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Theology · Biblical Studies Rank #37 of 37

Biblical Studiesat Columbia International University

Graduates earn $23,737/yr in their first year — about 30.0% below the national Biblical Studies average. Base-case 10-year earnings $456K; scenarios range from $435K to $451K depending on AI disruption.

Columbia, SC Private nonprofit Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score
13 AT RISK
13
Optimistic
13
Pessimistic
Earnings
$23,737
1-year post-graduation
ROI
2.3x
Earnings : tuition
10-yr Base
$456K
Cumulative base-case earnings
AI Risk
High
55% task exposure
Program Analysis

What this degree looks like at Columbia International University

The outcomes for this Biblical Studies program reflect the realities of pursuing a vocation primarily within religious organizations. Most graduates will find roles in local churches, faith-based non-profits, or educational ministries, particularly within the regional labor market of Columbia, SC. These invaluable positions often prioritize service over high financial compensation, and the funding models for such organizations can limit salary growth compared to secular industries.

You'll likely be involved in direct ministry, community outreach, or religious education, where your impact is spiritual and communal rather than purely economic. Given the high AI risk for some listed paths, developing complementary skills in areas like non-profit administration, counseling, or digital communications can significantly broaden your opportunities. If your passion is ministry, understand the financial landscape and consider how you might integrate practical skills to achieve your vocational goals.

AI Outlook Integration

Three scenarios, ten years out

Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.

Pessimistic
Mass Automation
$435K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score13/100
Earnings Multiple3.9x
Base Case
Moderate Integration
$456K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score13/100
Earnings Multiple4.1x
Optimistic
AI Augmentation
$451K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score13/100
Earnings Multiple4.0x
Earnings Trajectory

10 year projection

Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Columbia International University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.

Career Paths

Where Biblical Studies graduates typically work

Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.

1
Philosophy and religion teachers, postsecondary
+0.7% 10-yr growth · 2,000 openings/yr
$78,050/yr
High
2
Directors, religious activities and education
+2.1% 10-yr growth · 13,800 openings/yr
$54,840/yr
Moderate
Source: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics, May 2024. AI exposure from OpenAI GPTs-are-GPTs and Felten AIOE research.
Compare & Explore

Peer schools offering Biblical Studies

How Columbia International University stacks up against other schools offering this major.

Highest earnings
Harding University
AR · Private nonprofit
37
DW Score
$48K
1-yr earn
4.1x
ROI
Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion
IN · Private nonprofit
34
DW Score
$47K
1-yr earn
3.1x
ROI
Top score
Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global
IN · Private nonprofit
48
DW Score
$47K
1-yr earn
14.5x
ROI
Lancaster Bible College
PA · Private nonprofit
30
DW Score
$45K
1-yr earn
2.5x
ROI
Freed-Hardeman University
TN · Private nonprofit
33
DW Score
$44K
1-yr earn
3.6x
ROI

Consider the trade route

Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Biblical Studies offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.

Compare Biblical Studies trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →
FAQ

Frequently asked about Biblical Studies at Columbia International University

How does Columbia International University's Biblical Studies program score?

This program scores 13/100 — on the lower end for Biblical Studies. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.

How vulnerable is Biblical Studies to AI automation?

AI won't 'replace' Biblical Studies careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 48% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.

Why are Biblical Studies earnings lower at Columbia International University?

Lower starting pay at Columbia International University may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.