Select Type of Degree:

Select State:

#1

#1 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S.

Andrews University
Berrien Springs, MI

At Andrews University, the most popular majors students pursue are Psychology, General, Audiology/Audiologist and Speech-Language Pathology/Pathologist, Biology/Biological Sciences, and General. In fact, Andrews University grants 29 degrees annually to graduating Psychology, General students....view more

Acceptance Rate

87%

Annual Degrees Awarded

49

SAT Score

1,060–1,350

Median Starting Salary

$50,729

#2

#2 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S.

Maranatha Baptist University
Watertown, WI

Every year, Maranatha Baptist University awards around 19 degrees to those studying Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General, the institution’s most popular major....view more

Acceptance Rate

71%

Annual Degrees Awarded

17

SAT Score

1,010–1,270

Median Starting Salary

$51,275

#3

#3 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S.

Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion
Marion, IN

At Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion, the three most popular college majors students pursue are Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, Psychology, General, and Social Work. In fact, Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion awards 88 degrees per year to Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse majors....view more

Acceptance Rate

82%

Annual Degrees Awarded

9

SAT Score

980–1,210

Median Starting Salary

$48,636

#4

#4 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S.

Vanguard University of Southern California
Costa Mesa, CA

At Vanguard University of Southern California, the most popular majors students study are Psychology, General, Business Administration and Management, General, and Kinesiology and Exercise Science....view more

Acceptance Rate

65%

Annual Degrees Awarded

14

SAT Score

940–1,200

Median Starting Salary

$51,120

#5

#5 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S.

Loyola University Chicago
Chicago, IL

Annually, Loyola University Chicago grants around 322 degrees to students majoring in Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, which is the school’s most popular major....view more

Acceptance Rate

82%

Annual Degrees Awarded

51

SAT Score

1,220–1,390

Median Starting Salary

$50,401

#6

#6 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S.

University of St Thomas
Houston, TX

At the University of St Thomas, the three most popular college majors students study are Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, Psychology, General, Biology/Biological Sciences, and General....view more

Acceptance Rate

90%

Annual Degrees Awarded

25

SAT Score

960–1,200

Median Starting Salary

$47,578

#7

#7 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S.

Bethel University
Saint Paul, MN

At Bethel University, the three most popular college majors students study are Business Administration and Management, General, Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, Psychology, and General....view more

Acceptance Rate

88%

Annual Degrees Awarded

17

SAT Score

1,110–1,310

Median Starting Salary

$53,882

#8

#8 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S.

Grace College and Theological Seminary
Winona Lake, IN

At Grace College and Theological Seminary, the most popular majors students study are Psychology, General, Business Administration and Management, General, and Accounting. In fact, Grace College and Theological Seminary grants 45 degrees annually to Psychology, General majors....view more

Acceptance Rate

81%

Annual Degrees Awarded

16

SAT Score

970–1,220

Median Starting Salary

$52,903

#9

#9 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S.

Neumann University
Aston, PA

At Neumann University, the most popular majors students pursue are Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing, Other, Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services, Other, and Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies....view more

Acceptance Rate

81%

Annual Degrees Awarded

14

SAT Score

850–1,100

Median Starting Salary

$53,346

#10

#10 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S.

Southeastern University
Lakeland, FL

Every year, Southeastern University awards around 260 degrees to students majoring in Divinity/Ministry, which is the school’s most popular major. Other frequently pursued majors include Psychology, General, Organizational Leadership, Business Administration and Management, and General....view more

Acceptance Rate

62%

Annual Degrees Awarded

24

SAT Score

1,010–1,210

Median Starting Salary

$50,816

#11

#11 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S.

New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary
New Orleans, LA

Every year, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary grants about 76 degrees to those studying Theological and Ministerial Studies, Other, which is the school’s most popular major....view more

Acceptance Rate

67%

Annual Degrees Awarded

32

SAT Score

--

Median Starting Salary

$50,472

#12

#12 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S.

Oakwood University
Huntsville, AL

Each year, Oakwood University awards around 18 degrees to students studying Psychology, General, which is the school’s most popular major. Other often-pursued majors include General Studies, Biomedical Sciences, General, Biology/Biological Sciences, and General....view more

Acceptance Rate

51%

Annual Degrees Awarded

1

SAT Score

930–1,110

Median Starting Salary

$50,158

#13

#13 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S.

Mission University
Springfield, MO

At Mission University, the three most popular college majors students study are Business Administration and Management, General, Bible/Biblical Studies, and Pastoral Studies/Counseling....view more

Acceptance Rate

60%

Annual Degrees Awarded

6

SAT Score

1,010–1,140

Median Starting Salary

$52,993

#14

#14 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S.

Loyola Marymount University
Los Angeles, CA

At Loyola Marymount University, the three most popular college majors students pursue are Marketing/Marketing Management, General, Psychology, General, Finance, and General....view more

Acceptance Rate

45%

Annual Degrees Awarded

11

SAT Score

1,280–1,430

Median Starting Salary

$50,446

#15

#15 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S.

Biola University
La Mirada, CA

At Biola University, the three most popular college majors students pursue are Business Administration and Management, General, Psychology, General, and Cinematography and Film/Video Production....view more

Acceptance Rate

75%

Annual Degrees Awarded

10

SAT Score

1,170–1,370

Median Starting Salary

$52,036

#16

#16 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S.

Naropa University
Boulder, CO

Annually, Naropa University awards about 43 degrees to those majoring in Psychology, General, which is the institution’s most popular major. Other popular majors include Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other, Art Therapy/Therapist, and Environmental Studies....view more

Acceptance Rate

94%

Annual Degrees Awarded

13

SAT Score

980–1,200

Median Starting Salary

$48,284

#17

#17 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S.

Holy Apostles College and Seminary
Cromwell, CT

Annually, Holy Apostles College and Seminary awards around 12 degrees to those studying Philosophy, which is the school’s most popular major. Other often-pursued majors include Theology/Theological Studies, Humanities/Humanistic Studies, Social Sciences, and General....view more

Acceptance Rate

83%

Annual Degrees Awarded

12

SAT Score

--

Median Starting Salary

$48,494

#18

#18 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S.

Calvary University
Kansas City, MO

At Calvary University, the most popular majors students pursue are Business Administration and Management, General, Pastoral Studies/Counseling, Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, and Other....view more

Acceptance Rate

71%

Annual Degrees Awarded

3

SAT Score

900–1,160

Median Starting Salary

$49,313

#19

#19 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S.

Emory University
Atlanta, GA

At Emory University, the most popular majors students pursue are Management Science, Biology/Biological Sciences, General, and Neuroscience. In fact, Emory University grants 429 degrees annually to Management Science majors....view more

Acceptance Rate

10%

Annual Degrees Awarded

1

SAT Score

1,460–1,550

Median Starting Salary

$47,002

#20

#20 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S.

Amridge University
Montgomery, AL

At Amridge University, the three most popular college majors students pursue are Business Administration and Management, General, Bible/Biblical Studies, Human Development and Family Studies, and General....view more

Acceptance Rate

88%

Annual Degrees Awarded

11

SAT Score

--

Median Starting Salary

$50,472

#21

#21 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S.

Arlington Baptist University
Arlington, TX

At Arlington Baptist University, the most popular majors students pursue are Business/Commerce, General, General Studies, and Pastoral Studies/Counseling. In fact, Arlington Baptist University awards 16 degrees per year to graduating Business/Commerce, General students....view more

Acceptance Rate

79%

Annual Degrees Awarded

1

SAT Score

--

Median Starting Salary

$53,430

#22

#22 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S.

Crown College
Saint Bonifacius, MN

Annually, Crown College awards about 21 degrees to those studying Religious Education, the institution’s most popular major. Other frequently pursued majors include Sport and Fitness Administration/Management, Psychology, General, Communication, and General....view more

Acceptance Rate

63%

Annual Degrees Awarded

7

SAT Score

1,010–1,210

Median Starting Salary

$52,927

#23

#23 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S.

Creighton University
Omaha, NE

At Creighton University, the three most popular college majors students study are Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, Finance, General, Biology/Biological Sciences, and General....view more

Acceptance Rate

80%

Annual Degrees Awarded

2

SAT Score

1,250–1,410

Median Starting Salary

$55,388

#24

#24 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S.

University of Dayton
Dayton, OH

At the University of Dayton, the three most popular college majors students pursue are Mechanical Engineering, Finance, General, Marketing/Marketing Management, and General. In fact, the University of Dayton awards 177 degrees per year to Mechanical Engineering majors....view more

Acceptance Rate

66%

Annual Degrees Awarded

4

SAT Score

1,180–1,400

Median Starting Salary

$57,994

#25

#25 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S.

Huntington University
Huntington, IN

Annually, Huntington University grants around 29 degrees to students majoring in Cinematography and Film/Video Production, the institution’s most popular major....view more

Acceptance Rate

76%

Annual Degrees Awarded

3

SAT Score

940–1,170

Median Starting Salary

$52,551

#26

#26 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S.

California Baptist University
Riverside, CA

Every year, California Baptist University grants about 188 degrees to those studying Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, which is the school’s most popular major....view more

Acceptance Rate

85%

Annual Degrees Awarded

8

SAT Score

930–1,210

Median Starting Salary

$49,674

#27

#27 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S.

Southern Adventist University
Collegedale, TN

At Southern Adventist University, the most popular majors students study are Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, Biomedical Sciences, General, and Kinesiology and Exercise Science. In fact, Southern Adventist University grants 77 degrees every year to Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse majors....view more

Acceptance Rate

67%

Annual Degrees Awarded

5

SAT Score

970–1,260

Median Starting Salary

$51,912

#28

#28 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S.

Northwest Nazarene University
Nampa, ID

Each year, Northwest Nazarene University grants about 44 degrees to those majoring in Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, the school’s most popular major. Other frequently pursued majors include Social Work, Business Administration and Management, General, and Elementary Education and Teaching....view more

Acceptance Rate

72%

Annual Degrees Awarded

5

SAT Score

1,040–1,250

Median Starting Salary

$50,634

#29

#29 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S.

George Fox University
Newberg, OR

At George Fox University, the three most popular college majors students study are Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, Business Administration and Management, General, and Elementary Education and Teaching....view more

Acceptance Rate

94%

Annual Degrees Awarded

2

SAT Score

1,060–1,340

Median Starting Salary

$52,073

#30

#30 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S.

Freed-Hardeman University
Henderson, TN

Each year, Freed-Hardeman University grants about 31 degrees to those studying Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, the institution’s most popular major....view more

Acceptance Rate

91%

Annual Degrees Awarded

1

SAT Score

1,010–1,230

Median Starting Salary

$52,300

#31

#31 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S.

Moody Bible Institute
Chicago, IL

Each year, Moody Bible Institute awards about 97 degrees to students majoring in Theological and Ministerial Studies, Other, the school’s most popular major....view more

Acceptance Rate

98%

Annual Degrees Awarded

4

SAT Score

930–1,140

Median Starting Salary

$49,707

#32

#32 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S.

Olivet Nazarene University
Bourbonnais, IL

At Olivet Nazarene University, the three most popular college majors students pursue are Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, Business Administration and Management, General, Engineering, and General....view more

Acceptance Rate

56%

Annual Degrees Awarded

2

SAT Score

980–1,230

Median Starting Salary

$52,796

#33

#33 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S.

University of the Incarnate Word
San Antonio, TX

Every year, the University of the Incarnate Word awards about 159 degrees to those majoring in Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, which is the school’s most popular major....view more

Acceptance Rate

98%

Annual Degrees Awarded

4

SAT Score

920–1,150

Median Starting Salary

$48,924

#34

#34 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S.

Trinity International University-Illinois
Deerfield, IL

At Trinity International University-Illinois, the most popular majors students study are Bible/Biblical Studies, Business/Commerce, General, Psychology, and General. In fact, Trinity International University-Illinois grants 12 degrees every year to Bible/Biblical Studies majors....view more

Acceptance Rate

93%

Annual Degrees Awarded

2

SAT Score

990–1,210

Median Starting Salary

$50,550

#35

#35 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S.

Gardner-Webb University
Boiling Springs, NC

At Gardner-Webb University, the most popular majors students study are Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, Business Administration and Management, General, and Elementary Education and Teaching....view more

Acceptance Rate

87%

Annual Degrees Awarded

5

SAT Score

1,040–1,250

Median Starting Salary

$49,094

#36

#36 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S.

William Carey University
Hattiesburg, MS

At William Carey University, the most popular majors students pursue are Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, Elementary Education and Teaching, and Physical Education Teaching and Coaching....view more

Acceptance Rate

58%

Annual Degrees Awarded

1

SAT Score

1,040–1,280

Median Starting Salary

$46,625

#37

#37 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S.

Barry University
Miami, FL

At Barry University, the most popular majors students study are Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, Business Administration and Management, General, Biology/Biological Sciences, and General....view more

Acceptance Rate

77%

Annual Degrees Awarded

1

SAT Score

910–1,120

Median Starting Salary

$48,118

#38

#38 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S.

Universidad Central de Bayamon
Bayamón, PR

Annually, Universidad Central de Bayamon grants around 31 degrees to students majoring in Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, which is the institution’s most popular major. Other popular majors include Business Administration and Management, General, Natural Sciences, and Social Work....view more

Acceptance Rate

66%

Annual Degrees Awarded

3

SAT Score

--

Median Starting Salary

$45,362

#39

#39 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S.

Trinity Bible College and Graduate School
Ellendale, ND

Annually, Trinity Bible College and Graduate School awards around 7 degrees to students studying Theological and Ministerial Studies, Other, the school’s most popular major....view more

Acceptance Rate

36%

Annual Degrees Awarded

2

SAT Score

970–1,240

Median Starting Salary

$50,135

#40

#40 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S.

Faulkner University
Montgomery, AL

Every year, Faulkner University awards around 94 degrees to students majoring in Business/Commerce, General, the institution’s most popular major....view more

Acceptance Rate

66%

Annual Degrees Awarded

1

SAT Score

930–1,140

Median Starting Salary

$46,699

#41

#41 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S.

Luther Rice College & Seminary
Lithonia, GA

At Luther Rice College & Seminary, only two majors are offered: Bible/Biblical Studies, Psychology, and General....view more

Acceptance Rate

92%

Annual Degrees Awarded

23

SAT Score

--

Median Starting Salary

$50,438

#42

#42 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S.

Universidad Pentecostal Mizpa
Rio Piedras, PR

At Universidad Pentecostal Mizpa, only two majors are offered: Pastoral Studies/Counseling, Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries, and Other....view more

Acceptance Rate

84%

Annual Degrees Awarded

13

SAT Score

--

Median Starting Salary

$47,232

#43

#43 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S.

Catholic Theological Union at Chicago
Chicago, IL

Acceptance Rate

--

Annual Degrees Awarded

15

SAT Score

--

Median Starting Salary

$50,472

#44

#44 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S.

Dallas Theological Seminary
Dallas, TX

Acceptance Rate

--

Annual Degrees Awarded

56

SAT Score

--

Median Starting Salary

$50,472

#45

#45 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S.

Charlotte Christian College and Theological Seminary
Charlotte, NC

At Charlotte Christian College and Theological Seminary, only two majors are offered: Urban Ministry, and Bible/Biblical Studies....view more

Acceptance Rate

60%

Annual Degrees Awarded

7

SAT Score

--

Median Starting Salary

$50,472

#46

#46 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S.

Redeemers University North America
Greenville, TX

At Redeemers University North America, only one major is offered: Pastoral Studies/Counseling....view more

Acceptance Rate

92%

Annual Degrees Awarded

5

SAT Score

--

Median Starting Salary

$50,472

#47

#47 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S.

Spurgeon College
Kansas City, MO

At Spurgeon College, the most popular majors students pursue are Bible/Biblical Studies, Divinity/Ministry, and Missions/Missionary Studies and Missiology. In fact, Spurgeon College awards 47 degrees per year to Bible/Biblical Studies majors....view more

Acceptance Rate

94%

Annual Degrees Awarded

28

SAT Score

1,040–1,190

Median Starting Salary

$50,472

#48

#48 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S.

Southern California Seminary
El Cajon, CA

At Southern California Seminary, only one major is offered: Bible/Biblical Studies. On average, 7 students are awarded a degree in Bible/Biblical Studies annually. view more

Acceptance Rate

68%

Annual Degrees Awarded

9

SAT Score

--

Median Starting Salary

$50,472

#49

#49 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S.

Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary
Louisville, KY

Acceptance Rate

--

Annual Degrees Awarded

5

SAT Score

--

Median Starting Salary

$50,472

#50

#50 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S.

Asbury Theological Seminary
Wilmore, KY

Acceptance Rate

--

Annual Degrees Awarded

12

SAT Score

--

Median Starting Salary

$50,472

#51

#51 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S.

Family of Faith Christian University
Shawnee, OK

At Family of Faith Christian University, only two majors are offered: Pastoral Studies/Counseling, and Organizational Leadership....view more

Acceptance Rate

100%

Annual Degrees Awarded

5

SAT Score

650–730

Median Starting Salary

$50,472

#52

#52 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S.

Iliff School of Theology
Denver, CO

Acceptance Rate

--

Annual Degrees Awarded

3

SAT Score

--

Median Starting Salary

$50,472

#53

#53 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S.

University of Saint Mary of the Lake
Mundelein, IL

Acceptance Rate

--

Annual Degrees Awarded

2

SAT Score

--

Median Starting Salary

$50,472

#54

#54 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S.

Pentecostal Theological Seminary
Cleveland, TN

Acceptance Rate

--

Annual Degrees Awarded

2

SAT Score

--

Median Starting Salary

$50,472

#55

#55 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S.

Claremont School of Theology
Los Angeles, CA

Acceptance Rate

--

Annual Degrees Awarded

1

SAT Score

--

Median Starting Salary

$50,472

#56

#56 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S.

Methodist Theological School in Ohio
Delaware, OH

Acceptance Rate

--

Annual Degrees Awarded

1

SAT Score

--

Median Starting Salary

$50,472

#57

#57 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S.

Grace Mission University
Fullerton, CA

At Grace Mission University, only two majors are offered: Pastoral Studies/Counseling, and Theology/Theological Studies....view more

Acceptance Rate

60%

Annual Degrees Awarded

1

SAT Score

--

Median Starting Salary

$48,865

#58

#58 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S.

Episcopal Theological Seminary of the Southwest
Austin, TX

Acceptance Rate

--

Annual Degrees Awarded

1

SAT Score

--

Median Starting Salary

$50,472

#59

#59 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S.

Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary
Evanston, IL

Acceptance Rate

--

Annual Degrees Awarded

1

SAT Score

--

Median Starting Salary

$50,472

*The estimated net prices above are College Raptor’s estimate. Please contact the college financial aid office for actual net cost figures.

About Pastoral Studies/Counseling

A program that focuses on the theory and principles of pastoral care and prepares ordained clergy to provide non-clinical pastoral counseling to individuals and groups. Includes instruction in pastoral leadership, counseling psychology; crisis intervention; individual and group procedures; theological and spiritual counseling; pastoral care; and applications to specific types of ministry.

Texas grants the most Masters degrees in Pastoral Studies/Counseling of all US states with 92 degrees being granted last year. Students wanting to major in Pastoral Studies/Counseling can expect about 54% percent of their classmates to be women and 46% percent of their classmates to be male. Most students graduating in this field earn a Bachelors degree. The average starting salary for a graduate with a bachelor's degree in Pastoral Studies/Counseling is $32,900.

Popularity of Pastoral Studies/Counseling Degrees in the U.S.
This heat map represents the states that have the highest percent of Pastoral Studies/Counseling degrees compared to all other degrees awarded in that state.
Less Popular
More Popular

Careers

Some top careers related to Pastoral Studies/Counseling, include Counselors, All Other and Directors, Religious Activities and Education, both of which have many employment opportunities. Yet there are jobs that pay more, like Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary. the most in-demand position for Pastoral Studies/Counseling majors is Clergy.

Top Paying Careers

These are the highest paying careers for Pastoral Studies/Counseling majors.

Student Demographics

Total Students
589
Female Students
321 (54%)
Male Students
268 (45%)

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Join thousands of students and parents learning about finding the right college, admissions secrets, scholarships, financial aid, and more.

College Raptor Loading Screen College Raptor Loading Screen