Philosophy at Portland State University

Portland, OR · Public · Bachelor's Degree
19 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
19
Optimistic
19
Base Case
16
Pessimistic
Earnings $24,124/yr (-25% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (64% exposed)
Job Market Medium (15,000 openings/yr)
ROI 10.4x earnings multiple (3.9x out-of-state)
Ranked #70 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 $464K $468K $444K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 10.3x 10.4x 9.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.8x 3.9x 3.7x
Probability of Field Employment 51% 44% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 19 19 16

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$44,952
Out-of-state: $120,552 (3.9x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$51,728
-15% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,822
9.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$38,776
61% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $24,124 per year, Philosophy graduates from Portland State University earn below the $32,297 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 10.4x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Philosophy programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Philosophy's typical career paths, with 64% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 4% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $18,822 represents roughly 9 months of the $24,124 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #70 of 77 Philosophy programs, Portland State University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $38,776 show a 61% jump from the $24,124 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About Portland State University

With 91% of applicants admitted, Portland State University prioritizes broad access, enrolling 13,619 students in Portland, OR.

See all programs and financial aid at Portland State University →

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 Portland State University

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Philosophy at Portland State University?
A score of 19/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Philosophy. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Philosophy careers?
With 64% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $444,232 in decade earnings vs $463,618 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Philosophy from Portland State University?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →