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Saint Mary's University of Minnesota offers the lowest net price at $21,034 for Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries students, nearly $10,000 less than the state's most expensive option. Crown College graduates earn the highest median salary at $33,382, reflecting strong demand for faith-based counselors in Minnesota's healthcare systems like Mayo Clinic. With 9 programs ranging from $21,034 to $30,525 in net costs, students can find quality training that connects to the state's growing mental health and spiritual care sectors.
9
Programs
$21,034 – $30,525
Net Price Range
$30,002
Avg. Program Earnings
62.3%
Avg. Graduation Rate

9 Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $23,574 $32,284 $29,460 63.6% 90.8%
2 $27,324 $33,382 $30,200 64.3% 66.6%
3 $25,140 $28,598 $36,830 68.4% 92.5%
4 $28,439 $31,133 $42,930 75.2% 72.5%
5 $24,674 $24,615 $18,910 30.8%
6 $23,875 $43,942 52.4% 76.5%
7 $21,034 $43,160 67.7% 96.8%
8 $23,949 $40,454 63.0% 96.6%
9 $30,525 $52,284 75.2% 77.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the wide range in graduation rates among Minnesota's pastoral counseling programs?

Graduation rates span from 30.80% at Oak Hills Christian College to 75.20% at both Bethel University and University of St Thomas. The smaller, specialized institutions often serve working adults and part-time students, which typically leads to lower completion rates compared to traditional four-year programs.

How do acceptance rates affect program quality in pastoral counseling?

Most Minnesota programs maintain high acceptance rates, with Saint Mary's at 96.83% and Crown College at 66.59%. Crown College's more selective admissions coincide with the highest graduate earnings at $33,382, suggesting that competitive programs may provide stronger career preparation.

Where do Minnesota pastoral counseling graduates typically find employment?

Graduates often work in healthcare systems, including Mayo Clinic's chaplaincy programs, mental health centers, and faith-based counseling practices. The earnings range of $24,615 to $33,382 reflects positions from entry-level ministry roles to specialized therapeutic positions in Minnesota's extensive healthcare network.

Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.