At $3,935/yr net price, Luther Rice College & Seminary graduates earn $47,003/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $13,003/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $3,935 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $15,740 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $47,003/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$13,003/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.2 years |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $34,153 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,232/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $3,073/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $2,500/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bible/Biblical Studies. | Master | $53,358 | |
| Theological and Ministerial Studies. | Master | $48,823 | $41,000 |
| Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries. | Master | $35,701 | $41,000 |
| Bible/Biblical Studies. | Bachelor | $27,126 | $30,955 |
Analysis
Luther Rice College & Seminary offers an unusually low net price at $3,935 annually, but the financial returns remain mixed. The median graduate earns $47,003 ten years after enrollment while carrying $34,153 in debt.
Your program choice matters significantly here. Bible/Biblical Studies graduates at the top end earn $53,358, making this the clear financial winner among the seminary's offerings. Theological and Ministerial Studies follows at $48,823, though you'll graduate with higher debt at $41,000. Pastoral Counseling shows concerning returns at just $35,701 with the same $41,000 debt load. The lower-earning Bible/Biblical Studies track pays only $27,126, creating a debt-to-income ratio that could strain your budget.
The 60% retention rate signals academic or financial struggles that could extend your time to graduation. Nearly half of students receive financial aid, suggesting the seminary works to keep costs manageable despite the low sticker price.
This school makes financial sense if you're committed to ministry work in Georgia's religious sector and can access the higher-paying biblical studies track. The extremely low net price helps offset modest earning potential in most religious careers. You should look elsewhere if you're uncertain about ministry as a career path or need stronger earning potential to service existing debt. The seminary's specialized focus limits your career flexibility compared to broader liberal arts programs at similar costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Luther Rice College & Seminary worth the cost?
Luther Rice offers a very low net price at $3,935 per year, making it affordable for ministry-focused education. However, graduates earn a median of $47,003 after 10 years, which is below average for college graduates but typical for ministry careers.
What programs at Luther Rice College & Seminary have the best ROI?
Bible/Biblical Studies graduates earn the highest at $53,358, while Pastoral Counseling graduates earn significantly less at $35,701. Ministry-focused programs generally lead to modest salaries regardless of the specific degree.
How much debt do Luther Rice College & Seminary students graduate with?
Students graduate with a median debt of $34,153, which is manageable given the low tuition costs. The debt-to-income ratio is reasonable for ministry careers, though graduates should expect lower salaries than secular fields.
Does Luther Rice College & Seminary provide good financial aid?
The school keeps costs low with a net price of only $3,935 per year after aid. This makes Luther Rice one of the more affordable options for students pursuing ministry education.