15 Best Affordable Religious Studies Degree Programs (Bachelor’s) 2020

In the following ranking, we examine the 15 best affordable religious studies degree programs for bachelor’s degrees. Those who pursue a Bachelor’s in Religion have the opportunity to interact with people of all backgrounds from around the world, gain insight into various belief systems, and develop many perspectives on life. Depending on the program, students may also be able to pursue a career in the clergy or focus their degree on a specific religion. Below you will find our list of the most economical religious studies degree programs ranked according to three key metrics:

• affordability
• class size
• student success.

Methodology

To capture the balance between affordability and quality, we awarded points based on three features:

• tuition
• student/faculty ratios
• graduation rates.

To find our initial list of schools, we searched for religious studies bachelor’s degree using the College Navigator tool at the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). We then narrowed down the pool of 20 schools into the top 15 based on the following methodology. 

Average Cost of Attendance

We understand the temptation to seek out low cost religious studies degree programs just for the sake of saving money, but it is important to also make sure that the school you are considering has everything you are looking for in a degree. In other words, think of tuition as one slice of the educational pizza. For the following article, we ranked each school based on the cost of tuition for one year using rates provided by the NCES.

Points:
Under $7,500: 5 points
$7,500 to $15,000: 3 points
$15,001 and above: 1 point

Student-to-Faculty Ratio

We also awarded points based on each school’s student/faculty ratio. This statistic helps determine the learning environment at schools since those with high ratios tend to provide larger classes and vice-versa. Consider your academic background, learning style, and personal preferences in mind as you review student/faculty ratios to ensure you find the school that best meets your needs. Below, we awarded points according to the following ranges, providing the highest number to schools with the lowest ratios, according to NCES.

Points:
10:1 or less: 3 points
11:1 to 15:1: 2 points
Greater than 15:1: 1 point

Graduation Rate

Finally, the last metric we looked at for the purpose of awarding points was each school’s graduation rate from NCES. Although there are always exceptions, colleges and universities with high graduation rates are excelling in one or more areas and doing something right to keep their students enrolled. This could be anything from:

• employing experienced professors
• offering affordable programs
• going above and beyond in terms of the academic support provided

Therefore, we awarded the most points to schools with the highest graduation rates.

Points
More than 50 percent: 3 points
Between 30 percent and 50 percent: 2 points
Less than 30 percent: 1 point

Ranking Top 15 Best Affordable Religious Studies Degree Programs

15. Arkansas Baptist College

Little Rock, Arkansas

Points: 5
Program Website

Arkansas Baptist College is a private HBCU. It is the only historically black Baptist institution of higher education west of the Mississippi River. Founded as the Minister’s Institute in 1884, ABC offers an inexpensive Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies. It increases students’ knowledge of the Bible. It also provides students with a general orientation to Christian life. It develops a means through which students can develop their Christian faith. This affordable college for religious studies degree is a top-value 121-semester-hour program comprised of:

• general education requirements
• major requirements
• the Division of Religious Studies core requirements.

Areas of study include:

• the history of the Old and New Testament
• Bible doctrine
• Christian ethics
• Church worship and history
• Old and New Testament theology
• lexical Hebrew

Students also investigate:

• systematic theology
• hermeneutics
• Church administration and management
• youth ministry
• evangelism and mission
• contemporary world religion

Students are required to complete a senior internship during the final year of the program. ABC also confers Bachelor of Arts degrees in urban community leadership and Christian education.

Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies
In-State Tuition: $8,760
Out-of-State Tuition: $8,760
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 20:1
Graduation Rate: 20 percent

14. Martin University

Indianapolis, Indiana

Points: 6
Program Website

Established in 1977 to serve adult, minority, and low-income learners, Martin University is a private institution of higher education. Students looking for an economical religious studies degree can pursue a low-cost Bachelor of Science in Religious Studies with a concentration in Christian ministry. Students develop the skills to identify how significant movements, events, and persons have influenced both the religious world and the world as a whole. Students will compare and contrast at least two major religions and be able to answer questions regarding their significance, origin, and purpose. The inexpensive 120-credit program consists of general education requirements as well as core courses that investigate topics such as:

• religious education
• service-learning and leadership
• principles of servant leaders
• sociology of religions
• world religions
• the life and teachings of Jesus
• the study of Judaism, Hinduism, and Buddhism.

The affordable degree program culminates in a final project which takes the form of a capstone. Graduates are prepared for such careers as:

• nonprofit leaders
• community ministers
• life skills counselors
• mental health aides
• community support staff.

Degree Options:
B.S. in Religious Studies With a Concentration in Christian Ministry
In-State Tuition: $13,200
Out-of-State Tuition: $13,200
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Graduation Rate: 4 percent

13. Cleveland State University

Cleveland, Ohio

Points: 6
Program Website

Cleveland State University is a public research university and a member of the University System of Ohio. Students seeking a cost-effective religious studies degree can pursue a best-value Bachelor of Arts in Comparative Religion program. It approaches religion as a cultural dimension of society. The curriculum contextualizes religious behaviors and beliefs within specific social and historical frameworks. By doing this, students begin to understand how religion shapes the human experience. Required coursework includes topics in understanding religion as well as religion through an interdisciplinary perspective. Students must take one course in each of the following areas:

• religion in the Americas
• religions originating in the Middle East,
• religions originating in Asia

This affordable degree program also includes a research skills requirement, including a one-credit-hour capstone in religious studies, to fulfill the school’s senior thesis requirement. Graduates are prepared for careers in:

• human services
• nonprofit work
• public relations
• marketing
• counseling.

Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Comparative Religion
In-State Tuition: $10,457
Out-of-State Tuition: $14,824
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Graduation Rate: 45 percent

12. Youngstown State University

Youngstown, Ohio

Points: 6
Program Website

Youngstown State University is a public research university established in 1908. YSU is affiliated with the University System of Ohio. Its College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences offers a 120-credit-hour, affordable Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies. Students learn about the various religions throughout the world as well as the methodologies used to study these belief systems. Through the inexpensive, 120-semester-hour curriculum, students gain an appreciation for the culture and history of religion. Coursework allows students to join the discussion on important political, ethical, and moral issues. All students pursuing the YSU religious studies degree must complete 31 credit hours, including core courses in the methods and study of religion and an introduction to religious studies. Students must also complete analytics-focused courses, choosing topics in:

• philosophy
• sociology
• anthropology
• psychology
• political science

The program culminates in a capstone cooperative seminar followed by a senior capstone project. Graduates are prepared for careers in:

• social work
• religious education
• counseling
• ministry,
• other fields that require a background in liberal arts.

Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies
In-State Tuition: $8,967
Out-of-State Tuition: $9,327
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Graduation Rate: 37 percent

11. Clinton College

Rock Hill, South Carolina

Points: 7
Program Website

Clinton College is an HBCU founded in 1894 as the Clinton Institute. The school offers a low-cost Bachelor of Arts degree program in Religious Studies. The program helps introduce students to religious studies and to expand their knowledge of church practices and history. The 121-credit curriculum is comprised of general education requirements as well as major coursework in such areas such as:

• the Old and New Testament,
• Christian leadership
• church administration
• theology
• education
• a senior thesis.

Students develop an understanding of world religions and critical awareness of the relationships among:

• religion
• literature
• science
• psychology
• philosophy

Graduates are prepared with the skills and knowledge they need to effectively contribute to society through Christian service and education. 

Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies
In-State Tuition: $10,020
Out-of-State Tuition: $10,020
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Graduation Rate: 100 percent

10. Faith Theological Seminary

Baltimore, Maryland

Points: 7
Program Website

Faith Theological Seminary was founded in 1937. It’s a conservative Christian seminary that offers a cheap, four-year, 120-credit Bachelor of Arts in Religion degree. The curriculum is comprised of 16 general education courses and 24 Bible and theology courses. It provides training for students committed to various parachurch and church ministries. Areas of study include:

• marriage and family counseling
• biblical missions and evangelism
• theology
• biblical interpretation
• God and humanity
• philosophy
• world religions and cults
• music in worship
• biblical counseling.

Through this economical degree program, students:

• develop their working knowledge of the Bible
• learn how to interpret the original meaning of Scripture
• hone skills needed to apply Scripture to contemporary situations

Graduates are prepared to minister in a local church or other faith-based organizations through:

• service
• counseling
• evangelism
• leadership skills.

Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Religion
In-State Tuition: $6,760
Out-of-State Tuition: $6,760
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Graduation Rate: N/A

9. Crowley’s Ridge College

Paragould, Arkansas

Points: 8
Program Website

Crowley’s Ridge College is a private, four-year, Christian liberal arts college. It’s recognized as one of the most affordable colleges for a religious studies degree. While the school is affiliated with the Churches of Christ, students from all religious backgrounds are welcome to attend. CRC offers an inexpensive Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies. It consists of general education coursework in:

• the humanities and fine arts
• natural sciences and mathematics
• social science and human behavior
• health, physical education, and wellness.

The low-cost, 126-hour major is comprised of core classes focused on the Bible, including 18 hours of classes in the Old Testament and 18 hours of study of the New Testament. Students also complete 18 hours in a practical area, exploring:

• evangelism
• Christian counseling
• youth ministry
• Christian ministry
• marriage.

The curriculum includes 11 hours in biblical languages, including courses in elementary Greek. There are also 12 hours in the historical and doctrinal area which focuses on:

• biblical interpretation
• Church history
• the history of the English Bible.

All students are required to attend the CRC Lectureship each year as well as the Freed-Hardeman Lectureship and the Restoration Tour at least one time each.

Degree Options:
BA in Biblical Studies
In-State Tuition: $13,600
Out-of-State Tuition: $13,600
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Graduation Rate: 44 percent

8. Faith International University

Tacoma, Washington

Points: 8
Program Website

Faith International University is an evangelical Christian college and seminary that grants affordable degrees that support the ministry. Established in 1969, the school enrolls around 400 students from more than 40 different denominations. Those who are studying ministry-based programs are encouraged to check with their synod, church, or other religious association for specific doctrinal requirements. FIU offers a low-cost religious studies degree. It’s designed to prepare students for effective Christian ministry through the integration of applied studies and academic coursework. Students develop a broad foundation in religious, theological, and biblical studies. They they can complete the program through a combination of on-campus and online courses or entirely online. The curriculum is comprised of general education requirements as well as 55 hours of study in the Bible and ministry and 45 hours in religion. Students must also complete 20 hours in interdisciplinary or specialty electives in areas such as:

• church and nonprofit administration
• African-American studies
• missions and evangelism
• youth ministry
• Christian education
• children’s ministry
• chaplaincy studies
• pastoral ministry. 

Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Religion
In-State Tuition: $7,875
Out-of-State Tuition: $7,875
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Graduation Rate: 71 percent

7. Louisiana State University-Alexandria

Alexandria, Louisiana

Points: 8
Program Website

Louisiana State University-Alexandria is a public research university recognized as one of the most affordable universities for a religious studies degree. LSU-Alexandria offers Bachelor of Arts in World Religions. Students study the major belief systems that have operated throughout human history. Students have the opportunity to study the sacred texts, practices, and rituals that have shaped profound human thought and culture. They gain a broader understanding of the world by learning to write clearly, speak thoughtfully, listen empathetically, and think critically about world religions. The economical degree program is comprised of 120 credits of study and can be completed on-campus, online, or a combination of the two. Graduates are prepared for careers in:

• philosophy
• counseling
• ministry
• education

They may also choose to further their education at a divinity school, graduate school, or law school. 

Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in World Religions
In-State Tuition: $6,669
Out-of-State Tuition: $14,024
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Graduation Rate: 30 percent

6. Eastern New Mexico University

Portales, New Mexico

Points: 8
Program Website

Eastern New Mexico University is a public institution of higher education and the largest regional, comprehensive university in the state. Established in 1927, ENMU is a designated Hispanic-Serving Institution. It’s a member of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities. ENMU offers affordable programs leading to Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Religion. It’s designed for students looking to increase their spiritual and religious knowledge. It’s also for students who want to enter the ministry. This low-cost degree program focuses on the practical application and exegesis of religious texts. Students complete coursework regarding the intersection of religion and science as well as the philosophy, psychology, and history of religion. Several local institutions with varying religious affiliations provide ENMU students with opportunities to use their skills and hold leadership positions. Graduates are prepared for a variety of careers such as:

• pastors and ministers
• religious directors
• volunteer service directors
• college or university faculty members. 

Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science or Arts in Religion
In-State Tuition: $6,326
Out-of-State Tuition: $8,247
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Graduation Rate: 35 percent

5. Holy Apostles College and Seminary

Cromwell, Connecticut

Points: 9
Program Website

One of the most affordable colleges for a religious studies degree, Holy Apostles College and Seminary is a Roman Catholic seminary. lThe school was founded in 1956 to educate and prepare men to enter the priesthood. Students seeking a best-value religious studies degree may choose to pursue the inexpensive Bachelor of Arts in Theology. It’s available both on-campus and online. The latter program allows students to earn their degree in 2.6 years. Consisting of 120 credits of study, this degree program is designed for students interested in a liberal arts education. It includes courses in:

• evangelization
• moral and dogmatic theology
• theological research and writing
• the catechism of the Catholic Church
• religious education
• Scripture

Graduates are prepared for careers in:

• education
• mission work
• parish outreach
• campus ministry
• religious education
• youth ministry.

Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Theology
In-State Tuition: $7,870
Out-of-State Tuition: $7,870
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 5:1
Graduation Rate: 60 percent

4. CUNY Bernard M. Baruch College

New York, New York

Points: 9
Program Website

Students looking for an affordable college for a religious studies degree may consider the City University of New York (CUNY) Bernard M. Baruch College. Established in 1919, the school offers a low-cost religion and culture program through the Weissman School of Arts & Sciences. It presents an interdisciplinary approach to the study of:

• cultural and religious histories
• practices
• concepts
• doctrines.

Students may complete the economical degree program as an ad hoc major after receiving written approval for the course pattern they select. Areas of study within the religion and culture program include:

• world religious traditions
• issues in religion and culture
• the Hebrew Bible
• religion and politics in the U.S.
• religious themes in contemporary literature
• various world religions

Specific religions studied include:

• Judaism
• Christian
• Buddhism
• Hinduism

Coursework is taught by faculty from various departments and disciplines.

Degree Options:
Religion and Culture Program
In-State Tuition: $7,262
Out-of-State Tuition: $14,932
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Graduation Rate: 69 percent

3. CUNY Brooklyn College

Brooklyn, New York

Points: 9
Program Website

A member of the City University of New York (CUNY), Brooklyn College was established in 1930. CUNY Brooklyn College offers a low-cost Bachelor of Arts in Studies in Religion as a dual-major only. This means that all students are required to select a second major in any field of study. This affordable religious studies degree program includes:

• 42 pathways credits
• 27 credits in general electives
• 51 credits in the major broken down into 21 credits of religious studies and 30 credits for the dual-major

Coursework includes studies in religion and methodological approaches to religion as well as three courses from at least two different academic disciplines or departments. These include:

• history,
• English
• Chinese
• art
• anthropology
• Africana studies
• Judaic studies and more

A seminar on religious studies is also required. 

Degree Options:
Religion: Program of Studies in Religion, B.A.
In-State Tuition: $7,240
Out-of-State Tuition: $14,910
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Graduation Rate: 58 percent

2. Simmons College of Kentucky

Louisville, Kentucky

Points: 9
Program Website

Ranked among the most affordable colleges for a religious studies degree, Simmons College of Kentucky is a private HCBU. Established in 1879, it is the country’s 107th historically black college. It awards certificates and degrees at the associate and bachelor’s levels. Students may pursue an economical Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies degree that includes traditional courses in areas such as:

• the Old and New Testaments
• church history
• Christian theology
• preaching

It also offers culturally relevant ministry-focused classes in:

• conflict ministry
• the Church and social action
• urban church growth
• social welfare and the church
• ministry in the African-American church

The inexpensive, 120-credit curriculum also explores unique and innovative special topics in:

• ministry
• theology,
• Bible

Undergraduate students are encouraged to pursue graduate study via divinity school, graduate school, or seminary. Graduates are prepared for careers as:

• congregational pastors
• staff ministers or associate ministers
• denominational or nonprofit leaders and administrators
• hospital, college, university, or military chaplains

Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies
In-State Tuition: $5,310
Out-of-State Tuition: $5,310
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Graduation Rate: 50 percent

1. CUNY Hunter College

New York, New York

Points: 10
Program Website

Topping our list of the best affordable colleges for a religious studies degree, Hunter College is a constituent college of the City University of New York (CUNY). The affordable undergraduate program in religion consists of 30 credits of study and is comprised of a sequence that includes:

• Approaches to Religion
• Nature of Religion
• Asian Religions
• Abrahamic Religions
• at least one course each in religious traditions, issues in religion, and theoretical studies in religion.

Students can choose from more than 80 courses, including:

• classes in aspects of each of the major world religions
• courses in different methods of studying religions
• studies of specific issues that are fundamental to all religions such as myth and ritual, mysticism, faith and disbelief, and the meaning of death.

The religion degree program is the largest, oldest, and most comprehensive degrees of its kind in the CUNY System. 

Degree Options:
Program in Religion
In-State Tuition: $7,182
Out-of-State Tuition: $14,852
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Graduation Rate: 56 percent

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Career Options for a Bachelor’s in Religious Studies Degree?

Earning a Bachelor’s in Religious Studies can lead to many career paths in church leadership, ministry, and other administrative and service roles. Although most graduates of religious studies programs pursue positions in church ministry, others may find a career as a chaplain in military or hospital settings. Still, others enter administrative roles, overseeing programming and development for social agencies and churches. A Bachelor’s in Religious Studies is also a stepping stone to licensure in counseling and other helping professions and to advanced graduate-level study in graduate school or divinity school. Below are several common industries and career paths for religion majors:

• Education
• Religion
• Law
• Research
• Social Work

As you can see, a degree in religious studies enables students to apply their religious convictions to a broad spectrum of careers. In addition to common employment pathways in church ministry and leadership, students may consider pursuing professional and vocational interests in secular, nondenominational, and nonprofit settings as administrators, educators, chaplains, and pastoral counselors.

What is the Salary Potential for a Religious Studies Degree?

When considering the salary potential for a graduate with a degree in religious studies, keep in mind that figures will vary depending on the:

• size of the employer
• geographical location
• job requirements
• level of education

Since the curriculum taught in a religious studies program paves the way for many career options in different industries, it can be difficult to pinpoint one specific salary for graduates with this degree. However, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) provides salary information for three common occupations related to this field.

According to the BLS, the annual mean wage for the clergy was $53,290 as of May 2018. The top 10 percent earned more than $85,040, while the lowest 10 percent earned less than $26,160. Top-paying industries for this occupation include the federal executive branch, grantmaking and giving services, and psychiatric and substance abuse hospitals followed by nursing care facilities and specialty facilities except for psychiatric and substance abuse hospitals. 

The mean annual wage for directors of religious activities and education was $46,980 as of May 2018, according to the BLS. The top 10 percent reported yearly salaries of more than $82,110, while the lowest 10 percent saw earnings of less than $21,650. For this occupation, industries that paid well included:

• the federal executive branch
• other amusement and recreation industries
• business schools and computer and management training.

Continuing care retirement communities and assisted living facilities for the elderly and general medical and surgical hospitals rounded out the top five industries.

The BLS also provides figures for the “Religious Workers, All Other” category, reporting average yearly earnings of $35,860 as of May 2018. The top 10 percent earned more than $58,320, while the lowest 10 percent brought in less than $19,400. Similar to the clergy, the highest-paying industries for this occupation include:

• continuing care retirement communities and assisted living facilities for the elderly
• general medical and surgical hospitals
• home healthcare services
• nursing care facilities
• religious organizations. 

What Courses and Concentrations Are Available in a Religious Studies Degree?

Requirements for religious studies degrees vary widely across colleges and universities. Most institutions of higher education offer classes in:

• principles of ministry
• theological history
• biblical studies

Curriculum requirements may include core courses and electives in areas such as:

• pastoral counseling
• ministry leadership
• theological ethics
• church history
• world religions. 

Keep in mind that every school is different. While one institution might offer five or 10 areas of concentration, another may not provide any at all. Therefore, keep your future career goals in mind if you have the opportunity to choose an area of specialization. For instance, if you are interested in planting a church, a concentration in church planting would be a smart move. On the other hand, if you dream of becoming a freelance writer of religion-focused topics, a specialization in interdisciplinary studies or the humanities might be more beneficial. Even if you are not yet sure of the path you wish to follow, a religious studies degree will get you started and allow you to qualify for several job options. Common concentrations you might come across during your college search include:

• Pastoral Ministry and Counseling
• Ministry Administration and Leadership
• Youth Ministry and Worship Arts
• Family and Youth Ministry
• Practical Ministries
• Church Planting
• Worship Ministries
• Religious Education
• Ministry Administration and Leadership

Some students may choose an area of specialization outside of the ministry such as:

• counseling psychology
• business
• the humanities
• interdisciplinary studies
• organizational leadership.

Regardless of your interests, you can rest assured that this list of the best affordable religious studies degree programs is sure to meet both your immediate collegiate needs but your professional goals.

AS Staff

This concludes our ranking of the top 15 best affordable Religious Studies degree programs (bachelor’s).

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