Theology and Religious Vocations, Other: is it worth it?
A 0–100 score blending this major’s national earnings, ROI and typical debt. How it’s scored.
National picture across 14 college programs, at a typical net price.
The payoff is roughly break-even — the degree recovers its cost, but slowly.
What Theology and Religious Vocations, Other pays
Theology and Religious Vocations, Other vs similar majors
How Theology and Religious Vocations, Other stacks up against the closest fields in Theology & Religious Vocations on pay, debt, ROI and the DR Rating. The best figure in each row is highlighted.
| Theology and Religious Vocations, Other Theology & Religious Vocations · this major | Theological and Ministerial Studies | Religious Education | Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DR Rating | 29 F | 35 D | 21 F | 21 F |
| ROI verdict | Break-even | Strong return | Poor return | Poor return |
| Median earnings (5 yr) | $56,863 | $60,227 | $47,024 | $45,219 |
| Median earnings (1 yr) | $46,800 | $48,242 | $35,838 | $36,143 |
| ROI vs cost | +38% | +75% | -75% | -97% |
| Typical debt | $38,724 | $41,317 | $28,193 | $26,378 |
| Colleges offering it | 14 | 132 | 17 | 38 |
Theology and Religious Vocations, Other earnings over time
National median earnings one year after graduating, by cohort year — the consistent measure available across the federal data’s history.
Best colleges for Theology and Religious Vocations, Other
Ranked by the ROI of this major at each college — its graduate earnings against the cost.
| # | College | Credential | Earnings (5 yr) | Median debt | 10-yr ROI | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Catholic University of America Washington, DC | Master's | $84,447 | — | +567% | Strong return |
| 2 | Moody Bible Institute Chicago, IL | Certificate | $72,517 | — | +210% | Strong return |
| 3 | Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global Marion, IN | Certificate | $65,900 | $37,697 | +157% | Strong return |
| 4 | Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion Marion, IN | Certificate | $65,900 | $37,697 | +99% | Strong return |
| 5 | Union University Jackson, TN | Certificate | $56,748 | — | +8% | Break-even |
| 6 | Ohio Christian University Circleville, OH | Certificate | $52,226 | — | -12% | Poor return |
| 7 | Mid-America Christian University Oklahoma City, OK | Associate's | $47,908 | — | -13% | Poor return |
| 8 | Life Pacific University San Dimas, CA | Certificate | $51,401 | $18,000 | -29% | Poor return |
| 9 | Biola University La Mirada, CA | Certificate | $53,899 | — | -29% | Poor return |
| 10 | Southeastern University Lakeland, FL | Certificate | $46,163 | — | -91% | Poor return |
| 11 | Southeastern University Lakeland, FL | Associate's | $43,784 | — | -119% | Poor return |
| 12 | American Baptist College Nashville, TN | Associate's | $38,162 | — | -471% | Poor return |
| 13 | Iliff School of Theology Denver, CO | Certificate | $65,287 | $61,500 | — | Not enough data |
| 14 | Denver Seminary Littleton, CO | Certificate | $51,738 | — | — | Not enough data |
Related majors
Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard. ROI is computed by Degree Return — see how. Read the methodology. Data as of 2024.