Pastoral Counseling at Grace Christian University

Wyoming, MI · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries
45 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
45
Optimistic
45
Base Case
45
Pessimistic
Earnings $48,916/yr (53% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (21% exposed)
Job Market Large (70,400 openings/yr)
ROI 8.8x earnings multiple
Ranked #1 of 22 Pastoral Counseling programs Top 5%

Program Analysis

Grace Christian University's Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries program equips you with a distinct blend of theological depth and practical counseling skills, which is highly valued in the real world. The strong outcomes you see likely stem from this specialized focus, preparing you for more than just traditional clergy roles. West Michigan has a robust network of churches, faith-based non-profits, and educational institutions actively seeking professionals who can bridge spiritual guidance with clinical understanding. You'll find graduates excelling in diverse settings, from leading specialized programs in larger mega-churches to serving as chaplains in hospitals or universities, or even working in faith-based community service organizations. These roles often demand advanced expertise in areas like crisis intervention, family counseling, or organizational leadership within a ministry context, which can command higher compensation. Focus on developing a strong practical internship or clinical experience to leverage these specialized skills immediately upon graduation.

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Pastoral Counseling graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $528K $527K $498K
Earnings Multiple 8.8x 8.8x 8.3x
Probability of Field Employment 52% 51% 45%
DegreeOutlook Score 45 45 45

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$59,968
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$55,984
7% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$30,956
7.6 months of Year 1 earnings

About Grace Christian University

Grace Christian University has a 99% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, a compact campus enrolling 707 students in Wyoming, MI. 50% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at Grace Christian University →

Top Career Paths

Philosophy and religion teachers, postsecondary $78,050/yr
Clergy $60,820/yr
Community and social service specialists, all other $54,940/yr
View all 6 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Pastoral Counseling at Other Schools

Other Majors at Grace Christian University

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Grace Christian University's Pastoral Counseling program score?
This program scores 45/100 — on the lower end for Pastoral Counseling. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Why does Grace Christian University rank so high for Pastoral Counseling?
The #1 ranking out of 22 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →