Philosophy at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree
43 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
44
Optimistic
43
Base Case
36
Pessimistic
Earnings $37,885/yr (17% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (64% exposed)
Job Market Medium (15,000 openings/yr)
ROI 9.8x earnings multiple (2.9x out-of-state)
Ranked #3 of 77 Philosophy programs Top 5%

Program Analysis

Your Michigan Philosophy degree equips you with exceptional critical thinking, complex problem-solving, and communication skills, highly valued across diverse industries. The university's strong academic reputation and extensive alumni network act as a significant launchpad, opening doors far beyond traditional humanities roles. Many graduates leverage this rigorous training to excel in fields like law, data analytics, consulting, or even tech project management, where their ability to dissect complex problems and articulate nuanced arguments is a distinct advantage. While the direct connection to philosophy might not be immediately apparent in later career titles, employers like consulting firms or major tech companies recognize the intellectual discipline fostered by such a demanding program. Consider actively seeking internships that allow you to apply your analytical prowess in business or technical environments, demonstrating your versatility early on.

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 $703K $672K $581K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 10.2x 9.8x 8.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.0x 2.9x 2.5x
Probability of Field Employment 51% 44% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 44 43 36

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$68,912
Out-of-state: $232,288 (2.9x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$59,328
14% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,125
6.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$74,182
96% growth from Year 1

About University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

A 18% acceptance rate puts University of Michigan-Ann Arbor in competitive admissions territory, one of the larger campuses at 33,488 students in Ann Arbor, MI.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor →

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 Michigan-Ann Arbor

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Philosophy at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor?
A score of 43/100 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 $581,321 in decade earnings vs $702,959 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes University of Michigan-Ann Arbor's Philosophy program stand out?
Ranked #3 of 77 programs nationally, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor lands in the top 5%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →