Best colleges for Theological and Ministerial Studies in Washington
Ranked by graduate earnings
Northwest University - Center for Online and Extended Education, Northwest University and Seattle Pacific University award the most Theological and Ministerial Studies degrees and certificates in Washington: 41, 23 and 18 graduates a year (IPEDS 2024–25). 9 Washington colleges offer Theological and Ministerial Studies and award 114 degrees and certificates a year in all.
The Theological and Ministerial Studies program focuses on the study of theology and religious vocations, preparing students for various roles within religious communities. It is ideal for individuals seeking to deepen their understanding…
Top 2 institutions, ranked by graduate earnings
Ranked by median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard. Programs with fewer than 20 graduates a year, a graduation rate under 30%, or online, degree-completion or graduate-only status rank after the rest.
| # | Institution | Starting salary (1 yr) | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Northwest University - Center for Online and Extended Education Kirkland Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $41,139 | 41 | 50% | $26,831 | $26,453 |
| 2 | Seattle Pacific University Seattle Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree Small program | $32,220 | 18 | 62% | $24,653 | — |
Colleges awarding the most Theological and Ministerial Studies degrees in Washington
Top 7 by graduates a year (IPEDS 2024–25 completions). Online, degree-completion and graduate-only schools, and schools with a graduation rate under 30% are listed in full below.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Starting salary (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Northwest University - Center for Online and Extended Education Kirkland Private not-for-profit | 41 | $41,139* |
| 2 | Northwest University Kirkland Private not-for-profit | 23 | $41,139* |
| 3 | Seattle Pacific University Seattle Private not-for-profit | 18 | $32,220 |
| 4 | Gonzaga University Spokane Private not-for-profit | 7 | Not reported |
| 5 | Whitworth University Spokane Private not-for-profit | 3 | Not reported |
| 6 | Saint Martin's University Lacey Private not-for-profit | 2 | Not reported |
| 7 | Walla Walla University College Place Private not-for-profit | 2 | Not reported |
ShowHide the other 2 Washington colleges offering Theological and Ministerial Studies
| Institution | City | Control | Graduates / yr |
|---|---|---|---|
| Faith International University | Tacoma | Private not-for-profit | 16 |
| The Seattle School of Theology & Psychology (Graduate only) | Seattle | Private not-for-profit | 2 |
Career outlook
What this program leads to: Clergy (SOC 21-2011).
Top skills
What Clergy earn in Washington
Related careers
Common questions
Answers for students comparing Theological and Ministerial Studies programs in Washington.
Which Washington colleges award the most Theological and Ministerial Studies degrees?+
Northwest University - Center for Online and Extended Education (41 graduates a year), Northwest University (23 graduates a year) and Seattle Pacific University (18 graduates a year) award the most Theological and Ministerial Studies degrees and certificates in Washington, per IPEDS 2024–25 completions. In all, 9 Washington colleges offer Theological and Ministerial Studies.
Which Theological and Ministerial Studies program in Washington has the highest-earning graduates?+
By median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, Northwest University - Center for Online and Extended Education tops the list at $41,139. Compare it against graduates a year, graduation rate, cost, and debt in the ranked table above.
How much do Clergy earn in Washington?+
The average annual wage for Clergy in Washington is $81,460 (median $80,830), across about 1,060 jobs. Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025.
What is the focus of the Theological and Ministerial Studies program?+
The Theological and Ministerial Studies program focuses on the study of theology and religious vocations, preparing students for various roles within religious communities. It is ideal for individuals seeking to deepen their understanding…
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop speaking, active listening, writing, reading comprehension, and related professional skills.
What is the job outlook for Clergy?+
The national job outlook is about +1.0% growth with around 23,000 annual openings (BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034).
What is the typical education requirement?+
A Bachelor's degree is the typical entry-level education for this field (BLS).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
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