Religion, Religious Studies Degree Return on Investment

Select an institution that offers degrees in Religion, Religious Studies and see the return on investment for jobs in that field.

Abilene Christian University Albion College Albright College Amherst College Appalachian State University Arizona State University – Skysong Arizona State University – Tempe Arkansas Baptist College Augustana College Augustana University Ball State University Barnard College Baylor University Belmont University Beloit College Bennington College Berea College Birmingham Southern College Bob Jones University Boston University Bowdoin College Bradley University Brown University Butler University California State University – Bakersfield California State University – Chico California State University – Fullerton California State University – Long Beach California State University – Northridge Calumet College of Saint Joseph Carleton College Carthage College Central Michigan University Central Washington University Chaminade University of Honolulu Chapman University Charleston Southern University Claremont McKenna College Clemson University Coe College Colby College College of Charleston College of William and Mary Colorado College Concordia University – Chicago Connecticut College Cornell College Cornell University CUNY Hunter College Dartmouth College Davidson College Davis & Elkins College Denison University DePaul University DePauw University Drake University Earlham College East Texas Baptist University Eastern Mennonite University Elizabethtown College Emory & Henry College Emory University Fairfield University Florida International University Florida Memorial University Florida Southern College Florida State University Fontbonne University Fordham University George Fox University George Mason University George Washington University Georgetown University Gonzaga University Grand Valley State University Grinnell College Guilford College Gustavus Adolphus College Hamilton College Hamline University Hampden – Sydney College Hampshire College Hartwick College Harvard University Hendrix College Hobart William Smith Colleges Humboldt State University Huntingdon College Huntington University Illinois Wesleyan University Indiana University – Bloomington Indiana University – Purdue University – Indianapolis Indiana University of Pennsylvania – Main Campus Inter American University of Puerto Rico – Fajardo Iowa State University John Carroll University Kalamazoo College La Salle University Laramie County Community College Lawrence University Lehigh University Lewis University Liberty University Luther College Macalester College Manhattan College Marquette University Mars Hill University Marymount Manhattan College McDaniel College McKendree University Mercyhurst University Miami University – Oxford Michigan State University Middlebury College Missouri State University – Springfield Montana State University Montclair State University Moravian College Morehouse College Morningside College Mount Saint Joseph University Muhlenberg College Nazareth College Nebraska Wesleyan University New York University North Central College Northeastern University Northwestern University Nyack College Oberlin College Occidental College Ohio State University – Main Campus Ohio University – Main Campus Ohio Wesleyan University Oklahoma Baptist University Oklahoma Wesleyan University Olivet Nazarene University Pacific Lutheran University Pepperdine University Point Loma Nazarene University Presbyterian College Princeton University Purdue University – Main Campus Randolph – Macon College Regis University Reinhardt University Rockhurst University Rollins College Rutgers University – Camden Rutgers University – New Brunswick Sacred Heart University Saint Joseph’s University Saint Leo University Saint Mary’s College of California Saint Mary’s College Saint Michael’s College Saint Norbert College Saint Peter’s University Salem College Salve Regina University Samford University San Diego State University Santa Clara University Seton Hill University Skidmore College Smith College Southern Adventist University Southern Methodist University Southwest Baptist University Southwestern University Spring Arbor University Spring Hill College St Bonaventure University St Lawrence University St Mary’s College of Maryland Stanford University Stonehill College Stony Brook University Susquehanna University Swarthmore College Syracuse University Temple University Texas Christian University Texas Wesleyan University The University of Alabama Thomas More College Towson University Transylvania University Trevecca Nazarene University Trinity College Tufts University Union College University of Arizona University of Bridgeport University of California – Berkeley University of California – Davis University of California – Irvine University of California – Los Angeles University of California – Riverside University of California – San Diego University of California – Santa Barbara University of Central Arkansas University of Central Florida University of Central Missouri University of Cincinnati – Main Campus University of Colorado Boulder University of Dayton University of Denver University of Dubuque University of Florida University of Georgia University of Hawaii at Manoa University of Houston University of Illinois at Urbana – Champaign University of Indianapolis University of Iowa University of Kansas University of Massachusetts – Amherst University of Miami University of Minnesota – Twin Cities University of Mississippi University of Missouri – Columbia University of Mobile University of Nebraska at Omaha University of New Mexico – Main Campus University of North Carolina at Asheville University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill University of North Carolina at Charlotte University of North Carolina at Greensboro University of North Dakota University of North Florida University of North Texas University of Northern Iowa University of Oklahoma – Norman Campus University of Pennsylvania University of Pittsburgh – Pittsburgh Campus University of Richmond University of Rochester University of South Carolina – Columbia University of South Florida – Main Campus University of Southern California University of the Incarnate Word University of the Pacific University of Tulsa University of Utah University of Vermont University of Virginia – Main Campus University of Washington – Seattle Campus University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire University of Wisconsin – Madison University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee University of Wyoming Vanderbilt University Vanguard University of Southern California Vassar College Virginia Commonwealth University Viterbo University Wake Forest University Warner Pacific College Adult Degree Program Washington University in St Louis Wesleyan University West Virginia Wesleyan College Western Illinois University Western Kentucky University Western Michigan University Wheaton College Williams College Wittenberg University Wright State University – Main Campus Xavier University Yale University Young Harris College

When considering a degree in religious studies, many prospective students ponder the crucial question: what is the return on investment (ROI) of earning a degree in this fascinating field? As a multifaceted discipline, religious studies not only provides in-depth knowledge of various belief systems but also equips graduates with essential skills that enhance their career prospects and overall life experience.

The ROI of a religious studies degree can be viewed through various lenses: financial returns, personal growth, and societal impact. While it’s true that graduates may not immediately command the highest starting salaries compared to more technical degrees, the interdisciplinary nature of religious studies opens doors to a multitude of rewarding career paths, including roles in education, counseling, social services, nonprofit organizations, and even business leadership.

Moreover, the analytical, communicative, and critical thinking skills gained through a religious studies program are highly valued by employers across sectors. Graduates learn to engage with complex ideas, appreciate diverse perspectives, and navigate cultural contexts—an asset in our increasingly globalized world. This versatility means that the long-term benefits of a religious studies degree often outweigh immediate financial considerations.

Additionally, studying religion fosters opportunities for personal growth and ethical reflection. Graduates find themselves better equipped to engage in meaningful dialogues about faith, morality, and social justice. This personal enrichment can lead to fulfilling careers dedicated to making a positive impact on society.

In conclusion, while the initial financial ROI of a religious studies degree may not rival that of STEM fields, the broader benefits—ranging from diverse career opportunities to personal development and societal contributions—make it a worthwhile investment. For individuals passionate about exploring the profound questions of existence and the interplay of culture and belief, a degree in religious studies offers a pathway to both meaningful work and deep fulfillment.

Disclaimer: The information provided is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Student loan situations can vary significantly based on individual circumstances, and decisions around deferment or forbearance can have lasting financial impacts. Before making any changes to your loan repayment plan, consult a qualified financial advisor or your loan servicer to understand the best options for your unique situation.