Cheapest Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries Colleges in California

California's faith-based universities offer surprisingly affordable pastoral counseling programs, with Bethesda University charging just $8,388 net annually compared to Point Loma Nazarene's $50,168. The state's massive nonprofit sector, including over 120,000 charitable organizations, creates steady demand for trained pastoral counselors. Graduates earn between $26,739 and $29,685, while the cost gap between the cheapest and most expensive program spans $41,780.

Programs

$8,388 – $50,168

Net Price Range

$27,971

Avg. Program Earnings

51.8%

Avg. Graduation Rate

9 Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Bethesda University Anaheim, California	$8,388	$7,220	18.2%
2	World Mission University Los Angeles, California	$16,598	$6,920	50.0%
3	Vanguard University of Southern California Costa Mesa, California	$19,761	$39,950	55.9%	74.8%
4	Life Pacific University San Dimas, California	$22,343	$20,462	56.8%	94.5%
5	William Jessup University Rocklin, California	$25,300	$37,150	60.7%	65.9%
6	Hope International University Fullerton, California	$27,653	$36,250	45.7%	32.2%
7	Simpson University Redding, California	$27,923	$38,522	41.7%
8	The Master's University and Seminary Santa Clarita, California	$32,121	$36,930	63.7%	78.2%
9	Point Loma Nazarene University San Diego, California	$50,168	$43,550	73.8%	81.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Bethesda University so affordable for pastoral counseling students?

Bethesda University charges only $8,388 net annually, making it the most affordable option by far. The school maintains low costs through its focused mission and smaller scale, though its 18.20% graduation rate suggests students should carefully consider support services.

How do graduation rates vary among California's pastoral counseling programs?

Graduation rates range dramatically from 18.20% at Bethesda University to 73.80% at Point Loma Nazarene University. The median graduation rate across all nine programs sits around 55%, with higher-cost schools generally showing better completion rates.

Where do pastoral counseling graduates typically find employment in California?

California's extensive nonprofit sector employs many pastoral counselors across churches, faith-based counseling centers, and community organizations. The state's varied religious communities, from traditional denominations to newer spiritual movements, create varied career paths for graduates earning $26,739 to $29,685 annually.

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