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 and Theological Seminary carries a weak financial return. You pay about $21,000 a year net, borrow a median of $26,677, and ten years out you earn $35,418. That earnings figure sits below what many bachelor's graduates make, and it barely clears full-time work at low wages. The gap between what you owe and what you earn is the core problem here.
The only bachelor's program with reported earnings is Bible/Biblical Studies, and its graduates earn $21,824 a year while carrying $27,200 in debt. You owe more than you make in a year. If ministry is your calling, you already know the pay is low, but the debt load makes the math worse, not better. This is not a degree that pays itself back on salary alone.
The risks are stacked. Fewer than half of you graduate, and only 58% return after your first year. If you borrow, start, and leave without a degree, you keep the debt and lose the credential. That combination is the most dangerous outcome at this school.
The net price tiers work against lower-income families in an unusual way. If your family earns under $30,000, you pay about $19,700. if you earn $48,000 to $75,000, you pay more, around $21,000. The discount for low income is small, so you are not shielded much by need.
This school fits you if you are committed to vocational ministry, can keep borrowing near zero, and measure the value in calling instead of salary. If you need a degree that repays debt through earnings, or you are unsure about finishing, look elsewhere. The numbers here reward conviction, not financial return.
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.