Bible/Biblical Studies at Multnomah University

Multnomah's Biblical Studies program produces outcomes that cluster tightly around the national median, with starting salaries near $33,000 that modestly climb to $36,600 after four years. What distinguishes this program isn't earnings—it performs right at the 47th percentile nationally—but rather its debt profile. At $23,400, graduates carry less than the national median for this field, though debt still exceeds seven months of first-year income. Among Oregon's five Biblical Studies programs, Multnomah ranks at the 60th percentile for earnings, placing it slightly above the state's median.

The financial calculus here is straightforward: graduates face manageable but meaningful debt relative to ministry-oriented career trajectories. With nearly half of students receiving Pell grants, many are stretching financially to attend. The 10% earnings growth over four years is positive but modest, and these salary levels will likely require careful budgeting around loan payments. Biblical Studies programs nationwide face similar economics—limited earning potential relative to debt loads—and Multnomah's outcomes are neither notably better nor worse than its peers.

For families committed to ministry or faith-based vocations, this represents a typical investment for the field. The relatively lower debt helps, but parents should understand their child will likely need additional financial support or enter a second career track if six-figure salaries matter for long-term financial security. This works best when spiritual calling outweighs pure return on investment.