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Theology · Pastoral Counseling Rank #6 of 22

Pastoral Counselingat Life Pacific University

Graduates earn $37,436/yr in their first year — about 17.0% above the national Pastoral Counseling average. Base-case 10-year earnings $451K; scenarios range from $431K to $450K depending on AI disruption.

San Dimas, CA Private nonprofit Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score
30 AT RISK
31
Optimistic
35
Pessimistic
Earnings
$37,436
1-year post-graduation
ROI
4.0x
Earnings : tuition
10-yr Base
$451K
Cumulative base-case earnings
AI Risk
Moderate
34% task exposure
Program Analysis

What this degree looks like at Life Pacific University

Life Pacific University's specialized focus in Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries uniquely prepares you for roles blending spiritual guidance with practical support. The program's standing in Southern California's diverse landscape means graduates often find positions within established faith-based organizations, community outreach programs, and educational institutions, which can offer compensation above the national average for these roles. This isn't just about traditional clergy positions; your counseling skills are highly valued in roles supporting youth, families, and community welfare within a faith context. The close-knit nature of LPU likely fosters strong internal networks. To maximize your career trajectory, actively seek internships that bridge the pastoral and counseling aspects, allowing you to explore the breadth of service opportunities available beyond congregational ministry.

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
$431K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score35/100
Earnings Multiple5.3x
Base Case
Moderate Integration
$451K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score30/100
Earnings Multiple5.5x
Optimistic
AI Augmentation
$450K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score31/100
Earnings Multiple5.5x
Earnings Trajectory

10 year projection

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

Career Paths

Where Pastoral Counseling 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
Community and social service specialists, all other
+4.6% 10-yr growth · 13,100 openings/yr
$54,940/yr
Low
4
Directors, religious activities and education
+2.1% 10-yr growth · 13,800 openings/yr
$54,840/yr
Moderate
5
Counselors, all other
+12.6% 10-yr growth · 7,400 openings/yr
$49,830/yr
Low
6
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 Pastoral Counseling

How Life Pacific University stacks up against other schools offering this major.

Highest earnings
Grace Christian University
MI · Private nonprofit
45
DW Score
$49K
1-yr earn
7.2x
ROI
Evangel University
MO · Private nonprofit
32
DW Score
$41K
1-yr earn
2.7x
ROI
Lubbock Christian University
TX · Private nonprofit
33
DW Score
$38K
1-yr earn
2.5x
ROI
Taylor University
IN · Private nonprofit
30
DW Score
$37K
1-yr earn
1.4x
ROI
Moody Bible Institute
IL · Private nonprofit
31
DW Score
$35K
1-yr earn
6.1x
ROI
Also at Life Pacific University

Other top programs at Life Pacific University

Other highest-scoring programs offered at Life Pacific University, 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 →
FAQ

Frequently asked about Pastoral Counseling at Life Pacific University

How does Life Pacific University's Pastoral Counseling program score?

This program scores 30/100 — on the lower end for Pastoral Counseling. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.