Best colleges for Bible/Biblical Studies
Ranked by graduate earnings
The top bachelor's colleges for Bible/Biblical Studies by graduate earnings are Lancaster Bible College ($44,601), Freed-Hardeman University ($44,142) and Cedarville University ($42,572), based on median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, among programs with at least 20 graduates a year, excluding online, degree-completion and graduate-only schools and those with a graduation rate under 30%.
- Lancaster Bible College (Lancaster, PA): $44,601, 158 graduates a year
- Freed-Hardeman University (Henderson, TN): $44,142, 23 graduates a year
- Cedarville University (Cedarville, OH): $42,572, 40 graduates a year
- Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (Kansas City, MO): $42,567, 93 graduates a year
- Colorado Christian University (Lakewood, CO): $39,272, 59 graduates a year
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 median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $35,114 (College Scorecard, 2019), 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 25 bachelor's programs, ranked by graduate earnings
Ranked by median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, predominant credential. Programs with fewer than 20 graduates a year, a graduation rate under 30%, or online, degree-completion or graduate-only status rank after the rest.
| # | Institution | Starting salary (1 yr) | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lancaster Bible College Lancaster, PA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $44,601 | 158 | 67% | $21,399 | $32,084 |
| 2 | Freed-Hardeman University Henderson, TN Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $44,142 | 23 | 71% | $19,418 | $25,000 |
| 3 | Cedarville University Cedarville, OH Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $42,572 | 40 | 73% | $22,701 | $25,000 |
| 4 | Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary Kansas City, MO Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $42,567 | 93 | 48% | $26,572 | $23,385 |
| 5 | Colorado Christian University Lakewood, CO Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $39,272 | 59 | 64% | $23,447 | $40,475 |
| 6 | Biola University La Mirada, CA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $37,518 | 30 | 68% | $26,727 | $27,000 |
| 7 | Belhaven University Jackson, MS Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $35,275 | 103 | 49% | $22,476 | $38,582 |
| 8 | Moody Bible Institute Chicago, IL Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $35,114 | 122 | 62% | $24,848 | $13,097 |
| 9 | Regent University Virginia Beach, VA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $31,604 | 62 | 57% | $18,677 | $30,332 |
| 10 | Ozark Christian College Joplin, MO Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $31,345 | 40 | 64% | $17,334 | $23,500 |
| 11 | Northpoint Bible College Haverhill, MA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $26,859 | 26 | 54% | $27,681 | $27,000 |
| 12 | Columbia International University Columbia, SC Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $23,737 | 28 | 47% | $21,361 | $21,500 |
| 13 | Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary Ankeny, IA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $21,543 | 39 | 68% | $18,510 | — |
| 14 | Appalachian Bible College Mount Hope, WV Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $21,367 | 57 | 71% | $15,446 | $12,865 |
| 15 | Trinity College of Jacksonville Jacksonville, FL Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $20,013 | 50 | 34% | $19,100 | $26,115 |
| 16 | Harding University Searcy, AR Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree Small program | $48,073 | 11 | 69% | $19,423 | $18,114 |
| 17 | Indiana Wesleyan University - Marion Marion, IN Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree Small program | $46,674 | 1 | 67% | $21,351 | $38,685 |
| 18 | Indiana Wesleyan University - National & Global Marion, IN Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree Online Small program | $46,674 | 13 | 35% | $18,316 | $38,685 |
| 19 | Blue Mountain Christian University Blue Mountain, MS Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree Small program | $41,674 | 17 | 55% | $18,117 | — |
| 20 | University of Northwestern-St Paul Saint Paul, MN Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree Small program | $41,123 | 6 | 68% | $23,114 | $24,500 |
| 21 | Carolina University Winston-Salem, NC Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree Small program | $39,834 | 14 | 22% | $19,450 | $20,926 |
| 22 | Dallas Baptist University Dallas, TX Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree Small program | $37,958 | 16 | 57% | $29,227 | $18,987 |
| 23 | Luther Rice College & Seminary Lithonia, GA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree Online | $37,863 | 34 | — | $3,935 | $36,730 |
| 24 | Manhattan Christian College Manhattan, KS Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree Small program | $36,357 | 16 | 44% | $22,408 | $25,250 |
| 25 | Central Baptist College Conway, AR Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree Small program | $36,109 | 9 | 34% | $16,728 | — |
Top 3 certificate and associate programs
Shorter credentials, ranked separately so they are not compared with four-year degrees. Ranked by median earnings one year after completion (often called starting salary), College Scorecard.
| # | Institution | Starting salary (1 yr) | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nelson University Waxahachie, TX Private not-for-profit · Associate degree | $34,645 | 54 | 42% | $19,790 | $27,000 |
| 2 | Liberty University Lynchburg, VA Private not-for-profit · Certificate | $31,424 | 405 | 65% | $28,911 | $22,274 |
| 3 | Elim Bible College Lima, NY Private not-for-profit · Associate degree Small program | $18,339 | 12 | 67% | $10,460 | $11,998 |
Specializations within Bible/Biblical Studies
1 of the 1 6-digit CIP codes under CIP 39.02 have U.S. graduates (NCES CIP 2020, IPEDS 2024–25). Each links to its own page, ranked by graduates.
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.
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 one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $35,114, College Scorecard (2019); 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.
Explore every U.S. college in one conversation
Clema turns plain-language questions into sourced answers across every U.S. institution — earnings, aid, acceptance, graduation, safety, and athletics from IPEDS, College Scorecard, and 10+ federal datasets, built in.
Free for teams up to 3 · No credit card