Religious Studies at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Religion/Religious Studies
29 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
30
Optimistic
29
Base Case
28
Pessimistic
Earnings $33,690/yr (26% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (51% exposed)
Job Market Small (3,100 openings/yr)
ROI 12.4x earnings multiple (2.8x out-of-state)
Ranked #7 of 40 Religion/Religious Studies programs Top 25%

Program Analysis

A Religion degree from UNC Chapel Hill, an elite public institution, positions you uniquely. Your strong earnings potential isn't solely tied to direct religious vocations, but rather the rigorous analytical, research, and communication skills you'll develop, highly valued across diverse sectors like law, policy, non-profits, and even business. UNC's reputation and extensive alumni network open doors far beyond direct academic or religious careers, particularly within the dynamic Research Triangle Park economy. While some content-creation aspects related to the humanities face AI disruption, the core critical thinking and ethical reasoning cultivated by this program are inherently human and in demand. Focus on leveraging these transferable skills through internships and interdisciplinary study, ensuring you articulate how your unique perspective solves real-world problems.

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 $438K $444K $427K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 12.2x 12.4x 11.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 2.8x 2.8x 2.7x
Probability of Field Employment 52% 45% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 30 29 28

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$35,956
Out-of-state: $157,320 (2.8x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$51,932
-44% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$12,550
4.5 months of Year 1 earnings

About University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill admits 19% of applicants, placing it among selective institutions, serving a student body of 20,556 in Chapel Hill, NC.

See all programs and financial aid at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill →

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 University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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 does a 29/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Religious Studies at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill?
At 29/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Religious Studies programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Religious Studies at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill?
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 University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill one of the best schools for Religious Studies?
Among 40 Religious Studies programs, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's #7 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →