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Philosophy at University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
37 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
38
Optimistic
37
Base Case
30
Pessimistic
Earnings $38,380/yr (19% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (64% exposed)
Job Market Medium (15,000 openings/yr)
ROI 3.1x earnings multiple
Ranked #17 of 77 Philosophy programs Top 25%

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 $908K $846K $699K
Earnings Multiple 3.3x 3.1x 2.6x
Probability of Field Employment 51% 44% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 38 37 30

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$272,948
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$127,708
53% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$7,500
2.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$95,023
148% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $38,380/yr, edging above the $32,297 national average for Philosophy — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

At 3.1x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 23% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Philosophy career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $7,500 in median debt against $38,380 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

University of Southern California ranks #17 among 77 Philosophy programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $38,380-to-$95,023 earnings arc over five years reflects a 148% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of Southern California

University of Southern California admits 10% of applicants — among the most selective institutions in the country, serving a student body of 20,817 in Los Angeles, CA. After financial aid, the average student pays $127,708 over four years — 53% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Southern California →

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 Southern California

Computer Science ($137,284) Computer Software and Media Applications ($103,071) Real Estate ($98,763) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($89,684) Industrial Engineering ($87,807) Civil Engineering ($85,262) Mechanical Engineering ($83,356) Biomedical/Medical Engineering ($80,508)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 37/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Philosophy at University of Southern California?
At 37/100, 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 Southern California?
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 Southern California one of the best schools for Philosophy?
Among 77 Philosophy programs, University of Southern California's #17 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
What do students actually pay for Philosophy at University of Southern California?
The 53% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $272,948. At a net cost of $127,708, the earnings multiple improves substantially.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →