Pastoral Counseling at Lee University

Cleveland, TN · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries
28 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
29
Optimistic
28
Base Case
34
Pessimistic
Earnings $35,189/yr (10% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (21% exposed)
Job Market Large (70,400 openings/yr)
ROI 5.2x earnings multiple
Ranked #9 of 22 Pastoral Counseling programs Top 50%

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 $470K $471K $449K
Earnings Multiple 5.2x 5.2x 4.9x
Probability of Field Employment 52% 51% 45%
DegreeOutlook Score 29 28 34

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$90,760
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$81,596
10% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,875
8.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$43,323
23% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $35,189 per year, Pastoral Counseling graduates from Lee University earn slightly above the $31,976 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

A 5.2x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 5% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Pastoral Counseling career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $25,875 against $35,189/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #9 ranking among 22 Pastoral Counseling programs places Lee University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

A 23% earnings increase from $35,189 to $43,323 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Lee University

With 72% of applicants admitted, Lee University prioritizes broad access, a smaller institution with 2,712 students in Cleveland, TN.

See all programs and financial aid at Lee 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

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Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 28/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Pastoral Counseling at Lee University?
At 28/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Pastoral Counseling programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →