Analysis
In New Jersey, philosophy programs show consistent first-year earnings around $40,000, and Felician's estimated outcomes align with this state pattern—well above the $31,600 national median for philosophy majors. With estimated debt of $23,000, graduates would face monthly payments around $260, consuming roughly 8% of gross income. That's a manageable burden compared to many liberal arts degrees, though it assumes graduates secure employment near that $40,000 mark.
The caveat here matters: these figures come from just three peer programs in New Jersey, not from tracking Felician's own graduates in this major. Given that 52% of students receive Pell grants and the school serves a predominantly access-focused population, actual outcomes could vary. Philosophy degrees typically lead to diverse career paths—law, business, nonprofits, education—which means first-year earnings tell only part of the story. Success depends heavily on how graduates leverage the degree, whether through graduate school, professional networks, or strategic job searching.
For families weighing this investment, the estimated debt load appears reasonable, but the lack of program-specific data introduces real uncertainty. Before committing, ask the school directly about recent graduate outcomes: where do philosophy majors actually end up, and what support does Felician provide for career placement? The difference between theory and reality could be significant at a small program like this.
Where Felician University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all philosophy bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in New Jersey
Philosophy bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New Jersey (19 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $37,830 | $40,113* | — | $23,000* | — | |
| $17,079 | $40,113* | $53,001 | $25,000* | 0.62 | |
| $17,239 | $40,113* | $53,001 | $25,000* | 0.62 | |
| $16,586 | $40,113* | $53,001 | $25,000* | 0.62 | |
| National Median | — | $31,652* | — | $22,641* | 0.72 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with philosophy graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Mathematicians
Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Felician University, approximately 52% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 3 similar programs in NJ. Actual outcomes may vary.