Philosophy at University of Maryland-College Park

College Park, MD · Public · Bachelor's Degree
40 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
40
Optimistic
40
Base Case
34
Pessimistic
Earnings $35,608/yr (10% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (64% exposed)
Job Market Medium (15,000 openings/yr)
ROI 12.5x earnings multiple (3.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #8 of 77 Philosophy programs Top 10%

Program Analysis

Your strong outcomes with a Philosophy degree from UMD-College Park reflect the institution's overall academic rigor and its prime location. The DC metro area thrives on critical thinking, complex problem-solving, and ethical reasoning – skills deeply honed by a philosophy curriculum. You’ll find opportunities not just in traditional academic or legal paths, but in government agencies, policy think tanks, consulting firms, and tech companies that value robust analytical capabilities. Many graduates pivot into roles where their logical prowess is applied to management or data-intensive fields, explaining the diverse, high-earning career paths you see. While some roles face AI disruption, your philosophical training in ethics and logic can make you indispensable in navigating these changes, rather than being replaced. To maximize your potential, actively seek internships that apply your analytical skills in a professional setting, perhaps combining your studies with a minor in a quantitative or policy-focused field.

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 $587K $573K $515K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 12.8x 12.5x 11.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.6x 3.6x 3.2x
Probability of Field Employment 51% 44% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 40 40 34

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$46,020
Out-of-state: $161,224 (3.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$62,360
-36% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,500
6.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$59,449
67% growth from Year 1

About University of Maryland-College Park

University of Maryland-College Park accepts 45% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, with 30,246 students enrolled in College Park, MD.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Maryland-College Park →

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 Maryland-College Park

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 40/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Philosophy at University of Maryland-College Park?
At 40/100, 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 Maryland-College Park?
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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →