The role of a minister, missionary, or another member of the clergy is complicated as most jobs in ministry require just a Bachelor’s degree. However, active professionals in this field must know, not only complicated aspects of their faith, but also the basics of counseling, conflict resolution, and day-to-day business and staff management. Because Bachelor’s programs must be laser-focused to prepare students for the complex world of ministry, a degree in Ministry, Christian Studies, Religion, or related subjects opens up a variety of job opportunities for grads with multifaceted skills. 
Ministry, Religion, and Christian Studies degrees can prepare students for graduate-level study in Theology, Education, Law, Political Science, and even Medicine. But aside from ministry-specific jobs, Bachelor’s grads qualify for managerial positions, elementary education (with completion of a teaching certificate), administrative work, humanitarian aid, government service, and more. For those committed to serving as members of the clergy, job prospects are good: according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, clergy members and uncategorized religious workers make between $29,000 and $49,000 per year on average, and jobs in ministry are growing at an average pace. Most jobs only require a Bachelor’s degree and little to no prior experience.
Administrative services managers can expect incomes close to $100,000 and faster than average job growth, while elementary school teachers can expect to make over $50,000 per year. Additionally, humanitarian aid, an impactful career choice for Religion or Cultural Studies majors, as well as Theology or Religion majors with missions or other international experience, is facing growing worldwide need with the prevalence of natural disasters, climate emergencies, and political crises around the world. Career Explorer expects the humanitarian aid job market to grow at a staggering pace of 16.4% through 2026, and many aid workers hold degrees in Religious Studies.
Many programs on this list are explicitly tailored for Protestant Christian students looking for an in-depth Bible education and training in evangelism and promotion of traditional Christian values. Therefore, many programs offer courses in apologetics, hermeneutics, and Old and New Testament, along with courses in sermon development and other aspects of pastoral work. Other programs provide a more broad approach to the study of Christianity, incorporating perspectives from many different denominations, including non-Protestant traditions. Regardless of one’s approach to studying religion, every program on this list is committed to serving budget-conscious and nontraditional students with an affordable online education.
Selection Criteria
Contents
Colleges Rank publishes college degree rankings with the belief of how one’s higher education should be, both, affordable and an investment of continued value for the students who pursue them. The staff of BVS collects data from reputable sources in order to calculate Net Price and the short and long-term value of every ranked degree. Collected data is simplified into weighted categories before scoring and then scaled through a BVS Score up to 100. The weighted categories are:
- Degree Investment Return (25%)
- Student & Alumni Evaluation (25%)
- Cost Value (25%)
- Matriculation (10%)
- Academic Success (15%)
No matter what degree you decide on, we hope our research and support has made the selection process easier. There are numerous resources BVS utilizes to collect information on degrees, and we encourage you to check them out for yourself!
Here are the Top Cheap Online Theology and Christian Studies Degree Programs (Bachelor’s) for 2020!
25. Oral Roberts University – Tulsa, OK
Bachelor of Arts in Ministry & Leadership, Bachelor of Science in Christian Caregiving & Counseling, or BA in Biblical Literature
Website
Oral Roberts University’s diverse program options in its Bachelor of Arts in Ministry & Leadership, Bachelor of Science in Christian Caregiving & Counseling, and Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Literature prepare students for careers in academia, or broader ministry in chaplaincy, counseling, pastoral work, or missions. In the BA of Biblical Literature program, students are exposed to a variety of interpretations, and contextual analyses of the Old and New Testament explored in courses such as Systematic Theology, Hebrew Exegesis, etc. Ministry & Leadership students learn program organizing and leadership basics, which is applied to one of five concentrations spanning global missions, youth ministry, and pastoral work. The Christian Caregiving & Counseling Major introduces students to counseling basics to support future careers in ministry or graduate degrees in counseling.
ORU might be an attractive option for students who know what they want to do with a ministry degree and want a narrowly-focused education that still places Biblical interpretation and apologetics first. The College of Theology & Ministry emphasizes international missions at its core, with over 500 students participating in short-term missions in 32 countries during the summer of 2018. Past students have also been placed in internships at local churches, missions organizations, counseling clinics, and more. ORU boasts faculty from reputable institutions such as Yale University, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Duke University, and more, and was ranked No. 5 in U.S. News & World Report’s 2020 Regional Colleges West ranking.
Net Price: $19,744
24. Beulah Heights University – Atlanta, GA
Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies
Website
The online Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies degree from Beulah Heights University aims to provide students with a thorough Biblical education so they can share their protestant Christian faith and uphold traditional values in whichever career path they choose. The 129-credit program includes 36 hours of Bible and Theology courses, including courses in Biblical Literature, Systematic Theology, and Apologetics. Students wanting the same Bible-heavy curriculum but are interested in ministry leadership, such as pastoral or nonprofit work, can also pursue a fully-online BA in Leadership Studies. Beulah Heights also offers MA and Ph.D. programs for those who want to deepen their Bible education.
Beulah Heights accepts students on a rolling basis, and standardized test scores are not required for admission. To maintain a Christian environment for its community members, Beulah Heights requires that all students sign a statement of faith upon enrollment. The university has four locations throughout Georgia, which allows students in the state to hybridize their learning experience and take advantage of student groups, student government, and campus worship. Students interested in pastoral leadership or international missions can participate in BHU’s Missions Overseas Short Term program, BHU Campus Ministries, or the Chapel Assistant Training Symposium.
Net Price: $19,542
23. Trevecca Nazarene University – Nashville, TN
Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministry
Website
Trevecca Nazarene University offers a flexible and customizable degree for students wanting a well-rounded Bible education through its online Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministry program. Though the program seems tailored mainly for prospective pastors seeking ordination, students can customize their general elective requirements by taking courses in Health Care Administration, Psychology, Management and Leadership, and Information Technology. Additionally, Trevecca offers course credit for various professional certificates and work experience, including qualified military experience. Emphasizing a “holistic” education, the program offers core courses such as Personal and Spiritual Development, Christian Ethics, Compassionate Ministry, and more. Seniors complete a three-credit Christian Ministry Capstone prior to graduation, in which they apply theological concepts and leadership methods to a ministry setting.
Founded in 1901, Trevecca has grown to include three campuses across Tennessee and offer a range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional certificate programs. It is reportedly the only Nazarene university to be recognized in U.S. News & World Report’s 2019 National University rankings, and, according to the Nashville Business Journal, Trevecca is also the fastest-growing university in Middle Tennessee. Trevecca has a strong commitment to veterans and military service members and their families, offering a 10% tuition discount through its military scholarship, and matching tuition dollars for many GI Bill recipients through its Yellow Ribbon Program.
Net Price: $19,480
22. Wayland Baptist University – Plainview, TX
Bachelor of Christian Ministry
Website
The fully-online Bachelor of Christian Ministry, BCM program from Wayland Baptist University aims to prepare students for managerial or pastoral service within a church setting. The 124-credit program includes 36 hours of major core classes in theology, religious history, and advanced Bible interpretation courses. Because Wayland offers dozens of degrees unrelated to ministry, BCM students might find it refreshing to share classes with students pursuing other professional goals but sharing their Christian values. WBU admissions requirements include official transcripts and standardized test scores, but the university encourages both high-achieving students and those who have struggled academically to apply. The university offers support for students at all levels, which could be encouraging for students returning to college after a long hiatus.
WBU is a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, which affords students access to dozens of study abroad opportunities across the world. Though WBU maintains a pretty intimate environment on its main campus of about 5,000 students, the university boasts over 50 locations across the U.S. and around the world, which allows students to complete their education fully-online but meet with advisors in person. Perhaps surprising for such a small school, WBU was included in U.S. News & World Report’s 2020 Top Colleges ranking, achieving No. 100 in Top Performers on Social Mobility.
Net Price: $18,693
21. Point University – West Point, GA
Bachelor of Science in Christian Ministry
Website
The online Bachelor of Science in Christian Ministry degree from Point University is a leadership-focused program that prepares students for a broad range of ministry careers in churches, international missions, and nonprofits. Courses include in-depth Biblical and theological studies, as well as more practical classes such as Accounting and Finance for the Church, Introduction to Preaching, and Worship Leadership. The 120-credit program typically takes students four years to complete, but self-pacing is encouraged. Students anticipating larger class sizes might be surprised by Point University’s average online student to faculty ratio: at 18:1, online class sizes mirror those on the university’s small campuses throughout Georgia.
Students worried about higher out-of-state tuition may also find it encouraging that online students pay the same per-credit rates regardless of where they live, at a discount of 40% off on-campus education. Additionally, the university offers qualified new students a discount of up to $15,000 off tuition for their entire degree program through the Point Community Scholarship. The tiny 2,000-student school has already made a significant impact on less financially-privileged students. Point University earned No. 10 on U.S. News & World Report’s 2020 Top Performers on Social Mobility ranking, and 92% of students receive financial aid.
Net Price: $18,348
20. King University – Bristol, TN
Bachelor of Science in Religious Studies
Website
The Bachelor of Science in Religious Studies program from King University is designed for transfer students who are looking for a Christian-focused but broad religious studies education that will prepare them for graduate studies or careers in ministry, law, social sciences, or humanitarian aid. The program emphasizes a 21st-century approach to understanding religions around the world, and major course offerings go beyond typical Old and New Testament courses to include titles such as Koine’ Greek and Hebrew Languages and Philosophy of Religion. Admissions requirements include at least 45 semester hours to declare a major in an online program, and at least a 2.2 cumulative high school GPA, though candidates with lower GPAs may be accepted on a conditional basis.
Online courses run for five weeks at a time, and many students can complete major coursework in 16 months. Online Religious Studies students are eligible for study abroad opportunities, including archaeological digs and missions, work in Africa. King University is a Presbyterian-affiliated school with 15 degree programs offered fully-online, including graduate programs perfect for Religious Studies students who want to narrow their focus. While most merit-based scholarship opportunities available at King University are provided only for Tennessee residents, the university supports veterans and active service members with its Yellow Ribbon program and tuition discounts, as well as potential college credit for service work. King University is one of 142 Southeastern schools recognized in The Princeton Review’s 2020 Top Colleges: Region by Region rankings.
Net Price: $18,197
19. Regent University – Virginia Beach, VA
Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministry
Website
The Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministry from Regent University prepares students for ministry work in a church setting or on the missions field. Students can choose between two concentrations: Pastoral Care prepares graduates for jobs as missionaries, head, associate, or youth pastors, or church administrators, while the Church Music concentration prepares students for jobs as worship leaders, band directors, and music and choir directors. Course titles include Christian Ministry, Pauline Literature, Principles of Hermeneutics & Theological Thinking, and more.
Online courses at Regent can be completed in 8 or 15-week increments with multiple start dates throughout the year. The small school, which awarded fewer than 2,000 degrees during the 2017-18 academic year, boasts faculty members that are Fulbright Scholars and come from highly-regarded institutions such as Harvard University, Yale University, Johns Hopkins University, and more, along with prominent guest lecturers and impactful alumni. The university has also seen a 14% growth in the last two years. The College of Arts and Sciences, which houses the Christian Ministry program, was ranked No. 1 in Virginia in U.S. News & World Report’s 2019 Top Online Bachelor’s Program ranking.
Net Price: $17,820
18. Warner University – Lake Wales, FL
Bachelor of Science in Christian Ministry
Website
The online Bachelor of Science in Christian Ministry degree from Warner University is a heavily Bible-based program that prepares grads for work in church ministry, as well as missions and nonprofit pastoral ministry. Graduates are expected to prove they can accurately interpret scripture according to the university’s worldview, gain in-depth knowledge of at least two books of the Bible, define what a call to ministry means, and more. The accelerated degree completion program, which is designed to work around students’ busy work and life schedules, allows students to enroll in just two courses at a time, and classes are only eight weeks long.
Those who want to go further with their Biblical education can complete a Master of Ministry fully-online as well. According to its website, 72.5% of Warner graduates with a Bachelor’s degree were employed after graduation, the second-highest rate among the 31 Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida. Seven percent of undergrads go on to pursue graduate work. Warner was founded in 1968 by the Church of God and is committed to giving students a Christ-centered education that prepares them to serve in whatever field they pursue. Students are held to a set of lifestyle expectations, which include guidelines on dress, speech, and other personal choices, and are intended to help students follow the Bible. With more than half of its student population identifying as non-white, Warner ranked No. 6 in the region for diversity on campus in 2018, according to U.S. News & World Report.
Net Price: $17,768
17. Moody Bible Institute – Chicago, IL
Bachelor of Science in Biblical Studies
Website
The Bachelor of Science in Biblical Studies from Moody Bible Institute brings an education in ministry into the 21st century. Students graduate with a comprehensive portfolio of both written work and videos or podcasts to showcase their unique brand of ministry, boosting their likelihood of getting a job right after graduation. The program prepares students with leadership and in-depth Bible skills to become pastors, missionaries, or managers. Grads will also be prepared to pursue a Master of Divinity or other graduate degrees in the future. The program relies heavily on research methods and historical and archaeological context to aid in students’ interpretation of scripture and application to everyday life.
The 121-credit program includes courses such as The Story and Structure of the Bible, Interpreting Romans for Teaching, Historical Geography of Ancient Israel, and more. Admissions requirements to the fully-online program include official transcripts, commitment to a Protestant Christian worldview and active participation in church life, and a minimum 2.0 high school GPA. Moody is a well-known name in the Protestant Evangelical world, especially with its prolific publishing company and radio network. The university ties for No. 114 in U.S. News & World Report’s 2020 Top Online Bachelor’s Programs ranking. Moody also claims 88% of its graduates find employment following graduation.
Net Price: $17,606
16. Truett McConnell University – Cleveland, GA
Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies
Website
The Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies from Truett McConnell University provides students interested either in ministry jobs or those wanting to incorporate a better understanding of Christian theology and methods of evangelism into their established careers with a broad Bible and Christian apologetics education. Students can narrow their scope of learning with a choice of four concentrations, though only the Concentration in Biblical and Theological Studies and Concentration in Student Ministry are available entirely online. Students who take courses in person can also choose concentrations in Missions or Women’s Studies.
The small Southern Baptist-affiliated university of just under 3000 students emphasizes international missions at its core and encourages missions-minded students to take advantage of unique opportunities from TMU’s World Missions Center. The Center offers short-term mission trips across the world, including in Western Europe, Argentina, Africa, the Czech Republic, South Asia, and more. The center also hosts several domestic ministries, including a Homeless Outreach Team, Foster Care Ministry, Nursing Home Ministry, etc. TMU scored No. 51 in U.S. News & World Report’s 2020 Regional Colleges South ranking.
Net Price: $17,257
15. Lee University – Cleveland, TN
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science in Bible and Theology
Website
The Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science in Bible and Theology degree from Lee University is designed for students who intend to pursue a Master’s program or higher following graduation. The broad program aims to provide students with a basic understanding of Biblical interpretation, Protestant Christian theology, and confidence in practicing primary source research. Core courses include Johannine Literature, Pentateuch, History of Christian Doctrine, and more. Both the BA and BS programs require 120 credit hours, although the BA requires six credit hours of foreign language study.
Lee accepts students on a rolling basis and requires submission of official transcripts and standardized test scores. Enrollment at the university totals just under 5,000 students, and the school’s Bible-focused graduation plans ensure every student graduates with a minor in Religion. Lee is the fifth-largest Christian university in the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities network, which hosts many conferences throughout the year, connects students to research opportunities across the country and at other CCCU universities, and helps students find ministry jobs after graduation. Lee tied for No. 34 in U.S. News & World Report’s 2020 Regional Universities South ranking, as well as No. 19 in Top Colleges for Veterans and No. 16 in Colleges Rank.
Net Price: $16,928
14. Central Baptist College – Conway, AR
Bachelor of Science in Leadership and Ministry
Website
The fully-online Bachelor of Science in Leadership and Ministry degree from Central Baptist College is one of many Professional Adult College Education (PACE) programs designed for students with busy work schedules and family obligations who need flexible course schedules to graduate on time. Students who wish to take some courses in-person can come to campus for evening, weekend, or holiday classes, and some students may be eligible for college credit earned via work experience. The 120-credit Leadership and Ministry program offers many specialized courses that can help students prepare for graduate work or specific leadership roles. Course titles include Biblical Archaeology, Basic Counseling Skills, Modern Cults, and more.
CBC is one of the smallest colleges on our list, with Fall 2018 enrollment totaling 732 students. Distance learning students may appreciate the individual attention they receive from professors, as only about 200 students participate in PACE classes. Students who live close to the Conway, AR campus, can participate in several student organizations and student-led worship meetings. CBC ranked No. 58 in U.S. News & World Report’s 2020 Regional Colleges South ranking, as well as No. 54 in the Top Performers on Social Mobility ranking.
Net Price: $16,830
13. North Greenville University – Tigerville, SC
Bachelor in Christian Ministries
Website
The online Bachelor in Christian Ministries program from North Greenville University is by far one of the most career-focused programs on our list, as seniors must complete a thesis and practicum in a local church, nonprofit, or another ministry before graduation. The program is geared specifically for students who are committed to full-time ministry after graduation, or who wish to continue to seminary or divinity school. Students may choose from four degree concentrations, which include a minor in Youth Ministry, as well as concentrations in Theology, Ministry, and Biblical Studies. Core courses include World Missions, Hermeneutics, and Apologetics & Evangelism, and students can choose from a list of 50 Christian Studies electives to fulfill 21 elective credits.
Christian Ministries students also complete a Portfolio Development class in which they develop a resume and personal mission statement to help them stand out in their post-graduation job searches. According to a 2019 Forbes Top Colleges 2019 profile, 100% of NGU students receive some form of financial aid, and the admissions rate is selective at 61%. Students seeking missions experience can participate in training and missions trips with The Center for Global Engagement to the Middle East, Latin America, South Asia, and more. Students of NGU can also participate in domestic missions programs such as Bible translation or radio programming with one of many partnering organizations.
Net Price: $16,821
12. St. Louis Christian College – Florissant, MO
Bachelor of Science in Christian Ministry
Website
The Bachelor of Science in Christian Ministry from St. Louis Christian College aims to provide students with basic Biblical, leadership, and ministry organization skills to qualify for leadership positions in churches, missions organizations, Christian camps, and more. Students reviews Christian Theology, as well as Introduction to Counseling, Biblical Concepts of Leadership, Faith & Money, and more. The program is offered as a fully-online Bachelor’s degree in which students first earn their Associate of Applied Science degree in Ministry Studies. Students then enroll in the Bachelor’s program, or as an online degree completion program for students who have already completed 45 general education credits and up to 30 elective credits at another institution.
SLCC maintains an intimate Christian environment with enrollment in the hundreds and programs centered around developing leaders for churches around the world. Young adults committed to this cause have a unique opportunity at SLCC: in 2018 the university began offering two years of free tuition to high school graduates with GPAs above 2.5, minimum standardized test scores, and extensive volunteer and leadership experience. Additionally, in 2019, the university began offering online students merit scholarships, totaling $5,000 annually for those who qualify. With a maximum federal Pell Grant, this means tuition could come to just $1,055 per year.
Net Price: $16,268
11. Barclay College – Haviland, KS
Bachelor’s Degree in Biblical Studies
Website
A student in the Bachelor’s Degree in Biblical Studies program at Barclay College can be assured they’re receiving an excellent ministry education fit for Christians of many different backgrounds. Key to the university’s mission is bringing together Christian students from every denominational background and exposing students to diverse theological thought and critical thinking, though the university itself is based on Quaker roots. Core courses in the 128-credit program include World Christian Perspective, Apologetics, Church Planting and Evangelism, and more. In addition to the fully-online Bachelor’s program, students can complete online certificates in Business Management, Psychology, or Friends Ministry Training for those who want to serve specifically in the Friends Church, among others.
Barclay accepts students who meet the standards of at least a 2.3 cumulative high school GPA and SAT writing scores of above 500 or ACT English scores of 18 or higher, with some exceptions. Candidates must also complete a phone interview before their admissions decision is made. The small university consists of under 300 students total, fewer than 50 of which participate in distance learning, ideal for students wanting a small cohort-feel and personalized support from professors. Kansas resident students admitted to Barclay may be eligible for a $16,000 full-tuition scholarship.
Net Price: $16,047
10. Johnson University – Knoxville, TN
Bachelor of Science in Ministry Leadership
Website
The Bachelor of Science in Ministry Leadership program from Johnson University prepares students wanting to serve specifically in a pastoral capacity with skills such as sermon development, counseling and conflict resolution, and other leadership basics. The 120-credit program includes courses such as Exegetical Methods, Pastoral Counseling, and more, as well as a three-credit Ministry Leadership Internship. The program is also offered as a Bachelor of Arts degree, but the language requirement is not currently available online. Online students also have the option to complete a double major in Bible & Theology without taking any extra credits.
JU is one of the oldest institutions on this list, founded in 1893 as an all-male college emphasizing ministerial preparation and general evangelism. That year, Emma Johnson, the first female president of an all-male university, was elected to leadership. Since then, the now co-ed university has grown to house two campuses in Florida and Tennessee with over 800 students and to offer a range of liberal arts degrees in areas beyond ministry and Bible. With so many degree paths available, JU encourages prospective and newly-admitted students to complete a Get Ready Assessment, which helps students choose their path of study based on their talents and interests. The GRA is an excellent tool for students unsure of how they want to spend their higher education investment beyond completing general education requirements.
Net Price: $15,639
9. University of Central Florida – Orlando, FL
Bachelor of Arts in Religion and Cultural Studies
Website
The fully-online Bachelor of Arts in Religion and Cultural Studies degree from the University of Central Florida is an excellent option for students desiring a broad religion degree that isn’t necessarily focused on Protestant Christianity. Not only do students learn about the history and development of religion around the world, but they gain an understanding of international philosophies, humanistic traditions, and popular culture. The 120-credit program ends with a senior research project or capstone, and students have the option of narrowing their course work around specific religions or traditions. The program aims to prepare students for pastoral or missions work, as well as research, humanitarian aid, foreign services, government work, and more.
In contrast to most schools on this list, UCF is a huge state school and research institution with an enrollment nearing 70,000 and 10 campuses across the state of Florida. Students can participate in over 300 student organizations, as well as many study abroad opportunities, perfect for students wanting to build their leadership skills or apply what they’re learning online to an international setting. UCF holds many impressive positions in U.S. News & World Report’s 2020 rankings, including No. 16 in Most Innovative Schools, No. 50 in Undergraduate Research/Creative Projects, and No. 14 in Top Online Bachelor’s Programs. Prominent alumni include actress Cheryl Hines, former NASA astronaut Nicole Stott, and economist Glenn Hubbard.
Net Price: $15,341
8. Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary – Kansas City, MO
Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies
Website
The Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary offers students the ability to specialize their degree to make practical use of studies centered around analyzing the Bible. Students can choose from concentrations in Biblical Studies and Worship Ministries to prepare for worship leadership or conducting. The first of which are Biblical Studies and Humanities for a broader liberal arts education with a Christian focus, and Biblical Studies and Business to prepare for the practical needs of a large church or to plant a new church. Students can also focus on Biblical Studies and Biblical Counseling to prepare either for pastoral work or future graduate studies in counseling.
The program is part of MBTS’ Spurgeon College, which aims specifically to train pastors and theologians for worldwide service. Online You, the online version of MBTS and Spurgeon College, offers eight-week course lengths and seven semesters throughout the year, meaning newly-admitted students can begin classes practically anytime. Those serious about graduate work can apply for a five-year accelerated BA/Master of Divinity program, which includes a ministry practicum in a local church or other ministries. MBTS offers a range of free services to church leaders, including free writings and sermons from historical protestant leader Charles H. Spurgeon, articles and podcasts, lectures from the Center for Public Theology, and more.
Net Price: $14,635
7. Calvary University – Kansas City, MO
Bachelor of Science in Bible & Theology
Website
The 126-credit Bachelor of Science in Bible & Theology program from Calvary University offers students a broad overview of Bible and protestant Christian theology and introductions to worldwide missions, designing a sermon, worship ministry, and more. Core courses include Systematic Theology, Advanced Hermeneutics, Apologetics, etc. For practical experience and to ensure all students are maintaining an active role in their local church, Calvary requires all undergrads to fulfill up to seven semesters of Christian Ministry by serving their church in a leadership-building capacity and attending at two services per week.
Calvary has two campuses in Missouri and Colorado and houses a publishing brand and K–12 school. The university is committed to helping all graduates complete their programs debt-free, and as part of that mission offers many in-house scholarship opportunities based on merit, Christian service, law enforcement, and more. Through Calvary’s Burnham Center for Global Engagement, students have the opportunity to study abroad in Greece or join short-term missions trips in locations such as Brazil, the Philippines, and Panama.
Net Price: $13,671
6. Brescia University – Owensboro, KY
Bachelor of Arts in Theology with Pastoral Studies
Website
Brescia University’s Bachelor of Arts in Theology with Emphasis in Pastoral Studies prepares students with the fundamental theology they need to pursue pastoral ministry or deaconship in the Catholic Church. The 128-credit program, which includes a Christian Ministry internship, includes survey courses of the Bible, as well as a Catholic catechesis, a study of sacraments in the Catholic Church, and a modern language requirement. Brescia only requires online candidates to submit official high school and (if applicable) college transcripts and a free application to be considered for admission.
Brescia was founded in 1925 by the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph as a women’s college, and slowly grew to encompass several online programs in 2007, exceeded 1000 students in 2014, and now offers over 50 majors and minors to its co-ed community. At the core of Brescia’s mission is “Caritas Theology,” or the call to teach students to love each other and the people they serve as they love God. Brescia ranks No. 29 in U.S. News & World Report’s 2020 Regional Colleges South ranking.
Net Price: $13,496
5. Florida International University – Miami, FL
Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies
Website
Florida International University’s Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies degree provides students with an interdisciplinary study of religion around the world from different academic perspectives including history, psychology, sociology, art history, and more. The program aims to prepare students for careers in any walk of life, from medicine or mental health to teaching, counseling, humanitarian aid, etc. Though students have the opportunity to narrow their program’s focus through carefully-chosen electives, they are taught an overview of Abrahamic Religions, Asian Religions, Indigenous and Other Religious Traditions, and Society, Culture, and Ethics. Every senior completes a 3-credit capstone, which examines modern methods in the academic study of religion. Application requirements include an online application with a $30 fee and submission of official transcripts and standardized test scores.
Over 42,000 students take online classes from FIU every year, participating in over 100 degree programs, and FIU is authorized through the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement to provide online education to residents of all 50 states. Additionally, many online students already in the workforce can participate in FIU’s Corporate Education Initiative, which offers accelerated degrees so students can quickly move up the ranks in their place of work. Students who live close to Miami can participate in one of the dozens of student organizations or support the NCAA Division 1 Golden Panthers. FIU tied for No. 58 in U.S. News & World Report’s 2020 Top Online Bachelor’s Program ranking, as well as No. 12 in Top Performers on Social Mobility.
Net Price: $12,219
4. American Public University – Charles Town, WV
Bachelor of Arts in Religion
Website
The 120-credit Bachelor of Arts in Religion from American Public University exposes students to diverse religious theologies and tenets, as well as interdisciplinary courses that help students understand world religions through a variety of perspectives. Major courses include Myth and Ritual, Sociology of Religion, Religions of the Middle East, and more. Graduates are expected to understand universal religious symbols and ethics, define religion and its influence, and describe religious worldviews and how they impact different aspects of culture. Many grads go on to pursue humanitarian or ministry work.
APU is an entirely-online institution that offers over 200 degrees and certificates on an 8-week or 16-week schedule throughout the year. The student population is almost entirely nontraditional, as 87% are working adults, most students are in their 30s, and 80% of students are active-duty, guard, or reserve military members or veterans. True to its commitment to offer an affordable and accessible education, APU provides free textbooks to most students and has a liberal credit transfer policy that counts some military service and job experience toward a degree. APU also offers a range of financial benefits to military-affiliated students, including participation in the Yellow Ribbon Program, which works in conjunction with the GI Bill to provide free tuition to qualified veterans.
Net Price: $10,658
3. Apex School of Theology – Durham, NC
Bachelor of Theology
Website
The online Bachelor of Theology degree from Apex School of Theology is a 128-credit program that offers students a thorough Old and New Testament Bible education, as well as introductions to theology, ministry practice, pastoral ministry, and more. As part of its aim to prepare students for service in the church following graduation, the program includes two field education courses. A high school diploma or GED is required for admission to Apex, but life experience, as well as an acceptable score on an entrance test, are also considered.
At $200 per credit hour, a degree from Apex seems almost impossibly affordable. However, costs are kept so low because the faculty and leadership at Apex serve the school on a small stipend, and many have been at the school since its founding in 1995. From the beginning, Apex aimed to help students committed to ministry with nontraditional backgrounds or the inability to afford a quality Christian education from a more-established university or seminary. Additionally, the university considers itself grounded in the African-American Christian experience, and emphasizes diversity in race, denomination, and gender in the online and in-person classroom experience.
Net Price: $9,993
2. Eastern New Mexico University – Portales, NM
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science in Religion
Website
The Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science in Religion program from Eastern New Mexico University provides students with a survey of religious history, psychology, and philosophy, with Judeo-Christian religions at its center. The 120-credit interdisciplinary program offers courses in archaeology, church history, ancient languages, and youth and family ministry. Students are required to choose a minor or second major and are encouraged to select a subject that will help both narrow and specialize their expertise, such as Biblical Greek or Hebrew, journalism or communications, history, political science, psychology, etc.
ENMU prides itself on the Department of History, Social Sciences, and Religion, as many students have won Zondervan Awards for excellence in the study of theology and Biblical Hebrew and Greek. The university boasts a 97% student satisfaction rate and simultaneously keeps costs low as the sixth most affordable public university in the Southwest. Undergraduate scholarships also help to ease the cost of school, including for military service members, veterans, and their families. Students looking for diversity of thought in their educational experience will be glad to find that 61% of ENMU students identify as female and more than 60% identify as non-white. U.S. News & World Report places ENMU as No. 72 in its 2020 Top Performers on Social Mobility ranking.
Net Price: $9,830
1. The Baptist College of Florida – Graceville, FL
Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies
Website
The Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies program from The Baptist College of Florida provides transfer students ministerial training and foundations of Biblical study, interpretation, and theology. The 60-credit program includes 42 major credits including Biblical Hermeneutics, Practical Ministry Courses, Personal Evangelism, and more. Seniors must complete a three-credit Ministry Capstone course as well. Candidates must submit official transcripts, standardized test scores, an online application and fee, and a letter of recommendation from their home pastor to be considered for admission. All degrees from BCF are available online, including graduate degrees for students who want to deepen their religious education.
The university began humbly in 1943 when a group of pastors held their first class in a Sunday school classroom in the First Baptist Church in Lakeland, FL to provide ministerial training to men and women who did not have college degrees. Today, BCF is considered a ministry of the Florida Baptist State Convention and is the only university supported by the group. As part of its commitment to preparing students for local church ministry, BCF offers a Ministry Referral program to students and alumni, through which the university provides resumes of BCF community members to churches and other local ministries seeking applicants.
Net Price: $8,183
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