Theological and Ministerial Studies at Concordia University-Nebraska

Earning $19,316 a year after a bachelor's degree—about what someone makes working full-time at $9.30/hour—would alarm most parents, but context matters here. Among Nebraska's six theological programs, this sits at the median, and the surprisingly low national ranking (5th percentile) reflects how ministry preparation compares to other bachelor's degrees rather than a deficit at Concordia specifically. The small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could shift significantly with a larger cohort.

The $27,750 in debt creates immediate challenges on a ministerial salary. Monthly loan payments would consume roughly 15% of take-home pay under standard repayment plans, though many ministry positions qualify for public service loan forgiveness programs—something worth investigating thoroughly. That said, this isn't unusually high debt for the field nationally (38th percentile), and Concordia's low Pell Grant percentage suggests many families can provide additional financial support.

The real question is vocational fit. If your child feels called to ministry and this matches their theological tradition, the financial metrics matter less—ministry has never been about maximizing earnings. But if there's any uncertainty about the calling, that $19,316 starting salary makes it very difficult to change course while managing loan payments. Consider whether starting at a community college for general education requirements might preserve this path while reducing total borrowing.