Theological and Ministerial Studies: degree ROI, salary & best colleges
Theological and Ministerial Studies graduates earn a median $44,535 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.)
Theological and Ministerial Studies ranks #189 of 202 bachelor's fields by earnings — pays more than 7% of majors.
| # | College | State | Grad earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Colorado Christian University | CO | $58,775 |
| 2 | Concordia University-Nebraska | NE | $58,162 |
| 3 | University of Notre Dame | IN | $54,758 |
| 4 | Palm Beach Atlantic University | FL | $53,398 |
| 5 | Seattle Pacific University | WA | $50,557 |
| 6 | University of Dallas | TX | $49,564 |
| 7 | University of Northwestern-St Paul | MN | $47,802 |
| 8 | The Master's University and Seminary | CA | $47,403 |
| 9 | Oral Roberts University | OK | $45,360 |
| 10 | Southeastern University | FL | $44,106 |
| 11 | Ave Maria University | FL | $42,457 |
| 12 | Lee University | TN | $40,791 |
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.
How fast does Theological and Ministerial Studies pay grow after graduation?
Median pay sits at $44,535 four years out against $45,874 at one year, so early-career growth in this field is flat on national medians. Progression here depends more on the specific role and employer than on time since graduation.
How many students graduate in Theological and Ministerial Studies each year?
About 1,397 bachelor's graduates a year across 136 programs in the federal file. Cohort size matters when reading the median: a field this size averages across a wide range of employers, regions and job titles.