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Theology · Theological and Ministerial Studies Rank #5 of 28

Theological and Ministerial Studiesat Northwest University

Graduates earn $41,139/yr in their first year — about 25.0% above the national Theological and Ministerial Studies average. Base-case 10-year earnings $572K; scenarios range from $536K to $578K depending on AI disruption.

Kirkland, WA Private nonprofit Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score
36 AT RISK
36
Optimistic
37
Pessimistic
Earnings
$41,139
1-year post-graduation
ROI
3.2x
Earnings : tuition
10-yr Base
$572K
Cumulative base-case earnings
AI Risk
Moderate
40% task exposure
Program Analysis

What this degree looks like at Northwest University

Northwest University's impressive outcomes in Theological and Ministerial Studies are deeply rooted in its strategic location within the Seattle metropolitan area. The region's higher cost of living naturally elevates salaries across many sectors, including roles within faith-based organizations, educational institutions, and non-profits, allowing graduates to command stronger compensation. This program likely benefits from established connections to a diverse array of local churches, community ministries, and educational bodies, facilitating valuable internships and post-graduation placements. You'll find opportunities extending beyond traditional clergy roles into areas like pastoral counseling, non-profit leadership, and specialized educational positions within a dynamic urban environment. To maximize your prospects, actively leverage these local networks and seek out practical experience tailored to your specific ministry or career interests.

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
$536K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score37/100
Earnings Multiple3.7x
Base Case
Moderate Integration
$572K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score36/100
Earnings Multiple4.0x
Optimistic
AI Augmentation
$578K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score36/100
Earnings Multiple4.0x
Earnings Trajectory

10 year projection

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

Career Paths

Where Theological and Ministerial Studies 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
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 Theological and Ministerial Studies

How Northwest University stacks up against other schools offering this major.

Highest earnings
College of Biblical Studies-Houston
TX · Private nonprofit
50
DW Score
$48K
1-yr earn
15.4x
ROI
William Jessup University
CA · Private nonprofit
37
DW Score
$47K
1-yr earn
2.2x
ROI
University of Notre Dame
IN · Private nonprofit
29
DW Score
$46K
1-yr earn
0.9x
ROI
The Master's University and Seminary
CA · Private nonprofit
33
DW Score
$44K
1-yr earn
2.6x
ROI
Same state (WA)
Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education
WA · Private nonprofit
44
DW Score
$41K
1-yr earn
9.3x
ROI
Also at Northwest University

Other top programs at Northwest University

Other highest-scoring programs offered at Northwest University, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.

Consider the trade route

Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Theological and Ministerial Studies offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.

Compare Theological and Ministerial Studies trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →
FAQ

Frequently asked about Theological and Ministerial Studies at Northwest University

What does a 36/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Theological and Ministerial Studies at Northwest University?

At 36/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Theological and Ministerial Studies programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

Is Northwest University one of the best schools for Theological and Ministerial Studies?

Among 28 Theological and Ministerial Studies programs, Northwest University's #5 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.