Lancaster Bible College
Lancaster Bible College — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Lancaster Bible College at a Glance
Lancaster Bible College is a private Bible college, seminary, and graduate school in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
1933
93 years old
2,455
1,778 undergrad · 677 grad
49
109 acres
Identity
Is Lancaster Bible College Worth It?
At a value score of 30/100, Lancaster Bible College is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $44,096 — 18% below average — while paying $25,480/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
With a 2.3-year payback period, most graduates recoup their total cost of attendance relatively quickly.
The 69% graduation rate means roughly 31% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Lancaster Bible College has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Lancaster Bible College compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in PA
Ranked #25 of 52 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Hallmark University | 54 | $12,513 | $40,183 |
| #2 | Bob Jones University | 45 | $16,641 | $44,354 |
| #3 | Berry College | 43 | $22,320 | $53,800 |
| #4 | Mount St. Joseph University | 43 | $16,530 | $51,509 |
| #5 | Alma College | 42 | $20,694 | $54,742 |
| #6 | Spring Arbor University | 41 | $19,353 | $51,732 |
| #25 | Lancaster Bible College | 30 | $25,480 | $44,096 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Lancaster Bible College's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 6 in PA.
Best Programs at Lancaster Bible College
The highest-earning program at Lancaster Bible College is Bible/Biblical Studies at $36,700/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries at $23,300/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Bible/Biblical Studies graduate from Lancaster Bible College earns $36,700, while a Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries graduate earns $23,300. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Bible/Biblical Studies graduates carry $15,560 in median debt vs. $23,242 for Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $25,480/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bible/Biblical Studies | $36,700 | $36,700 | $15,560 |
| Music | $25,400 | $25,400 | N/A |
| Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries | $23,300 | $23,300 | $23,242 |
Similar Colleges in PA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Lancaster, PA
- Student Body
- 1,569 students
- Admission Rate
- 56%
- Graduation Rate
- 69%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $25,480
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $44,096
- Median Student Debt
- $20,500