Religious Education: degree ROI, salary & best colleges
Religious Education graduates earn a median $43,633 four years after finishing — at or below the $48,360 high-school baseline, so on national medians the degree does not clear a typical bill on earnings alone. Where you study and the specific role matter more here than the field average. (Scorecard field-of-study, 2026 · our math.)
Religious Education ranks #194 of 202 bachelor's fields by earnings — pays more than 4% of majors.
| # | College | State | Grad earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Concordia University-Nebraska | NE | $55,729 |
| 2 | Dallas Baptist University | TX | $50,647 |
| 3 | Grand Canyon University | AZ | $45,165 |
| 4 | Wheaton College | IL | $42,605 |
| 5 | Franciscan University of Steubenville | OH | $40,987 |
| 6 | Biola University | CA | $40,261 |
| 7 | University of the Cumberlands | KY | $39,211 |
| 8 | Moody Bible Institute | IL | $36,770 |
College Scorecard field-of-study (2026), program-level median earnings for this CIP · our ranking.
How we compute this. Earnings are the national median for graduates of this field measured 1 and 4 years after completion (Scorecard field-of-study, bachelor's). Premium = 4-year earnings − the $48,360 high-school baseline. Payback = a representative 4-year net cost (median college net price × 4) ÷ premium. Field medians blend every school — a specific program can pay far more or less. Full method on the methodology page; the field ranking is on ROI by major.