WhatGradsMake
Doctoral (Research)-8% vs national median94 grads tracked

Philosophy and Religious Studies at Purdue University

Ranked 20th of 21 doctoral (research) programs in Philosophy and Religious Studies by 5-year earnings.

Median · 1 year out
$55,935
middle 50%: $35,528 – $66,831
Median · 5 years out
$69,536
middle 50%: $58,363 – $85,281
Median · 10 years out
$80,729
middle 50%: $65,634 – $99,674

Salary trajectory

Median earnings vs the national median for Philosophy and Religious Studies (doctoral (research)) graduates.

This program (median)National median, same major & degreeMiddle 50% of graduates

Graduates of Purdue University's doctoral (research) program in Philosophy and Religious Studies earn a median $55,935 one year after graduating, rising to $80,729 by year ten. Five years out, earnings run 8% below the national median of $75,372 for this field, ranking 20th of 21 reporting programs.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau PSEO, release V4.13.0 2025Q4. Earnings are for graduates working in covered states; figures are medians in nominal dollars.

Will the degree pay for itself?

Drag the sliders — payback uses this program's actual salary curve.

Assumes a 6.5% APR loan and this program's median salary trajectory (interpolated between years 1, 5 and 10).

Paid off in
5.8 yrs
≈ $6,265 total interest

Same major at other universities

Binghamton University
$73,872 · 5 yrs out
Pennsylvania State University (The)
$73,442 · 5 yrs out
University of Colorado Boulder
$73,271 · 5 yrs out
University of Iowa
$72,585 · 5 yrs out
University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
$72,585 · 5 yrs out
University of Oregon
$69,644 · 5 yrs out
Arizona State University
$67,042 · 5 yrs out

Other majors at Purdue University

Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services (Doctorate)
$219,424 · 5 yrs out
Mathematics and Computer Science (Bachelor's)
$162,085 · 5 yrs out
Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services (Master's)
$160,199 · 5 yrs out
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (Doctorate)
$153,081 · 5 yrs out
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services (Doctorate)
$152,803 · 5 yrs out
Health Professions and Related Programs (Doctorate)
$151,874 · 5 yrs out
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services (Master's)
$148,110 · 5 yrs out
Engineering (Doctorate)
$141,828 · 5 yrs out
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Doctorate)
$135,976 · 5 yrs out
Health Professions and Related Programs (Doctorate)
$126,565 · 5 yrs out
Computer Science (Bachelor's)
$122,270 · 5 yrs out
Engineering/Engineering-Related Technologies/Technicians (Doctorate)
$122,253 · 5 yrs out

Related fields of study

Philosophy
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Philosophy and Religious Studies, General
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Philosophy and Religious Studies, Other
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Religion/Religious Studies
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