Pastoral Counseling at North Central University

Minneapolis, MN · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries
19 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
20
Optimistic
19
Base Case
27
Pessimistic
Earnings $27,370/yr (-14% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (21% exposed)
Job Market Large (70,400 openings/yr)
ROI 4.2x earnings multiple
Ranked #19 of 22 Pastoral Counseling programs

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 $499K $499K $473K
Earnings Multiple 4.2x 4.2x 4.0x
Probability of Field Employment 52% 51% 45%
DegreeOutlook Score 20 19 27

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$117,840
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$94,296
20% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,250
11.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$44,697
63% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $27,370/yr, roughly in line with the $31,976 national median for Pastoral Counseling. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

The 4.2x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.

AI risk is moderate — 21% task exposure — and the 5% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $26,250 debt-to-$27,370 income ratio translates to about 12 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #19 out of 22 programs, North Central University's financial outcomes for Pastoral Counseling trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $27,370 to $44,697 over five years (63% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About North Central University

North Central University accepts 91% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with a smaller student body of 802 in Minneapolis, MN. Pell Grant recipients make up 43% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at North Central 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

Pastoral Counseling at Other Schools

Other Majors at North Central University

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

How does North Central University's Pastoral Counseling program score?
This program scores 19/100 — on the lower end for Pastoral Counseling. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →