At $25,140/yr net price, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary graduates earn $50,535/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $16,535/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $25,140 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $100,560 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $50,535/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$16,535/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 70.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $15,675 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $23,177/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $25,389/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $25,809/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $26,718/yr |
| $110,001+ | $31,765/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Theological and Ministerial Studies. | Master | $48,823 | $27,450 |
| Missions/Missionary Studies and Missiology. | Bachelor | $20,140 | $7,733 |
The Risk Factor
70.0% of students at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 30% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary gives you a mixed financial picture that leans heavily on what you study. The median graduate earns just over $50,000 ten years out while carrying under $16,000 in debt, so the typical debt load is manageable against that income. The 70% graduation rate is solid, but the 64% retention rate means a chunk of first-year students leave before sophomore year, and leaving with debt and no degree is the worst outcome here.
The one bachelor-level program with data, Missions and Missiology, is a warning sign. Graduates of that program earn about $20,140, less than half the school's overall median and below what many jobs pay without any degree. If ministry and missions work is your calling, go in knowing the paycheck reflects that field, not the school's headline earnings figure.
The net price is where the real risk sits. At just over $25,000 a year, the sticker cost barely moves as family income drops. If your family earns under $30,000, you still pay about $23,177, only a few thousand less than families earning six figures pay. There is almost no financial cushion for low-income families here, so four years of that net price against a $50,000 median income means the math only works if you finish and land steady work.
This school fits you if you are committed to ministry or missions, understand the modest earnings that come with it, and can keep your borrowing low like most graduates do. If you need a degree that reliably pays back a $100,000 four-year cost through high starting salaries, look elsewhere. The value here is vocational and religious, and the numbers back that up only if the calling matches the price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary worth the cost for ministry careers?
The school's $25,140 annual cost leads to median earnings of $50,535 after 10 years, which is below average for graduate degree holders. Ministry careers typically offer lower salaries, so expect a longer payback period on your educational investment.
What is the return on investment for Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary graduates?
Graduates earn around $50,535 annually after 10 years with median debt of $15,675, making the debt load manageable compared to many graduate programs. However, the earning potential is limited by the nature of ministry and missions work.
Which programs at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary have the best job prospects?
Theological and Ministerial Studies graduates earn around $48,823 annually, while Missions graduates average just $20,140. The earning gap between programs is significant, with missions work offering particularly low financial returns.
How much debt do Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary students typically graduate with?
The median debt is $15,675, which is relatively low for graduate education. With a 94% acceptance rate and 70% graduation rate, the school is accessible but one in three students don't complete their programs.