Pastoral Counseling at Lee University

Cleveland, TN · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries
28 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
29
Optimistic
28
Base Case
34
Pessimistic
Earnings $35,189/yr (10% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (21% exposed)
Job Market Large (70,400 openings/yr)
ROI 5.2x earnings multiple
Ranked #9 of 22 Pastoral Counseling programs Top 50%

Program Analysis

Lee University's strong showing in Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries reflects its deep integration within the vibrant religious ecosystem of the Southeast. As a Christian university, it cultivates robust pipelines directly into churches, denominational leadership, and a myriad of faith-based non-profits across the region, from local congregations to national ministries. This network provides a distinct advantage, connecting graduates with immediate opportunities in roles like clergy, youth ministry, chaplaincy, and religious education. The "Specialized Ministries" aspect also equips you for broader community service, counseling, and administrative positions where a faith-informed perspective is valued. Your positive career trajectory here is a testament to this focused preparation and the program's strong reputation within the regional job market for religious professionals. To truly leverage this, actively pursue field placements and internships; your practical experience and network built during your studies will be paramount to your long-term success.

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 $470K $471K $449K
Earnings Multiple 5.2x 5.2x 4.9x
Probability of Field Employment 52% 51% 45%
DegreeOutlook Score 29 28 34

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$90,760
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$81,596
10% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,875
8.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$43,323
23% growth from Year 1

About Lee University

With 72% of applicants admitted, Lee University prioritizes broad access, a smaller institution with 2,712 students in Cleveland, TN.

See all programs and financial aid at Lee 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

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Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 28/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Pastoral Counseling at Lee University?
At 28/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Pastoral Counseling programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →