Philosophy at University of California-Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
29 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
29
Optimistic
29
Base Case
25
Pessimistic
Earnings $30,182/yr (-7% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (64% exposed)
Job Market Medium (15,000 openings/yr)
ROI 10.0x earnings multiple (3.1x out-of-state)
Ranked #39 of 77 Philosophy programs

Program Analysis

A Philosophy degree from a top-tier institution like UCLA equips you with unparalleled critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and complex argumentation skills. While the initial earnings data might appear modest compared to more vocational degrees, this often reflects a common path for philosophy graduates: many pursue advanced degrees in law, academia, or other professional fields, delaying entry into their highest-earning roles. Your UCLA education carries significant weight, signaling intellectual rigor to employers across diverse sectors in the competitive Los Angeles market, from consulting and tech to non-profits and government. The "Very High" AI risk for some roles highlights the importance of leveraging your uniquely human skills in ethical reasoning and nuanced problem-solving, which AI cannot replicate. To maximize your return, actively seek internships that translate your philosophical acumen into practical business, legal, or policy contexts, demonstrating direct applicability beyond the theoretical.

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 $561K $551K $500K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 10.2x 10.0x 9.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.1x 3.1x 2.8x
Probability of Field Employment 51% 44% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 29 29 25

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$54,988
Out-of-state: $178,096 (3.1x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$56,052
-2% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,000
6.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$53,585
78% growth from Year 1

About University of California-Los Angeles

With just 9% of applicants admitted, University of California-Los Angeles ranks among the nation's most selective schools, one of the larger campuses at 33,040 students in Los Angeles, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of California-Los Angeles →

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 University of California-Los Angeles

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Philosophy at University of California-Los Angeles?
A score of 29/100 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 $499,885 in decade earnings vs $560,778 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →