Compare 14 Lay Ministry. programs in the Midwest. Average earnings: $36,305.
The highest-earning Lay Ministry program isn't at the most prestigious school. With a $29K earnings gap across 14 programs, the data confirms: program-level factors drive outcomes more than institutional brand.
Grace Christian University's Lay Ministry program leads with graduates earning $48,916, well above the $36,305 average. Grace College follows at $46,577, while Crown College delivers $41,595. These specialized institutions demonstrate that program focus often trumps broader university rankings in theological fields.
For students, Maranatha Baptist University offers the lowest debt burden at 10.7% of discretionary income—a 'Good' affordability rating with just $14,143 in student loans. Grace Christian University tops family value despite higher debt, as its $48,916 earnings help offset the 21.2% family payment burden.
Highest program earnings: $48,916
Strong outcomes ($48,916) with 99% acceptance
10.7% payment burden | Good - payment 8-12% of discretionary
21.2% family burden | Challenging - payment 18-25% of discretionary
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Grace Christian UniversityPrivate | $48,916 | 32 | $24,375 | Manageable | $14,303 | Challenging |
| #2 | $46,577 | 28 | $19,500 | Good | $31,412 | High | |
| #3 | Crown CollegePrivate | $41,595 | 16 | $22,500 | Manageable | $17,533 | High |
| #4 | Bethel UniversityPrivate | $40,760 | 17 | $21,500 | Manageable | $24,157 | High |
| #5 | Maranatha Baptist UniversityPrivate | $40,679 | 10 | $14,143 | Good | $17,000 | High |
| #6 | $39,380 | 33 | $24,250 | Challenging | $12,987 | High | |
| #7 | North Central UniversityPrivate | $37,883 | 21 | $23,200 | Challenging | $17,452 | High |
| #8 | Moody Bible InstitutePrivate | $37,141 | 80 | $18,149 | Manageable | $13,226 | High |
| #9 | Taylor UniversityPrivate | $37,035 | 17 | $20,500 | Challenging | $45,174 | High |
| #10 | Bethel UniversityPrivate | $31,046 | 13 | $25,000 | High | $15,256 | High |
| #11 | $30,817 | 6 | $21,325 | High | $28,694 | High | |
| #12 | $30,761 | 15 | $17,500 | High | $9,043 | High | |
| #13 | Calvary UniversityPrivate | $26,121 | 8 | $20,839 | High | $0 | High |
| #14 | Spring Arbor UniversityPrivate | $19,557 | 8 | $26,375 | High | $18,988 | High |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
