Philosophyat John Carroll University
Graduates earn $17,813/yr in their first year — about 45.0% below the national Philosophy average. Base-case 10-year earnings $367K; scenarios range from $376K to $345K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at John Carroll University
A philosophy degree from John Carroll equips you with invaluable critical thinking and analytical skills, highly sought after in many professions. However, the data suggests graduates face a significant earnings challenge compared to peers nationally. This often stems from the broad, foundational nature of a philosophy degree itself; few direct, high-paying career paths exist right out of undergrad. In the competitive Cleveland job market, employers may prioritize candidates with more specialized, immediately applicable skills unless you actively demonstrate how your philosophical training translates.
Many JCU philosophy alumni likely pursue diverse paths, from education and non-profit work to general business roles or further graduate study, which can delay or diversify initial earning potential. To maximize your financial outlook, proactively combine your philosophy studies with a strong minor in a high-demand field like business, data science, or pre-law. Seek out internships early and network relentlessly to build a clear bridge from your robust analytical foundation to specific career opportunities.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to John Carroll University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Philosophy
How John Carroll University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at John Carroll University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at John Carroll University, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Frequently asked about Philosophy at John Carroll University
What does a 18/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Philosophy at John Carroll University?
At 18/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Philosophy programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What's the payoff timeline for a Philosophy degree from John Carroll University?
At $22,223 in median debt, graduates carry 15 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Should I worry about AI if I study Philosophy at John Carroll 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 John Carroll University a good choice for Philosophy despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If John Carroll University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.