Short answer: the cheapest accredited online MDiv programs cost about $275–$400 per credit, or roughly $20,000–$36,000 for the full degree. The lowest rates are at the Southern Baptist seminaries for SBC church members.
Every school below is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools and offers its MDiv online. Figures are approximate published rates; confirm current tuition with each school.
Online MDiv programs ranked by cost per credit
| School | Location | Accreditation | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Midwestern Baptist Theological SeminaryNon-SBC students pay about double | Online (Kansas City, MO) | ATS, HLC | ~$275/credit (SBC rate) |
| New Orleans Baptist Theological SeminaryLong-running online MDiv | Online (New Orleans, LA) | ATS, SACSCOC | ~$310/credit (SBC rate) |
| The Southern Baptist Theological SeminaryLarge online catalog | Online (Louisville, KY) | ATS, SACSCOC | ~$320/credit (SBC rate) |
| Southwestern Baptist Theological SeminaryOnline and hybrid MDiv | Online (Fort Worth, TX) | ATS, SACSCOC | ~$330/credit (SBC rate) |
| Southeastern Baptist Theological SeminaryOnline MDiv tracks | Online (Wake Forest, NC) | ATS, SACSCOC | ~$340/credit (SBC rate) |
| Grace School of TheologySame rate for all students | Online (The Woodlands, TX) | ATS | ~$375/credit |
| Liberty University Rawlings School of Divinity8-week courses, many concentrations | Online (Lynchburg, VA) | ATS, SACSCOC | ~$395/credit (online) |
How to pay even less
- Ask about denominational rates. SBC seminaries roughly halve tuition for members of cooperating churches.
- Transfer graduate credit. Many seminaries accept credits from accredited master's work or grant advanced standing for undergraduate Bible majors.
- Compare net price at higher-priced schools. Schools like Duke Divinity and Princeton give large scholarships, but mostly for residential students.
- Stack church support. Many congregations fund part of a staff member's seminary tuition.
Related reading
See the full cheapest ATS-accredited seminaries list, online seminaries, how much seminary costs, and our financial aid calculator.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the cheapest accredited online MDiv?
- For Southern Baptist church members, the six SBC seminaries are usually the cheapest accredited online MDiv options, at roughly $275–$340 per credit. For students outside the SBC, Grace School of Theology and Liberty's Rawlings School of Divinity are among the lowest flat rates we track. Rates change every year, so confirm with each school.
- How much does an online MDiv cost in total?
- Most MDiv programs require 72–90 credit hours. At $275–$400 per credit, tuition comes to roughly $20,000–$36,000 before fees and aid. Higher-priced seminaries often charge $600–$900 per credit, or $45,000–$80,000 in total.
- Is a cheap online MDiv still accredited?
- Every school in this table is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS), the accreditor most denominations, chaplaincy endorsers and doctoral programs expect. Low price comes from denominational funding or online scale, not lower accreditation. Avoid schools that are unaccredited or accredited by agencies the U.S. Department of Education does not recognize.
- Can I use federal financial aid for an online MDiv?
- Yes. Graduate students at accredited seminaries can usually borrow Direct Unsubsidized Loans by filing the FAFSA. Pell Grants are for undergraduates only. Church and denominational scholarships are often the biggest source of grant aid for seminary students.
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