If 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:
- Total savings over the average cost of an MDiv in your state
- MDiv concentration options
- Whether the program is available on-campus, online, or in a mixed hybrid format
- Other advanced degrees offered by the same university
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:
- Accolades and recommendations from former students or ranking organizations like U.S. News & World Report
- Dual-degree options that can double up your expertise in the same amount of time
- Unique online support features
- Contemplative and community-oriented campuses
- Resources and support for research and scholarship
- Global and local experiential study opportunities
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
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
- Unique courses such as studies of the writings of CS Lewis help this program provide essential historical context for ministers
- Small class sizes with a 6:1 student-teach ratio allows you to receive more mentoring from experienced, dedicated instructors
- The lowest cost program for divinity studies in Alabama hands-down lets you launch your career without debt
- Generous school scholarships can further ease your concerns about paying for a degree
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. You’ll study those writings in the original Hebrew and Greek for the complete experience. You’ll 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
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
- More than half of all credits for the program are offered through electives, offering an excellent opportunity to customize your education
- A biblically-oriented program sets your training on top of a solid foundation of Scriptural understanding
- Distance learning offers the flexibility that working adults need to get through an intensive MDiv program
- With experience in online education going back to 1993, Amridge programs are built on extensive expertise in remote teaching
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 Education’s pioneering distance education project, a forerunner in schools that resulted in changes to federal law to open up remote training. You can be sure you’re 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
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
- Placements at local churches such as Tri-City Baptist Church provide a wide variety of opportunities for hands-on ministry experience
- Strong language training New Testament Greek anchors this program in original Biblical texts
- Facilities on campus include a media center, student center, and family life center with gymnasium, kitchen, and fellowship hall
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
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
- Three areas of emphasis allow you to customize your training toward the area of ministry to which you feel most called
- The Seminary’s Text and Canon Institute offers in-depth research and resources into Bible translation and interpretation
- As a nationally-recognized seminary, Phoenix integrates biblical scholarship with practical experience in local churches for a life-long skillset in learning and adaptation
- The hybrid learning experience is enhanced by the school’s adaptation of new technologies such as blogs and podcasts to keep all students looped into the latest thinking and studies
Practical and effective training at Phoenix Seminary’s MDiv program comes along with something else that you don’t 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 Christ’s truth in a pluralistic world.
CALIFORNIA - State average: $49,264
America Evangelical University
Gardena, CA
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
- Program is offered in Korean
- A required internship puts you through field experience to meet specific goals and develop real-world skills
- Mentorship offers a strong guiding hand throughout the program
- Internship clusters keep you in contact with fellow students through your field work
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
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
- At least 85 percent of graduates go on to work in the ministry after graduation
- The school raises up Pentecostal ministry leaders using the Jesus Model of Leadership
- Dynamic chapel services and a strong, unified dorm community make on-campus attendance a spiritual experience
- Expect personal mentorship not just from faculty, but also via administration and alumni
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 you’ll 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
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
- A flexible program that offers a variety of concentrations in various pastoral arts
- The hybrid approach allows most coursework to be completed online, but includes at least one on-campus course
- On-campus required coursework can be completed through intensive modular courses
- Committed evangelical faculty are motivated by fidelity to the Word of God and hold advanced degrees in their fields
Founded in the firm belief that the global village is the pastor’s 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
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
- A library of over 30,000 volumes offers plenty of research material for advanced studies
- Located in multicultural Orange County, Bethesda offers an immersive opportunity to practice preaching to diverse groups and communities
- A bright, modern facility makes on-campus studies easy
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
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
- Sponsorship from the Korean Presbyterian Church Abroad helps PTS maintain a solid financial foundation for education
- Program is offered in Korean as well as English
- New facility established in 2009 provides well-equipped classrooms and a substantial library for a high-quality theological education
You’ll 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
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
- Faculty members and administrators at Shasta are both academically qualified and have direct experience in the ministry
- Overseas study opportunities have include a tour tracing the path of the apostle Paul through the Holy Lands
- Annual Alpha and Omega conference offers a variety of speakers and opportunities to contemplate both the miracle of creation and the prophecies of the end-times
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