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Pennsylvania's faith-based colleges offer Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries programs with net costs ranging from $21,043 to $29,577. Lancaster Bible College graduates earn just $24,615 annually despite the field's growing importance in Pennsylvania's healthcare sector, where major employers like UPMC increasingly value spiritual care professionals. Geneva College provides the lowest net cost at $21,043, while graduates from University of Valley Forge command the highest salaries at $30,771.
8
Programs
$21,043 – $29,577
Net Price Range
$28,689
Avg. Program Earnings
58.2%
Avg. Graduation Rate

8 Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $21,043 $33,610 61.5% 79.1%
2 $21,409 $35,570 57.9% 94.3%
3 $21,873 $32,400 54.2% 65.2%
4 $22,746 $36,864 43.5% 82.3%
5 $22,870 $29,990 71.4% 97.2%
6 $25,885 $37,420 56.0% 63.2%
7 $27,499 $24,510 56.1% 82.4%
8 $29,577 $32,625 65.2% 81.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $6,156 gap between earnings at Lancaster Bible College and University of Valley Forge?

Lancaster Bible College graduates earn $24,615 compared to $30,771 at University of Valley Forge. This difference likely reflects program focus, with Valley Forge potentially emphasizing specialized ministry roles that command higher compensation in Pennsylvania's competitive religious services market.

How do graduation rates compare among the most affordable programs?

Lancaster Bible College leads with a 71.40% graduation rate despite charging just $22,870 net cost. Geneva College, the cheapest option at $21,043, maintains a solid 61.50% rate, while Thiel College struggles at 43.50% despite charging $22,746.

Does acceptance rate indicate program selectivity for pastoral counseling?

Lancaster Bible College accepts 97.15% of applicants, suggesting broad accessibility rather than selectivity. Clarks Summit University is most selective at 65.20% acceptance, while Eastern University admits 63.23% despite charging $25,885 net cost.

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