Philosophy at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville

Edwardsville, IL · Public · Bachelor's Degree
19 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
19
Optimistic
19
Base Case
16
Pessimistic
Earnings $23,219/yr (-28% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (64% exposed)
Job Market Medium (15,000 openings/yr)
ROI 7.6x earnings multiple
Ranked #69 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 $377K $394K $395K
Earnings Multiple 7.3x 7.6x 7.6x
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 (Sticker)
$51,688
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$54,784
-6% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,396
12.1 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville's Philosophy graduates start at $23,219/yr, trailing the $32,297 national average by 28%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

At 7.6x the cost of in-state tuition, the ten-year earnings outlook represents a strong return. Not exceptional, but meaningfully positive.

AI risk is moderate — 64% task exposure — and the -5% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $23,396 debt load exceeds a year of the $23,219 starting salary, suggesting a multi-year repayment window before graduates break even financially.

At #69 out of 77 programs, Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville's financial outcomes for Philosophy trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

About Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville

A 97% acceptance rate means Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville is accessible to most applicants, with a mid-sized student body of 8,836 in Edwardsville, IL.

See all programs and financial aid at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville →

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 Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville's Philosophy program score?
This program scores 19/100 — on the lower end for Philosophy. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Do Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville Philosophy graduates earn enough to justify the loans?
The debt-to-income ratio of 1.0x suggests an extended repayment window. Whether it's 'worth it' depends on career trajectory, not just first-year pay.
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 Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville?
Lower starting pay at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville 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 →