Pastoral Counselingat Spring Arbor University
Graduates earn $19,557/yr in their first year — about 39.0% below the national Pastoral Counseling average. Base-case 10-year earnings $356K; scenarios range from $348K to $352K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Spring Arbor University
The financial outlook for this path demands careful consideration, as the data reflects a notably challenging return on investment. Careers in clergy, religious education, or community service are deeply mission-driven fields, where compensation often reflects the non-profit nature of many religious organizations or smaller community ministries. Graduates frequently serve local congregations or faith-based non-profits in Michigan and the broader Midwest, where budgets for pastoral and counseling roles can be constrained.
This program, while providing valuable theological and practical preparation, often leads to roles where personal fulfillment and vocational calling are primary motivators, rather than high earning potential. You'll find yourself serving communities that value dedication over remuneration. Therefore, before committing, thoroughly investigate specific denominational support structures and potential employers' compensation practices, ensuring they align with your long-term financial and vocational aspirations.
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.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Spring Arbor University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
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.
Peer schools offering Pastoral Counseling
How Spring Arbor University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Spring Arbor University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Spring Arbor 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 →Frequently asked about Pastoral Counseling at Spring Arbor University
What does a 18/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Pastoral Counseling at Spring Arbor University?
At 18/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Pastoral Counseling programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Is Spring Arbor University a good choice for Pastoral Counseling despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Spring Arbor University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.