Bible/Biblical Studies at Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global

Indiana Wesleyan's online Biblical Studies program commands premium pricing—$38,685 in median debt versus a national median of $25,000—while graduates see their earnings actually drop 11% by year four. That earnings decline from $46,674 to $41,595 is unusual and worth understanding: it may reflect graduates transitioning into ministry roles that prioritize calling over compensation, or it could signal limited career advancement in this field.

The program does outperform nationally, landing in the 95th percentile for earnings compared to other Biblical Studies programs. However, within Indiana specifically, it sits at the median—meaning students are paying above-national-average debt for what amounts to typical in-state outcomes. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.83 isn't catastrophic, but it's heavier than ideal for a degree that typically leads to ministry or religious education roles rather than high-paying careers.

For families where ministry is the clear calling, this represents a known tradeoff: higher debt in exchange for solid preparation and institutional support. But if your child is uncertain about their path or considering Biblical Studies as a general liberal arts degree, the combination of premium debt and declining earnings warrants serious conversation about alternatives—including less expensive in-state options that produce similar graduate outcomes.