Bible and Theology; Masters of Children and Family; Masters of Intercultural Studies; Masters of Practical Theology

Experiences at SAGU go far beyond just academics. Your spiritual well-being is a focus that is given almost as much attention as your academic success here. Chapel and student organizations offer plenty of opportunities for fellowship, while full-person support is available in academic counseling, healthcare, or tutoring. With a wide range of concentrations available, youll be prepared for either Christian ministry or post-graduate work in your field of choice.

University of St. Thomas
Saint Mary's Seminary
Houston, TX

Website

university st thomas houston logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus)

  • Ordination
  • Non-ordination

Total Estimated Cost: $36,630
Cost Per Credit: $407

Total cost is $10,195 below the state average for similar programs!

Also offers: MA in Theology; MA in Pastoral Theology (Spanish option); MA in Philosophy and Theology; MA in Pastoral Studies; MA in Sacred Writings (Spanish); MA in JPII Studies, MA in Faith and Culture

Youll experience the formation of a true shepherd through the Master of Divinity program at UST, in line with the decree of the Second Vatican Council. Your complete formation is overseen by dedicated instructors who are ordained priests themselves, dedicated to offering you the support and guidance you need on your path to ministry. Although the MDiv comes with a strong traditional education in liturgical skills, Scriptural reading and interpretation, and pastoral fidelity, youll be engaged on a campus that is multicultural and innovative, offering new perspectives and fellowship across a range of different groups. Your student experience here isnt defined solely by your major, making you a more well-rounded person as well as a more effective minister.

Wayland Baptist University
School of Christian Studies
Plainview, TX

Website

wayland baptist university logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus, online)

  • Language/Non-Language
  • African American Church Leadership
  • Hispanic Church Leadership

Total Estimated Cost: $37,080
Cost Per Credit: $515

Total cost is $9,745 below the state average for similar programs!

Also offers: MA in Christian Ministry (African American Church Leadership, Hispanic Church Leadership); MA in Theological Studies

WBU goes a long way to building strong, multicultural church leaders from day one in these innovative MDiv programs. With a campus center devoted to setting up opportunities to serve in overseas missions, you can broaden your horizons and your perspectives in ministry. Two unique specializations in African American and Hispanic church leadership go even further, building your knowledge and skills for effective ministry in either of those areas of practice. A strong Student Services team keeps you connected and offers full support whether you are online or on campus with Career Services, Student Ministries, and Counseling available.

Houston Baptist University
School of Christian Thought

Houston, TX

Website

houston baptist university logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus, online)

  • English Language
  • Biblical Languages

Total Estimated Cost: $37,800
Cost Per Credit: $525

Total cost is $9,025 below the state average for similar programs! 

Also offers: MA in Apologetics; MA in Biblical Languages; MA in Christian Counseling; MA in Christian Leadership; MA in Christian Psychological Studies; MA in Christian Psychology; MA in Classics and Early Christianity; MA in Intercultural Studies; MA in Theological Studies

This integrated MDiv program has a strong focus on personal formation and acquiring practical experience in real-world ministry settings. Discipleship is a core part of the program, with the schools belief that faith is caught, not just taught, driving fellowship and spiritual formation activities in and out of the classroom. The program is holistic and culturally relevant, helping you deal with the problems ministry faces today. Instructors have valuable ministry experience to bring to the classroom, and their challenges and successes in dealing with real-world issues are valuable lessons to every student here at HBU.

Criswell College
Dallas, TX

Website

criswell college logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus)

Total Estimated Cost: $40,410
Cost Per Credit: $449

Total cost is $6,415 below the state average for similar programs!

Also offers: MA in Christian Leadership; MA in Christian Studies; MA in Theological and Biblical Studie

Criswell understands that callings can be messy things. If you are destined for some sort of ministry work but arent quite sure yet whether youre heading toward pastoral, missionary, or evangelical work, thats no problem… the caring, compassionate instructors here will help you find your path and give you a solid grounding to pursue any kind of ministry work with solid biblical, theological, and ministerial skills. Youll find a family here as well as a solid education, with small class sizes, plenty of fellowship opportunities, and motivated peers.

The King's University
Southlake, TX

Website

kings university logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus, online)

  • Messianic Jewish Studies
  • Women in Ministry Leadership

Total Estimated Cost: $40,950
Cost Per Credit: $525

Total cost is $5,875 below the state average for similar programs! 

Also offers: Master of Practical Theology (AJA, MJS)

The Kings University offers the opportunity for all MDiv students here to become a bridge. From non-belief to belief; between the Church and the Jewish people; from a gender that was once prohibited from the priesthood to leadership of the church. A spirit-empowered community is behind you the whole way, brokering strong connections with God, faculty, and other students. It all comes at a tremendous value, with some of the lowest costs in the state. A partnership with Gateway Church means you have nearly 40,000 active members and seven campuses to both learn from and minister to along your path to graduation.

Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary
Austin, TX

Website

austin presbyterian theological seminary logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus)

Total Estimated Cost: $43,200
Cost Per Credit: $360

Total cost is $3,625 below the state average for similar programs! 

Also offers: MA in Theological Studies; MA in Religion; MA in Youth Ministry

Youll be both living the faith at APTS and practicing your profession at the same time in this attractively priced MDiv program. With an emphasis on practical ministry work, you can pursue Clinical Pastoral Education in a hospital setting, or take the Supervised Practice of Ministry Program. The SPM program offers a year-long internship, a three-month intensive internship, or active ministry service in the Austin area while enrolled part-time. With generations of experience training ministers here, youll find that learning blends together with fellowship. Pastoral formation happens not just in the classroom, but at barbecues, during pickup basketball games, in chapel, or just sitting around a table.

VIRGINIA - State average: $35,909

Liberty University
John W. Rawlings School of Divinity

Lynchburg, VA

Website

liberty university rawlings logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus, online)

  • Biblical Languages
  • Biblical Studies
  • Christian Apologetics
  • Christian Leadership and Church Ministries
  • Christian Ministries
  • Christian Thought
  • Church History
  • Church Ministry in the Discipleship Ministries
  • General
  • Global Studies
  • Homiletics
  • Leadership
  • Pastoral Counseling
  • Professional Chaplaincy
    • Community
    • General
    • Healthcare
    • Military
  • Theology
  • Youth and Family Ministry

Total Estimated Cost: $17,850
Cost Per Credit: $238

Total cost is $18,059 below the state average for similar programs! 

Also offers: MA in Biblical Exposition; MA in Biblical Languages; MA in Biblical Studies; MA in Christian Apologetics; MA in Christian Ministry; MA in Music and Worship; MA in Pastoral Counseling; MA in Religion; Master of Religious Education; MA in Sports Chaplaincy; MA in Theological Studies; MA in Worship Studies

Founded by luminaries Dr. Jerry Falwell, Sr, and Dr. Elmer Towns, the heritage of Liberty is impeccable. But as strong as the heritage and tradition here are, you dont come to Libertys MDiv for the past, but for the future. Youre completely covered there, since the school has been a pioneer in remote learning options and offering complete instruction to non-traditional learners. With state-of-the-art online support as well as high-tech classrooms on campus, youll get exceptional training with the latest educational tools. Liberty is at the forefront of cultural religious studies as well, so youll find that your coursework offers excellent preparation for ministry in the modern world.

Virginia University of Lynchburg
Leonard N. Smith School of Religion

Lynchburg, VA

Website

virginia university lynchburg logo

Master of Divinity (online)

Total Estimated Cost: $30,780
Cost Per Credit: $342 

Total cost is $5,129 below the state average for similar programs!

Great minds are developed here, or virtually here, anyway—the fully online options for the MDiv in both traditional and accelerated formats allow you to take advantage of this great program from anywhere in the country. The school focuses on developing students into scholars and servant-leaders with an education that is both relevant and culturally sensitive. A gifted and diverse student body offers exposure to new ideas and perspectives that will help inform your studies of Scripture, theology, and pastoral skills. With 130 years of training leaders behind it, VUL has a strong track record that gives you solid odds for success in your own ministry.

Virginia Beach Theological Seminary
Virginia Beach, VA

Website

virginia beach theological seminary logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus)

Total Estimated Cost: $32,640
Cost Per Credit: $340

Total cost is $3,269 below the state average for similar programs!

Also offers: Master of Theology; Master of Theological Studies; Master of Biblical Studies

The Master of Divinity is the flagship degrees at Virginia Beach Theological Seminary, putting the traditional elements of a ministry education front and center: biblical languages, theology, Scripture, and pastoral ministry training. An emphasis on the text of the Bible and on community gives you a rigorous but well-supported education to equip you as a servant of Christ in any kind of ministry context.

Regent University
Virginia Beach, VA

Website

regent university logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus, online)

  • Biblical Languages
  • Chaplain Ministry
  • Christian Discipleship
  • Christian Theology
  • Church History
  • Church and Ministry
  • Church Planting
  • Interdisciplinary Studies
  • Marketplace
  • Missiology
  • New Testament
  • Old Testament
  • Online Ministry
  • Spiritual Formation
  • Worship and Media

Total Estimated Cost: $36,000
Cost Per Credit: $500 

Also offers: MA in Apologetics and Cosmogony; MA in Christian Discipleship; MA in Christian Ministry (Church & Ministry, Interdisciplinary Studies, Marketplace Ministry, Missiology, Worship & Media); MA in Church Leadership; MA in Church Planting; MA in Evangelism and Mission; MA in Human Services (Biblical Counseling, Christian Counseling); MA in Online Ministry; MA in Pastoral Counseling; MA in Spiritual Formation; Master of Theological Studies (Biblical Languages, Biblical Studies, Christian Theology, Church History); M.Ed in Christian School Administration

The sole purpose for Regent University is to develop Christian leaders to change the world. The Master of Divinity program here is the keystone degree in that purpose, with concentrations that cover all the bases for making a difference. The school has high standards for both scholarship and practical aspects of leadership according to graduates, who also report being well-equipped for both local and international ministry service. A strong sense of purpose and community is felt by both on campus and online students, and anyone choosing the remote program option will be happy to learn that Study.com ranks the school #1 among Best Accredited Schools for Online Degree programs. As one of the few programs that also offers a concentration in the cutting-edge area of online ministry, you can be sure youre in the right place if thats your calling!

WASHINGTON - State average: $53,498

Faith International University
Tacoma, WA

Website

faith international university logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus, online)

  • Pastoral Care and Counseling
  • Missional Studies
  • Church History
  • Apologetics
  • Leadership
  • Expository Communication
  • Education
  • Youth Ministry
  • Chaplaincy

Total Estimated Cost: $34,125
Cost Per Credit: $375

Total cost is $19,373 below the state average for similar programs!

Also offers: MA in Leadership Ministry; MA in Christian Education; MA in Theological Studies

FIU offers a very traditional introduction to MDiv studies with Greek and Hebrew exegesis to give you access to Scripture in the original languages and an ability to interpret and defend the teaching of the Bible. Thats just the ground floor, though, in a program that inescapably builds toward leadership skills for roles in local or global ministry. Youll build skills in professional pastoral care and counseling, learn how to deal with contemporary cultural issues, and administer education and practical ministry in any field.

The Seattle School of Theology and Psychology
Seattle, WA

Website

seattle school theology psychology logo

Master of Divinity (hybrid)

Total Estimated Cost: $56,170
Cost Per Credit: $685

Also offers: MA in Theology and Culture

Graduates from the Seattle School report that they use their training in their ministry positions every single day. Thats because the curriculum here leans into the practical and applicable tools of ministry, seeking culturally relevant applications of ancient wisdom and Scriptural doctrine. An innovative approach to ministry and pastoral education goes beyond just high-tech remote learning tools. Youll also get the benefit of school efforts such as the Resilient Leaders Project, which empowers leaders with sustainable practices, integrative thinking, and emotional resilience by tapping into research and conversations with leaders in not just denominational roles, but out in the larger world of nonprofits as well. Its an example of an education that is well worth the price tag!

WISCONSIN - State average: $51,000

Maranatha Baptist University
Watertown, WI

Website

maranatha baptist university logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus, online)

  • Military Chaplaincy
  • Biblical Counseling
  • Biblical Languages
  • Intercultural Studies
  • New Testament
  • Old Testament
  • Pastoral Theology
  • Theology

Total Estimated Cost: $33,120
Cost Per Credit: $345

Total cost is $17,880 below the state average for similar programs!

Also offers: MA in Bible; MA in Biblical Counseling; MA in Biblical Studies

Maranatha offers a solid biblical and theological basis for ministry, but also gets you out into full-time service as quickly as possible. In fact, many students are already engaged in pastoral ministry, taking advantage of virtual class options to complete their education and connect their training to real-world challenges. Even with that practical emphasis, the school brings a strong, traditional, fundamentalist focus on academic rigor. There are no compromises here on matters of theology or training. You are guaranteed to graduate with a strong command of evangelical and Baptist fundamentals.

Nashotah House
Nashotah, WI

Website

nashotah house logo

Master of Divinity (on-campus)

Total Estimated Cost: $45,000
Cost Per Credit: $500

Total cost is $6,000 below the state average for similar programs! 

Also offers: Master of Theological Studies; Master of Ministry; Master of Pastoral Ministry; Master of Sacred Theology

Youll become a better Christian here all the way around in addition to specific training in the ministry, according to graduates. The professors are leading theological voices with vast experience and academic credentials. Still, they always have time and interest in mentoring you through the program. The beautiful, historic campus environment makes it easy to immerse yourself in your studies, with a community and tradition stretching back to 1842. Surrounded by buildings of ancient stone and the myriad colors of Wisconsins native forests, youll find Gods bounty spread all around you for contemplation. The school continues to pursue a proven and classical model of education, but the scholarship here is cutting-edge, dealing with modern issues facing Christianity through well-developed theological thought and research.