At $25,007/yr net price, Moody Bible Institute graduates earn $45,399/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $11,399/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $25,007 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $100,028 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $45,399/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$11,399/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 8.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 62.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $18,149 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $26,309/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $25,436/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $24,872/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $23,741/yr |
| $110,001+ | $23,883/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Theology and Religious Vocations, Other. | Master | $42,682 | |
| Bible/Biblical Studies. | Bachelor | $31,314 | $12,690 |
| Bible/Biblical Studies. | Associate | $29,685 | |
| Theological and Ministerial Studies. | Bachelor | $23,649 | $15,000 |
| Missions/Missionary Studies and Missiology. | Bachelor | $21,166 | $14,250 |
| Religious Education. | Bachelor | $20,824 | $12,647 |
The Risk Factor
62.0% of students at Moody Bible Institute graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 38% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Moody Bible Institute delivers poor financial returns for most graduates, with median earnings of $45,399 ten years after graduation falling well below the national average despite a $25,007 annual price tag. The school's focus on ministry and religious vocations creates a fundamental mismatch between educational costs and career earning potential.
Your major choice makes a significant difference in outcomes. The "Other Theology and Religious Vocations" track generates the highest earnings at $42,682, while core programs like Biblical Studies and Theological Studies produce graduates earning $23,649 to $31,314. Missions studies shows particularly weak returns at just $21,166 annually. These earnings reflect the reality of nonprofit ministry work, where passion often comes at a steep financial cost.
The school presents specific financial risks beyond low earning potential. Only 33% of students receive financial aid, leaving most families to cover costs through savings or loans. The 62% graduation rate means nearly two in five students leave without completing their degree, often carrying debt without the credential.
Moody makes financial sense only if you have substantial family support or independent wealth, allowing you to pursue ministry without concern for loan repayment. Students needing to finance their education through borrowing face a difficult path, as ministry salaries rarely support significant debt payments comfortably.
The school does offer some cost advantages compared to secular private institutions, and the relatively low median debt of $18,149 suggests careful financial management by graduates who do complete their degrees. However, even this modest debt burden becomes problematic when paired with below-average earning potential in religious vocations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Moody Bible Institute worth the cost?
Moody Bible Institute graduates earn a median of $45,399 ten years after graduation, which is low compared to most colleges. The school's focus on ministry and religious careers means financial returns are limited, but costs are relatively manageable at $25,007 per year.
What is the average debt for Moody Bible Institute graduates?
Moody Bible Institute graduates have a median debt of $18,149, which is below the national average. However, with typical ministry salaries being low, even this modest debt can be challenging to repay on earnings around $45,000.
Which Moody Bible Institute programs have the best job prospects?
Theology and Religious Vocations graduates earn the highest at $42,682, while Missions graduates earn just $21,166. All programs at Moody prepare students for ministry work, which typically offers lower financial compensation than secular careers.
Does Moody Bible Institute provide good financial aid?
With a net price of $25,007 and relatively low graduate debt, Moody appears to offer reasonable financial aid packages. The school's religious mission likely helps keep costs lower than many private colleges.