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 presents a mixed financial picture with one number that stands out as a real risk: a 33.3% graduation rate. Two out of three students who enroll don't finish here, and a degree you don't complete can't pay you back for the time and money you put in. That single figure should shape how you read everything else.
If you do graduate, the median earnings of $57,436 ten years out put you in solid territory for a small private school. That's a livable wage in Oregon, and it clears what many liberal-arts and religious-focused institutions produce. The catch is that this number reflects only the students who made it through, so it tells you what's possible here, not what's likely.
Mount Angel is a Catholic seminary, and its programs point toward religious and ministry vocations. If that's your calling, the earnings figure is respectable for the field and the fit is obvious. If you're shopping for a general-purpose bachelor's degree to maximize income, this is not the place to look, and a broader college with stronger completion odds will serve your wallet better.
Only 21.21% of students here receive Pell Grants, so the campus skews toward families above the lowest income brackets. That doesn't tell you what you personally will pay, and it doesn't mean aid is scarce for those who need it.
The honest summary: this school works financially if you're committed to the vocational path it's built for and you're confident you'll graduate. If you're unsure about finishing, the completion rate is the number to take seriously before you enroll.
Note: I avoided inventing net price tiers or program-specific salary claims since that data wasn't in the context you gave me.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.