What is the starting salary for Religious Studies graduates in Murfreesboro?

The estimated starting salary for Religious Studies graduates in Murfreesboro, TN is $45,500 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 91. The national average starting salary for this major is $50,000. Salaries in Murfreesboro are 9% lower than the national average due to cost of living differences.

Is a Religious Studies degree worth it in Murfreesboro?

A Religious Studies degree in Murfreesboro has an estimated ROI payback period of 6.8 years, with a projected lifetime return of $43,468 after subtracting education costs. With 10 colleges in the area and average public tuition of $9,312/year, Murfreesboro offers affordable options for this degree. The local unemployment rate of 5.4% 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 Murfreesboro?

The average annual public university tuition in Murfreesboro is $9,312, while private universities average $43,809/year. Including room and board ($13,946/year), total 4-year costs range from $93,032 at a public school to $231,020 at a private institution. Average financial aid per student in Murfreesboro is $16,072/year.

What jobs can Religious Studies graduates get in Murfreesboro?

Religious Studies graduates in Murfreesboro 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 Murfreesboro 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 Murfreesboro?

With a standard 10-year repayment plan at 6.5% interest, Religious Studies graduates in Murfreesboro would pay $1,056/month on an estimated $93,032 in loans, with $33,731 in total interest. An aggressive 5-year plan would require $1,820/month but save $17,546 in interest. With a COL-adjusted starting salary of $45,500, monthly payments would represent 28% of gross monthly income.

Religious Studies Degree in Murfreesboro, TN — Salary & ROI 2026

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

Starting Salary

$46K

COL-adjusted

Mid-Career

$50K

COL-adjusted

ROI Payback

6.8 yrs

in Murfreesboro

Cost of Living

index (100 = avg)

Religious Studies in Murfreesboro, TN Overview

Murfreesboro, Tennessee (pop. 152,769) has 10 colleges offering Religious Studies programs. The local cost of living index of 91 is near the national average, with average rent near campus at $1,003/month. 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 Murfreesboro is approximately $45,500.

Religious Studies Salary in Murfreesboro (COL-Adjusted)

Salaries adjusted for Murfreesboro's cost of living index of 91 (national average = 100).

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$45,500($-4,500 vs national)

Mid Career (5-9 yrs)

$50,050($-4,950 vs national)

Senior Level (15+ yrs)

$61,880($-6,120 vs national)

Note: National average Religious Studies salary: $50,000 starting, $55,000 mid-career, $68,000 senior level.Murfreesboro adjustment factor: 0.91x based on the local cost of living index.

Religious Studies ROI Calculator for Murfreesboro

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

Annual Tuition ($)

Public avg: $9,312 | Private avg: $43,809

Years of Study

Annual Financial Aid ($)

Murfreesboro avg aid: $16,072/yr

Student Loan Rate (%)

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

Total Education Cost

$93,032

tuition + room & board - aid

Annual Earnings Premium

$13,650

vs HS diploma in Murfreesboro

ROI Payback Period

6.8 years

to break even

Lifetime Return in Murfreesboro

$43,468

Lifetime earnings premium ($136,500) minus total education cost ($93,032)

Student Loan Payoff for Religious Studies in Murfreesboro

Standard Plan (10 years)

Loan Amount$93,032

Monthly Payment$1,056

Total Interest$33,731

% of Monthly Income28%

Aggressive Plan (5 years)

Loan Amount$93,032

Monthly Payment$1,820

Total Interest$16,185

Interest Savings$17,546

Colleges in Murfreesboro for Religious Studies

Middle Tennessee State University

public

$9,312/yr

$37,248 total

Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)

Motlow State Community College

$4,320/yr

Top Employers for Religious Studies in Murfreesboro

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

Religious OrganizationsNon-ProfitsSchoolsHospitalsGovernment

Key Murfreesboro Hiring Sectors for Humanities

Publishing

Non-profits

Education

Media companies

Government

Common Religious Studies Job Titles

ClergyNon-Profit DirectorCounselorTeacher

Religious Studies in Nearby Tennessee Cities

Nashville, TN

$46K starting · COL 92

35 colleges

Memphis, TN

$47K starting · COL 93

22 colleges

Knoxville, TN

$43K starting · COL 85

5 colleges

Chattanooga, TN

$40K starting · COL 80

5 colleges

Clarksville, TN

$45K starting · COL 90

9 colleges

Franklin, TN

$59K starting · COL 118.5

4 colleges

Jackson, TN

$41K starting · COL 82.5

3 colleges

Johnson City, TN

$53K starting · COL 105

6 colleges

Other Humanities Majors in Murfreesboro

Chinese Studies

$50K starting · 4 yr ROI

Linguistics

$46K starting · 5.5 yr ROI

Philosophy

$40K starting · 6.5 yr ROI

Foreign Languages & Literatures

$46K starting · 6.5 yr ROI

English

$38K starting · 7 yr ROI

History

$40K starting · 7.5 yr ROI

Classical Studies

$41K starting · 6 yr ROI

Classics

$46K starting · 8 yr ROI

Methodology & Education Data Sources

How we calculate Religious Studies degree outcomes in Murfreesboro, TN: 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 Tennessee.
Career salary projections based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, with cost-of-living adjustments for Murfreesboro 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 Murfreesboro Students

Beyond federal aid (FAFSA), Tennessee 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 (Tennessee)

State-specific grants stack with federal aid:

• USA.gov — Tennessee programs
• NASFAA — State Aid Programs
• Search "tennessee 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 Murfreesboro — 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 Murfreesboro.

Religious Studies Overview Colleges in Murfreesboro All Majors