Pastoral Counselingat Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion
Graduates earn $19,836/yr in their first year — about 38.0% below the national Pastoral Counseling average. Base-case 10-year earnings $448K; scenarios range from $429K to $447K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion
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.
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 Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion'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 Pastoral Counseling
How Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Pastoral Counseling offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Pastoral Counseling trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Pastoral Counseling at Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion
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.