Are you called to the clergy? It’s beneficial for ministers to obtain a Bachelor’s in Biblical Studies.
What is a Bachelor’s in Biblical Studies?
Having the desire to be a Christian minister is only the first step to becoming a church leader. Churches frequently seek ministers and preachers who have at least an undergraduate degree in ministry or Bible Studies.
Bible colleges or universities offer online Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degrees with programs specifically designed to prepare students to become Christian counselors and educators, serve in various church ministries, or become lay ministers or pastors. Frequently, schools will offer undergraduate degrees in the ministry with a concentration in bible studies.
How Much Can You Earn With A Bachelor’s in Bible Studies?
Aside from television ministers, most members of the clergy don’t make a great deal of money spreading Christianity. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that salaries range from $36,810 (25th percentile) to $65,320 (75th percentile) for clergy, with roughly similar numbers for church directors of music, youth ministry, and education.
It’s estimated that occupations for clergy will grow by about 4%, average for most occupations. You should also consider benefits such as paid leave, housing, health insurance, and retirement as part of your overall compensation package. Of course, not all churches nor church affiliated organizations are able to offer much in terms of benefits.
What Is Required For a Bachelor’s in Biblical Studies?
There’s more to an undergraduate degree in biblical studies than just the Bible. An undergraduate degree will give you a foundational advantage in understanding and communicating Christian doctrines, teaching about the lives of Jesus, Paul, Moses, and others, and examining theological ideologies.
Besides general education courses in the humanities, social sciences and such, you’ll study the various religions, Biblical history, Christian ethics, etc. The particular doctrine you learn will be determined in part by the denomination of the school you pick.
If price is a huge factor in your decision, cross check this ranking with OSR’s Best Online Bible Studies Degrees.
What Are the Most Affordable Online Biblical Studies Degrees?
These are the most affordable biblical studies programs, sorted by the Average Net Price for attending the school. Net price factors in fees and financial aid.
OSR displays six data points for each school: three school-wide and three program specific. For school-wide, OSR uses Student Satisfaction, Admission Rates, and the number of programs the school offers online. For program-specific, OSR checks the Median Debt of graduates from that program, how many degrees are offered within that program’s umbrella department, and what percentage of students at that school graduated from that department. Because this is a ranking based on affordability, these data points are not factored into the score.
The six statistics are displayed by each school. The sliding bar under each statistic represents how that school compares to other US institutions. “Not reported” means a school did not release that information to the US Department of Education. A more detailed description of the OSR process can be found on the methodology page.
-
Luther Rice College & Seminary
20-Year ROI$892,096
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $6,480(in state) / $6,480(out of state)
- Net Price: $6,717
- 120 Credit hours
- 3 minors available
School Wide
Program Level
Located in Lithonia, Georgia, Luther Rice College and Seminary offers three minors (Biblical Counseling, Christian Worldview, or Ministry) for this Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies. You can sample an online course before applying for admission. Financial Aid is available and the school offers military assistance.
-
Calvary University
20-Year ROI$733,924
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $10,276(in state) / $10,276(out of state)
- Net Price: $6,768
- 126 credit hours
- Choose from two concentrations
School Wide
Program Level
Calvary University has been providing accredited degrees since 1932 and offers two online Bachelor of Science degrees in Bible & Theology or Biblical Counseling. You’ll take general and biblical education courses prior to your area of concentration. Calvary University is military friendly.
-
Heritage Christian University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $10,152(in state) / $10,152(out of state)
- Net Price: $7,799
- 128 credit hours
- Courses digitally recorded
School Wide
Program Level
This Alabama university has a BA in Biblical Studies intended to provide a comprehensive understanding of biblical studies in today’s world. You’ll take 36 hours in general education courses before tackling courses in theology and professional studies. Admission requires ACT or SAT scores.
-
The Baptist College of Florida
20-Year ROI$637,836
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $10,200(in state) / $10,200(out of state)
- Net Price: $9,252
- 120 credit hours
- Ongoing academic advising available
School Wide
Program Level
The Baptist College of Florida has been offering religious education since 1943. Included with this BA in Biblical Studies are general education studies and biblical/theological foundations courses. You can request admission information from the school’s website.
-
Clear Creek Baptist Bible College
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $9,440(in state) / $9,440(out of state)
- Net Price: $9,789
- 120 Credit hours
- 100% online
School Wide
Program Level
This Kentucky Bible College has a BA in Ministry degree. Besides providing ministerial preparation, this degree provides a foundation for graduate studies, as well. Major coursework is divided between Bible/Theology Studies and Ministry Studies.
-
Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $7,280(in state) / $7,280(out of state)
- Net Price: $9,905
- 120 Credit hours
- 4 Concentrations
School Wide
Program Level
Offered through Spurgeon College, this is a BA in Biblical Studies with specialty options in Worship Ministries, Business, and Biblical Counseling. The program is designed to enhance your ability to interpret and communicate biblical truth. General education courses are required.
-
Hobe Sound Bible College
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $5,750(in state) / $5,750(out of state)
-
- Net Price: $10,212
- 129 credit hours
- 6 minors offered in degree
School Wide
Program Level
You can choose from a variety of minors with this BA in Ministerial Studies. Your options include minors in Counseling, Intercultural Studies, Music, Teacher Education, etc. This curriculum is designed to lead to ordination or church ministries.
-
Gods Bible School and College
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $7,040(in state) / $7,040(out of state)
- Net Price: $10,490
- 120 Credit hours
- School partnership with Indiana Wesleyan University
School Wide
Program Level
Here’s an online BA in Bible and Theology that focuses on the essentials of classical Christian theology. Courses include studies in Religions of America, Holiness: Critical Issues, Life of Christ, etc. Among admission requirements, you’ll be asked to provide a recommendation from your pastor, teacher, or employer.
-
Central Christian College of the Bible
20-Year ROI$590,889
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $7,500(in state) / $7,500(out of state)
- Net Price: $11,272
- 120 Credit hours
- 8-week courses
School Wide
Program Level
If your goal is to enter the seminary, this may be a good BS in Bible Studies for you to explore. You’ll study topics such as Apologetics, History of Israel and Life of Christ, and Biblical Theology. The college also offers an Associate Degree in Bible.
-
Shasta Bible College and Graduate School
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $11,200(in state) / $11,200(out of state)
- Net Price: $11,693
- 128 Credit hours
- 5 degree minors available
School Wide
Program Level
This is a BA in Bible and Theology that is offered online. You may minor in one of five areas: Biblical Counseling, Biblical Languages, Children’s Ministry, Youth Ministry or Pastoral Ministry. You should be aware the degree will not lead to licensure, credential, or certification.
-
Virginia Baptist College
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $5,280(in state) / $5,280(out of state)
- Net Price: $12,694
- 120 Credit hours
- Dual enrollment for high school juniors and seniors option
School Wide
Program Level
Veritas Baptist College has four tracks for their Bachelor of Ministry degree. You can choose from Church Ministries, Bible, Pastoral Studies, or Youth Ministry. You’ll also earn 36 credit hours in general education courses, including courses in church and Baptist history.
-
Grace Bible College
20-Year ROI$567,107
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $10,969(in state) / $10,969(out of state)
- Net Price: $13,041
- 120 credit hours
- No residency requirement
School Wide
Program Level
If you’re preparing to enter the ministry, Grace Christian University’s online BS in Leadership and Ministry may be a good choice. Major subjects covered include theology, Life of Christ, Biblical perspectives, and a capstone project. A ministry reference is required for admission.
-
Amridge University
20-Year ROI$797,628
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $9,000(in state) / $9,000(out of state)
- Net Price: $13,104
- 128 Credit hours
- Military friendly
School Wide
Program Level
You can receive a BS in Ministry/Bible through Ambridge University’s College of General Studies. Following general education studies, you’ll take courses in Homelitics, Life and Teachings of Christ, etc. Tuition discounts are available for First Responders, Law Enforcement, and Military personnel.
-
Bethesda University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $8,095(in state) / $8,095(out of state)
- Net Price: $14,269
- 126 Credit hours
- Pentacostal training
School Wide
Program Level
Founded in 1976, Bethesda University has an online BA in Religion with a Biblical Studies minor. Coursework focuses on ethics and doctrines, biblical interpretation methods, and biblical history. This concentration will provide you a comprehensive understanding of the Bible and its application in the modern world.
-
Charlotte Christian College and Theological Seminary
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $9,750(in state) / $9,750(out of state)
- Net Price: $15,124
- 128 Credit hours
- 8-week course lengths
School Wide
Program Level
This is a BA in Biblical Studies with concentrations in: Bible, Biblical Languages, and Theology. Following basic education studies, you can choose electives from topics such as Christian ethics, Apologetics, Systematic Theology, etc. You’ll then take courses in your major and complete a capstone project.
-
Ozark Christian College
20-Year ROI$604,639
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $11,840(in state) / $11,840(out of state)
- Net Price: $15,637
- 120 credit hours
- Same as on-campus degree
School Wide
Program Level
Ozark Christian College has an online BA in Biblical Studies which will prepare you to serve as a youth preacher or children’s minister. Coursework includes professional studies, general education, and biblical education.
-
Regent University
20-Year ROI$827,287
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $16,650(in state) / $16,650(out of state)
- Net Price: $16,779
- 120+ credit hours
- Military friendly
School Wide
Program Level
This Virginia university offers an online BA in Biblical and Theological Studies. Coursework covers a wide range of Biblical studies from Church History to Systematic Theology. Regent University is named #42 in U.S. News and World Report’s “Best Online Bachelor’s Programs.”
-
Mid-Atlantic Christian University
20-Year ROI$607,997
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $14,080(in state) / $14,080(out of state)
- Net Price: $16,943
- 123-125 Credit hour
- BA or BS available
School Wide
Program Level
You’ll major in Ministry with a minor in Biblical Studies with these undergraduate degrees. Topics covered in the major include: Interpreting Biblical Literature, Biblical Doctrines, Life & Teachings of Jesus, and more. Both the BA and BS require a two-part internship including experience and evaluation.
-
Truett McConnell University
20-Year ROI$645,014
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $18,570(in state) / $18,570(out of state)
- Net Price: $17,088
- 125 credit hours
- 100% of freshmen receive Financial Aid
School Wide
Program Level
Located in Cleveland, Georgia, Truett McConnell University provides an online BA in Christian Studies with a Biblical & Theological concentration. You’ll study theology, biblical text, ministry, and language skills. The university also offers dual enrollment for high school students.
-
Lee University
20-Year ROI$677,848
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $16,080(in state) / $16,080(out of state)
- Net Price: $17,558
- 128 undergraduate programs
- 120 credit hours
School Wide
Program Level
Named to the top tier of U.S. News and World Report’s “Best Colleges,” this is an online BA in Bible & Theology. You’ll take general education courses and religion foundation courses in Old and New Testament, ethics, methods, etc. Tuition discounts available for Military and First Responders.
-
Trinity Bible College
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $16,320(in state) / $16,320(out of state)
- Net Price: $17,974
- 120 credit hours
- 75% ministry graduate employment rate
School Wide
Program Level
This college awards an online BA in Biblical Studies that has six minor options, including business administration, coaching, music, and others. You’re able to transfer up to 95 semester hours from prior schools attended. Before graduation, you’ll take a Bible content and outcome assessment test.
-
Maranatha Baptist University
20-Year ROI$652,245
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $13,750(in state) / $13,750(out of state)
- Net Price: $17,974
- 128 credit hours
- Dual enrollment available for qualified high school students
School Wide
Program Level
A Wisconsin university, this school provides an online BS in the Bible. Foundational courses include Apologetics, Fundamentalism, Intro to Philosophy, and Modern Creationary Thought. If you want, you can choose a major from Biblical Counseling, Language, or studies.
-
World Mission University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $6,200(in state) / $6,200(out of state)
- Net Price: $18,545
- 126 credit hours
- Outside ministry required during enrollment
School Wide
Program Level
You can enroll for an online BA in Biblical Studies. Completion of the program will allow you to understand basic Christian theology and demonstrate understanding and ministerial skills. There is a ministerial field education requirement for all WMU students during the program.
-
Belhaven University
20-Year ROI$739,969
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $23,900(in state) / $23,900(out of state)
- Net Price: $18,734
- 124 credit hours
- Human Services concentration available
School Wide
Program Level
Belhaven University is ranked #33 in “Best Value Schools” and #30 “Best Colleges for Veterans” by U.S. News and World Report. You can obtain a BA in Biblical Studies which will prepare you for ministry. If your goal is to work with the disadvantaged, the Human Services specialty is worth examining.
-
Carolina College of Biblical Studies
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $6,320(in state) / $6,320(out of state)
- Net Price: $19,130
- 60 credit hours
- Associate of Arts in Biblical Studies required
School Wide
Program Level
A BA in Biblical Studies from this college is a completion degree requiring an Associate of Arts in Biblical Studies to be admitted. You’ll study Bible Exposition, Books of Genesis, Hebrews, John, etc. This program is designed for Christian lay leaders and ministers.
