Philosophy at University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
37 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
38
Optimistic
37
Base Case
30
Pessimistic
Earnings $38,380/yr (19% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (64% exposed)
Job Market Medium (15,000 openings/yr)
ROI 3.1x earnings multiple
Ranked #17 of 77 Philosophy programs Top 25%

Program Analysis

A Philosophy degree from USC uniquely positions you, thanks to the university's strong brand and its Los Angeles location. The rigorous training in logic, ethics, and critical thinking from a selective institution makes you highly adaptable, explaining why graduates find success in diverse, high-demand fields like consulting, data analysis, or strategic management, not just academia. Your ability to dissect complex problems and articulate nuanced arguments is highly valued by employers, including tech firms and financial institutions that recruit heavily from USC. While some entry-level analytical tasks might face AI disruption, the strategic, leadership-oriented roles many graduates pursue leverage inherently human skills. To maximize your potential, actively seek internships that apply your analytical strengths in a business or tech context, demonstrating how your philosophical training translates into practical problem-solving.

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 $908K $846K $699K
Earnings Multiple 3.3x 3.1x 2.6x
Probability of Field Employment 51% 44% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 38 37 30

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$272,948
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$127,708
53% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$7,500
2.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$95,023
148% growth from Year 1

About University of Southern California

University of Southern California admits 10% of applicants — among the most selective institutions in the country, serving a student body of 20,817 in Los Angeles, CA. After financial aid, the average student pays $127,708 over four years — 53% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Southern California →

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 Southern California

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 37/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Philosophy at University of Southern California?
At 37/100, 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 Southern California?
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 Southern California one of the best schools for Philosophy?
Among 77 Philosophy programs, University of Southern California's #17 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
What do students actually pay for Philosophy at University of Southern California?
The 53% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $272,948. At a net cost of $127,708, the earnings multiple improves substantially.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →