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Pastoral Counseling at Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion

Marion, IN · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $19,836/yr (-38% vs median)

AI Risk Moderate (21% exposed)

Job Market Large (70,400 openings/yr)

ROI 3.6x earnings multiple

Ranked #22 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	$447K	$448K	$429K
Earnings Multiple	3.6x	3.6x	3.4x
Probability of Field Employment	52%	51%	45%
DegreeOutlook Score	15	15	17

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$124,672

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$92,276

26% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$21,250

12.9 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$34,810

75% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $19,836/yr fall 38% below the $31,976 national median for Pastoral Counseling. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

At 3.6x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 4% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Pastoral Counseling career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At a 1.1x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #22 ranking among 22 Pastoral Counseling programs places Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $19,836-to-$34,810 earnings arc over five years reflects a 75% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion

Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion has a 82% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, a compact campus enrolling 1,927 students in Marion, IN.

See all programs and financial aid at Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion →

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 Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 15/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Pastoral Counseling at Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion?

At 15/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Pastoral Counseling programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

What's the payoff timeline for a Pastoral Counseling degree from Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion?

At $21,250 in median debt, graduates carry 13 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.

Is Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion a good choice for Pastoral Counseling despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion'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 →