What is the starting salary for Religious Studies graduates in Colorado Springs?

The estimated starting salary for Religious Studies graduates in Colorado Springs, CO is $61,000 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 122. The national average starting salary for this major is $50,000. Salaries in Colorado Springs are 22% higher than the national average due to cost of living differences.

Is a Religious Studies degree worth it in Colorado Springs?

A Religious Studies degree in Colorado Springs has an estimated ROI payback period of 4.5 years, with a projected lifetime return of $99,880 after subtracting education costs. With 22 colleges in the area and average public tuition of $5,325/year, Colorado Springs offers affordable options for this degree. The local unemployment rate of 5% and the major's national unemployment rate of 5% should also factor into your decision.

How much does it cost to study Religious Studies in Colorado Springs?

The average annual public university tuition in Colorado Springs is $5,325, while private universities average $62,070/year. Including room and board ($15,455/year), total 4-year costs range from $83,120 at a public school to $310,100 at a private institution. Average financial aid per student in Colorado Springs is $13,479/year.

What jobs can Religious Studies graduates get in Colorado Springs?

Religious Studies graduates in Colorado Springs can pursue careers as Clergy, Non-Profit Director, Counselor, Teacher. Key skills valued by local employers include Textual Analysis, Cross-Cultural Understanding, Ethics, Research. The Colorado Springs job market features Publishing, Non-profits, Education among the top hiring sectors for this field. National top employers include Religious Organizations, Non-Profits, Schools.

How long to pay off student loans for Religious Studies in Colorado Springs?

With a standard 10-year repayment plan at 6.5% interest, Religious Studies graduates in Colorado Springs would pay $944/month on an estimated $83,120 in loans, with $30,137 in total interest. An aggressive 5-year plan would require $1,626/month but save $15,677 in interest. With a COL-adjusted starting salary of $61,000, monthly payments would represent 19% of gross monthly income.

Religious Studies Degree in Colorado Springs, CO — Salary & ROI 2026

Religious Studies degree analysis for Colorado Springs, CO. COL-adjusted salary data, local tuition costs, ROI calculator, and job market outlook.

Starting Salary

$61K

COL-adjusted

Mid-Career

$67K

COL-adjusted

ROI Payback

4.5 yrs

in Colorado Springs

Cost of Living

122

index (100 = avg)

Religious Studies in Colorado Springs, CO Overview

Colorado Springs is one of Colorado's top college towns, with 22 institutions and a student population of 22,576. Public tuition averages $5,325/year here — well below the national average, making it a cost-effective choice. Although national enrollment in Religious Studies has been declining, graduates with skills in Textual Analysis and Cross-Cultural Understanding remain competitive in the job market. The adjusted starting salary in Colorado Springs is approximately $61,000.

Religious Studies Salary in Colorado Springs (COL-Adjusted)

Salaries adjusted for Colorado Springs's cost of living index of 122 (national average = 100).

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$61,000(+$11,000 vs national)

Mid Career (5-9 yrs)

$67,100(+$12,100 vs national)

Senior Level (15+ yrs)

$82,960(+$14,960 vs national)

Note: National average Religious Studies salary: $50,000 starting, $55,000 mid-career, $68,000 senior level.Colorado Springs adjustment factor: 1.22x based on the local cost of living index.

Religious Studies ROI Calculator for Colorado Springs

Estimate your return on investment for a Religious Studies degree using local Colorado Springs tuition and cost of living data.

Annual Tuition ($)

Public avg: $5,325 | Private avg: $62,070

Years of Study

Annual Financial Aid ($)

Colorado Springs avg aid: $13,479/yr

Student Loan Rate (%)

Federal avg: 6.5% | Private: 4-14%

Total Education Cost

$83,120

tuition + room & board - aid

Annual Earnings Premium

$18,300

vs HS diploma in Colorado Springs

ROI Payback Period

4.5 years

to break even

Lifetime Return in Colorado Springs

$99,880

Lifetime earnings premium ($183,000) minus total education cost ($83,120)

Student Loan Payoff for Religious Studies in Colorado Springs

Standard Plan (10 years)

Loan Amount$83,120

Monthly Payment$944

Total Interest$30,137

% of Monthly Income19%

Aggressive Plan (5 years)

Loan Amount$83,120

Monthly Payment$1,626

Total Interest$14,460

Interest Savings$15,677

Colleges in Colorado Springs for Religious Studies

University of Colorado Colorado Springs

public

$10,650/yr

$42,600 total

Colorado College

private

$62,070/yr

$248,280 total

United States Air Force Academy

public

$0/yr

$0 total

Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)

Pikes Peak State College

$4,056/yr

Top Employers for Religious Studies in Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs offers opportunities in Publishing, Non-profits, Education for Religious Studies graduates. National top employers in this field include:

Religious OrganizationsNon-ProfitsSchoolsHospitalsGovernment

Key Colorado Springs Hiring Sectors for Humanities

Publishing

Non-profits

Education

Media companies

Government

Common Religious Studies Job Titles

ClergyNon-Profit DirectorCounselorTeacher

Religious Studies in Nearby Colorado Cities

Denver, CO

$64K starting · COL 128

31 colleges

Aurora, CO

$56K starting · COL 111

28 colleges

Fort Collins, CO

$63K starting · COL 126

5 colleges

Lakewood, CO

$53K starting · COL 105.8

6 colleges

Thornton, CO

$51K starting · COL 102.5

6 colleges

Arvada, CO

$53K starting · COL 105.5

5 colleges

Westminster, CO

$52K starting · COL 103.8

5 colleges

Pueblo, CO

$61K starting · COL 122

13 colleges

Other Humanities Majors in Colorado Springs

Chinese Studies

$67K starting · 4 yr ROI

Linguistics

$61K starting · 5.5 yr ROI

Philosophy

$54K starting · 6.5 yr ROI

Foreign Languages & Literatures

$61K starting · 6.5 yr ROI

English

$51K starting · 7 yr ROI

History

$54K starting · 7.5 yr ROI

Classical Studies

$55K starting · 6 yr ROI

Classics

$61K starting · 8 yr ROI

Methodology & Education Data Sources

How we calculate Religious Studies degree outcomes in Colorado Springs, CO: Our salary projections, ROI estimates, and tuition data combine multiple federal datasets to provide a localized view of education economics. We use a 10-year career-trajectory model standard in higher education research.

Tuition data sourced from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), the federal education statistics database operated by NCES. Average tuition for Religious Studies programs reflects 4-year public/private weighted averages for Colorado.
Career salary projections based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, with cost-of-living adjustments for Colorado Springs using regional CPI data.
10-year ROI calculates: (Total Career Earnings With Degree) − (Total Career Earnings Without Degree) − (Total Education Cost Including Interest on Loans).
Job market outlook for Religious Studies graduates uses BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook 10-year projections (2024-2034 base period).
Default rates and loan data sourced from College Scorecard (US Department of Education), which tracks repayment outcomes by institution.

Authoritative US education data sources:

IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — official federal college data
College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion rates
BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Religious Studies career projections
Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan and grant info
NCES Digest of Education Statistics — comprehensive education data
BLS Occupational Employment and Wages — entry-level salary data for Religious Studies grads

Education Disclaimer: Salary and ROI estimates are projections based on national and state-level averages. Individual outcomes depend on institution prestige, GPA, internships, location, network, and economic conditions. Always verify current tuition with the institution directly, and consult a financial aid counselor before taking on student loans. Use the Federal Loan Simulator to model repayment scenarios.

Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS & BLS data current as of latest annual release

Financial Aid Resources for Colorado Springs Students

Beyond federal aid (FAFSA), Colorado students have access to state-specific grants, scholarships, and tuition assistance programs. The 2026-27 FAFSA also added a new Low Earnings Indicator (Dec 2025) flagging programs where graduates earn less than non-college peers — check your target school's status:

📋 Federal Aid (FAFSA)

Pell Grant up to $7,395/yr (2026-27). Subsidized loans at 6.53% (academic year 25-26):

🏛️ State Grants (Colorado)

State-specific grants stack with federal aid:

• USA.gov — Colorado programs
• NASFAA — State Aid Programs
• Search "colorado higher education commission grants"

🎓 College Outcomes Data

Verify earnings + debt before enrolling:

• College Scorecard — earnings, debt, completion
• NCES College Navigator
• IPEDS Net Price Calculator Center

💰 Scholarship Search

Free, official, scam-free scholarship databases:

2026-27 FAFSA tip: The new Low Earnings Indicator flags programs where graduates earn less than non-graduates. Check this before enrolling. Speak with a NASFAA-credentialed financial aid counselor at your target school.

Religious Studies Degree in Colorado Springs — FAQ

Data Sources: Salary data from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Cost of living from BLS Regional Data. College data from NCES/IPEDS. Updated March 2026.

Explore More

Compare Religious Studies ROI in other cities, or explore other majors in Colorado Springs.

Religious Studies Overview Colleges in Colorado Springs All Majors

Religious Studies Degree in Colorado Springs, CO — Salary & ROI 2026

Religious Studies in Colorado Springs, CO Overview

Religious Studies Salary in Colorado Springs (COL-Adjusted)

Religious Studies ROI Calculator for Colorado Springs

Student Loan Payoff for Religious Studies in Colorado Springs

Standard Plan (10 years)

Aggressive Plan (5 years)

Colleges in Colorado Springs for Religious Studies

Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)

Top Employers for Religious Studies in Colorado Springs

Key Colorado Springs Hiring Sectors for Humanities

Common Religious Studies Job Titles

Religious Studies in Nearby Colorado Cities

Denver, CO

Aurora, CO

Fort Collins, CO

Lakewood, CO

Thornton, CO

Arvada, CO

Westminster, CO

Pueblo, CO

Other Humanities Majors in Colorado Springs

Chinese Studies

Linguistics

Philosophy

Foreign Languages & Literatures

English

History

Classical Studies

Classics

Methodology & Education Data Sources

Financial Aid Resources for Colorado Springs Students

Religious Studies Degree in Colorado Springs — FAQ

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