Philosophy at Temple University

Philadelphia, PA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
21 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
21
Optimistic
21
Base Case
17
Pessimistic
Earnings $28,648/yr (-11% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (64% exposed)
Job Market Medium (15,000 openings/yr)
ROI 5.8x earnings multiple (3.4x out-of-state)
Ranked #65 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 $513K $510K $472K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 5.8x 5.8x 5.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.4x 3.4x 3.2x
Probability of Field Employment 51% 44% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 21 21 17

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$88,328
Out-of-state: $149,848 (3.4x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$116,876
-32% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,000
10.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$46,994
64% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $28,648/yr, Philosophy graduates from Temple University land near the $32,297 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

The earnings-to-cost ratio of 5.8x signals a solid financial return — projected decade earnings comfortably exceed the tuition investment.

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 8% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $25,000 represents roughly 10 months of the $28,648 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #65 of 77 Philosophy programs, Temple University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $46,994 show a 64% jump from the $28,648 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About Temple University

With 83% of applicants admitted, Temple University prioritizes broad access, one of the larger campuses at 21,249 students in Philadelphia, PA.

See all programs and financial aid at Temple 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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Philosophy at Temple University?
A score of 21/100 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 $472,435 in decade earnings vs $512,857 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →