Theological and Ministerial Studies at University of Northwestern-St Paul

The small sample size here makes definitive conclusions difficult, but the available data suggests University of Northwestern-St Paul's theology program outperforms most Minnesota competitors significantly—graduates earn 36% more than the state median of $24,071, placing this program in the 80th percentile statewide. That said, first-year earnings of $32,815 remain modest in absolute terms, typical for ministry-focused careers where financial compensation rarely matches educational investment.

The $22,000 debt load sits below the national median for theology programs but above Minnesota's, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.67—manageable but requiring careful budgeting in those crucial first years. Ministry positions often include non-monetary benefits like housing allowances that won't show up in these wage figures, which could make the financial picture more sustainable than raw numbers suggest. Still, families should understand that the career trajectory in ministry tends to reward longevity and experience rather than offering dramatic salary growth.

For families committed to ministry education who plan to stay in Minnesota, this program appears to deliver stronger earning potential than most local alternatives. The combination of below-average debt with above-average local outcomes offers a relatively favorable entry point into a field where vocational calling matters more than financial optimization.