3 UMC Schools Makes Top 85 Religious Studies Colleges

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This article corrects an earlier version.

Three United Methodist-related colleges are listed among the top 85 schools nationwide for undergraduate religious studies, according to a website that evaluates higher education.

Oklahoma City University, the University of Puget Sound and High Point University in High Point, N.C., are included among the 2018 rankings posted by College Factual, a website devoted to ranking high education according to various academic majors. Presbyterian-related Princeton University ranked first among the 85 schools listed.

University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Wash., ranked 37th out of 85 schools with religious studies majors. Its $41,000 annual tuition and expenses after financial aid was termed "fair" by College Factual. Puget Sound offers bachelor's degrees in philosophy and religion/religious studies.

Oklahoma City University ranked 56th out of 85 colleges and universities. With an annual net tuition and expenses cost around $31,000, OCU was deemed a “great price” among the institutions assessed by the website. Through its Wimberly School of Religion, OKCU offers majors in religion, religion/philosophy and pre-seminary concentrations. It also offers minors in religion, interfaith studies and religious education.

High Point University in High Point, N.C., ranked 63rd out of 85 colleges. High Point offers two majors, philosophy or religion/religious studies, and its $32,860 annual tuition and expenses was ranked as a "fair price" in evaluations.

The University Senate oversees the affiliations of 118 colleges, universities, seminaries and schools with The United Methodist Church in the United States. Of these, 11 are “Historically Black Colleges and Universities” (HBCUs) supported by United Methodists through the Black College Fund and 13 are seminaries for the education of ordained clergy and religion scholars, supported by the Ministerial Education Fund. All United Methodist congregations give to these education funds through their annual “fair share” contributions known as apportionments.

College Factual was founded in 2011 by two entrepreneurs, Bill Phelan and Josh McWilliam, to help students of any age find the best college fit for the best price, using statistics to help make the choice.