At $16,267/yr net price, College of Biblical Studies-Houston graduates earn $39,260/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $5,260/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $16,267 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $65,068 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $39,260/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$5,260/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 12.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 60.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,570 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $13,437/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $14,394/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $17,715/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $18,415/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Theological and Ministerial Studies. | Bachelor | $28,309 | $21,000 |
| Religious Education. | Bachelor | $21,052 |
The Risk Factor
60.0% of students at College of Biblical Studies-Houston graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 40% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
College of Biblical Studies-Houston delivers poor financial returns that make it difficult to justify the investment. With median earnings of just $39,260 ten years after graduation and typical debt loads of $25,570, graduates face a challenging financial reality.
The earnings data reveals stark limitations across all programs. Theological and Ministerial Studies graduates earn $28,309 annually with $21,000 in debt, while Religious Education majors fare even worse at $21,052 per year. These salaries fall well below what you need to comfortably repay student loans while covering basic living expenses in Houston.
The 60% graduation rate adds another layer of risk. Nearly half of students who start here don't finish, often leaving with debt but no degree. This creates significant financial danger for students who struggle academically or find the religious focus doesn't align with their goals.
You should only consider this school if you have a clear calling to ministry work and understand you're prioritizing mission over financial gain. The school makes sense for students planning careers in church leadership, religious education, or faith-based nonprofits where the specialized training justifies lower earnings.
With 78.5% of students receiving financial aid, the school does work to make education accessible. However, the aid often comes as loans rather than grants, contributing to the debt burden. If you're considering this path, exhaust scholarship opportunities and consider part-time enrollment to minimize borrowing. Students without strong religious conviction or clear ministry career plans should look elsewhere for better financial prospects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is College of Biblical Studies-Houston worth the cost compared to other colleges?
College of Biblical Studies-Houston graduates earn $39,260 after 10 years, which is significantly below the national average for college graduates. With a net price of $16,267 per year, the return on investment is poor compared to most four-year institutions.
What is the job market like for College of Biblical Studies-Houston graduates?
Graduates typically enter religious and ministry fields where salaries are traditionally lower. The school's top programs in Theological Studies and Religious Education lead to median earnings of $28,309 and $21,052 respectively, limiting earning potential.
How much debt do students typically graduate with from College of Biblical Studies-Houston?
The median debt load is $25,570, which creates financial strain given the low post-graduation earnings. Many graduates may struggle to repay loans on ministry salaries that average under $30,000.
Does College of Biblical Studies-Houston have good graduation rates?
The school has a 60% graduation rate, meaning 4 out of 10 students don't complete their degree. This completion rate is below average for four-year colleges and adds to the financial risk for students who don't finish.