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Religion/Religious Studies at Baylor University

Waco, TX · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $31,672/yr (19% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (51% exposed)

Job Market Small (3,100 openings/yr)

ROI 2.3x earnings multiple

Ranked #24 of 40 Religion/Religious Studies programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Religion/Religious Studies graduates.

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$501K	$500K	$468K
Earnings Multiple	2.3x	2.3x	2.1x
Probability of Field Employment	52%	45%	34%
DegreeOutlook Score	16	15	14

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$219,376

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$167,768

24% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$25,612

9.7 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$46,611

47% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Baylor University's Religion/Religious Studies graduates start at $31,672/yr — above the $26,709 national average, though not by a wide margin.

An earnings multiple of 2.3x means the program roughly breaks even in financial terms over ten years. Non-financial factors need to justify the investment.

AI risk is moderate — 51% task exposure — and the 6% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $25,612 debt-to-$31,672 income ratio translates to about 10 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #24 out of 40 programs, Baylor University's financial outcomes for Religion/Religious Studies trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $31,672 to $46,611 shows 47% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About Baylor University

Baylor University's 51% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, serving 15,007 students in Waco, TX.

See all programs and financial aid at Baylor University →

Top Career Paths

Area, ethnic, and cultural studies teachers, postsecondary $84,290/yr

Philosophy and religion teachers, postsecondary $78,050/yr

View all 2 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Religion/Religious Studies at Other Schools

Other Majors at Baylor University

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Baylor University's Religion/Religious Studies program score?

This program scores 15/100 — on the lower end for Religion/Religious Studies. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.

How vulnerable is Religion/Religious Studies to AI automation?

AI won't 'replace' Religion/Religious Studies careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 51% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →