Philosophy at University of California-Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
29 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
29
Optimistic
29
Base Case
25
Pessimistic
Earnings $30,182/yr (-7% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (64% exposed)
Job Market Medium (15,000 openings/yr)
ROI 10.0x earnings multiple (3.1x out-of-state)
Ranked #39 of 77 Philosophy programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Philosophy graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $561K $551K $500K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 10.2x 10.0x 9.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.1x 3.1x 2.8x
Probability of Field Employment 51% 44% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 29 29 25

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$54,988
Out-of-state: $178,096 (3.1x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$56,052
-2% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,000
6.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$53,585
78% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $30,182/yr, Philosophy graduates from University of California-Los Angeles land near the $32,297 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

The earnings-to-cost ratio of 10.0x signals a solid financial return — projected decade earnings comfortably exceed the tuition investment.

Some AI exposure exists in Philosophy's typical career paths, with 64% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 11% gap from the optimistic case.

The median debt load of $15,000 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

Ranked #39 of 77 Philosophy programs, University of California-Los Angeles falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $53,585 show a 78% jump from the $30,182 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About University of California-Los Angeles

With just 9% of applicants admitted, University of California-Los Angeles ranks among the nation's most selective schools, one of the larger campuses at 33,040 students in Los Angeles, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of California-Los Angeles →

Top Career Paths

Natural sciences managers $161,180/yr
Mathematicians $121,680/yr
Mathematical science teachers, postsecondary $79,350/yr
View all 4 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Philosophy at Other Schools

Other Majors at University of California-Los Angeles

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Philosophy at University of California-Los Angeles?
A score of 29/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Philosophy. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Philosophy careers?
With 64% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $499,885 in decade earnings vs $560,778 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →