Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $41,450/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$7,450/yr |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $34,787 |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Theological and Ministerial Studies. | Bachelor | $46,478 | $37,410 |
| Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries. | Bachelor | $35,060 |
Analysis
Nazarene Bible College trains you for ministry, and the numbers reflect exactly that. Median earnings ten years out sit in the low forties, which is modest by any measure and expected for a school built around theological and pastoral work. If you come here, you come for a calling, and the pay follows the field, not the other way around.
Between the two bachelor's programs, Theological and Ministerial Studies pays roughly $11,000 more per year than Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries. That gap matters because the higher-paying program also carries more debt. Neither degree puts you in high-earning territory, but Pastoral Counseling is the harder financial case: lower pay with a career path tied to nonprofit and church budgets that rarely stretch.
The specific risk here is debt against ministry salaries. Median debt is nearly as high as a full year of median earnings. Church and ministry jobs in Colorado Springs and beyond tend to pay in ranges that make repayment slow, and there is no high-wage fallback built into these programs. If you borrow the median amount and take a typical entry-level ministry role, the loan will sit on you for years.
This school fits you if ministry is the goal and you can keep borrowing low, ideally through denominational support, part-time church work, or living cheaply while enrolled. It does not fit you if you want a degree that translates into broad, higher-paying secular careers. The earnings ceiling here is set by the profession, not the school.
On net price, lower-income families should scrutinize the aid offer closely before committing, since the debt figures show many students borrow heavily. Weigh any tier against the ministry salary you can realistically expect, because the earnings side will not cover an aggressive price tag.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nazarene Bible College worth the cost for ministry careers?
Nazarene Bible College graduates earn $41,450 annually after 10 years, which is below the national average for college graduates. With median debt of $34,787, the financial return is modest but may align with ministry career expectations where compensation is traditionally lower.
What programs at Nazarene Bible College have the best ROI?
Theological and Ministerial Studies graduates earn the highest at $46,478 annually, while Pastoral Counseling graduates average $35,060. Both figures remain below typical college graduate earnings, reflecting the nature of ministry work.
How much debt do Nazarene Bible College students typically graduate with?
The median debt is $34,787, which is manageable compared to many private colleges. However, given the lower earning potential in ministry fields, students should carefully consider their ability to repay loans on ministry salaries.
Does Nazarene Bible College provide good value for religious education?
The college serves students specifically called to ministry, where financial returns are secondary to vocational calling. The debt-to-income ratio is reasonable for this specialized field, though graduates should expect modest financial outcomes.