Home Schools University of Valley Forge Theological and Ministerial Studies
Theology · Theological and Ministerial Studies Rank #23 of 28

Theological and Ministerial Studiesat University of Valley Forge

Graduates earn $25,051/yr in their first year — about 24.0% below the national Theological and Ministerial Studies average. Base-case 10-year earnings $523K; scenarios range from $493K to $525K depending on AI disruption.

Phoenixville, PA Private nonprofit Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score
18 AT RISK
19
Optimistic
23
Pessimistic
Earnings
$25,051
1-year post-graduation
ROI
3.8x
Earnings : tuition
10-yr Base
$523K
Cumulative base-case earnings
AI Risk
Moderate
40% task exposure
Program Analysis

What this degree looks like at University of Valley Forge

Pursuing a degree in Theological and Ministerial Studies from University of Valley Forge often leads to careers deeply rooted in service, primarily within religious organizations and non-profits. The compensation in these fields, such as local church leadership, youth ministry, or roles within denominational support structures, frequently reflects a commitment to mission over high earning potential. Many graduates find fulfilling work serving congregations or communities in Southeastern Pennsylvania and beyond, where salaries are often determined by factors like congregational size, organizational budgets, and the specific duties involved rather than market-driven corporate wages. For those aspiring to teach at the postsecondary level in philosophy or religion, remember that such roles almost universally require advanced degrees, which means further significant investment in education beyond this bachelor's. Before committing, thoroughly research the compensation structures within your specific desired denomination or faith-based organization to align your financial expectations with your vocational calling.

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
$493K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score23/100
Earnings Multiple5.0x
Base Case
Moderate Integration
$523K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score18/100
Earnings Multiple5.3x
Optimistic
AI Augmentation
$525K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score19/100
Earnings Multiple5.4x
Earnings Trajectory

10 year projection

Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to University of Valley Forge'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 University of Valley Forge 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
Northwest University
WA · Private nonprofit
36
DW Score
$41K
1-yr earn
3.2x
ROI
Also at University of Valley Forge

Other top programs at University of Valley Forge

Other highest-scoring programs offered at University of Valley Forge, 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 University of Valley Forge

How does University of Valley Forge's Theological and Ministerial Studies program score?

This program scores 18/100 — on the lower end for Theological and Ministerial Studies. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.

Do University of Valley Forge Theological and Ministerial Studies graduates earn enough to justify the loans?

The debt-to-income ratio of 1.1x suggests an extended repayment window. Whether it's 'worth it' depends on career trajectory, not just first-year pay.

Why are Theological and Ministerial Studies earnings lower at University of Valley Forge?

Lower starting pay at University of Valley Forge may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.