Program Analysis
Graduates earn $30,285/yr, roughly in line with the $32,297 national median for Philosophy. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.
The earnings-to-cost ratio of 9.1x 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 9% gap from the optimistic case.
With first-year pay of $30,285 far exceeding the $15,000 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.
Ranked #45 of 77 Philosophy programs, University of California-Santa Cruz falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.
Five-year earnings of $50,265 show a 66% jump from the $30,285 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.