Best colleges for Philosophy and Religious Studies
Ranked by graduate earnings
Compare 26 U.S. colleges offering Philosophy and Religious Studies by graduate earnings, cost, and outcomes. Federal data across 15 states.
Philosophy and Religious Studies programs report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $28,712 (College Scorecard, 2019), and map to CIP 38.99 and the Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary occupation (BLS SOC).
About Philosophy and Religious Studies programs
The Philosophy and Religious Studies program explores the fundamental questions of existence, ethics, and belief systems through a historical and scientific lens. This program is ideal for students interested in understanding diverse religious traditions and philosophical thought, as well as those seeking to engage critically with complex ideas and cultural perspectives.
Students in this program will develop core skills in reading comprehension, critical thinking, and effective communication. Coursework typically includes topics in philosophy, theology, history, and sociology, equipping students with a broad understanding of human thought and behavior.
Top 1 institutions, ranked by graduate earnings
Ranked by median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, predominant credential. Programs with fewer than 20 graduates a year, a graduation rate under 30%, or online, degree-completion or graduate-only status rank after the rest.
| # | Institution | Starting salary (1 yr) | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | James Madison University Harrisonburg, VA Public · Bachelor's degree Small program | $28,712 | 9 | 80% | — | $24,734 |
Specializations within Philosophy and Religious Studies
1 of the 1 6-digit CIP codes under CIP 38.99 have U.S. graduates (NCES CIP 2020, IPEDS 2024–25). Each links to its own page, ranked by graduates.
Offered across 15 states
The same program, compared state by state. Pick a state for in-state earnings and institutions.
| State | Institutions | Median earnings | Top institution by earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia | 3 | $28,712 | James Madison University |
| California | 4 | — | — |
| Floridalimited | 2 | — | — |
| Illinoislimited | 1 | — | — |
| Indiana | 3 | — | — |
| Iowalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Kansaslimited | 2 | — | — |
| Michiganlimited | 1 | — | — |
| Missourilimited | 1 | — | — |
| New Yorklimited | 2 | — | — |
| North Carolinalimited | 1 | — | — |
| North Dakotalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Ohiolimited | 2 | — | — |
| South Carolinalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Tennesseelimited | 1 | — | — |
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 25-1126, Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Philosophy and Religious Studies program may pursue various careers in education, research, and community engagement. The job outlook indicates a growth rate of 0.7% with approximately 2,000 annual openings. The median wage for related positions is $78,050, with many roles requiring a doctoral or professional degree.
Top-paying metros
Related careers
CIP-to-SOC crosswalk for Philosophy and Religious Studies
The SOC occupations NCES officially maps to CIP 38.99.
Under the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk, CIP 38.99 (Philosophy and Religious Studies, Other) maps to 1 Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) occupation, the jobs the U.S. Department of Labor links to this field of study.
| SOC code | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 25-1126 | Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondaryprimary |
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 Crosswalk.
Skills & knowledge in Philosophy and Religious Studies programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this program most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
What graduates do on the job
- Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
- Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
- Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students and the community on topics such as ethics, logic, and contemporary religious thought.
- Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.
- Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
- Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
Common questions
What is the focus of the Philosophy and Religious Studies program?+
The program focuses on the study of religion and philosophy from historical and scientific perspectives.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop skills in critical thinking, reading comprehension, writing, and effective communication.
What are the career prospects after graduation?+
The program offers a job outlook of 0.7% growth with about 2,000 annual openings.
What level of education is typically required for careers in this field?+
Most careers in this field require a doctoral or professional degree.
How much do Philosophy and Religious Studies graduates earn?+
Philosophy and Religious Studies graduates report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $28,712, College Scorecard (2019); the Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary occupation pays about $92,040 on average nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025).
What is the CIP code for Philosophy and Religious Studies?+
Philosophy and Religious Studies maps to CIP 38.99 in the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP), the U.S. Department of Education taxonomy used for College Scorecard Field of Study earnings and IPEDS completions.
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
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