Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $57,436/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$23,436/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 33.3% |
The Risk Factor
33.3% of students at Mount Angel Seminary graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Mount Angel Seminary delivers weak financial returns with median earnings of $57,436 ten years after graduation and a concerning 33% graduation rate. Your investment faces significant risk when two-thirds of students don't complete their programs.
The seminary's specialized focus on religious studies and theology limits your career options to pastoral roles, religious education, and nonprofit leadership positions that typically offer modest compensation. The regional job market in Oregon provides limited opportunities for seminary graduates outside church-affiliated positions.
Financial aid appears unusually scarce at Mount Angel, with only 21% of students receiving assistance compared to much higher rates at most colleges. This suggests you'll likely pay close to full price without significant merit scholarships or need-based aid to offset costs.
Mount Angel makes financial sense only if you're committed to a religious vocation where monetary returns matter less than spiritual calling. The low graduation rate signals academic or personal challenges that derail many students before completion, making your degree completion uncertain.
You should look elsewhere if you need strong earnings potential to justify educational debt or want career flexibility beyond religious settings. The combination of limited financial aid, specialized career paths, and below-average completion rates creates substantial financial risk for most students. Consider Mount Angel only if you have clear religious vocational goals and can afford the investment without expecting strong monetary returns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mount Angel Seminary worth the cost?
Mount Angel Seminary has significant challenges with a 33% graduation rate and median earnings of $57,436 ten years after enrollment. The 100% acceptance rate reflects its specialized mission serving future clergy, but the financial return is limited for most career paths.
What is the job market like for Mount Angel Seminary graduates?
Mount Angel Seminary primarily prepares students for religious vocations where traditional salary metrics don't apply well. The $57,436 median earnings figure includes graduates who pursue secular careers, but most students enter ministry where compensation is typically modest.
How much debt do Mount Angel Seminary students typically graduate with?
Seminary education often involves lower debt loads due to church support and scholarships for students entering ministry. However, the low graduation rate means many students may leave without completing their degree while still carrying some debt.
Should I attend Mount Angel Seminary for financial reasons?
Mount Angel Seminary should not be chosen primarily for financial reasons given the modest earning potential and low graduation rate. Students should attend only if committed to religious vocation, as the career path typically prioritizes service over salary.