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Theological and Ministerial Studies at Ave Maria University

Ave Maria, FL · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $26,924/yr (-18% vs median)

AI Risk Moderate (28% exposed)

Job Market Large (36,100 openings/yr)

ROI 3.6x earnings multiple

Ranked #24 of 28 Theological and Ministerial Studies programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Theological and Ministerial Studies graduates.

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$397K	$404K	$389K
Earnings Multiple	3.5x	3.6x	3.4x
Probability of Field Employment	52%	48%	42%
DegreeOutlook Score	19	18	24

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$112,888

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$94,620

16% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$20,000

8.9 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (4 Year)

$35,371

31% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Ave Maria University's Theological and Ministerial Studies graduates start at $26,924/yr, trailing the $32,814 national average by 18%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

At 3.6x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 2% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Theological and Ministerial Studies career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $20,000 against $26,924/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #24 ranking among 28 Theological and Ministerial Studies programs places Ave Maria University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About Ave Maria University

Ave Maria University's 45% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, a smaller institution with 1,229 students in Ave Maria, FL.

See all programs and financial aid at Ave Maria University →

Top Career Paths

Philosophy and religion teachers, postsecondary $78,050/yr

Clergy $60,820/yr

Religious workers, all other $45,120/yr

View all 3 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Theological and Ministerial Studies at Other Schools

Other Majors at Ave Maria University

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 18/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Theological and Ministerial Studies at Ave Maria University?

At 18/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Theological and Ministerial Studies programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

Is Ave Maria University a good choice for Theological and Ministerial Studies despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If Ave Maria University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →