Philosophyat University of Pennsylvania
Graduates earn $73,053/yr in their first year — about 126.0% above the national Philosophy average. Base-case 10-year earnings $643K; scenarios range from $562K to $669K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at University of Pennsylvania
A Philosophy degree from Penn offers a unique blend of intense intellectual rigor and unparalleled institutional prestige. Your strong analytical and critical thinking skills, honed within an Ivy League environment, are highly sought after by employers across diverse sectors like consulting, finance, law, and tech. This isn't about finding a "philosophy job," but about leveraging your deep reasoning abilities to tackle complex problems. Penn's robust alumni network in Philadelphia and globally will be a significant asset in opening doors to these competitive fields. While some entry-level roles requiring pure philosophical research may face AI disruption, your ability to tackle complex ethical dilemmas and abstract problems positions you well for leadership in emerging areas. Focus on internships and interdisciplinary studies that connect your philosophical training with practical applications to maximize your career trajectory.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to University of Pennsylvania's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Philosophy
How University of Pennsylvania stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at University of Pennsylvania
Other highest-scoring programs offered at University of Pennsylvania, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Frequently asked about Philosophy at University of Pennsylvania
What does a 40/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Philosophy at University of Pennsylvania?
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 Pennsylvania?
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 Pennsylvania one of the best schools for Philosophy?
Among 77 Philosophy programs, University of Pennsylvania's #11 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
What do students actually pay for Philosophy at University of Pennsylvania?
The 53% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $264,416. At a net cost of $124,916, the earnings multiple improves substantially.