Religious Studies at Missouri State University-Springfield
Springfield, MO · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Religion/Religious Studies
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
20
Optimistic
19
Base Case
18
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)
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 | $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)
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,189
14.2 months of Year 1 earnings
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
Compare & Explore
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 Religious Studies at Missouri State University-Springfield?
At 19/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Religious Studies programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What's the payoff timeline for a 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 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 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 →