Religious Studies at University of Puget Sound

Tacoma, WA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Religion/Religious Studies
9 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
9
Optimistic
9
Base Case
8
Pessimistic
Earnings $20,357/yr (-24% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (51% exposed)
Job Market Small (3,100 openings/yr)
ROI 2.3x earnings multiple
Ranked #40 of 40 Religion/Religious Studies programs

Program Analysis

Your journey through Religion/Religious Studies at a liberal arts college like the University of Puget Sound offers deep critical thinking and analytical skills, but it's important to understand how these translate into the job market. The outcomes reflect that this degree isn't designed as a direct vocational pipeline to high-paying roles in the immediate post-graduation years. While the Seattle-Tacoma region boasts a robust economy, demand is concentrated in tech, healthcare, and business, rather than directly for humanities specialists. Graduates often find themselves leveraging their transferable skills in broader fields like non-profit management, education, communications, or administrative roles where initial salaries may be modest. The academic career paths listed typically require significant further education (master's, PhD) to reach those salary levels. To mitigate this, proactively seek internships in areas like community outreach, marketing, or research early in your program, ensuring you build practical experience alongside your academic pursuits.

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 $563K $555K $509K
Earnings Multiple 2.3x 2.3x 2.1x
Probability of Field Employment 52% 45% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 9 9 8

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$239,600
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$155,680
35% less than sticker · See by income
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$47,387
133% growth from Year 1

About University of Puget Sound

University of Puget Sound has a 76% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with a smaller student body of 1,631 in Tacoma, WA. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $155,680 — 35% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Puget Sound →

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 Puget Sound

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does University of Puget Sound's Religious Studies program score?
This program scores 9/100 — on the lower end for Religious Studies. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Religious Studies to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Religious Studies careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 51% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why are Religious Studies earnings lower at University of Puget Sound?
Lower starting pay at University of Puget Sound may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →