2026 ROI Award Winner
Median Earnings (1yr)
$39,834
75th percentile
95th percentile in North Carolina
Median Debt
$20,926
16% below national median

Analysis

Carolina University's Bible/Biblical Studies program stands out dramatically in North Carolina, where graduates earn $39,834—more than 50% above the state median of $25,662 and ranking in the 95th percentile among NC programs. That's a significant gap in a field where earnings can vary wildly by institution. Nationally, the program also performs well, matching the 75th percentile at $39,834 versus the national median of $33,918.

The debt picture requires some context. At $20,926, graduates carry less than most Bible studies programs nationally (which average $25,000), though the debt percentile ranking reflects that some programs manage even lower debt loads. Still, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.53 is reasonable—graduates owe roughly half their first-year salary, manageable with careful budgeting. The fact that 46% of students receive Pell grants suggests the university serves many students who might not otherwise access higher education.

For families in North Carolina considering a Bible studies degree, this program delivers substantially better outcomes than most in-state alternatives. The nearly $15,000 earnings premium over typical NC programs in this field makes the modest debt load a worthwhile trade-off, particularly for students committed to ministry or religious vocations where this degree serves as essential credentialing.

Where Carolina University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all bible/biblical studies bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Carolina University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in North Carolina

Bible/Biblical Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in North Carolina (9 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Carolina UniversityWinston-Salem$16,000$39,834$20,9260.53
Mid-Atlantic Christian UniversityElizabeth City$17,280$11,491$36,506$23,4222.04
National Median$33,918$25,0000.74

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with bible/biblical studies graduates

Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in philosophy, religion, and theology. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Directors, Religious Activities and Education

Coordinate or design programs and conduct outreach to promote the religious education or activities of a denominational group. May provide counseling, guidance, and leadership relative to marital, health, financial, and religious problems.

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Carolina University, approximately 46% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 30 graduates with reported earnings and 23 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.