At $21,042/yr net price, SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary graduates earn $35,418/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $1,418/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $21,042 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $84,168 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $35,418/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$1,418/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 59.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 46.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $26,677 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $19,744/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $19,320/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $21,081/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $24,025/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bible/Biblical Studies. | Bachelor | $21,824 | $27,200 |
The Risk Factor
46.2% of students at SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
SUM Bible College delivers poor financial returns for most students. With median 10-year earnings of $35,418 against a net price of $21,042 annually, you're looking at a weak payback period that stretches well beyond typical undergraduate timelines.
The numbers get worse when you examine specific programs. Bible and Biblical Studies graduates earn just $21,824 annually while carrying $27,200 in debt. This creates an immediate cash flow problem where your annual income barely covers living expenses, let alone loan payments. The 46% graduation rate means over half of students leave without completing their degree, often still carrying debt.
Your biggest financial risk here is the narrow career pipeline. Religious sector employment offers limited salary growth and fewer alternative career paths if ministry doesn't work out. The low retention rate of 58% suggests many students realize this financial reality early.
This school works financially only if you have strong family financial support, plan to work in ministry regardless of pay, or can secure substantial scholarships. With 53% of students receiving aid, merit opportunities may exist, but the underlying economics remain challenging.
Skip SUM Bible College if you need your degree to generate income that supports a family or pays down substantial loans. The combination of high dropout rates, low earnings, and limited career flexibility creates financial stress that can derail both your education and career goals. Consider state schools with religion or philosophy programs that offer broader career options and better financial outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary worth the cost?
With graduates earning just $35,418 ten years after enrollment and facing median debt of $26,677, SUM offers poor financial returns. The low graduation rate of 46% adds significant risk to your investment.
What is the ROI for SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary graduates?
SUM graduates typically earn less than $36,000 annually, which is well below the national average for college graduates. The debt-to-income ratio makes this one of the weaker financial investments among colleges.
How much do SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary graduates make after graduation?
Ten years after starting at SUM, graduates earn a median of $35,418 per year. Bible and Biblical Studies majors, the school's main program, earn around $21,824 early in their careers.
What are the job prospects after attending SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary?
Job prospects are limited primarily to ministry and religious organization roles, which typically offer lower salaries. The specialized nature of the degree limits career flexibility outside religious fields.