General
Philosophy And Religious Studies
Data derived specifically from PUMS raw data for Philosophy And Religious Studies.
Entry Level Salary
$35,397
Median Salary
$81,300
Unemployment Rate
3.3%
Avg: 2.2%
Underemployment Rate
24.3%
Working non-college jobs
Earnings Trajectory
Lifetime: $3,252,000
Entry (Early)
$35,397
Median (Prime)
$81,300
High (Prime)
$83,691
ROI Sensitivity AnalysisAssuming 4 Years to Graduation
This analysis tests three "What-If" scenarios. While most students start at the Entry Level, calculating ROI using Median and High salaries helps illustrate the potential long-term payoff for top performers relative to the degree cost.
Lifetime Value Added (NPV)
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
-137k
+254k
+273k
$25k / yr
-227k
+164k
+183k
$50k / yr
-317k
+74k
+93k
Break-even Age
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
Never
27
27
$25k / yr
Never
33
33
$50k / yr
Never
44
42
Return on Investment %
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
0%
∞
∞
$25k / yr
-209%
151%
169%
$50k / yr
-146%
34%
43%
Sensitivity Analysis Methodology: These grids assume you begin your career earning the salary specified in the column header (Entry Level = conservative baseline, Median/High = potential upside).
Important Note: Your ROI with any major will depend on the cost you pay to attend the program, and your starting salary. Both vary significantly across institutions. We encourage you to explore the ROI of a specific program variant by selecting the Program title of the credential level you are interested in. You will then have a more detailed return analysis for programs at specific institutions. We also encourage you to use the ROI calculator, or for more sophisticated analysis, the Guided ROI Interview, with your specific estimates of cost and salary.
Education Impact
Advanced Degree Rate52.8%
Analysis: A large percentage of students in this field pursue Master's or Doctoral degrees to maximize earnings.
Top Professions
Lawyers, judges, and related workers
8.7% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$58,994
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$146,315|$144,040
openings
34,400 /yr
Growth (10yr): +4%
Clergy
7.3% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$30,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$54,145|$60,820
openings
23,000 /yr
Growth (10yr): +1%
Postsecondary teachers
5.8% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$23,636
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$72,000|$81,600
openings
136,400 /yr
Growth (10yr): +5.9%
Management occupations
3.9% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$65,757
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$109,331|$122,090
openings
1,147,900 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.1%
Elementary and middle school teachers
3.0% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$32,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$58,584|$62,500
openings
132,400 /yr
Growth (10yr): -2%
Secondary school teachers
2.0% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$43,900
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$66,953|$64,530
openings
72,400 /yr
Growth (10yr): -1.6%
Software developers
1.9% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$71,735
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$117,661|$133,080
openings
115,200 /yr
Growth (10yr): +15.8%
Physicians
1.9% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$65,757
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$235,977|N/A
openings
22,300 /yr
Growth (10yr): +2.8%
Top executives
1.8% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$30,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$191,293|$104,990
openings
333,100 /yr
Growth (10yr): +4.4%
Education and childcare administrators
1.8% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$10,619
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$76,534|$100,650
openings
45,600 /yr
Growth (10yr): -0.3%
About this Data:
- Entry: Median salary for graduates aged 27 and under (PUMS).
- Median (PUMS | BLS): Comparison of this major's graduates vs. the national market average for the role.
- Growth & Openings: 10-year national projections (2024–2034).
Program Variants & Earnings Ranges
Summary of specific program titles and credential levels mapped to this major, showing the range of earnings across different colleges.
Completers Only: Federal median earnings data strictly reflects outcomes for students who successfully graduated. Students who do not complete their degree typically earn significantly less and face higher risks of debt default.
| Program Title | Credential Level | # Colleges | Median Earnings Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| philosophy and religious studies, general. | Bachelor's Degree | 32 | Data N/A |
| philosophy and religious studies, general. | Master's Degree | 3 | $57,874 - $57,874 |
| philosophy and religious studies, other. | Bachelor's Degree | 45 | $42,597 - $59,604 |
| philosophy and religious studies, other. | Master's Degree | 3 | $77,659 - $77,659 |
| philosophy. | Undergrad Certificate | 11 | Data N/A |
| philosophy. | Associate's Degree | 44 | Data N/A |
| philosophy. | Bachelor's Degree | 727 | $31,906 - $107,454 |
| philosophy. | Master's Degree | 119 | $61,194 - $82,273 |
| philosophy. | Doctoral Degree | 103 | $115,630 - $115,630 |
| philosophy. | Graduate Certificate | 10 | Data N/A |
| philosophy. | Level 99 | 7 | $67,892 - $67,892 |
| religion/religious studies. | Undergrad Certificate | 14 | Data N/A |
| religion/religious studies. | Associate's Degree | 26 | $41,567 - $57,250 |
| religion/religious studies. | Bachelor's Degree | 580 | $17,806 - $98,832 |
| religion/religious studies. | Master's Degree | 107 | $49,302 - $72,079 |
| religion/religious studies. | Doctoral Degree | 48 | $54,096 - $76,175 |
| religion/religious studies. | First Professional Degree | 6 | $22,440 - $122,250 |
| religion/religious studies. | Graduate Certificate | 3 | $28,595 - $28,595 |
| religion/religious studies. | Level 99 | 3 | Data N/A |