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Pastoral Counseling at Spring Arbor University

Spring Arbor, MI · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries
18 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
18
Optimistic
18
Base Case
20
Pessimistic
Earnings $19,557/yr (-39% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (21% exposed)
Job Market Large (70,400 openings/yr)
ROI 2.7x earnings multiple
Ranked #20 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 $352K $356K $348K
Earnings Multiple 2.7x 2.7x 2.7x
Probability of Field Employment 52% 51% 45%
DegreeOutlook Score 18 18 20

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$130,320
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$83,596
36% less than sticker · See by income

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $19,557/yr fall 39% below the $31,976 national median for Pastoral Counseling. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

At 2.7x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 1% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Pastoral Counseling career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

A #20 ranking among 22 Pastoral Counseling programs places Spring Arbor University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About Spring Arbor University

Spring Arbor University admits 37% of applicants, placing it among selective institutions, with a smaller student body of 990 in Spring Arbor, MI. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $83,596 — 36% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Spring Arbor 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

Compare this program → View all 22 schools offering Pastoral Counseling →

Pastoral Counseling at Other Schools

Grace Christian University ($48,916) Evangel University ($41,357) Lubbock Christian University ($38,473) Life Pacific University ($37,436) Taylor University ($37,035) Moody Bible Institute ($35,426) Lancaster Bible College ($35,286) Southeastern University ($35,209)

Other Majors at Spring Arbor University

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($77,680) Accounting and Related Services ($57,710) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($51,204) Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($47,121) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas ($42,172) Special Education and Teaching ($41,324) Social Work ($39,071) Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services ($37,401)

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

Compare Pastoral Counseling trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 18/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Pastoral Counseling at Spring Arbor University?
At 18/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Pastoral Counseling programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Is Spring Arbor University a good choice for Pastoral Counseling despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Spring Arbor University'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 →