Best Theological and Ministerial Studies Degrees in Illinois by ROI
Colleges in Illinois ranked by estimated 20-year net return on investment — calculated from median graduate earnings, total attendance cost, and average student debt. Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Programs in Illinois
6
Colleges with salary data
Average 20-Yr Net ROI
+$109,922
Across Illinois programs
Average Annual Cost
$71,651
Cost of attendance
| # | College | 20-Yr Net ROI | Median Salary | Annual Cost | Avg Debt | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago | +$703,440 | $77,172 | N/A | N/A | Full ROI → |
| 2 | Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary | +$118,920 | $47,946 | N/A | N/A | Full ROI → |
| 3 | McCormick Theological Seminary | +$100,080 | $47,004 | N/A | N/A | Full ROI → |
| 4 | Meadville Theological School of Lombard College | -$5,720 | $41,714 | N/A | N/A | Full ROI → |
| 5 |
University of Chicago
Grad rate: 95.2% |
-$79,792 | $46,696 | $86,856 | N/A | Full ROI → |
| 6 |
Wheaton College
Grad rate: 87.4% |
-$177,394 | $38,775 | $56,447 | N/A | Full ROI → |
How ROI is calculated
20-Year Net ROI = Gross Earnings (salary × 20) − Total Degree Cost (annual cost × programme years) − Debt Payoff (avg debt × 1.35) − Baseline Opportunity Cost ($42,000 × 20 = $840,000)
A positive ROI means a degree in this field pays off relative to entering the workforce without one. Data from the U.S. College Scorecard.
Find Best Theological and Ministerial Studies Degrees by State
Browse Theological and Ministerial Studies programs ranked by 20-year ROI in every state that offers this degree.