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Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (MBTS) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings

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About Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary

In Kansas City, where barbecue and jazz still hang in the air, this seminary pairs serious study with day-to-day ministry. Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary is known for deep engagement with Scripture, theology, and pastoral leadership, with faculty who keep conversations going. Campus life centers on the chapel and a well-used library, plus tech-ready classrooms, quiet study spots, and student care. On-campus housing, a coffee nook, and green space help students settle in.

Student life is communal: chapel worship, prayer circles, service projects, intramurals, and the occasional open mic. The culture feels earnest and grounded, welcoming questions while rooted in Baptist convictions. Career prep runs through mentored church placements, hands-on workshops, and connections across congregations and ministries. And Kansas City puts it all close by, from neighborhood outreach to arts, sports, and a lively food scene. A distinct for-the-church focus and commissioning moments give grads a clear sendoff.

Key Institutional Details

Contact & Profile

Location: 5001 N. Oak Trafficway, Kansas City, Missouri, 64118, USA
Phone: +1 (816) 414-3700
Website: mbts.edu
Unit ID: 178208

Academic & Institutional

Control: Private non-profit institution (tuition + donations)
Accreditation: HLC
Length of Study: Programs under 2 years (e.g. certificate or diploma)
Calendar System: Semester system (two main terms per year)
Award Levels: Certificate (1-2 yrs), Associate's, Bachelor's, Postbac Cert., Master's, Post-Master's, Doctorate (Research), Doctorate (Professional), Other Award
Carnegie Classification: Doctoral Universities: Very High Research 4-Year Focus - Medical Schools
Campus Setting: Located in a large city (population of 250,000 or more)
Tuition: In-state: $11,020 (Tuition $10,020 + Fee $1,000) · Out-of-state: $11,020 (Tuition $10,020 + Fee $1,000)
Student Profile:
Total Students: 3,840
Undergraduate: 791
Graduate/Other: 3,049
Male: 3,012 Female: 828
Applications:
Total Applicants: 141
Admitted: 133
Enrolled: 84
Acceptance: 94.3% Yield: 63.2%
Staff:
Total: 429 Full-time: 142 Part-time: 287

Degree Programs & Career Salary Prospects

Explore degree programs offered at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (MBTS) with detailed career prospects, starting salary ranges, and job opportunities in Missouri. See what you can do with your degree and expected earnings after graduation.

How to use this guide:
Click on any academic field that interests you to expand and view available degree programs. Each program shows potential career paths, median salaries in Missouri vs national averages, and job prospects for graduates. Perfect for answering "What can I do with my degree?" and salary expectations.
Theology (33)
Theological Studies, Ministry Preparation and Religious Leadership
39.0201 Bible/Biblical Studies. (Cert<2y, Cert2y+, BSc, PostBacCert, FPD, AltPostMSc)
A program that focuses on the Christian and/or Jewish Bible and related literature, with an emphasis on understanding and interpreting the theological, doctrinal, and ethical messages contained therein. May include preparation for applying these studies in various religious vocations.

Graduate Career Earnings in Missouri

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Missouri Avg MO vs US
21-2021 Directors, Religious Activities and Education $65,040 $43,480 -$21,560 (-33.1%)
25-1126 Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary $88,210 $80,370 -$7,840 (-8.9%)
39.0301 Missions/Missionary Studies. (Cert<2y, Cert2y+, PostBacCert, FPD)
A program that focuses on the theory and practice of religious outreach, social service and proselytization, and that prepares individuals for mission vocations. Includes instruction in theology, evangelism, preaching, medical and social mission work, missionary education, missionary aviation, emergency services, legal and political aspects of working in other countries, and preparation for ordination as missionaries.

Graduate Career Earnings in Missouri

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Missouri Avg MO vs US
21-2021 Directors, Religious Activities and Education $65,040 $43,480 -$21,560 (-33.1%)
25-1126 Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary $88,210 $80,370 -$7,840 (-8.9%)
39.0401 Religious Education. (Cert<1y, Cert2y+, PostBacCert, MSc, Spec)
A program that focuses on the theory and practice of providing educational services to members of faith communities, within the context of a particular religion, and that prepares individuals to serve as religious educators. Includes instruction in planning and teaching lessons, organizing and supervising instructional activities, designing and developing instructional materials, and administering religious education programs and facilities.

Graduate Career Earnings in Missouri

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Missouri Avg MO vs US
21-2021 Directors, Religious Activities and Education $65,040 $43,480 -$21,560 (-33.1%)
25-1126 Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary $88,210 $80,370 -$7,840 (-8.9%)
39.0501 Religious/Sacred Music. (Cert<2y, Cert2y+, PostBacCert)
A program that focuses on the history, theory, composition, and performance of music for religious or sacred purposes, and that prepares individuals for religious musical vocations such as choir directors, cantors, organists, and chanters.

Graduate Career Earnings in Missouri

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Missouri Avg MO vs US
25-1126 Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary $88,210 $80,370 -$7,840 (-8.9%)
27-2041 Music Directors and Composers $84,230 $64,910 -$19,320 (-22.9%)
39.0601 Theology/Theological Studies. (Cert2y+, PostBacCert, FPD, AltPostMSc)
A program that focuses on the beliefs and doctrine of a particular religious faith from the intramural point of view of that faith. Includes instruction in systematic theology, historical theology, moral theology, doctrinal studies, dogmatics, apologetics, and applications to specific questions of ecclesiastical polity and religious life.

Graduate Career Earnings in Missouri

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Missouri Avg MO vs US
21-2011 Clergy $67,160 $52,590 -$14,570 (-21.7%)
25-1126 Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary $88,210 $80,370 -$7,840 (-8.9%)
39.0602 Divinity/Ministry. (Cert<2y, Cert2y+, BSc, PostBacCert, FPD, Spec, AltPostMSc)
A program that prepares individuals for ordination as ministers or priests in any of the Christian religious traditions. Includes instruction in the theology and polity of a particular church, church law, liturgy and ritual, principles of pastoral ministry, homiletics, evangelism, church/parish organization and management, Christian ethics, church history, and related studies.

Graduate Career Earnings in Missouri

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Missouri Avg MO vs US
21-2011 Clergy $67,160 $52,590 -$14,570 (-21.7%)
25-1126 Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary $88,210 $80,370 -$7,840 (-8.9%)
39.0701 Pastoral Studies/Counseling. (Cert2y+, PostBacCert)
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.

Graduate Career Earnings in Missouri

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Missouri Avg MO vs US
21-1019 Counselors, All Other $58,070 $48,640 -$9,430 (-16.2%)
21-1099 Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other $58,360 $46,330 -$12,030 (-20.6%)
21-2011 Clergy $67,160 $52,590 -$14,570 (-21.7%)
21-2021 Directors, Religious Activities and Education $65,040 $43,480 -$21,560 (-33.1%)
21-2099 Religious Workers, All Other $49,830 $37,180 -$12,650 (-25.4%)
25-1126 Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary $88,210 $80,370 -$7,840 (-8.9%)
39.0704 Women's Ministry. (PostBacCert, AltPostMSc)
A program that prepares non-ordained women to provide spiritual, counseling, and leadership services to other women in local churches, parachurch organizations, and other settings. Includes instruction in foundations of women's ministry, women's ministry in the local church, spiritual formation, women's evangelism and discipleship, bible study and theology, homiletics, lay counseling, women's issues, and leadership training.

Graduate Career Earnings in Missouri

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Missouri Avg MO vs US
21-2021 Directors, Religious Activities and Education $65,040 $43,480 -$21,560 (-33.1%)
21-2099 Religious Workers, All Other $49,830 $37,180 -$12,650 (-25.4%)
Interdisciplinary (2)
Cross-Disciplinary Studies and Integrated Research Programs
30.5101 Philosophy, Politics, and Economics. (Cert2y+)
A program that focuses on philosophical foundations, political institutions, collective behavior, economic theory, and economic influences. Includes instruction in econometrics, logic, metaphysics, moral responsibility, philosophy of language, philosophy of perception, philosophy through history, reasoning and persuasion, and social epistemology.

Graduate Career Earnings in Missouri

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Missouri Avg MO vs US
11-9199 Managers, All Other $149,890 $89,190 -$60,700 (-40.5%)
19-3011 Economists $130,910 N/A N/A
19-3094 Political Scientists $137,600 N/A N/A
19-3099 Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other $106,440 $85,410 -$21,030 (-19.8%)
25-1063 Economics Teachers, Postsecondary $133,140 N/A N/A
25-1065 Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary $105,160 $97,600 -$7,560 (-7.2%)
25-1126 Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary $88,210 $80,370 -$7,840 (-8.9%)
30.9999 Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. (Cert2y+)
Any instructional program in multi/interdisciplinary studies not listed above.

Graduate Career Earnings in Missouri

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Missouri Avg MO vs US
99-9999 NO MATCH N/A N/A N/A
Education (1)
Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy
13.0101 Education, General. (Spec)
A program that focuses on the general theory and practice of learning and teaching, the basic principles of educational psychology, the art of teaching, the planning and administration of educational activities, school safety and health issues, and the social foundations of education.

Graduate Career Earnings in Missouri

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Missouri Avg MO vs US
25-1081 Education Teachers, Postsecondary $78,500 $88,830 +$10,330 (+13.2%)
25-9042 Teaching Assistants, Preschool, Elementary, Middle, and Secondary School, Except Special Education N/A N/A N/A
25-9043 Teaching Assistants, Special Education N/A N/A N/A
Business (1)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
52.0201 Business Administration and Management, General. (Cert2y+)
A program that generally prepares individuals to plan, organize, direct, and control the functions and processes of a firm or organization. Includes instruction in management theory, human resources management and behavior, accounting and other quantitative methods, purchasing and logistics, organization and production, marketing, and business decision-making.

Graduate Career Earnings in Missouri

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Missouri Avg MO vs US
11-1011 Chief Executives $262,930 $158,170 -$104,760 (-39.8%)
11-1021 General and Operations Managers $133,120 $76,970 -$56,150 (-42.2%)
11-2022 Sales Managers $160,930 $90,230 -$70,700 (-43.9%)
11-3012 Administrative Services Managers $126,030 $76,330 -$49,700 (-39.4%)
11-3013 Facilities Managers $114,520 $86,930 -$27,590 (-24.1%)
11-3051 Industrial Production Managers $129,180 $104,590 -$24,590 (-19%)
11-3071 Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers $116,010 $78,910 -$37,100 (-32%)
11-3111 Compensation and Benefits Managers $156,230 $119,110 -$37,120 (-23.8%)
11-3121 Human Resources Managers $160,480 $104,810 -$55,670 (-34.7%)
11-3131 Training and Development Managers $140,590 $108,770 -$31,820 (-22.6%)
11-9021 Construction Managers $119,660 $101,300 -$18,360 (-15.3%)
11-9072 Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling $87,060 $83,780 -$3,280 (-3.8%)
11-9151 Social and Community Service Managers $86,100 $61,510 -$24,590 (-28.6%)
11-9179 Personal Service Managers, All Other $70,620 $69,080 -$1,540 (-2.2%)
11-9199 Managers, All Other $149,890 $89,190 -$60,700 (-40.5%)
13-1051 Cost Estimators $83,160 $64,600 -$18,560 (-22.3%)
13-1071 Human Resources Specialists $79,730 $59,330 -$20,400 (-25.6%)
13-1081 Logisticians $87,600 $77,440 -$10,160 (-11.6%)
13-1082 Project Management Specialists $108,100 $79,350 -$28,750 (-26.6%)
13-1111 Management Analysts $114,710 $107,540 -$7,170 (-6.3%)
13-1141 Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists $82,920 $76,860 -$6,060 (-7.3%)
13-1199 Business Operations Specialists, All Other $92,380 $75,810 -$16,570 (-17.9%)
25-1011 Business Teachers, Postsecondary $113,840 $97,330 -$16,510 (-14.5%)
Communication (1)
Media Communications, Journalism and Public Relations
09.0100 Communication and Media Studies. (Cert2y+)
Instructional content for this group of programs is defined in codes 09.0100 - 09.0199.

Graduate Career Earnings in Missouri

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Missouri Avg MO vs US
11-2032 Public Relations Managers $163,520 $122,490 -$41,030 (-25.1%)
11-2033 Fundraising Managers $137,290 $104,310 -$32,980 (-24%)
13-1131 Fundraisers $73,130 $57,910 -$15,220 (-20.8%)
25-1122 Communications Teachers, Postsecondary $90,340 $68,740 -$21,600 (-23.9%)
27-3011 Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys $80,110 $37,700 -$42,410 (-52.9%)
27-3023 News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists $106,030 $47,230 -$58,800 (-55.5%)
27-3031 Public Relations Specialists $80,310 $51,550 -$28,760 (-35.8%)
27-3041 Editors $85,700 $50,720 -$34,980 (-40.8%)
27-3043 Writers and Authors $85,780 $65,710 -$20,070 (-23.4%)
Philosophy (1)
Philosophical Studies, Ethics and Religious Thought
38.0001 Philosophy and Religious Studies, General. (Cert2y+)
A general program that combines the study of philosophy and religious studies. Includes instruction in logic; ethics; epistemology; symbolism; phenomenology; the sociology, psychology, philosophy, anthropology, literature, and art of religion; and world religions.

Graduate Career Earnings in Missouri

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Missouri Avg MO vs US
25-1126 Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary $88,210 $80,370 -$7,840 (-8.9%)
History (1)
Historical Studies, Cultural Heritage and Archaeological Research
54.0101 History, General. (Cert2y+)
A program that focuses on the general study and interpretation of the past, including the gathering, recording, synthesizing and criticizing of evidence and theories about past events. Includes instruction in historiography; historical research methods; studies of specific periods, issues and cultures; and applications to areas such as historic preservation, public policy, and records administration.

Graduate Career Earnings in Missouri

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Missouri Avg MO vs US
11-9199 Managers, All Other $149,890 $89,190 -$60,700 (-40.5%)
19-3093 Historians $78,470 $74,710 -$3,760 (-4.8%)
25-1125 History Teachers, Postsecondary $93,710 $92,880 -$830 (-0.9%)
25-2031 Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $73,700 $49,920 -$23,780 (-32.3%)
39-7011 Tour Guides and Escorts N/A N/A N/A
Arts (1)
Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance
50.0409 Graphic Design. (Cert2y+)
A program that prepares individuals to apply artistic and computer techniques to the interpretation of technical and commercial concepts. Includes instruction in computer-assisted art and design, printmaking, concepts sketching, technical drawing, color theory, imaging, studio technique, still and life modeling, multimedia applications, communication skills and commercial art business operations.

Graduate Career Earnings in Missouri

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Missouri Avg MO vs US
15-1255 Web and Digital Interface Designers $111,450 $61,130 -$50,320 (-45.2%)
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $152,370 +$50,130 (+49%)
27-1011 Art Directors $128,100 $83,430 -$44,670 (-34.9%)
27-1014 Special Effects Artists and Animators $110,110 $73,110 -$37,000 (-33.6%)
27-1019 Artists and Related Workers, All Other $79,490 $71,230 -$8,260 (-10.4%)
27-1024 Graphic Designers $68,610 $47,930 -$20,680 (-30.1%)

Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs

Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students

Estimated Total Cost
(In-state)
$27,798
Estimated Total Cost
(Out-state)
$27,798
In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$11,020
Tuition and fees for students residing in-state
Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$11,020
Tuition and fees for non-resident students
Room & Board
$11,310 (on) / $13,839 (off)
Housing and meal plan expenses
Books & Supplies
$1,004
Average yearly cost of books and study materials
Other Expenses
$4,464 (on) / $5,585 (off)
Miscellaneous personal and institutional expenses
Other Expenses (with family)
$5,585
Estimated cost for students living with family
Graduate In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$8,020
Graduate tuition rates for in-state students
Graduate Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$8,020
Graduate tuition rates for non-resident students

Financial Aid & Student Support

Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students

4%
FTFT Aid Recipients
Avg. Grant
$6,875
Avg. Loan
$6,338
Avg. Federal Loan
$5,816
Additional
Students with Any Grant
32
Students who received any type of grant aid
Students with Any Loan
22
Students who received any type of loan-based aid
Students with Federal Grant
27
Students who received a federal grant
Avg. Institutional Grant
$2,939
Average amount of institutional grant awarded
Show more financial aid data

Student Success Metrics

Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.

70%
Graduation Rate
Percentage of students who successfully graduate from the institution
65%
First-Year Retention Rate
Percentage of first-year students who continue for a second year
Median Earnings Over Time
$33,088 – $65,816
Salary Range (25th–75th Percentile, 10 Years)
$33,088 (25th %) $65,816 (75th %)
*Median Salary After 10 Years: $50,535
Median Salary After 6 Years
$39,712
Average annual earnings of former students six years after starting college.
Median Salary After 10 Years
$50,535
Average annual earnings of former students ten years after starting college.

Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes

Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.

3-Year Loan Repayment Rate
61.2%
Share of borrowers who repaid loans within 3 years
Repayment Rate (Graduates Only)
N/A
Repayment rate among students who completed their program
Median Student Loan Debt
$15,675
Median federal loan debt of undergraduate completers at time of graduation.
Repayment by Income
Low 45.5%
Repayment by Dependency
Dependent 69.4%
Independent 55.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most common questions about Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (MBTS)

How much does it cost to attend Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (MBTS)?

The annual tuition at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (MBTS) is $11,020 for in-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $27,798 for in-state students. Additional costs include room and board $11,310 (on) / $13,839 (off) and books and supplies $1,004.

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.

What academic programs and degree levels does Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary offer?

Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (MBTS) offers 50 academic programs across 8 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Certificate (1-2 yrs), Associate's, Bachelor's, Postbac Cert., Master's, Post-Master's, Doctorate (Research), Doctorate (Professional), Other Award.

Most popular program areas include:

  • Theological Studies, Ministry Preparation and Religious Leadership (33 programs)
  • Cross-Disciplinary Studies and Integrated Research Programs (2 programs)
  • Media Communications, Journalism and Public Relations (1 programs)
  • Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy (1 programs)
  • Philosophical Studies, Ethics and Religious Thought (1 programs)

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.

What is the acceptance rate for Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary?

Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (MBTS) has an 94.3% acceptance rate and a 63.2% yield rate, making it moderately selective.

Admission statistics breakdown:

  • Total applicants: 141
  • Students admitted: 133
  • Students enrolled: 84

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Admission statistics may vary by program and application cycle.

What financial aid and scholarships are available at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary?

Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (MBTS) provides financial aid to 4% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $6,875 and average loans of $6,338.

Average financial aid amounts by type:

  • Pell grants: $6,043
  • State/Local grants: $1,000
  • Institutional grants: $2,939
  • Federal loans: $5,816

The university supports 32 students with grants and 22 students with loans annually.

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.

What is the average salary for Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary graduates?

Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (MBTS) graduates earn a median salary of $39,712 after 6 years and $50,535 after 10 years.

The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $33,088 (25th percentile) to $65,816 (75th percentile).

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.

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