Best colleges for Theological and Ministerial Studies in Tennessee
Ranked by graduate earnings
Vanderbilt University, Johnson University and The University of the South award the most Theological and Ministerial Studies degrees and certificates in Tennessee: 51, 31 and 31 graduates a year (IPEDS 2024–25). 17 Tennessee colleges offer Theological and Ministerial Studies and award 373 degrees and certificates a year in all.
The Theological and Ministerial Studies program focuses on the study of theology and religious vocations, preparing students for various roles within religious communities. It is ideal for individuals seeking to deepen their understanding…
Top institution, ranked by graduate earnings
Ranked by median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard. 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 | Johnson University Knoxville Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $33,627 | 31 | 57% | $19,333 | $23,250 |
Colleges awarding the most Theological and Ministerial Studies degrees in Tennessee
Top 10 by graduates a year (IPEDS 2024–25 completions). Online, degree-completion and graduate-only schools, and schools with a graduation rate under 30% are listed in full below.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Starting salary (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vanderbilt University Nashville Private not-for-profit | 51 | Not reported |
| 2 | Johnson University Knoxville Private not-for-profit | 31 | $33,627 |
| 3 | The University of the South Sewanee Private not-for-profit | 31 | Not reported |
| 4 | Lipscomb University Nashville Private not-for-profit | 30 | Not reported |
| 5 | Lee University Cleveland Private not-for-profit | 25 | Not reported |
| 6 | Southern Adventist University Collegedale Private not-for-profit | 15 | Not reported |
| 7 | Trevecca Nazarene University Nashville Private not-for-profit | 15 | Not reported |
| 8 | Milligan University Milligan Private not-for-profit | 15 | Not reported |
| 9 | Mid-South Christian College Memphis Private not-for-profit | 8 | Not reported |
| 10 | Freed-Hardeman University Henderson Private not-for-profit | 7 | Not reported |
ShowHide the other 7 Tennessee colleges offering Theological and Ministerial Studies
| Institution | City | Control | Graduates / yr |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pentecostal Theological Seminary (Graduate only) | Cleveland | Private not-for-profit | 75 |
| Memphis Theological Seminary (Graduate only) | Memphis | Private not-for-profit | 43 |
| Richmont Graduate University (Graduate only) | Chattanooga | Private not-for-profit | 19 |
| Carson-Newman University | Jefferson City | Private not-for-profit | 3 |
| Bryan College - Dayton | Dayton | Private not-for-profit | 2 |
| Welch College | Gallatin | Private not-for-profit | 2 |
| Belmont University | Nashville | Private not-for-profit | 1 |
Career outlook
What this program leads to: Clergy (SOC 21-2011).
Top skills
What Clergy earn in Tennessee
Related careers
Common questions
Answers for students comparing Theological and Ministerial Studies programs in Tennessee.
Which Tennessee colleges award the most Theological and Ministerial Studies degrees?+
Vanderbilt University (51 graduates a year), Johnson University (31 graduates a year) and The University of the South (31 graduates a year) award the most Theological and Ministerial Studies degrees and certificates in Tennessee, per IPEDS 2024–25 completions. In all, 17 Tennessee colleges offer Theological and Ministerial Studies.
Which Theological and Ministerial Studies program in Tennessee has the highest-earning graduates?+
By median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, Johnson University tops the list at $33,627. Compare it against graduates a year, graduation rate, cost, and debt in the ranked table above.
How much do Clergy earn in Tennessee?+
The average annual wage for Clergy in Tennessee is $58,550 (median $57,260), across about 710 jobs. Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025.
What is the focus of the Theological and Ministerial Studies program?+
The Theological and Ministerial Studies program focuses on the study of theology and religious vocations, preparing students for various roles within religious communities. It is ideal for individuals seeking to deepen their understanding…
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop speaking, active listening, writing, reading comprehension, and related professional skills.
What is the job outlook for Clergy?+
The national job outlook is about +1.0% growth with around 23,000 annual openings (BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034).
What is the typical education requirement?+
A Bachelor's degree is the typical entry-level education for this field (BLS).
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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