Theological and Ministerial Studies programs

CIP 3906 · Theology & Religious Vocations · ranked by median earnings four years after completion

118 institutions report graduate earnings for Theological and Ministerial Studies programs (College Scorecard, 2024-25). Across them the median is $58,894 four years after completion, with a typical debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.62× and 82% of graduates earning above the federal earnings threshold. Indicatively, 77 of the 150 programs with both earnings and a benchmark fall below the earnings-premium benchmark used by the 2025 federal test (effective July 1, 2026); the rest clear it.

National ranking

Institutions offering Theological and Ministerial Studies programs, ranked by median earnings four years out.
#	Institution	Earn 4yr	% > threshold	Median debt	Debt/earn	Earnings premium	2 of 3 yrs
1	Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of ReligionNY · Master's	$117,823 n=36	98% 5yr	$101,250	0.86×	Above +66%	Clears 2/2
2	The King's UniversityTX · Master's	$100,714 n=28	79% 5yr	$41,000	0.41×	Above +54%	Below 1/2
3	Duke UniversityNC · Doctoral	$97,542 n=43	100% 5yr	$25,583	0.26×	Above +66%	Clears 2/2
4	Emory UniversityGA · Professional	$97,227 n=34	97% 1yr	$50,560	0.52×	Above +54%	–
5	Concordia SeminaryMO · Master's	$97,155 n=67	96% 5yr	$13,910	0.14×	Above +68%	Clears 2/2
6	Southeastern Baptist Theological SeminaryNC · Doctoral	$95,347 n=18	–	–	–	Above +62%	–
7	Lenoir-Rhyne UniversityNC · Master's	$95,302 n=17	–	$30,738	0.32×	Above +62%	–
8	Church Divinity School of the PacificCA · Master's	$94,644 n=18	–	$42,165	0.45×	Above +26%	–
9	Boston UniversityMA · Doctoral	$91,158 n=17	–	–	–	Above +20%	–
10	Evangel UniversityMO · Doctoral	$85,123 n=19	90% 1yr	–	–	Above +47%	–
11	United Lutheran SeminaryPA · Professional	$84,401 n=27	89% 5yr	$44,927	0.53×	Above +31%	Clears 2/2
12	University of ChicagoIL · Doctoral	$83,657 n=25	91% 1yr	–	–	Above +22%	–
13	Luther SeminaryMN · Master's	$81,169 n=57	100%	$41,000	0.51×	Above +19%	Clears 2/2
14	The Master's University and SeminaryCA · Master's	$81,084 n=33	85% 5yr	$24,402	0.30×	Above +8%	Below 1/2
15	Concordia Theological SeminaryIN · Master's	$80,818 n=53	98% 5yr	$33,254	0.41×	Above +39%	Clears 2/2
16	Midwestern Baptist Theological SeminaryMO · Doctoral	$80,599 n=29	85% 1yr	–	–	Above +39%	–
17	The Southern Baptist Theological SeminaryKY · Doctoral	$77,507 n=18	91% 1yr	–	–	Above +36%	–
18	United Lutheran SeminaryPA · Master's	$75,543 n=36	80% 1yr	–	–	Above +18%	–
19	Nazarene Theological SeminaryMO · Master's	$74,925 n=28	79% 1yr	–	–	Above +29%	–
20	Faith International UniversityWA · Master's	$73,387 n=31	80% 5yr	$20,500	0.28×	Below -2%	Below 2/2
21	Gordon-Conwell Theological SeminaryMA · Master's	$73,273 n=159	28%	$40,000	0.55×	Below -3%	Below 2/2
22	Southeastern Baptist Theological SeminaryNC · Master's	$71,527 n=122	94% 5yr	–	–	Above +22%	Clears 2/2
23	Union Theological Seminary in the City of New YorkNY · Master's	$71,072 n=81	84% 5yr	$60,020	0.84×	Above +0%	Below 1/2
24	Yale UniversityCT · Master's	$70,736 n=92	100%	$39,785	0.56×	Below -6%	Below 2/2
25	Northeastern SeminaryNY · Master's	$70,305 n=17	78% 5yr	$41,000	0.58×	Below -1%	Below 2/2
26	Indiana Wesleyan University-MarionIN · Master's	$69,914 n=37	87% 5yr	$42,191	0.60×	Above +20%	–
27	Indiana Wesleyan University-National & GlobalIN · Master's	$69,914 n=37	87% 5yr	$42,191	0.60×	Above +20%	–
28	Moody Bible InstituteIL · Master's	$69,835 n=49	84% 1yr	$25,442	0.36×	Above +2%	–
29	Sacred Heart Major SeminaryMI · Master's	$69,654 n=16	–	–	–	Above +11%	–
30	Dallas Theological SeminaryTX · Master's	$69,603 n=64	80% 1yr	$26,509	0.38×	Above +6%	Below 1/2
31	Trinity International University-IllinoisIL · Doctoral	$69,406 n=16	–	–	–	Above +1%	–
32	Midwestern Baptist Theological SeminaryMO · Master's	$68,891 n=161	97% 5yr	$27,450	0.40×	Above +19%	Clears 2/2
33	The Catholic University of AmericaDC · Master's	$68,008 n=36	83% 5yr	$71,012	1.04×	Below -21%	Below 2/2
34	Andrews UniversityMI · Professional	$67,739 n=80	81% 5yr	$78,154	1.15×	Above +8%	Below 1/2
35	The Southern Baptist Theological SeminaryKY · Master's	$67,008 n=113	89%	–	–	Above +18%	Clears 2/2
36	Trinity International University-IllinoisIL · Master's	$66,978 n=118	84% 1yr	$42,922	0.64×	Below -2%	–
37	Fuller Theological SeminaryCA · Master's	$66,602 n=270	20%	$44,656	0.67×	Below -12%	Below 2/2
38	Methodist Theological School in OhioOH · Master's	$66,137 n=35	78% 5yr	$60,176	0.91×	Above +5%	Below 1/2
39	Wheaton CollegeIL · Master's	$66,104 n=18	75% 5yr	$40,760	0.62×	Below -3%	Below 2/2
40	University of DubuqueIA · Master's	$66,039 n=20	–	$37,731	0.57×	Above +11%	Clears 2/2
41	Meadville Theological School of Lombard CollegeIL · Master's	$65,954 n=45	72% 1yr	$60,500	0.92×	Below -4%	Below 2/2
42	Boston UniversityMA · Professional	$65,938 n=47	88% 5yr	$25,000	0.38×	Below -13%	Below 2/2
43	Pittsburgh Theological SeminaryPA · Professional	$65,713 n=27	96% 5yr	–	–	Above +2%	Clears 2/2
44	South University-SavannahGA · Doctoral	$65,166 n=37	71% 1yr	$73,168	1.12×	Above +3%	–
45	Hardin-Simmons UniversityTX · Master's	$65,147 n=17	–	–	–	Below -1%	–
46	Boston CollegeMA · Master's	$64,786 n=57	89% 5yr	$30,860	0.48×	Below -14%	Below 2/2
47	Luther Rice College & SeminaryGA · Master's	$64,377 n=91	56%	$41,000	0.64×	Above +2%	Below 1/2
48	Lipscomb UniversityTN · Master's	$64,190 n=28	–	–	–	Above +13%	–
49	Princeton Theological SeminaryNJ · Master's	$63,783 n=166	91% 5yr	$31,935	0.50×	Below -17%	Below 2/2
50	Harvard UniversityMA · Professional	$63,549 n=31	85% 5yr	$36,777	0.58×	Below -16%	Below 2/2
51	Emory UniversityGA · Master's	$63,450 n=125	100%	$58,657	0.92×	Above +0%	Below 1/2
52	Austin Presbyterian Theological SeminaryTX · Master's	$62,778 n=32	91% 5yr	$31,000	0.49×	Below -4%	Below 2/2
53	Regent UniversityVA · Doctoral	$62,308 n=17	–	$51,240	0.82×	Below -12%	–
54	Wake Forest UniversityNC · Master's	$62,158 n=45	56%	$59,016	0.95×	Above +6%	Below 1/2
55	George Fox UniversityOR · Master's	$62,123 n=45	66% 5yr	$35,240	0.57×	Below +0%	Below 2/2
56	Biola UniversityCA · Master's	$62,024 n=103	38%	$34,327	0.55×	Below -18%	Below 2/2
57	Denver SeminaryCO · Master's	$61,916 n=55	83% 5yr	$39,208	0.63×	Below -8%	Below 2/2
58	Cornerstone UniversityMI · Master's	$61,838 n=20	89% 1yr	–	–	Below -2%	–
59	Harvard UniversityMA · Master's	$61,789 n=50	86% 5yr	$25,632	0.41×	Below -18%	Below 2/2
60	Payne Theological SeminaryOH · Doctoral	$61,314 n=28	69% 1yr	$47,170	0.77×	Below -2%	–
61	Western SeminaryOR · Master's	$61,070 n=54	83% 1yr	$16,100	0.26×	Below -2%	–
62	Regent UniversityVA · Master's	$60,973 n=138	38%	$58,925	0.97×	Below -14%	Below 2/2
63	Luther Rice College & SeminaryGA · Doctoral	$60,847 n=17	–	–	–	Below -4%	–
64	Payne Theological SeminaryOH · Master's	$60,748 n=30	74% 5yr	$54,236	0.89×	Below -3%	Below 2/2
65	Saint Joseph's College of MaineME · Master's	$60,474 n=26	96% 1yr	$17,053	0.28×	Above +13%	–
66	Wartburg Theological SeminaryIA · Master's	$60,439 n=31	86% 5yr	$21,119	0.35×	Above +2%	Clears 2/2
67	University of Northwestern-St PaulMN · Master's	$60,095 n=43	86% 5yr	$24,443	0.41×	Below -12%	Below 1/2
68	The Seattle School of Theology & PsychologyWA · Master's	$59,845 n=17	–	–	–	Below -20%	–
69	Eden Theological SeminaryMO · Master's	$59,788 n=28	85% 5yr	$37,510	0.63×	Above +3%	Below 1/2
70	Asbury Theological SeminaryKY · Master's	$59,725 n=164	78%	$39,774	0.67×	Above +5%	Clears 2/2
71	Brite Divinity SchoolTX · Master's	$59,368 n=30	79% 5yr	$72,411	1.22×	Below -9%	Below 2/2
72	Texas Christian UniversityTX · Master's	$59,368 n=30	79% 5yr	$72,411	1.22×	Below -9%	Below 2/2
73	Houston Christian UniversityTX · Master's	$59,295 n=34	78% 1yr	$41,000	0.69×	Below -10%	–
74	Eastern UniversityPA · Master's	$59,040 n=43	72% 1yr	$53,614	0.91×	Below -8%	–
75	Hood Theological SeminaryNC · Master's	$59,012 n=28	79% 5yr	$60,530	1.03×	Above +0%	Below 1/2
76	Colorado Christian UniversityCO · Bachelor's	$58,775 n=18	–	–	–	Above +41%	–
77	Mercer UniversityGA · Master's	$58,680 n=59	84% 5yr	$71,061	1.21×	Below -7%	Below 2/2
78	University of Notre DameIN · Master's	$58,621 n=44	71% 5yr	–	–	Above +1%	–
79	Duke UniversityNC · Master's	$58,405 n=164	100%	$53,550	0.92×	Below -1%	Below 2/2
80	Baylor UniversityTX · Master's	$58,391 n=72	88% 5yr	$40,158	0.69×	Below -11%	Below 2/2
81	Oral Roberts UniversityOK · Professional	$58,196 n=35	–	$62,854	1.08×	Above +7%	–
82	Concordia University-NebraskaNE · Bachelor's	$58,162 n=16	96% 5yr	$27,000	0.46×	Above +56%	–
83	Vanderbilt UniversityTN · Master's	$58,149 n=67	85% 5yr	$43,343	0.74×	Above +2%	Below 1/2
84	Garrett-Evangelical Theological SeminaryIL · Master's	$57,987 n=46	91% 5yr	$41,000	0.71×	Below -15%	Below 2/2
85	Covenant Theological SeminaryMO · Master's	$57,772 n=52	85% 5yr	$25,000	0.43×	Below +0%	Below 1/2
86	Nazarene Bible CollegeCO · Bachelor's	$56,855 n=34	73% 5yr	$37,410	0.66×	Above +37%	Clears 2/2
87	Liberty UniversityVA · Master's	$56,700 n=872	98%	$34,166	0.60×	Below -20%	Below 2/2
88	Seattle Pacific UniversityWA · Master's	$55,836 n=17	–	–	–	Below -25%	–
89	Denver SeminaryCO · Grad cert	$55,739 n=21	–	–	–	Below -18%	–
90	Southern Methodist UniversityTX · Master's	$55,347 n=66	82%	$66,844	1.21×	Below -16%	Below 2/2
91	Westminster Theological SeminaryPA · Master's	$55,338 n=30	100%	$31,632	0.57×	Below -14%	Below 2/2
92	Campbell UniversityNC · Master's	$55,216 n=24	75% 1yr	$41,000	0.74×	Below -6%	–
93	Franciscan University of SteubenvilleOH · Master's	$55,071 n=32	72% 1yr	$35,552	0.65×	Below -12%	–
94	United Theological Seminary of the Twin CitiesMN · Master's	$55,037 n=21	–	$44,825	0.81×	Below -20%	Below 2/2
95	University of Notre DameIN · Bachelor's	$54,758 n=24	80% 5yr	$18,400	0.34×	Above +46%	Clears 2/2
96	The King's UniversityTX · Bachelor's	$54,618 n=30	–	$43,423	0.80×	Above +53%	–
97	Hellenic College-Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of TheologyMA · Master's	$54,403 n=36	100%	$23,157	0.43×	Below -28%	Below 2/2
98	Bethel UniversityMN · Master's	$54,390 n=63	80% 5yr	$54,666	1.00×	Below -20%	Below 2/2
99	University of ChicagoIL · Master's	$53,796 n=28	85% 5yr	$62,708	1.17×	Below -21%	Below 2/2
100	Palm Beach Atlantic UniversityFL · Bachelor's	$53,398 n=27	64% 5yr	$25,279	0.47×	Above +58%	Clears 2/2
101	Pentecostal Theological SeminaryTN · Professional	$53,286 n=18	73% 1yr	$40,500	0.76×	Below -7%	–
102	Columbia Theological SeminaryGA · Master's	$53,161 n=46	65% 1yr	$37,354	0.70×	Below -16%	Below 2/2
103	Nelson UniversityTX · Master's	$53,150 n=42	66% 1yr	$51,686	0.97×	Below -19%	–
104	Interdenominational Theological CenterGA · Doctoral	$53,122 n=33	–	$41,000	0.77×	Below -16%	–
105	Lee UniversityTN · Master's	$52,697 n=23	82% 5yr	$27,334	0.52×	Below -8%	Below 2/2
106	Ohio Christian UniversityOH · Master's	$52,631 n=72	–	$22,288	0.42×	Below -16%	–
107	Northwest UniversityWA · Bachelor's	$52,385 n=76	86% 5yr	$25,000	0.48×	Above +23%	Clears 2/2
108	Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended EducationWA · Bachelor's	$52,385 n=76	86% 5yr	$25,000	0.48×	Above +23%	Clears 2/2
109	Christian Theological SeminaryIN · Master's	$51,859 n=26	77% 5yr	$49,800	0.96×	Below -11%	Below 2/2
110	Virginia Union UniversityVA · Professional	$51,836 n=43	100%	$56,240	1.08×	Below -27%	Below 2/2
111	Liberty UniversityVA · Doctoral	$51,327 n=19	78% 1yr	$86,863	1.69×	Below -28%	Below 2/2
112	Carolina UniversityNC · Master's	$51,238 n=30	68% 1yr	–	–	Below -13%	–
113	Saint Leo UniversityFL · Master's	$51,193 n=32	90% 5yr	$50,526	0.99×	Below -8%	Below 2/2
114	Hope International UniversityCA · Master's	$50,745 n=26	73% 5yr	$42,124	0.83×	Below -33%	Below 2/2
115	Hope International UniversityCA · Bachelor's	$50,647 n=24	–	$31,014	0.61×	Above +32%	Clears 2/2
116	Seattle Pacific UniversityWA · Bachelor's	$50,557 n=17	–	$21,500	0.42×	Above +19%	–
117	Samford UniversityAL · Master's	$50,016 n=27	97% 5yr	$49,054	0.98×	Below -13%	Below 2/2
118	University of DallasTX · Bachelor's	$49,564 n=18	–	$21,500	0.43×	Above +39%	–
119	Pacific School of ReligionCA · Master's	$49,474 n=17	78% 5yr	$61,500	1.24×	Below -34%	Below 2/2
120	Starr King School for the MinistryCA · Master's	$49,050 n=19	–	–	–	Below -35%	–
121	Columbia International UniversitySC · Professional	$48,301 n=18	–	$71,750	1.49×	Below -16%	Below 2/2
122	Ashland UniversityOH · Master's	$47,883 n=25	82% 5yr	$53,598	1.12×	Below -24%	Below 2/2
123	University of Northwestern-St PaulMN · Bachelor's	$47,802 n=17	–	$19,500	0.41×	Above +20%	–
124	Louisville Presbyterian Theological SeminaryKY · Master's	$47,542 n=23	82% 5yr	$38,715	0.81×	Below -16%	Below 2/2
125	The Master's University and SeminaryCA · Bachelor's	$47,403 n=42	76% 5yr	$21,500	0.45×	Above +23%	Clears 2/2
126	Chicago Theological SeminaryIL · Master's	$47,364 n=19	–	$62,566	1.32×	Below -31%	–
127	Interdenominational Theological CenterGA · Master's	$47,138 n=46	100%	$82,000	1.74×	Below -25%	Below 2/2
128	Grand Canyon UniversityAZ · Professional	$46,690 n=54	–	$57,618	1.23×	Below -24%	–
129	Mount St. Mary's UniversityMD · Master's	$46,316 n=20	100% 5yr	–	–	Below -39%	Below 2/2
130	University of Valley ForgePA · Bachelor's	$46,072 n=38	84% 5yr	$27,000	0.59×	Above +22%	Clears 2/2
131	Oral Roberts UniversityOK · Bachelor's	$45,360 n=39	58% 5yr	$30,250	0.67×	Above +28%	Below 1/2
132	Northwest UniversityWA · Associate	$45,166 n=18	–	$17,533	0.39×	Above +6%	–
133	Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended EducationWA · Associate	$45,166 n=18	–	$17,533	0.39×	Above +6%	–
134	Southeastern UniversityFL · Associate	$45,142 n=32	43% 1yr	$12,000	0.27×	Above +34%	–
135	Southeastern UniversityFL · Bachelor's	$44,106 n=29	50% 1yr	$21,871	0.50×	Above +31%	–
136	Pentecostal Theological SeminaryTN · Master's	$43,960 n=20	–	$40,192	0.91×	Below -23%	Below 2/2
137	Milligan UniversityTN · Master's	$43,743 n=18	–	–	–	Below -23%	–
138	Corban UniversityOR · Bachelor's	$43,303 n=18	–	$26,835	0.62×	Above +18%	–
139	Ave Maria UniversityFL · Bachelor's	$42,457 n=25	–	$20,000	0.47×	Above +26%	Clears 2/2
140	Baptist University of FloridaFL · Bachelor's	$42,322 n=30	60%	$23,946	0.57×	Above +25%	Below 1/2
141	Lee UniversityTN · Bachelor's	$40,791 n=19	–	$31,000	0.76×	Above +17%	–
142	Trevecca Nazarene UniversityTN · Master's	$40,491 n=16	–	$30,750	0.76×	Below -29%	–
143	Martin Luther CollegeMN · Bachelor's	$39,949 n=65	57%	$18,899	0.47×	Below +0%	Below 2/2
144	Franciscan University of SteubenvilleOH · Bachelor's	$39,091 n=113	41%	$23,250	0.59×	Above +6%	Clears 2/2
145	Moody Bible InstituteIL · Bachelor's	$38,907 n=78	80% 5yr	$15,000	0.39×	Above +3%	Clears 2/2
146	Carolina UniversityNC · Bachelor's	$38,859 n=37	–	$19,691	0.51×	Above +13%	–
147	Hope International UniversityCA · UG cert	$37,081 n=31	–	$14,027	0.38×	Below -4%	–
148	Azusa Pacific UniversityCA · Master's	$36,869 n=31	81% 5yr	$65,304	1.77×	Below -51%	Below 2/2
149	Benedictine CollegeKS · Bachelor's	$36,829 n=31	63% 1yr	$23,250	0.63×	Above +1%	Below 1/2
150	Associated Beth Rivkah SchoolsNY · UG cert	$20,994 n=62	37%	–	–	Below -45%	Below 2/2

% > threshold is ED's own share of graduates earning above the federal earnings threshold, taken from the best available measurement window (4-, 5- or 1-year) pooled across all nine College Scorecard Field-of-Study releases; a chip marks any figure not on the 4-year window. Earnings premium compares median earnings four years out to the U.S. Census ACS median for a high-school graduate (undergraduate credentials) or bachelor's-degree holder (graduate credentials) in the institution's state. 2 of 3 yrs flags programs below that benchmark in two of the latest three reported cohort-years, the statutory trigger under the 2025 federal earnings-premium test (effective July 1, 2026). Indicative estimates; the Department of Education's official determination may differ. Figures lag the current year by 2–3 years.

By state, median earnings, 4 yrs out

State	Median earn 4yr	Programs
Missouri	$74,925	7
New York	$70,689	4
Michigan	$67,739	3
Illinois	$66,029	10
Massachusetts	$64,786	7
Indiana	$64,268	6
Kentucky	$63,367	4
Pennsylvania	$62,377	6
Oregon	$61,070	3
Georgia	$60,847	9
North Carolina	$60,585	10
Texas	$59,332	12
Colorado	$57,815	4
Virginia	$56,700	5
Ohio	$55,071	7
Minnesota	$54,714	6
Washington	$52,385	8
California	$50,647	11
Tennessee	$48,329	8
Florida	$44,624	6

States with at least 3 reporting Theological and Ministerial Studies programs, by median graduate earnings.

Frequently asked

Which colleges have the highest-paying Theological and Ministerial Studies programs?

By median earnings four years after completion, the highest-paying Theological and Ministerial Studies programs in this dataset are Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion ($117,823), The King's University ($100,714), Duke University ($97,542). Earnings reflect College Scorecard field-of-study data (2024-25) and vary by credential level and location.

Are Theological and Ministerial Studies programs at risk under the federal earnings-premium test?

Indicatively, 77 of the 150 Theological and Ministerial Studies programs with both earnings and a state/national benchmark have median graduate earnings below the earnings-premium benchmark used by the 2025 federal test (effective July 1, 2026), under which a program can lose Title IV eligibility if its graduates earn less than a typical worker without the credential for 2 of 3 years. This estimate uses College Scorecard earnings vs U.S. Census ACS medians; the Department of Education's official determination uses its own cohort definition and may differ.

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Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard Field of Study, 2014–15 through 2022–23 cohorts plus the most-recent snapshot (2024-25); threshold pass-rates pooled across all nine releases. Earnings-premium benchmarks from the U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS). Compiled by Ibex Insights. See the methodology.