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Theological and Ministerial Studies at Martin Luther College

New Ulm, MN · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $15,327/yr (-53% vs median)

AI Risk Moderate (28% exposed)

Job Market Large (36,100 openings/yr)

ROI 13.9x earnings multiple

Ranked #9 of 28 Theological and Ministerial Studies programs Top 50%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Theological and Ministerial Studies graduates.

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$1,025K	$990K	$900K
Earnings Multiple	14.4x	13.9x	12.7x
Probability of Field Employment	52%	48%	42%
DegreeOutlook Score	32	31	31

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$71,080

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$81,932

-15% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$18,899

14.8 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$71,992

370% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Martin Luther College's Theological and Ministerial Studies graduates start at $15,327/yr, trailing the $32,814 national average by 53%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

With a 13.9x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 12% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Theological and Ministerial Studies career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At a 1.2x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #9 ranking among 28 Theological and Ministerial Studies programs places Martin Luther College in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $15,327-to-$71,992 earnings arc over five years reflects a 370% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Martin Luther College

A 83% acceptance rate means Martin Luther College is accessible to most applicants, with a smaller student body of 718 in New Ulm, MN.

See all programs and financial aid at Martin Luther College →

Top Career Paths

Philosophy and religion teachers, postsecondary $78,050/yr

Clergy $60,820/yr

Religious workers, all other $45,120/yr

View all 3 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Theological and Ministerial Studies at Other Schools

Other Majors at Martin Luther College

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

What does a 31/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Theological and Ministerial Studies at Martin Luther College?

At 31/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Theological and Ministerial Studies programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

What's the payoff timeline for a Theological and Ministerial Studies degree from Martin Luther College?

At $18,899 in median debt, graduates carry 15 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.

Is Martin Luther College a good choice for Theological and Ministerial Studies despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If Martin Luther College'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 →