In the early 1980's I carried $30,000 in student loans for a seminary education. It took over a decade to pay them off. This was to earn the degree that gave me the right to interview for a job that paid, in those days, $17,000 annually. The costs for a seminary education have, like those in secular higher education, continued to increase and far out-strip the rate of inflation. Three years of theological education now costs $129,000; the average starting salary for clergy in 2012 was just under $40,000.
Yeah, I think I just passed out for a moment.
Anyway, here's what's happening:
Student Loan Crisis Fueling Clergy Shortages