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Religion/Religious Studies at University of Puget Sound

Tacoma, WA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $20,357/yr (-24% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (51% exposed)

Job Market Small (3,100 openings/yr)

ROI 2.3x earnings multiple

Ranked #40 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	$563K	$555K	$509K
Earnings Multiple	2.3x	2.3x	2.1x
Probability of Field Employment	52%	45%	34%
DegreeOutlook Score	9	9	8

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$239,600

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$155,680

35% less than sticker · See by income

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$47,387

133% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $20,357/yr fall 24% below the $26,709 national median for Religion/Religious Studies. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

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 10% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

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

Earnings growth from $20,357 to $47,387 over five years (133% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About University of Puget Sound

University of Puget Sound has a 76% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with a smaller student body of 1,631 in Tacoma, WA. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $155,680 — 35% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Puget Sound →

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 University of Puget Sound

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does University of Puget Sound's Religion/Religious Studies program score?

This program scores 9/100 — 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.

Why are Religion/Religious Studies earnings lower at University of Puget Sound?

Lower starting pay at University of Puget Sound may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.

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