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Philosophy at Virginia Commonwealth University

Richmond, VA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
19 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
20
Optimistic
19
Base Case
16
Pessimistic
Earnings $26,192/yr (-19% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (64% exposed)
Job Market Medium (15,000 openings/yr)
ROI 6.2x earnings multiple (2.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #71 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 $394K $409K $405K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 6.0x 6.2x 6.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 2.5x 2.6x 2.6x
Probability of Field Employment 51% 44% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 20 19 16

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$65,832
Out-of-state: $156,168 (2.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$77,808
-18% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,500
9.4 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $26,192/yr fall 19% below the $32,297 national median for Philosophy. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

A 6.2x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The -3% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Philosophy career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $20,500 against $26,192/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #71 ranking among 77 Philosophy programs places Virginia Commonwealth University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About Virginia Commonwealth University

Virginia Commonwealth University has a 93% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving a student body of 20,797 in Richmond, VA.

See all programs and financial aid at Virginia Commonwealth University →

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 Virginia Commonwealth University

Computer and Information Sciences, General ($84,338) Computer Engineering ($82,964) Chemical Engineering ($79,721) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($77,938) Mechanical Engineering ($73,355) Dental Support Services and Allied Professions ($72,808) Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($71,847) Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions ($67,072)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 19/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Philosophy at Virginia Commonwealth University?
At 19/100, 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 Virginia Commonwealth University?
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 Virginia Commonwealth University a good choice for Philosophy despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Virginia Commonwealth University'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 →