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.