Religion/Religious Studies at Whitworth University

Whitworth's Religion/Religious Studies program starts rough but shows meaningful momentum—first-year earnings of $25,243 roughly match both national and Washington state medians, but by year four, graduates reach nearly $40,000, a 57% jump that suggests these graduates are finding their footing in ministry, nonprofit, or education roles. The $25,000 median debt sits right at national norms, creating a manageable 1:1 debt-to-earnings ratio that improves substantially as careers develop.

The small sample size (under 30 graduates) is the elephant in the room here. These numbers could shift significantly with more data, and parents should recognize they're making decisions with limited information. That said, the earnings trajectory is encouraging—Religion majors often face lean early years but can build viable careers, and Whitworth's graduates appear to follow this path. The program ranks in the 60th percentile among Washington schools, placing it slightly above average statewide.

For families drawn to Whitworth's faith-based mission, this program delivers roughly what you'd expect nationally: modest starting pay, reasonable debt, and improving prospects over time. The real question is whether your student has a clear vocational path (youth ministry, religious education, seminary preparation) that justifies the initial financial strain. Without that clarity, the early earning years will be tough.