Pastoral Counseling at Life Pacific University

San Dimas, CA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries
30 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
31
Optimistic
30
Base Case
35
Pessimistic
Earnings $37,436/yr (17% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (21% exposed)
Job Market Large (70,400 openings/yr)
ROI 5.5x earnings multiple
Ranked #6 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 $450K $451K $431K
Earnings Multiple 5.5x 5.5x 5.3x
Probability of Field Employment 52% 51% 45%
DegreeOutlook Score 31 30 35

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$81,848
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$89,372
-9% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,012
6.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$40,556
8% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Life Pacific University's Pastoral Counseling graduates start at $37,436/yr — above the $31,976 national average, though not by a wide margin.

At 5.5x the cost of in-state tuition, the ten-year earnings outlook represents a strong return. Not exceptional, but meaningfully positive.

AI risk is moderate — 21% task exposure — and the 4% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $21,012 debt-to-$37,436 income ratio translates to about 7 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

Ranked #6 out of 22 programs, Life Pacific University's Pastoral Counseling offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

Earnings growth is modest: $37,436 to $40,556 over five years (8% gain). This field may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.

About Life Pacific University

A 94% acceptance rate means Life Pacific University is accessible to most applicants, with a smaller student body of 393 in San Dimas, CA. With 49% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at Life Pacific 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

Pastoral Counseling at Other Schools

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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

How does Life Pacific University's Pastoral Counseling program score?
This program scores 30/100 — on the lower end for Pastoral Counseling. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →