Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries at Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global

The small sample size here demands caution, but the pattern is troubling: graduates start at $35,736—matching the 95th percentile nationally—then see earnings drop 16% to under $30,000 by year four. This isn't typical career progression. While the program carries relatively modest debt at $26,338, that's still nearly a full year's earnings by the time graduates hit their fourth year post-graduation. For context, this is one of only five programs in Indiana offering this associate's degree, and it performs middle-of-the-pack within the state.

The earnings decline could reflect graduates transitioning into ministry roles that prioritize mission over salary, or it might indicate limited career advancement opportunities in this field. Either way, parents should understand that this path likely means their child will be managing student loan payments on an income that trends closer to $30,000 than $35,000. The program serves a substantial population of Pell-eligible students (48%), suggesting many families are already stretching financially.

If your child feels called to pastoral counseling or ministry work, have an honest conversation about the financial realities. Can they manage $250-300 monthly loan payments on $30,000 annually? Would starting with community college courses reduce that debt burden? Ministry work can be deeply fulfilling, but the economics here require careful family planning and possibly supplemental income sources.