Theological and Ministerial Studiesat Concordia University-Nebraska
Graduates earn $19,316/yr in their first year — about 41.0% below the national Theological and Ministerial Studies average. Base-case 10-year earnings $619K; scenarios range from $576K to $628K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Concordia University-Nebraska
The financial outcomes you're observing for this program reflect the unique economic realities of theological and ministerial professions. Graduates often pursue vocations within non-profit religious organizations, where compensation prioritizes service and community support over market-driven salaries. These roles, such as clergy or religious workers, frequently offer significant non-financial rewards like spiritual fulfillment and direct community impact, which are not captured in financial data.
Many graduates are prepared for specific denominational service, like within the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, where compensation structures are often set by congregations, potentially including benefits like housing rather than higher take-home pay. The regional job market in a smaller community like Seward, Nebraska, further shapes these opportunities, generally not offering the high-paying roles found in larger metropolitan areas or other sectors. If you are deeply called to this path, carefully weigh these intrinsic rewards against your financial expectations, and thoroughly research typical compensation packages and benefits within your intended ministry.
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.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Concordia University-Nebraska's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
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.
Peer schools offering Theological and Ministerial Studies
How Concordia University-Nebraska stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Concordia University-Nebraska
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Concordia University-Nebraska, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Theological and Ministerial Studies offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Theological and Ministerial Studies trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Theological and Ministerial Studies at Concordia University-Nebraska
What does a 15/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Theological and Ministerial Studies at Concordia University-Nebraska?
At 15/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Theological and Ministerial Studies programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What's the payoff timeline for a Theological and Ministerial Studies degree from Concordia University-Nebraska?
At $27,000 in median debt, graduates carry 17 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Is Concordia University-Nebraska a good choice for Theological and Ministerial Studies despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Concordia University-Nebraska's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.