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Philosophy at Boston College

Chestnut Hill, MA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
29 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
30
Optimistic
29
Base Case
21
Pessimistic
Earnings $47,345/yr (47% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (64% exposed)
Job Market Medium (15,000 openings/yr)
ROI 2.0x earnings multiple
Ranked #40 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 $538K $531K $487K
Earnings Multiple 2.0x 2.0x 1.8x
Probability of Field Employment 51% 44% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 30 29 21

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$270,720
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$159,464
41% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,000
4.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$56,428
19% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Boston College Philosophy graduates command $47,345/yr out of the gate, well above the $32,297 national median. That 47% premium suggests the program's reputation carries real labor-market weight.

At 2.0x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 10% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Philosophy career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $18,000 in median debt clears quickly against $47,345 in annual earnings.

A #40 ranking among 77 Philosophy programs places Boston College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The limited growth from $47,345 to $56,428 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.

About Boston College

Admission to Boston College is competitive, with 16% of applicants accepted, with a mid-sized student body of 9,865 in Chestnut Hill, MA. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $159,464 — 41% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Boston College →

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) 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) Tulane University of Louisiana ($41,032)

Other Majors at Boston College

Computer Science ($86,749) Finance and Financial Management Services ($82,495) Information Science/Studies ($80,731) Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods ($80,046) Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($78,934) Accounting and Related Services ($75,512) Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations ($74,446) Mathematics ($74,144)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 29/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Philosophy at Boston College?
At 29/100, 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 Boston College?
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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →