Higher education in divinity can open doors to top roles in Christian leadership. However, high tuition fees, unavailability of the desired mode of education, and lack of accredited educational bible institutions might be hindering your way.  

If that’s the case, we have done all the research for you. We have hand-picked the top cheapest online MDiv programs that can help you tap the top roles in Christianity. Let’s get into them.

Top 10 Cheapest Online MDiv 

The MDiv Program is a pretty thorough graduate degree, which can take up to four years to complete. It’s only natural for you to worry about the costs associated with such degree options. So, here’s a comprehensive guide to top affordable options to help you land your dream college to begin your spiritual journey. 

Liberty University 

Liberty University’s 100% online Master of Divinity program gears you up for professional Christian ministry. This 75-credit hour course offers comprehensive insights into church history, biblical stories, and theology. Core courses include expository teaching and preaching, Hebrew language tools, and Christian leadership. 

On top of that, LU employs an efficient online platform, Canvas, that supports hassle-free remote learning. Full-time students may even complete the program within two years of dedicated study. The best about LU is that they have a 99% acceptance rate, making it easier for you to secure a spot here. 

• Tuition Fee: $2750 Block Rate 
• Financial Aid: Yes  
• Location: Virginia 
• Graduation Rate: 53%
• Acceptance Rate: 99%
• Credits Required: 75
• Accreditation: Yes (SACSCOC) 

The King’s University 

If you want a versatile, spirit-led servant leadership, King University’s Master of Divinity degree is a great option. It’s a perfect blend of biblical and theological knowledge, aiming to birth doctrinally grounded ministry professionals who are skilled in their roles. This 87-credit hours degree is especially great for those pursuing full-time ministry roles. 

The courses cover comprehensive learning experiences from leadership approaches to current issues with biblical interpretation and the history of Jesus’ life. However, upon admission, you must undertake a Graduate Bible Assessment and score well.

• Tuition Fee: $10,530 
• Aid: Yes 
• Location: Texas 
• Graduation Rate: 41%
• Acceptance Rate: 61%
• Credits Required: 87 
• Accreditation: Yes (Association for Biblical Higher Education)

Bob Jones University 

Bob Jones University is yet another accredited institution that offers a Master of DIV program to help you serve the church. Like Liberty University, remote students at BJU use Canvas for online learning. The core courses include homiletics, methods of Greek exegesis, and Christian apologetics. 

If you already have an undergrad degree in a ministry-related field, you become eligible for their 72-credit advanced track. Once you graduate, you’re ready to apply for leadership roles in church. However, some students may require 87 credit hours to complete the degree. 

• Tuition Fee: $450 per credit hour 
• Location: South Carolina 
• Financial Aid: Yes 
• Graduation Rate: 65%
• Acceptance Rate: 89%
• Credits Required: 72-87
• Accreditation: Yes (SACSCOC) 

Northwest Nazarene University

Northwest Nazarene University offers an online 75-credit hour MDiv – Mission Leadership program to facilitate churches and communities. You can complete the entire program in two years. If you want flexibility, you can complete it in four and a half years by focusing on one course at a time. 

The curriculum focuses on mission leadership development and core ministry-related courses. Once you graduate from NNU, you’re all set to enter ministry roles. You may begin with a pastoral ministry core or choose to go for specialization; there’s no limitation. However, NNU doesn’t offer as many specialization options as other colleges on the list. 

• Tuition Fee: $9,167 (annual) 
• Financial Aid: Yes 
• Location: Idaho 
• Graduation Rate: 47% 
• Acceptance Rate: 88% 
• Credits Required: 75 
• Accreditation: Yes (NWCCU) 

Amridge University 

At Amridge University, you can customize more than half of your program with your desired electives to shape your spiritual journey the way you want. Their MDiv program has a biblically-focused approach, setting up a solid scriptural foundation. As an indie school dedicated to Christian values since 1967, its distance learning setup is a top choice for many. 

Yet, Amridge University may be less recognized than other well-established institutions in the divinity field. 

• Tuition Fee: $475 per semester hour 
• Financial Aid: Yes 
• Location: Alabama 
• Graduation Rate: 44%
• Acceptance Rate: 100% 
• Credits Required: 78 
• Accreditation: Yes (SACSCOC) 

Anderson University 

Accredited by the Association of Theological Schools, Anderson University’s Master of Divinity stands out as an excellent choice for aspiring ministry professionals. While you select your own concentration, the main courses include Christian theology, preaching the prophets, and ministry formation capstone. 

At AU, the primary goal is to develop a biblically grounded practice of ministry in church and society. Once you graduate, you can serve as a missionary, pastor, military chaplain, or even state church administrator. However, the 45% acceptance rate makes AU pretty competitive. 

• Tuition Fee: $480 per credit hour 
• Financial Aid: Yes 
• Location: South Carolina 
• Graduation Rate: 26%
• Acceptance Rate: 45%
• Credits Required: 72
• Accreditation: Yes (SACSCOC) 

Clarks Summit University 

Clarks Summit University offers a fully online Master of DIV program, requiring 87 credit hours to complete. Based on the applicant’s experience with the Greek language, the school offers four tracks to finish. Utilizing Schoology as their online teaching platform, their core courses include principles of biblical interpretation, doctrinal paper, and elements of Hebrew. 

Upon graduation, you’re ready to pursue your career in various ministry roles. To meet your goals, you can choose your desired electives. With multiple start dates, you can kickstart your career anytime you feel ready with CSU.  

• Tuition Fee: $510-$755 per credit hour 
• Financial Aid: Yes 
• Location: Pennsylvania 
• Graduation Rate: 17%
• Acceptance Rate: 58%
• Credits Required: 87
• Accreditation: Yes (Association for Biblical Higher Education Commission)

Luther Rice College & Seminary 

The Master of Divinity program at Luther Rice College & Seminary stands out as the most affordable option on our list. In addition, they have various financial aid options available. The program equips you with the right skill set to thrive in lifelong ministry. 

The curriculum covers Bible studies, church history, theology, preaching, counseling, and missions. Yet, the 90-credit hour program may seem lengthy to some candidates looking to jump into the practical field.  

• Tuition Fee: $349 per credit hour 
• Financial Aid: Yes 
• Location: Georgia 
• Graduation Rate: 37%
• Acceptance Rate: 47%
• Credits Required: 90 
• Accreditation: Yes (ABHE) 

Eastern University

If you’re already into ministry, Eastern University’s online Master of DIV is the perfect fit for you. The program is structured around six church practices and takes a new approach to theology within a ministry context. Their learning method uses six key dimensions of church practice as lenses through which to explore biblical, historical, theological, and contemporary issues.

The program is available online, as well as a hybrid option. So, if you’re into a hands-on learning experience, you can visit the campus any time. However, the EU’s fee is a bit higher than others on the list. 

• Tuition Fee: $801 per credit hour
• Financial Aid: Yes 
• Location: Pennsylvania 
• Graduation Rate: 56%
• Acceptance Rate: 97%
• Credits Required: 78 
• Accreditation: Yes (MSCHE) 

Loyola University 

Loyola’s Master of Divinity program spans 72 credit hours across 24 courses. The degree revolves around academic study, pastoral formation, and ministry leadership skills. Also, it offers three specialization tracks: a generalist MDiv track, a concentration in spiritual direction, and a concentration in chaplaincy.

Once you graduate, you can find employment opportunities in diverse settings like churches and faith-based organizations. While the program is mainly online, the liturgical leadership course requires an on-campus residency.

• Tuition Fee: $61,200
• Financial Aid: Yes 
• Location: Illinois 
• Graduation Rate: 67%
• Acceptance Rate: 79%
• Credits Required:  72
• Accreditation: Yes (HLC) 

Frequently Asked Questions 

What Are the Most Common Courses in a Master of Divinity Program? 

While the Master of Divinity program has unique course offerings based on the school’s denomination, some courses are common in most schools. These include Marital Counseling, Biblical Studies and Exegesis, Christian Ethics, Preaching, and New Testament Interpretation. 

What Is the Difference Between a Master of Divinity and a Master of Theology?

Typically, an MDiv is for individuals aiming to become ministers or priests, so it covers areas like strategies, administration, public speaking, as well as theology. On the flip side, a master’s in theology is more specifically designed to help you acquire jobs in areas like counseling or academia. Theology grads might also pursue a Doctor of Theology for professor positions. 

How Long Does It Take to Earn a Master of Divinity Online Degree?

Online Master in Divinity programs generally have varying timeframes. Mostly, they’re designed to accommodate working individuals, with most students taking 3-4 years at a part-time pace of 1-2 classes per term. However, some accelerated programs might take only about 1-2 years to complete. 

Conclusion 

It’s pretty obvious that MDiv degrees require more credit hours than other master’s degrees. However, if you’re ready for your spiritual commitment, there’s no better way to begin your journey in MDiv from a reputed college.