Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries at Grace Christian University

Grace Christian University graduates in this program earn $48,916 in their first year—52% more than typical Pastoral Counseling graduates in Michigan and dramatically above the national median of $32,226. This ranks in the 95th percentile nationally, making it one of the strongest-performing programs of its kind in the country. While graduates carry $38,453 in debt, the 0.79 debt-to-earnings ratio means they're borrowing less than one year's salary, a manageable threshold that puts this program in the top tier for debt burden (5th percentile, meaning 95% of similar programs saddle graduates with more debt).

The caveat here matters: fewer than 30 graduates means these numbers could shift significantly year to year, and individual outcomes will vary more widely than at larger programs. However, the combination of near-universal admission, accessibility to low-income students (half receive Pell grants), and exceptional earnings outcomes suggests Grace Christian has found an effective pathway for students pursuing ministry careers. For comparison, Spring Arbor University's similar program shows first-year earnings of just $19,557—less than half what Grace Christian graduates report.

For families weighing this program, the numbers look strong despite the small sample warning. If your student is committed to ministry work and can verify these outcomes align with their specific career goals within the field, this appears to be one of the better-value pastoral counseling programs available.