Pastoral Counseling at Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion

Marion, IN · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries
15 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
15
Optimistic
15
Base Case
17
Pessimistic
Earnings $19,836/yr (-38% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (21% exposed)
Job Market Large (70,400 openings/yr)
ROI 3.6x earnings multiple
Ranked #22 of 22 Pastoral Counseling programs

Program Analysis

The data you're examining for Indiana Wesleyan's Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries program highlights the unique financial landscape for graduates in this field. Roles like clergy, religious educators, and community service specialists, while deeply impactful and purpose-driven, are predominantly found within non-profit, faith-based organizations or smaller community programs. These sectors typically operate with more constrained budgets than corporate environments, influencing compensation structures. The regional labor market around Marion, Indiana, also plays a role, with localized demand and wage expectations for these specialized positions. While the program prepares you for a vocational calling, many positions, especially early in your career, offer modest salaries. Before committing, thoroughly research the local and regional employment prospects and typical salary ranges for entry-level and mid-career roles to ensure they align with your personal financial goals and debt tolerance.

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 $447K $448K $429K
Earnings Multiple 3.6x 3.6x 3.4x
Probability of Field Employment 52% 51% 45%
DegreeOutlook Score 15 15 17

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$124,672
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$92,276
26% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,250
12.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$34,810
75% growth from Year 1

About Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion

Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion has a 82% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, a compact campus enrolling 1,927 students in Marion, IN.

See all programs and financial aid at Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion →

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

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Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 15/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Pastoral Counseling at Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion?
At 15/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Pastoral Counseling programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What's the payoff timeline for a Pastoral Counseling degree from Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion?
At $21,250 in median debt, graduates carry 13 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Is Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion a good choice for Pastoral Counseling despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion'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 →