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Philosophy at University of California-Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
31 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
31
Optimistic
31
Base Case
28
Pessimistic
Earnings $25,303/yr (-22% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (64% exposed)
Job Market Medium (15,000 openings/yr)
ROI 11.3x earnings multiple (3.7x out-of-state)
Ranked #34 of 77 Philosophy programs Top 50%

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 $710K $678K $586K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 11.9x 11.3x 9.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.9x 3.7x 3.2x
Probability of Field Employment 51% 44% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 31 31 28

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$59,860
Out-of-state: $182,968 (3.7x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$55,300
8% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,000
7.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$65,351
158% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $25,303/yr fall 22% below the $32,297 national median for Philosophy. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

With a 11.3x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 18% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Philosophy career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $15,000 against $25,303/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #34 ranking among 77 Philosophy programs places University of California-Santa Barbara in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $25,303-to-$65,351 earnings arc over five years reflects a 158% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of California-Santa Barbara

University of California-Santa Barbara admits 28% of applicants, placing it among selective institutions, one of the larger campuses at 23,205 students in Santa Barbara, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of California-Santa Barbara →

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

Compare this program → View all 77 schools offering Philosophy →

Philosophy at Other Schools

University of Pennsylvania ($73,053) Columbia University in the City of New York ($52,668) Boston College ($47,345) Utah Valley University ($43,699) CUNY Lehman College ($43,311) Southern Methodist University ($42,334) University of Washington-Seattle Campus ($42,072) University of Washington-Bothell Campus ($42,072)

Other Majors at University of California-Santa Barbara

Computer Science ($107,776) Computer Engineering ($91,387) Mechanical Engineering ($81,108) Chemical Engineering ($79,737) Economics ($66,334) Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods ($66,099) Applied Mathematics ($59,638) Statistics ($55,110)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 31/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Philosophy at University of California-Santa Barbara?
At 31/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Philosophy programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Philosophy at University of California-Santa Barbara?
The 64% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is University of California-Santa Barbara a good choice for Philosophy despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If University of California-Santa Barbara's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →