Theological and Ministerial Studies at Southern Methodist University
Master's Degree
Earnings Distribution
How Southern Methodist University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Southern Methodist University graduates earn $54k, placing them in the 68th percentile of all theological and ministerial studies masters programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Theological and Ministerial Studies masters's programs at peer institutions in Texas (24 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southern Methodist University | $54,351 | $56,711 | — | — |
| Episcopal Theological Seminary of the Southwest | $84,654 | — | — | — |
| Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary | $56,922 | $59,268 | — | — |
| Dallas Theological Seminary | $53,095 | $49,660 | — | — |
| The King's University | $52,539 | $39,261 | — | — |
| Houston Christian University | $51,968 | — | — | — |
| National Median | $48,372 | — | — | — |
Other Theological and Ministerial Studies Programs in Texas
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Texas schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Episcopal Theological Seminary of the Southwest Austin | — | $84,654 | — |
| Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary Austin | — | $56,922 | — |
| Dallas Theological Seminary Dallas | — | $53,095 | — |
| The King's University Southlake | $12,480 | $52,539 | — |
| Houston Christian University Houston | $38,100 | $51,968 | — |
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 Southern Methodist University, approximately 12% 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.