Home › University of California-Riverside › Philosophy

Philosophy at University of California-Riverside

Riverside, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $25,171/yr (-22% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (64% exposed)

Job Market Medium (15,000 openings/yr)

ROI 11.4x earnings multiple (3.6x out-of-state)

Ranked #37 of 77 Philosophy programs Top 50%

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	$674K	$647K	$565K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	11.9x	11.4x	10.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	3.7x	3.6x	3.1x
Probability of Field Employment	51%	44%	29%
DegreeOutlook Score	30	30	27

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$56,680

Out-of-state: $179,788 (3.6x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$54,828

3% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$19,022

9.1 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$61,942

146% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $25,171 per year, Philosophy graduates from University of California-Riverside earn below the $32,297 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

With a 11.4x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 16% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Philosophy career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $19,022 against $25,171/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #37 ranking among 77 Philosophy programs places University of California-Riverside in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $25,171-to-$61,942 earnings arc over five years reflects a 146% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of California-Riverside

University of California-Riverside accepts 63% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, one of the larger campuses at 22,644 students in Riverside, CA. Pell Grant recipients make up 47% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.

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

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-Riverside

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 30/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Philosophy at University of California-Riverside?

At 30/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Philosophy programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

Should I worry about AI if I study Philosophy at University of California-Riverside?

The 64% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.

Is University of California-Riverside a good choice for Philosophy despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If University of California-Riverside's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →