Theological and Ministerial Studies at Martin Luther College

New Ulm, MN · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
31 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
32
Optimistic
31
Base Case
31
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%

Program Analysis

Martin Luther College offers a highly specialized path, primarily preparing you for service within the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS). Your career will likely involve becoming a pastor, a teacher in a WELS-affiliated school, or a missionary, rather than pursuing general roles in academia or broader religious studies. The compensation structures for these positions are typically set by the synod or individual congregations, reflecting a commitment to ministry and community service over market-driven salaries. This distinct vocational pipeline means your financial trajectory is less about competing in an open labor market and more about fulfilling a specific calling within a supportive, but financially prescribed, ecclesiastical framework. Before enrolling, thoroughly assess if your personal mission aligns with this dedicated path, understanding the unique financial and professional commitment it entails.

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

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 →