Est. Earnings (1yr)
$49,543
Est. from CA median (61 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$25,000
Est. from CA median (33 programs)

Analysis

A business degree from a theological seminary might raise eyebrows, but the estimated economics here align reasonably with typical California business programs. Based on comparable bachelor's programs across the state, graduates would likely earn around $49,500 in their first yearβ€”matching the state median exactly and running slightly above the $45,700 national benchmark for business administration degrees. The estimated $25,000 debt load, also derived from similar California programs, produces a manageable 0.50 debt-to-earnings ratio.

What's harder to assess is whether this program offers the same career network and recruiting pipelines as traditional business schools. The seminary context suggests a smaller, more specialized environment, which could be advantageous for students seeking faith-integrated business training but potentially limiting for those targeting mainstream corporate recruiters. With 47% of students receiving Pell grants, the school serves a population for whom affordability matters significantlyβ€”and at least on paper, the estimated debt burden appears sustainable relative to likely earnings.

The fundamental challenge is that these are projections based on peer programs, not actual graduate outcomes. For a parent considering this investment, the key question becomes whether the seminary's unique positioning compensates for the lack of proven employment data. If your child specifically values the faith component and you're comfortable with a mid-market earnings trajectory, the estimated financials suggest reasonable risk. If maximizing earnings or prestige matters more, California offers dozens of business programs with documented track records substantially stronger than these estimates.

Where Presbyterian Theological Seminary in America Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all business administration, management and operations bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in California

Business Administration, Management and Operations bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (98 total in state)

Scroll to see more β†’

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Presbyterian Theological Seminary in AmericaSanta Fe Springs$8,839$49,543*β€”$25,000*β€”
University of California-BerkeleyBerkeley$14,850$90,008*$123,780$12,195*0.14
Golden Gate UniversitySan Francisco$31,243$77,752*$87,027$33,968*0.44
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis ObispoSan Luis Obispo$11,075$71,876*$85,332$17,000*0.24
University of Southern CaliforniaLos Angeles$68,237$71,668*$87,767$17,375*0.24
Pepperdine UniversityMalibu$66,742$69,751*$82,688$28,000*0.40
National Medianβ€”$45,703*β€”$26,000*0.57
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with business administration, management and operations graduates

Computer and Information Systems Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.

$171,200/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Architectural and Engineering Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers

Define, plan, or execute biofuels/biodiesel research programs that evaluate alternative feedstock and process technologies with near-term commercial potential.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Treasurers and Controllers

Direct financial activities, such as planning, procurement, and investments for all or part of an organization.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Investment Fund Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate investment strategy or operations for a large pool of liquid assets supplied by institutional investors or individual investors.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Natural Sciences Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Research Coordinators

Plan, direct, or coordinate clinical research projects. Direct the activities of workers engaged in clinical research projects to ensure compliance with protocols and overall clinical objectives. May evaluate and analyze clinical data.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Water Resource Specialists

Design or implement programs and strategies related to water resource issues such as supply, quality, and regulatory compliance issues.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Compensation and Benefits Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate compensation and benefits activities of an organization.

$140,360/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Human Resources Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate human resources activities and staff of an organization.

$140,030/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Sales Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the actual distribution or movement of a product or service to the customer. Coordinate sales distribution by establishing sales territories, quotas, and goals and establish training programs for sales representatives. Analyze sales statistics gathered by staff to determine sales potential and inventory requirements and monitor the preferences of customers.

$138,060/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree
About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Presbyterian Theological Seminary in America, approximately 47% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 61 similar programs in CA. Actual outcomes may vary.