Religious Studies at Fordham University

Bronx, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Religion/Religious Studies
28 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
29
Optimistic
28
Base Case
27
Pessimistic
Earnings $30,985/yr (16% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (51% exposed)
Job Market Small (3,100 openings/yr)
ROI 3.4x earnings multiple
Ranked #8 of 40 Religion/Religious Studies programs Top 25%

Program Analysis

Fordham's Religion program, rooted in the university's Jesuit tradition, cultivates exceptional critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and communication skills, which are highly transferable across diverse sectors. Its strong national standing isn't just academic; it reflects how effectively graduates apply these competencies in the New York City job market and beyond. You'll find alumni excelling in education, non-profits, law, social impact, and even business roles where nuanced analysis and cultural understanding are paramount. The program's rigorous intellectual foundation prepares many for advanced degrees, often leading to roles in research, policy, or higher education, which contributes to its strong early career outcomes. While the field generally faces a high AI risk for some routine tasks, your Fordham education, with its emphasis on complex interpretation and human-centric understanding, equips you with capabilities AI cannot replicate. Focus on integrating your analytical prowess with practical skills like data interpretation or project management to leverage your unique human insights in an evolving job landscape.

How AI Changes the Outlook

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

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $885K $838K $722K
Earnings Multiple 3.6x 3.4x 2.9x
Probability of Field Employment 52% 45% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 29 28 27

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$247,968
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$170,324
31% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,247
9.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$85,741
177% growth from Year 1

About Fordham University

Fordham University's 56% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, serving 10,239 students in Bronx, NY. After financial aid, the average student pays $170,324 over four years — 31% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Fordham 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

Religious Studies at Other Schools

Other Majors at Fordham University

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Religious Studies at Fordham University?
A score of 28/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Religious Studies. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Religious Studies careers?
With 51% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $721,581 in decade earnings vs $885,172 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes Fordham University's Religious Studies program stand out?
Ranked #8 of 40 programs nationally, Fordham University lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →