Philosophy at Florida State University

Florida State's philosophy program starts graduates at just $27,000—below the national median and tied for the state's middle of the pack—but then delivers something noteworthy: 57% earnings growth by year four, reaching $42,507. That puts long-term earnings well above UCF ($35,179) and FIU ($31,583), though the rough first year means many graduates will likely need family support or supplemental income initially.

The $25,359 debt load looks manageable in the long view but creates real tension in year one, when debt nearly equals annual earnings. Philosophy majors aren't typically headed straight to high-paying jobs—many pursue graduate school, teaching credentials, or careers in law and writing that take time to build. For a student planning that trajectory and comfortable with a lean first year, this program's strong earnings trajectory makes sense. The relatively low debt compared to national peers (77th percentile) means FSU isn't over-leveraging students for a humanities degree.

The key question: can your family absorb a year or two of minimal earnings? If so, the four-year numbers suggest this program delivers solid value, especially compared to other Florida options. If immediate financial independence is essential, this degree requires a clear backup plan for those early years.