Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries: degree ROI, salary & best colleges
Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries graduates earn a median $42,915 four years after finishing — at or below the $48,360 high-school baseline, so on national medians the degree does not clear a typical bill on earnings alone. Where you study and the specific role matter more here than the field average. (Scorecard field-of-study, 2026 · our math.)
Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries ranks #196 of 202 bachelor's fields by earnings — pays more than 3% of majors.
| # | College | State | Grad earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gordon College | MA | $52,173 |
| 2 | Regent University | VA | $49,799 |
| 3 | Dallas Baptist University | TX | $49,408 |
| 4 | Liberty University | VA | $46,531 |
| 5 | Lee University | TN | $45,844 |
| 6 | Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion | IN | $45,693 |
| 7 | Evangel University | MO | $44,988 |
| 8 | Grace College and Theological Seminary | IN | $44,733 |
| 9 | George Fox University | OR | $44,603 |
| 10 | Moody Bible Institute | IL | $44,522 |
| 11 | Nelson University | TX | $39,707 |
| 12 | Lancaster Bible College | PA | $38,779 |
College Scorecard field-of-study (2026), program-level median earnings for this CIP · our ranking.
How we compute this. Earnings are the national median for graduates of this field measured 1 and 4 years after completion (Scorecard field-of-study, bachelor's). Premium = 4-year earnings − the $48,360 high-school baseline. Payback = a representative 4-year net cost (median college net price × 4) ÷ premium. Field medians blend every school — a specific program can pay far more or less. Full method on the methodology page; the field ranking is on ROI by major.