Bible/Biblical Studies at Wheaton College

Wheaton's Biblical Studies program posts surprisingly modest earnings even among a field known for low financial returns. While graduates see nearly 20% salary growth between years one and four, they're still earning $35,678 four years out—below both the national median ($33,918 for year one) and Illinois average ($32,550) when adjusted for career stage. That 40th percentile ranking among Illinois programs means six in ten similar programs in the state produce better early-career outcomes.

The debt load adds complexity here. At $23,147, it sits above the Illinois median of $18,122 for Biblical Studies programs, though the 0.77 debt-to-earnings ratio is manageable compared to some fields. Still, owing more than peers at in-state alternatives while earning less creates an upside-down value equation. Moody Bible Institute, for instance, delivers $5,000+ higher earnings right out of the gate with comparable debt levels.

The caveat matters: this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes vary widely. But if your student is committed to Biblical Studies and plans to stay in Illinois, ask hard questions about why this program costs more and delivers less than alternatives. Unless Wheaton's network or academic approach offers specific advantages for your child's calling, the numbers suggest looking at how other Illinois schools prepare students for ministry or related careers.