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Religion/Religious Studies at Missouri State University-Springfield

Springfield, MO · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $22,133/yr (-17% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (51% exposed)

Job Market Small (3,100 openings/yr)

ROI 10.6x earnings multiple (5.4x out-of-state)

Ranked #17 of 40 Religion/Religious Studies programs Top 50%

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	$370K	$384K	$382K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	10.2x	10.6x	10.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	5.2x	5.4x	5.3x
Probability of Field Employment	52%	45%	34%
DegreeOutlook Score	20	19	18

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$36,096

Out-of-state: $71,712 (5.4x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$70,008

-94% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$26,189

14.2 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $22,133/yr fall 17% below the $26,709 national median for Religion/Religious Studies. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

With a 10.6x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The -3% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Religion/Religious Studies career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At a 1.2x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #17 ranking among 40 Religion/Religious Studies programs places Missouri State University-Springfield in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

About Missouri State University-Springfield

Missouri State University-Springfield has a 91% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving 13,407 students in Springfield, MO.

See all programs and financial aid at Missouri State University-Springfield →

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 Missouri State University-Springfield

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

What does a 19/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Religion/Religious Studies at Missouri State University-Springfield?

At 19/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Religion/Religious Studies programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

What's the payoff timeline for a Religion/Religious Studies degree from Missouri State University-Springfield?

At $26,189 in median debt, graduates carry 14 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.

Should I worry about AI if I study Religion/Religious Studies at Missouri State University-Springfield?

The 51% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.

Is Missouri State University-Springfield a good choice for Religion/Religious Studies despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If Missouri State University-Springfield's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.

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