Religion/Religious Studies at Nelson University

Nelson University's Religion/Religious Studies associate degree produces earnings that place it in the bottom 5% nationally, but before dismissing it entirely, Texas context matters: this program actually performs at the 60th percentile within the state, where religious studies associate degrees are uncommon. First-year graduates earn $31,593, roughly $2,700 below the national median, while carrying slightly less debt ($26,500 versus $27,875 nationally).

The 0.84 debt-to-earnings ratio is manageable—graduates owe less than one year's salary—but the absolute earning level is concerning. At just over $31,000 annually, graduates will face tight budgets, and this program likely serves students pursuing specific ministry or faith-based career paths rather than maximizing income. The school's demographics (50% Pell recipients, 84% admission rate) suggest it serves a population with limited alternatives, and for students committed to religious vocations, the modest debt load won't be crippling.

For parents, this is straightforward: if your child is pursuing religious leadership or ministry work and understands the financial constraints that come with that path, the relatively low debt makes this workable. If they're exploring religious studies academically without a specific vocational calling, they should know they're taking on debt for below-average earnings in a field with limited associate-level opportunities. The numbers work only if the career path is clear and the calling genuine.