Religion/Religious Studies at Southern Wesleyan University

Religious studies graduates from Southern Wesleyan earn about $28,600 in their first year—roughly $3,200 above the national median for this field and right at the state median. With $22,012 in typical debt, graduates face monthly payments around $240 on a standard plan, which represents about 10% of gross monthly income. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.77 sits comfortably below the concerning 1.0 threshold, though it's not exceptional given the modest absolute earnings level.

The challenge here isn't the program specifically—it actually outperforms most religion programs nationally, ranking in the 64th percentile. The real question is whether any religion bachelor's degree offers strong career returns. At under $29,000 annually, graduates will need to budget carefully or pursue graduate education for roles like ministry or counseling that require additional credentials. The open admissions and moderate debt levels suggest Southern Wesleyan keeps costs reasonable for students seeking this path.

One major caveat: these numbers come from fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes could vary significantly. If your child feels genuinely called to religious work and plans to continue their education, this program won't bury them in debt. But if they're unsure about their direction, consider programs with broader career applications and higher earning floors.