The Most Affordable Online Theology Programs

1. Franciscan University of Steubenville

The Franciscan University of Steubenville offers an online bachelor’s in theology that draws on Western philosophy and Catholic values. This program helps prepare learners for further training in Catholic ministry or graduate studies.

FUS offers rigorous Franciscan liberal arts programs that emphasize critical thinking skills and appreciation for Western literature.

The core program topics include moral theology, ecclesiology, and Christology. Candidates can choose 12 credits of theology electives. The program requires students to complete a senior thesis or capstone seminar prior to graduation.

The Average cost of this program per credit for in-state students is $600 and  $600
for out-of-state students. This college holds regional accreditation from Higher Learning Commission.

Brescia University is a Catholic school located in Owensboro, Kentucky. Brescia University was originally established as a women’s college. The school now admits both genders and offers an accelerated online bachelor’s in theology tailored to nontraditional and ministry students.

Core course topics include world religions, women in the Christian tradition, and spirituality and vocation.

The program meets the National Association of Lay Ministry’s competency expectations. It also aligns with the National Directory for the Formation, Ministry, and Life of Permanent Deacons standards.

The Average cost of this program per credit for in-state students is $425 and $425
for out-of-state students. This college holds regional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Montreat College offers an online bachelor’s in Bible and theology tailored to suit students looking to enter theological seminaries or graduate religious studies.

The program is reputed for requiring the use of New Testament Greek during the senior year, this gives students a working knowledge of Greek grammar and syntax. Students can use their degrees to pursue employment in ministry, mission work, and Biblical scholasticism.

Core course topics explored in this program include contemporary theologies, Greek Exegesis, and Biblical interpretation. Students are required to complete a senior thesis project aa a graduation requirement.

The Average cost of this program per year for in-state students is $27,700 and tuition for out-of-state students is $27,700. This college holds regional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.

Concordia University was founded in 1881, the college offers an accelerated online bachelor’s in theological studies.

This program is specifically designed for students seeking personal spiritual growth or looking to start a career as a church worker or lay leader.

Core course topics dig deep into biblical interpretation with classes in the Old and New Testaments, the Gospel of Luke, and the life of Christ.

Other courses cover topics like world religions, Lutheran church work, and Christian ethics. Candidates can personalize their studies with 51 elective credits.

The Average cost of this program per year for in-state students is $30,060 and tuition for out-of-state students is $30,060. This college holds regional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.

Grand View University offers an online bachelor’s in theology that is taught from a Lutheran perspective.

The degree equips students with strong critical thinking and leadership skills through a rigorous liberal arts foundation surveying world religions and Western philosophy.

Core course topics explored in this program include worship and the arts, ancient and medieval philosophy, and Christian faith and life.

The program prepares graduates for further study in seminaries or graduate school, or for work as a missionary, church educator, or social worker.

The Average cost of this program per credit for in-state students and out-of-state students is $452. This college holds regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission

6. Liberty University

Liberty University offers an affordable online bachelor’s in religious studies and theology where students can choose either Biblical and Educational Studies and Religion.

The religion track offers 9 options including Christian Counseling, Christian Leadership, Apologetics, Biblical and Theological Studies, Christian Ministries, Evangelism, General, Global Studies, and NextGen.

The Average cost of this program per year for out-of-state students is $22,747. This college holds regional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

7. Calvary University

Calvary University offers an affordable online degree in religious studies, it also offers an online B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Theology, Pastoral Ministries, and Bible.

Required coursework will include classes like Introduction to the Bible, Teaching the Bible, Great Christian Thinkers, Contemporary Theology, Discipleship Ministries of the Local Church, and Pastoral Life and Ministry.

Concentration options related to this program include Counseling and Youth Ministry, Pastoral Ministry and Leadership, and Youth Ministry and Worship Arts. The lectures are recorded and online students can watch them at their convenience.

The program uses the same rigorous material for both on-campus and online students and also allows online students to interact with the professors and the on-site students, making the experience a well-rounded one.

The Average cost of this program per year for out-of-state students is $11,164. This college holds regional accreditation from the Association for Biblical Higher Education.