Theological and Ministerial Studies at Lincoln Christian University

Lincoln, IL · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
23 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
23
Optimistic
23
Base Case
29
Pessimistic
Earnings $28,299/yr (-14% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (28% exposed)
Job Market Large (36,100 openings/yr)
ROI 6.7x earnings multiple
Ranked #16 of 28 Theological and Ministerial Studies programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Theological and Ministerial Studies graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $406K $411K $396K
Earnings Multiple 6.6x 6.7x 6.4x
Probability of Field Employment 52% 48% 42%
DegreeOutlook Score 23 23 29

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$61,600
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$70,440
-14% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$17,151
7.3 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $28,299 track close to the $32,814 national median for Theological and Ministerial Studies programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

At 6.7x the cost of in-state tuition, the ten-year earnings outlook represents a strong return. Not exceptional, but meaningfully positive.

AI risk is moderate — 28% task exposure — and the 2% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $17,151 debt-to-$28,299 income ratio translates to about 7 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #16 out of 28 programs, Lincoln Christian University's financial outcomes for Theological and Ministerial Studies trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

About Lincoln Christian University

with a smaller student body of 44 in Lincoln, IL.

See all programs and financial aid at Lincoln Christian University →

Top Career Paths

Philosophy and religion teachers, postsecondary $78,050/yr
Clergy $60,820/yr
Religious workers, all other $45,120/yr
View all 3 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Theological and Ministerial Studies at Other Schools

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 Lincoln Christian University's Theological and Ministerial Studies program score?
This program scores 23/100 — on the lower end for Theological and Ministerial Studies. 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 →