Philosophy at University of Scranton
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
The University of Scranton's philosophy program shows something many liberal arts degrees don't: substantial income growth after graduation. While the $32,513 starting salary barely exceeds national norms for philosophy majors, earnings jump 63% by year four to nearly $53,000. Among Pennsylvania's 61 philosophy programs, Scranton lands at the 60th percentile—solidly above the state median and well ahead of larger schools like Temple and Slippery Rock, though nowhere near Penn's elite outcomes.
The debt picture looks manageable. At $27,000, graduates carry just slightly more than the national median for philosophy majors, and the 0.83 debt-to-earnings ratio means first-year income nearly covers the full loan balance. More importantly, by year four when earnings approach $53,000, that debt burden becomes quite reasonable for a humanities degree.
The main caveat: these numbers come from fewer than 30 graduates, so your child's experience could vary significantly. But the trajectory suggests Scranton does something right in preparing philosophy majors for career advancement—perhaps through the Jesuit network or strong internship connections. For families comfortable with a modest starting salary in exchange for solid growth potential and reasonable debt, this program offers a workable path for a philosophy degree.
Where University of Scranton Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all philosophy bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How University of Scranton graduates compare to all programs nationally
University of Scranton graduates earn $33k, placing them in the 53th percentile of all philosophy bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Philosophy bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (61 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Scranton | $32,513 | $52,951 | $27,000 | 0.83 |
| University of Pennsylvania | $73,053 | $90,761 | $18,500 | 0.25 |
| Gettysburg College | $38,544 | — | $26,000 | 0.67 |
| Temple University | $28,648 | $46,706 | $25,000 | 0.87 |
| Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania | $25,869 | $37,260 | $27,000 | 1.04 |
| National Median | $31,652 | — | $22,641 | 0.72 |
Other Philosophy Programs in Pennsylvania
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Pennsylvania schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia | $66,104 | $73,053 | $18,500 |
| Gettysburg College Gettysburg | $64,230 | $38,544 | $26,000 |
| Temple University Philadelphia | $22,082 | $28,648 | $25,000 |
| Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania Slippery Rock | $10,507 | $25,869 | $27,000 |
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 University of Scranton, approximately 22% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 23 graduates with reported earnings and 53 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.