General
Philosophy And Religious Studies
Data derived specifically from PUMS raw data for Philosophy And Religious Studies.
Entry Level Salary
$38,000
Median Salary
$85,000
Unemployment Rate
3.4%
Avg: 2.2%
Underemployment Rate
23.8%
Working non-college jobs
Earnings Trajectory
Lifetime: $3,400,000
Entry (Early)
$38,000
Median (Prime)
$85,000
High (Prime)
$86,893
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
-113k
+286k
+301k
$25k / yr
-203k
+196k
+211k
$50k / yr
-293k
+106k
+121k
Break-even Age
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
Never
26
26
$25k / yr
Never
32
32
$50k / yr
Never
41
39
Return on Investment %
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
0%
∞
∞
$25k / yr
-187%
180%
194%
$50k / yr
-135%
49%
56%
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).
These figures are medians for past graduates who received federal aid. Your cost and pay will differ. Run your own numbers in the Guided ROI Interview →
Education Impact
Advanced Degree Rate53.1%
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
$60,727
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$150,614|$155,120
openings
31,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +4.5%
Clergy
7.1% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$35,684
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$55,000|$60,810
openings
19,200 /yr
Growth (10yr): +2.4%
Postsecondary teachers
5.5% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$25,488
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$75,307|$82,250
openings
123,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6%
Management occupations
4.1% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$69,229
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$111,472|$126,520
openings
1,081,700 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.2%
Elementary and middle school teachers
3.1% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$41,175
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$58,951|$64,170
openings
127,300 /yr
Growth (10yr): -0.4%
Software developers
2.0% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$94,322
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$125,406|$135,980
openings
95,300 /yr
Growth (10yr): +10.2%
Secondary school teachers
2.0% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$48,660
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$66,000|$70,930
openings
70,000 /yr
Growth (10yr): -0.2%
Top executives
2.0% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$30,881
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$200,000|$108,510
openings
305,100 /yr
Growth (10yr): +4.9%
Physicians
1.7% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$46,343
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$242,910|$271,090
openings
20,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +3.6%
Education and childcare administrators
1.7% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$23,470
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$75,029|$102,260
openings
44,100 /yr
Growth (10yr): +0.1%
About this Data:
- Entry: Median salary for graduates aged 22 to 27 (American Community Survey).
- Median (PUMS | BLS): Comparison of this major's graduates vs. the national market average for the role.
- Growth & Openings: 10-year national projections (2025–2035).
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 | 27 | Data N/A |
| philosophy and religious studies, general. | Master's Degree | 3 | $57,874 - $57,874 |
| philosophy and religious studies, other. | Bachelor's Degree | 37 | $42,597 - $59,604 |
| philosophy and religious studies, other. | Master's Degree | 3 | $77,659 - $77,659 |
| philosophy. | Undergrad Certificate | 10 | Data N/A |
| philosophy. | Associate's Degree | 43 | Data N/A |
| philosophy. | Bachelor's Degree | 706 | $31,906 - $107,454 |
| philosophy. | Master's Degree | 117 | $61,194 - $82,273 |
| philosophy. | Doctoral Degree | 103 | $115,630 - $115,630 |
| philosophy. | Graduate Certificate | 10 | $60,041 - $60,041 |
| religion/religious studies. | Undergrad Certificate | 11 | Data N/A |
| religion/religious studies. | Associate's Degree | 20 | $41,567 - $57,250 |
| religion/religious studies. | Bachelor's Degree | 548 | $18,837 - $98,832 |
| religion/religious studies. | Master's Degree | 96 | $49,302 - $95,567 |
| religion/religious studies. | Doctoral Degree | 43 | $54,096 - $76,175 |
| religion/religious studies. | First Professional Degree | 1 | $122,250 - $122,250 |
| religion/religious studies. | Graduate Certificate | 2 | $28,595 - $28,595 |