Religious Education
What graduates really earn, where the degree pays off most, and whether the numbers add up for you.
Earnings Range (4 Years After Graduation)
Best Schools for Religious Education by Earnings
| # | School | 4yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Concordia University-Nebraska NE · Private | $55,729 |
| 2 | Grace Christian University MI · Private | $52,314 |
| 3 | Dallas Baptist University TX · Private | $50,647 |
| 4 | Trinity International University-Illinois IL · Private | $46,286 |
| 5 | College of Biblical Studies-Houston TX · Private | $45,822 |
| 6 | Grand Canyon University AZ · Private | $45,165 |
| 7 | Wheaton College IL · Private | $42,605 |
| 8 | Franciscan University of Steubenville OH · Private | $40,987 |
| 9 | Biola University CA · Private | $40,261 |
| 10 | University of the Cumberlands KY · Private | $39,211 |
| 11 | Crown College MN · Private | $36,826 |
| 12 | Moody Bible Institute IL · Private | $36,770 |
School-by-school analysis: Religious Education
Editorial breakdowns of how religious education graduates fare at the top-earning programs in our dataset.
Religious Education produces 11 graduates with $33,308 first-year earnings rising to $52,314 by year four against $30,750 debt (0.923 ratio, D grade). Solid four-year earnings growth signals graduates moving into church/school administration roles; the year-one debt-to-earnings math is difficult.
Religious Education earns an F ROI grade: 9 graduates, $31,903 year-one, $46,286 at year four, and a debt-to-earnings ratio of 1.032. Median debt of $32,934 exceeds annual earnings - graduates owe more than a full year of income in student loans. For students called to ministry or religious service careers where compensation is below market, this is a known trade-off. But students should understand that on financial grounds alone, this program does not generate sufficient earnings to comfortably service the debt incurred.
Religious Education shows four-year median earnings of $45,822 but year-one earnings, debt, and ROI grade are unreported. The four-year earnings figure suggests typical religious-education roles in church settings, parochial schools, or denominational publishing. With limited reported data, prospective students should request specific program outcomes data directly from CBS before enrolling.
Is Religious Education Worth It?
Proceed With a Plan
Be honest with yourself about the money on Religious Education. At an average $35,751 four years out, the payback can be long, especially at a pricey school. That doesn't make the field a mistake - it means the cost side has to be managed tightly, so lean toward low debt.
This is a more specialized field, offered at 14 schools in our data. Fewer options means less room to optimize on cost, so weigh each aid offer closely.
The top earner here is Concordia University-Nebraska, where graduates pull $55,023 four years out. But an average hides a wide spread - where you go, and what you do with the degree, matter as much as the major itself.
Earnings data represents median earnings 4 years after graduation for graduates of bachelor's programs, as reported by the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Individual outcomes vary significantly based on career path, location, and other factors.