Religious Education at Dallas Baptist University

Dallas Baptist University's Religious Education program shows something you don't often see in ministry-focused degrees: meaningful earnings growth over time. Starting at $32,426, graduates reach nearly $44,000 by year four—a 35% increase that suggests real career progression rather than a plateau. This puts the program slightly above the national median and at the 60th percentile among Texas religious education programs, though the state has limited comparison points with only six schools offering this degree.

The debt picture requires closer attention. At $21,500, graduates carry manageable loans compared to the state median, but this still ranks in the 95th percentile nationally—meaning most similar programs nationwide leave students with less debt. The first-year debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.66 is workable but tight for someone entering ministry or religious education, fields not known for high salaries. That said, by year four, the improving earnings make this debt load more sustainable.

For families where ministry or religious education is a genuine calling, this program offers better-than-average outcomes within its field and demonstrates graduates can advance financially. Just understand that even with growth, you're looking at mid-40s earnings after four years—solid for the sector, but modest overall. The debt is manageable if your child is committed to this career path, but this isn't a degree to pursue without conviction about the work itself.