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Philosophy at California State University-Northridge

Northridge, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $20,822/yr (-36% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (64% exposed)

Job Market Medium (15,000 openings/yr)

ROI 20.1x earnings multiple (7.5x out-of-state)

Ranked #36 of 77 Philosophy programs Top 50%

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	$582K	$569K	$512K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	20.5x	20.1x	18.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	7.7x	7.5x	6.7x
Probability of Field Employment	51%	44%	29%
DegreeOutlook Score	30	30	27

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$28,380

Out-of-state: $75,900 (7.5x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$30,396

-7% less than sticker · See by income

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$49,662

139% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $20,822 place California State University-Northridge below the $32,297 national median for Philosophy — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

With a 20.1x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 12% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Philosophy career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

A #36 ranking among 77 Philosophy programs places California State University-Northridge in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $20,822-to-$49,662 earnings arc over five years reflects a 139% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About California State University-Northridge

California State University-Northridge accepts 93% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, serving a student body of 32,357 in Northridge, CA. With 56% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at California State University-Northridge →

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

Philosophy at Other Schools

Other Majors at California State University-Northridge

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 30/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Philosophy at California State University-Northridge?

At 30/100, 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 California State University-Northridge?

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 California State University-Northridge a good choice for Philosophy despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If California State University-Northridge'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 →