Philosophy at University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, WI · Public · Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
40
Optimistic
39
Base Case
33
Pessimistic
Earnings
$35,975/yr (11% vs median)
AI Risk
Very High (64% exposed)
Job Market
Medium (15,000 openings/yr)
ROI
12.3x earnings multiple (3.4x out-of-state)
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 | $564K | $553K | $502K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 12.6x | 12.3x | 11.2x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 3.5x | 3.4x | 3.1x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 51% | 44% | 29% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 40 | 39 | 33 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$44,820
Out-of-state: $162,412 (3.4x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,500
7.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$56,645
57% growth from Year 1
About University of Wisconsin-Madison
University of Wisconsin-Madison accepts 43% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, with 35,665 students enrolled in Madison, WI.
See all programs and financial aid at University of Wisconsin-Madison →Top Career Paths
Natural sciences managers
$161,180/yr
Mathematicians
$121,680/yr
Mathematical science teachers, postsecondary
$79,350/yr
Compare & Explore
Philosophy at Other Schools
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does a 39/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Philosophy at University of Wisconsin-Madison?
At 39/100, 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 Wisconsin-Madison?
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 Wisconsin-Madison one of the best schools for Philosophy?
Among 77 Philosophy programs, University of Wisconsin-Madison's #14 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →