Philosophy at Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College

Baton Rouge, LA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
24 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
24
Optimistic
24
Base Case
21
Pessimistic
Earnings $20,222/yr (-37% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (64% exposed)
Job Market Medium (15,000 openings/yr)
ROI 12.2x earnings multiple (5.1x out-of-state)
Ranked #58 of 77 Philosophy programs

Program Analysis

The earnings data for LSU Philosophy suggests a unique regional dynamic. While a philosophy degree develops critical thinking applicable across many fields, the Baton Rouge labor market isn't a major hub for the high-paying consulting, finance, or tech roles many philosophy graduates pivot into elsewhere. Instead, you'll find more opportunities in local government, education, non-profits, or entry-level business roles within Louisiana's economy, which may explain the lower average. Many graduates might also pursue further education, delaying higher earnings. To maximize your prospects, actively seek internships in your desired industry, consider a complementary minor in business or a STEM field, and aggressively network outside traditional academic circles to build pipelines to higher-paying sectors.

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 $597K $581K $521K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 12.5x 12.2x 10.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.2x 5.1x 4.5x
Probability of Field Employment 51% 44% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 24 24 21

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$47,816
Out-of-state: $114,524 (5.1x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$80,060
-67% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,375
10.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$50,495
150% growth from Year 1

About Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College

Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College has a 74% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving a student body of 29,207 in Baton Rouge, LA.

See all programs and financial aid at Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical 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 Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College's Philosophy program score?
This program scores 24/100 — on the lower end for Philosophy. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Philosophy to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Philosophy careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 64% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why are Philosophy earnings lower at Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College?
Lower starting pay at Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →