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Warner Pacific University offers Oregon's most affordable path to pastoral counseling training at $18,818 net cost, while George Fox University commands nearly $30,000 despite its 91% acceptance rate. This $11,000 spread reflects the varying approaches to ministry education across Oregon's faith-based institutions. The state's growing mental health awareness, particularly in Portland's tech corridors where companies like Intel prioritize employee wellness, creates demand for pastoral counselors who blend spiritual guidance with professional therapeutic skills.
5
Programs
$18,818 – $29,981
Net Price Range
$27,476
Avg. Program Earnings
57.7%
Avg. Graduation Rate

5 Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $18,818 $21,010 82.1% 72.3%
2 $20,468 $17,620 25.0% 34.1%
3 $23,520 $34,740 61.8% 66.9%
4 $23,866 $30,310 50.8% 53.4%
5 $29,981 $40,940 68.7% 91.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the dramatic graduation rate differences among Oregon's pastoral counseling programs?

New Hope Christian College reports just 25% graduation rates compared to Warner Pacific's 82%, suggesting vastly different student support systems and program structures. These gaps often reflect institutional resources and whether schools offer part-time options for working ministry students.

How do acceptance rates correlate with program costs in Oregon's ministry schools?

George Fox University accepts 92% of applicants yet charges the highest net price at $29,981, while New Hope Christian College accepts only 34% but costs $20,468. This inverse relationship suggests that selectivity doesn't always drive premium pricing in faith-based education.

Is the $27,476 earnings figure realistic for pastoral counseling graduates?

This median reflects entry-level positions in church settings or nonprofit organizations rather than private practice potential. Oregon's minimum wage laws and Portland's higher cost of living mean many graduates supplement ministry income with additional counseling certifications.

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