Bible/Biblical Studies at Dallas Baptist University

Dallas Baptist University's Biblical Studies program produces graduates earning nearly $38,000 in their first year—above both the national median ($33,918) and the Texas median ($35,938). Among Texas schools offering this degree, it ranks in the 60th percentile, meaning graduates here typically out-earn peers at most comparable programs in the state. The 12% earnings growth to year four suggests graduates find their footing in ministry, nonprofit, or related fields over time.

The real advantage here is the debt picture: graduates leave with just under $19,000 in loans, roughly $6,000 less than typical Biblical Studies students in Texas. That 0.50 debt-to-earnings ratio means loan balances equal about half of first-year income—manageable for someone entering lower-paying service work. While these earnings won't rival business or STEM degrees, they're respectable for a field where many graduates prioritize mission over salary.

The caveat matters: with fewer than 30 graduates in this data, a handful of outliers could shift these numbers significantly. Still, the combination of below-average debt and above-average earnings for the field suggests this program delivers reasonable value for students called to vocational ministry or Christian service work. For families concerned about debt burden in a traditionally low-earning field, this program appears to strike a better balance than most alternatives.