An annual study of recent alumni reports 96% of philosophy and history majors (combined) who graduated during the most recent 2022-2023 period secured their first destination within six months of commencement. Looking more closely into this data 99% of philosophy majors secured a first destination within the last three years, with 42% starting a job and 57% pursuing additional education. The reported median salary for philosophy majors in this three-year period was $76,500. 

The data comes from the Illini Success initiative, a campuswide report that began in 2016 to shine light on the early career paths of bachelor’s degree recipients. This year’s report examines undergraduates who received their degrees in August 2022, December 2022, and May 2023. The university collected data on 56 percent of graduates—1,788 out of 3,181—from the 2022-2023 class. The data came from a survey of graduates and other sources, such as the National Student Clearinghouse and social media.  

The philosophy numbers were higher than average in comparison to College of LAS and campuswide statistics. Campuswide, 91% of the 2022-23 graduation cohort secured a first destination: 56 percent of students started a job, 35 percent enrolled in additional education, and 1 percent took on a volunteer or service position. The 91% first destination rate for the College of LAS matches the campus average. 

“We’re extremely pleased to see another year of promising statistics coming out of the Illini Success report,” said Venetria K. Patton, Harry E. Preble Dean of the College of LAS. “As the numbers continue to show, an undergraduate degree in the liberal arts and sciences provides the foundation for success in a wide variety of opportunities after graduation, whether young alumni choose to become employed, pursue more education, or take another route, such as volunteering or providing service.”  

Rob Kar, Head of the Department of Philosophy, added that he is “extremely proud” of the philosophy undergraduates, “whose success in numerous fields is a testament both to their remarkable abilities and to the strength of an Illinois philosophy education in preparing students for a wide range of careers and continuing educational opportunities.”