Bible/Biblical Studies at Moody Bible Institute

Moody Bible Institute graduates leave with less than half the typical debt load for Biblical Studies programs—$13,097 versus a $25,000 national median—which fundamentally changes the math on this degree. While earnings starting at $35,114 aren't high in absolute terms, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37 means graduates can realistically manage their loans. For perspective, this program ranks in the 60th percentile among Illinois Biblical Studies programs for earnings while carrying dramatically lower debt than the state median of $18,122.

The 16% earnings growth to $40,619 by year four is solid, particularly for a field where many graduates pursue ministry or nonprofit work rather than maximizing income. These figures actually exceed the national median for this program, suggesting Moody's Chicago location and denominational connections may provide stronger employment pathways than typical. It's worth noting this beats Wheaton College's outcomes at significantly lower debt, despite Wheaton's more selective admissions.

For families accepting that Biblical Studies leads to service-oriented careers rather than high salaries, Moody delivers reasonable value. The low debt burden is the decisive factor here—it preserves financial flexibility for graduates choosing lower-paying ministry roles or needing additional graduate education. This isn't a path to financial prosperity, but the manageable debt means it won't become a financial trap.