Bible/Biblical Studies at SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary

SUM Bible College graduates earn $26,407 in their first year—about $5,500 below California's median for this degree and roughly $7,500 below the national average. Among California's 19 Bible studies programs, this ranks in just the 25th percentile, meaning three-quarters of comparable in-state programs report better outcomes. To put that in perspective, Biola University graduates start at $37,518, over 40% higher. While earnings do grow to $30,028 by year four, that's still below what most graduates earn right out of school elsewhere.

The debt picture adds another layer of concern. At $29,299, graduates carry more debt than the state median for this degree while earning substantially less. That 1.11 debt-to-earnings ratio means the typical graduate owes more than their entire first year's salary—a challenging position when trying to establish financial independence. Over half of students here receive Pell grants, suggesting many families are already navigating tight budgets.

If your child has a clear calling to ministry or biblical scholarship, this program can lead there—the modest earnings growth shows graduates do gain traction. But the financial mathematics are tough compared to other California options. Unless there are compelling non-financial reasons to choose SUM specifically, programs like Biola demonstrate that biblical studies degrees don't have to mean starting at $26,000. The combination of below-average earnings and above-average debt makes this a program where family financial support or significant scholarships would be important factors.