HUMANITIES Specialization

Philosophy

Philosophy graduates earn $54,455 four years out. The middle 50% of earners fall between $34,926 and $78,043. Where you land depends on specialization, employer, and how far you advance in the field.

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About Philosophy

Philosophy is a focused area of study within Philosophy & Religion. Graduates typically earn around $54,455 four years out, a solid return for a focused credential. The program is available at 916 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 9,331 students complete this program each year, most earning a bachelor's. The focus is on writing, analysis, and communication that transfer across industries.

Median Earnings · 1yr: $31,583
Median Earnings · 4yr: $54,455
Colleges Offering: 916
Graduates / Year: 9,331
Avg Net Price / yr: $22,401

How Much Do Philosophy Graduates Earn?

Philosophy graduates earn $54,455 four years out, below average for bachelor's degree holders. The middle 50% of earners fall between $34,926 and $78,043. Earnings typically jump significantly in the first few years. The one-year figure of $31,583 climbs to $54,455 by year four.

$31,583

1 Year After Graduation

Starting salaries only. Earnings in this field grow substantially in the first 3 to 5 years.

$54,455

4-Year National Median

Below average for bachelor's degree holders.

$56,848

4-Year Institutional Median

Median of per-school medians. Each reporting college counts equally, regardless of size.

Earnings Range

There is a wide earnings spread across Philosophy graduates. Career path divergence explains most of the range. Law, consulting, and tech-adjacent roles pull the top end up; writing, education, and nonprofit roles tend to sit near the bottom.

$34,926 25th pct.

$54,455 Median

$78,043 75th pct.

A Solid Financial Return

Solid ROI. At median 4-year earnings of $54,455 and an estimated $89,604 four-year net cost, the typical graduate reaches earnings breakeven in roughly 3.7 years.

Based on outcomes from 803 schools. Colleges with fewer than 30 graduates are excluded from national averages.

Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown

Of the 9,331 students who complete Philosophy programs each year, the majority (82%) earn a bachelor's degree. The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.

82%

Bachelor's 82%

Master's 9%

Doctorate 4%

What Can You Do With a Philosophy Degree?

Philosophy connects to 3 occupations in the job market. Natural Sciences Managers leads at $167,220/yr median. Expand any card to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.

↗ +3.7% Zone 5: Extensive preparation

Natural Sciences Managers

$167,220

$119K $222K 25th–75th pct.

Bachelor's degree 8,500 openings/yr 109K employed nationally

Science Reading Comprehension Active Listening Reading Comprehension Active Listening

Day-to-day responsibilities

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

Hire, supervise, or evaluate engineers, technicians, researchers, or other staff.
Design or coordinate successive phases of problem analysis, solution proposals, or testing.
Plan or direct research, development, or production activities.

↗ +0.7% Zone 5: Extensive preparation

Philosophy and Religion Teachers

$80,260

$63K $105K 25th–75th pct.

Doctoral or professional degree 2,000 openings/yr 20K employed nationally

Reading Comprehension Instructing Speaking Active Listening Critical Thinking

Day-to-day responsibilities

Teach courses in philosophy, religion, and theology. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students and the community on topics such as ethics, logic, and contemporary religious thought.

↗ +2.3% Zone 5: Extensive preparation

Mathematical Science Teachers

$79,940

$62K $105K 25th–75th pct.

Doctoral or professional degree 4,400 openings/yr 48K employed nationally

Mathematics Speaking Active Listening Instructing Reading Comprehension

Day-to-day responsibilities

Teach courses pertaining to mathematical concepts, statistics, and actuarial science and to the application of original and standardized mathematical techniques in solving specific problems and situations. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.
Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as linear algebra, differential equations, and discrete mathematics.

Top Colleges for Philosophy

The 20 colleges below are ranked by how many Philosophy students they graduate each year. Scroll right to compare acceptance rate, net price, and median earnings side by side.

#	College	Graduates	Acceptance	Net Price/yr	Earnings 10yr
1	University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, PA · Nonprofit	198	5.4%	$28,699	$111,371
2	University of California-Los Angeles Los Angeles, CA · Public	127	9%	$12,548	$82,511
3	Boston College Chestnut Hill, MA · Nonprofit	111	16.4%	$41,704	$103,937
4	University of California-Santa Barbara Santa Barbara, CA · Public	110	33%	$16,109	$74,915
5	University of California-Berkeley Berkeley, CA · Public	102	11%	$13,481	$92,446
6	Columbia University in the City of New York New York, NY · Nonprofit	97	4%	$21,590	$102,491
7	University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison, WI · Public	95	45.2%	$17,354	$73,792
8	New York University New York, NY · Nonprofit	91	9.2%	$37,050	$82,509
9	University of Washington-Seattle Campus Seattle, WA · Public	86	39.2%	$14,091	$78,466
10	University of Southern California Los Angeles, CA · Nonprofit	82	9.8%	$32,740	$92,498
11	University of California-Davis Davis, CA · Public	72	41.8%	$14,741	$80,838
12	Emory University Atlanta, GA · Nonprofit	71	10.7%	$22,585	$80,137
13	University of Chicago Chicago, IL · Nonprofit	70	4.5%	$14,860	$91,885
14	Boston University Boston, MA · Nonprofit	68	11.1%	$24,402	$83,238
15	University of Colorado Boulder Boulder, CO · Public	67	78.1%	$25,346	$69,738
16	Fordham University Bronx, NY · Nonprofit	66	59.3%	$44,338	$85,569
17	University of Notre Dame Notre Dame, IN · Nonprofit	61	11.3%	$26,780	$99,980
18	University of Maryland-College Park College Park, MD · Public	60	44.8%	$15,678	$82,860
19	San Francisco State University San Francisco, CA · Public	59	96.4%	$12,278	$68,077
20	University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill, NC · Public	57	15.3%	$11,655	$72,200

View all colleges

Ranked by Philosophy graduate volume. Scroll right to compare key stats. Read our methodology →

Plan Your Path

Decide with data, not guesswork. These tools turn the numbers on this page into a personal plan. Estimate the real cost of a Philosophy program, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find schools that match your profile.

College ROI Calculator

See if a Philosophy degree pays off. Weighs each college's cost against the earnings its graduates actually see.

College Cost Calculator

Enter a budget and see the colleges whose net price fits, with the out-of-pocket cost and likely loan load for each.

Compare Colleges

Put any 2–4 colleges side-by-side. Admissions, cost, outcomes, and earnings, all on one screen, no tab-hopping.

College Match Quiz

Answer six quick questions and see your best-fit colleges ranked by budget, field of study, and what matters most to you.

Philosophy Degree: Pros & Cons

The data on Philosophy shows 3 measurable strengths and 3 real trade-offs. All points are sourced from College Scorecard earnings, BLS projections, and IPEDS graduate counts.

PROS

Strong salary growth Median earnings climb from $31,583 at graduation to $54,455 four years later, a clear sign of career momentum in this field.
Strong hiring volume Related occupations generate more than 14,900 job openings per year combined, creating consistent demand for graduates.
Wide availability Offered at 916 colleges nationwide, with options at every price point and institution type.

CONS

Modest median earnings Four-year median of $54,455 lags STEM and business fields, affecting ROI at higher-cost programs.
Advanced degree often expected Top roles in this field typically expect a master's degree or higher. A bachelor's may be a starting point rather than a terminal credential for the most competitive positions.
High earnings variance Gap between 25th ($34,926) and 75th ($78,043) percentile is wide. Where you land depends heavily on employer, role, and location.

Philosophy Degree: Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Philosophy graduates earn?

Philosophy graduates earn a national median of $54,455 four years after completing their program. The middle 50% of earners fall between $34,926 and $78,043. Where you land typically depends on employer, role, and location.

What is the starting salary for a Philosophy degree?

One year after graduation, Philosophy degree holders earn a median of $31,583. That climbs to $54,455 four years out. The biggest salary jumps typically come once you move past entry-level roles.

What jobs can you get with a Philosophy degree?

Philosophy degree holders pursue careers including Natural Sciences Managers, which pays a median of $167,220/yr. Scroll down to the Career Paths section to see wages and job growth projections for every related occupation.

How long does a Philosophy program take?

A Philosophy bachelor's degree typically takes four years of full-time study. Community colleges offer associate programs in two years for students who want a faster path into the workforce.

How many colleges offer Philosophy?

916 colleges and universities in the United States offer Philosophy programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.

Is a Philosophy degree worth it?

With a median 4-year salary of $54,455 and an average net price of roughly $22,401/yr, a Philosophy degree can pay off well, especially at lower-cost schools and in high-demand roles. Use the Top Colleges section below to compare specific programs before deciding.

What is the difference between Philosophy and Philosophy & Religion?

Philosophy is a focused concentration within the broader Philosophy & Religion field. The Philosophy & Religion major covers the full discipline; this program narrows the curriculum to Philosophy-specific courses, skills, and career tracks. If you already know this is the direction you want, the specialized program gives you a more targeted credential.

What skills do employers look for in Philosophy graduates?

Employers hiring Philosophy graduates consistently prioritize writing, critical analysis, and cross-cultural communication. Employers value the ability to synthesize complex information clearly, skills that transfer into communications, law, consulting, and content roles.

What is the job outlook for Philosophy graduates?

The job outlook for Philosophy graduates is slow overall. Related occupations project an average of +2.2% job growth over the next 10 years. Natural Sciences Managers is among the strongest-growth roles at +3.7%. Growth varies by role and location, so check the Career Paths section for projections on each specific occupation.