Theological and Ministerial Studies at Cornerstone University

Cornerstone's theology program graduates earn $40,873 in their first year—roughly $9,000 above the national median for ministry degrees and matching Michigan's state median. Among theology programs nationwide, these earnings land in the 77th percentile, suggesting Cornerstone provides better employment connections or preparation than most comparable programs. The debt load of $43,009 is concerning, sitting well above both national and state medians for the field, though the near-even debt-to-earnings ratio of 1.05 means graduates aren't drowning in payments relative to income.

The real question is whether your child is genuinely called to ministry work. This field typically doesn't generate high earnings, and Cornerstone's graduates are no exception—they're doing better than most theology majors, but $40,873 still requires careful budgeting, especially with $43,000 in debt. Ministry careers often involve personal sacrifices for meaningful work, and this program appears to prepare students reasonably well for that reality.

One important caveat: the sample size here is small (under 30 graduates), so these numbers could shift significantly year to year. If your child is committed to this path, Cornerstone's track record suggests solid outcomes compared to alternatives, but explore scholarship opportunities aggressively to reduce that debt burden. For students entering ministry, every dollar of avoided debt matters more than in higher-paying fields.