Best institutions to study Bible/Biblical Studies
Compare 200 U.S. colleges offering Bible/Biblical Studies by graduate earnings, cost, and outcomes. Federal data across 43 states.
Bible/Biblical Studies programs report a median of $35,114 one year after graduation (College Scorecard, 2024), and map to CIP 39.02 and the Directors, Religious Activities and Education occupation (BLS SOC).
About Bible/Biblical Studies programs
The Bible/Biblical Studies program focuses on the academic exploration of the Bible through various disciplines, including history, theology, and literary criticism. This program is designed for students interested in deepening their understanding of biblical texts and their historical and cultural contexts, making it suitable for those pursuing careers in religious education, ministry, or related fields.
Students in this program will develop essential skills such as critical thinking, active listening, and effective communication. Coursework often covers philosophy, theology, and the methodologies for analyzing biblical texts, preparing graduates for various roles in religious and educational settings.
Top 36 institutions, ranked by graduate earnings
Earnings = median 1 year after graduation (College Scorecard, predominant credential).
| # | Institution | Grad earnings (1 yr) | Completions | Grad rate | Net price | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Harding University Searcy, AR Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $48,073 | 11 | 69% | $19,423 | $18,114 |
| 2 | Indiana Wesleyan University - Marion Marion, IN Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $46,674 | 1 | 67% | $21,351 | $38,685 |
| 3 | Indiana Wesleyan University - National & Global Marion, IN Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $46,674 | 13 | 35% | $18,316 | $38,685 |
| 4 | Lancaster Bible College Lancaster, PA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $44,601 | 158 | 67% | $21,399 | $32,084 |
| 5 | Freed - Hardeman University Henderson, TN Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $44,142 | 23 | 71% | $19,418 | $25,000 |
| 6 | Cedarville University Cedarville, OH Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $42,572 | 40 | 73% | $22,701 | $25,000 |
| 7 | Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary Kansas City, MO Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $42,567 | 93 | 48% | $26,572 | $23,385 |
| 8 | Blue Mountain Christian University Blue Mountain, MS Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $41,674 | 17 | 55% | $18,117 | — |
| 9 | University of Northwestern - St Paul Saint Paul, MN Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $41,123 | 6 | 68% | $23,114 | $24,500 |
| 10 | Carolina University Winston-Salem, NC Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $39,834 | 14 | 22% | $19,450 | $20,926 |
| 11 | Colorado Christian University Lakewood, CO Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $39,272 | 59 | 64% | $23,447 | $40,475 |
| 12 | Dallas Baptist University Dallas, TX Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $37,958 | 16 | 57% | $29,227 | $18,987 |
| 13 | Luther Rice College & Seminary Lithonia, GA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $37,863 | 34 | — | $3,935 | $36,730 |
| 14 | Biola University La Mirada, CA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $37,518 | 30 | 68% | $26,727 | $27,000 |
| 15 | Manhattan Christian College Manhattan, KS Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $36,357 | 16 | 44% | $22,408 | $25,250 |
| 16 | Central Baptist College Conway, AR Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $36,109 | 9 | 34% | $16,728 | — |
| 17 | Belhaven University Jackson, MS Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $35,275 | 103 | 49% | $22,476 | $38,582 |
| 18 | Moody Bible Institute Chicago, IL Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $35,114 | 122 | 62% | $24,848 | $13,097 |
| 19 | Nelson University Waxahachie, TX Private not-for-profit · Associate degree | $34,645 | 54 | 42% | $19,790 | $27,000 |
| 20 | Johnson University Knoxville, TN Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $32,078 | 12 | 57% | $19,333 | $24,375 |
| 21 | Regent University Virginia Beach, VA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $31,604 | 62 | 57% | $18,677 | $30,332 |
| 22 | Liberty University Lynchburg, VA Private not-for-profit · Certificate degree | $31,424 | 405 | 65% | $28,911 | $22,274 |
| 23 | Ozark Christian College Joplin, MO Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $31,345 | 40 | 64% | $17,334 | $23,500 |
| 24 | Grace Christian University Wyoming, MI Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $30,263 | 16 | 51% | $14,254 | $27,000 |
| 25 | Wheaton College Wheaton, IL Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $29,986 | 12 | 85% | $23,461 | $23,147 |
| 26 | Crown College Saint Bonifacius, MN Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $27,273 | 6 | 45% | $26,706 | $26,574 |
| 27 | Northpoint Bible College Haverhill, MA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $26,859 | 26 | 54% | $27,681 | $27,000 |
| 28 | SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary El Dorado Hills, CA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $26,407 | 4 | 85% | $21,043 | $29,299 |
| 29 | Davis College Pottersville, NY Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $25,743 | 50 | 27% | $14,320 | $27,000 |
| 30 | Boston Baptist College Boston, MA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $24,429 | 10 | 14% | $16,321 | $22,250 |
| 31 | Columbia International University Columbia, SC Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $23,737 | 28 | 47% | $21,361 | $21,500 |
| 32 | Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary Ankeny, IA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $21,543 | 39 | 68% | $18,510 | — |
| 33 | Appalachian Bible College Mount Hope, WV Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $21,367 | 57 | 71% | $15,446 | $12,865 |
| 34 | Trinity College of Jacksonville Jacksonville, FL Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $20,013 | 50 | 34% | $19,100 | $26,115 |
| 35 | Elim Bible College Lima, NY Private not-for-profit · Associate degree | $18,339 | 12 | 67% | $10,460 | $11,998 |
| 36 | Mid - Atlantic Christian University Elizabeth City, NC Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $11,491 | 5 | 21% | $25,800 | $23,422 |
Offered across 43 states & territories
The same program, compared state by state. Pick a state for in-state earnings and institutions.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 21-2021, Directors, Religious Activities and Education, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Bible/Biblical Studies program can pursue careers in religious education, counseling, and community organization. The job outlook for related fields is about as fast as average, with an expected growth rate of 2.1% and approximately 13,800 annual openings. The median wage for positions in this area is around $54,840, typically requiring a Bachelor's degree.
Top-paying metros
Related careers
CIP-to-SOC crosswalk for Bible/Biblical Studies
The SOC occupations NCES officially maps to CIP 39.02.
Under the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk, CIP 39.02 (Bible/Biblical Studies) maps to 2 Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) occupations, the jobs the U.S. Department of Labor links to this field of study.
| SOC code | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 21-2021 | Directors, Religious Activities and Educationprimary |
| 25-1126 | Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary |
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 Crosswalk.
Skills & knowledge in Bible/Biblical Studies programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this program most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
What graduates do on the job
- Develop or direct study courses or religious education programs within congregations.
- Identify and recruit potential volunteer workers.
- Select appropriate curricula or class structures for educational programs.
- Schedule special events, such as camps, conferences, meetings, seminars, or retreats.
- Counsel individuals regarding interpersonal, health, financial, or religious problems.
- Collaborate with other ministry members to establish goals and objectives for religious education programs or to develop ways to encourage program participation.
Concentrations within Bible/Biblical Studies
Specializations under this field (NCES CIP 2020).
- Bible/Biblical StudiesCIP 39.0201
A program that focuses on the Christian and/or Jewish Bible and related literature, with an emphasis on understanding and interpreting the theological, doctrinal, and ethical messages contained therei
Common questions
What is Bible/Biblical Studies?+
It is the academic study of the Bible using various disciplines such as history, theology, and literary criticism.
What skills will I develop?+
You will enhance skills in critical thinking, communication, and active listening.
What careers can I pursue?+
You can work in religious education, counseling, or community organization.
What is the job outlook?+
The job outlook is about as fast as average, with a growth rate of 2.1% and 13,800 annual openings.
How much do Bible/Biblical Studies graduates earn?+
Bible/Biblical Studies graduates report median earnings of $35,114 one year after graduation, per College Scorecard (2024); the Directors, Religious Activities and Education occupation pays about $62,100 on average nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025).
What is the CIP code for Bible/Biblical Studies?+
Bible/Biblical Studies maps to CIP 39.02 in the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP), the U.S. Department of Education taxonomy used for College Scorecard Field of Study earnings and IPEDS completions.
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
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