Home Schools Cornerstone University Theological and Ministerial Studies
Theology · Theological and Ministerial Studies Rank #7 of 28

Theological and Ministerial Studiesat Cornerstone University

Graduates earn $40,873/yr in their first year — about 25.0% above the national Theological and Ministerial Studies average. Base-case 10-year earnings $481K; scenarios range from $457K to $480K depending on AI disruption.

Grand Rapids, MI Private nonprofit Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score
33 AT RISK
34
Optimistic
35
Pessimistic
Earnings
$40,873
1-year post-graduation
ROI
2.5x
Earnings : tuition
10-yr Base
$481K
Cumulative base-case earnings
AI Risk
Moderate
40% task exposure
Program Analysis

What this degree looks like at Cornerstone University

Cornerstone University's strong performance in Theological and Ministerial Studies highlights its private nonprofit mission and location within Grand Rapids, a region with a vibrant faith-based community. This environment fosters robust local networks, which are crucial for employment opportunities beyond traditional clergy roles. You'll find graduates excelling in leadership positions within parachurch organizations, educational institutions, or social service non-profits where their specialized knowledge is highly valued. The program likely emphasizes practical application and community engagement, preparing you for diverse roles focused on spiritual and ethical leadership. As you consider this path, actively engage with the program's alumni network and local religious organizations from day one; these connections are invaluable for navigating the varied opportunities available, particularly for roles requiring advanced degrees or specialized certifications.

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
$457K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score35/100
Earnings Multiple3.9x
Base Case
Moderate Integration
$481K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score33/100
Earnings Multiple4.1x
Optimistic
AI Augmentation
$480K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score34/100
Earnings Multiple4.1x
Earnings Trajectory

10 year projection

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

Career Paths

Where Theological and Ministerial 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
Clergy
+1.0% 10-yr growth · 23,000 openings/yr
$60,820/yr
Moderate
3
Religious workers, all other
+0.6% 10-yr growth · 11,100 openings/yr
$45,120/yr
Low
Source: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics, May 2024. AI exposure from OpenAI GPTs-are-GPTs and Felten AIOE research.
Compare & Explore

Peer schools offering Theological and Ministerial Studies

How Cornerstone University stacks up against other schools offering this major.

Highest earnings
College of Biblical Studies-Houston
TX · Private nonprofit
50
DW Score
$48K
1-yr earn
15.4x
ROI
William Jessup University
CA · Private nonprofit
37
DW Score
$47K
1-yr earn
2.2x
ROI
University of Notre Dame
IN · Private nonprofit
29
DW Score
$46K
1-yr earn
0.9x
ROI
The Master's University and Seminary
CA · Private nonprofit
33
DW Score
$44K
1-yr earn
2.6x
ROI
Northwest University
WA · Private nonprofit
36
DW Score
$41K
1-yr earn
3.2x
ROI
Also at Cornerstone University

Other top programs at Cornerstone University

Other highest-scoring programs offered at Cornerstone University, 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 →
FAQ

Frequently asked about Theological and Ministerial Studies at Cornerstone University

What does a 33/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Theological and Ministerial Studies at Cornerstone University?

At 33/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Theological and Ministerial Studies programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

Is Cornerstone University one of the best schools for Theological and Ministerial Studies?

Among 28 Theological and Ministerial Studies programs, Cornerstone University's #7 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.