Philosophy at CUNY Hunter College

New York, NY · Public · Bachelor's Degree
16 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
17
Optimistic
16
Base Case
13
Pessimistic
Earnings $10,363/yr (-68% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (64% exposed)
Job Market Medium (15,000 openings/yr)
ROI 11.2x earnings multiple (5.4x out-of-state)
Ranked #76 of 77 Philosophy programs

Program Analysis

A philosophy degree from Hunter College offers a strong foundation in critical thinking and complex reasoning, highly valued skills in theory. However, the data reflects a challenging reality for direct career entry. Unlike more vocational degrees, philosophy generally doesn't provide a clear recruitment pipeline from undergraduate studies into high-earning roles, particularly in New York City's competitive and expensive labor market. Many graduates from such programs pursue further education in fields like law, business, or data science, or develop specialized skills alongside their philosophical training to find success. The listed career paths often require significant postgraduate study or a strategic pivot. To thrive, you'll need to proactively combine your analytical abilities with practical, in-demand skills and aggressively network to translate your intellectual rigor into tangible career opportunities.

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 $302K $330K $351K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 10.2x 11.2x 11.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.9x 5.4x 5.7x
Probability of Field Employment 51% 44% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 17 16 13

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$29,528
Out-of-state: $61,328 (5.4x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$9,784
67% less than sticker · See by income

About CUNY Hunter College

CUNY Hunter College's 54% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, serving 16,642 students in New York, NY. With 55% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum. After financial aid, the average student pays $9,784 over four years — 67% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at CUNY Hunter 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

Philosophy at Other Schools

Other Majors at CUNY Hunter College

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 16/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Philosophy at CUNY Hunter College?
At 16/100, 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 CUNY Hunter 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.
Is CUNY Hunter College a good choice for Philosophy despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If CUNY Hunter College's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
What do students actually pay for Philosophy at CUNY Hunter College?
The 67% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $29,528. At a net cost of $9,784, the earnings multiple improves substantially.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →