2026 Best Value Education Philosophy Doctoral Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Education Philosophy doctoral degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 83 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor reviewed schools to compile this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Education Philosophy Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Loyola University Chicago earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Based in Chicago, IL, Loyola University Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $53,710. Loyola University Chicago Education Philosophy students take on a median of $23,521 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,530. Set against $23,521 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Loyola University Chicago has an acceptance rate of 82%. More on Loyola University Chicago
A rank of #2 makes Washington State University one of the best values in the United States. Set in Pullman, WA, Washington State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,391, compared with $29,950 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,903 to complete their Education Philosophy program here. Median earnings reach $68,905 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Washington State University
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Utah earned it the #3 place in the United States. This public school is set in Salt Lake City, UT. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,620, while out-of-state students pay about $30,860. University Of Utah Education Philosophy students take on a median of $20,798 in debt. University Of Utah alumni report median earnings of $67,170 a decade after entry. Set against $20,798 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Utah
A rank of #4 makes Teachers College At Columbia University one of the best values in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in New York, NY. Graduates go on to earn a median of $73,294 ten years after entry. Read more about Teachers College At Columbia University
Out of the 83 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign landed the #5 spot. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public school based in Champaign, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,267, while out-of-state students pay about $40,096. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign Education Philosophy students take on a median of $20,778 in debt. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign alumni report median earnings of $81,054 a decade after entry. Set against $20,778 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 42% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
University Of Arkansas ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education Philosophy schools. Set in Fayetteville, AR, University Of Arkansas is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,104, compared with $29,966 for out-of-state students. University Of Arkansas Education Philosophy students take on a median of $24,019 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,191 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Arkansas
University Of Iowa offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Set in Iowa City, IA, University Of Iowa is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,283, with out-of-state students paying around $33,371. Graduates carry a median of $24,463 in student loans. University Of Iowa alumni report median earnings of $64,762 a decade after entry. Set against $24,463 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 84%. See the full University Of Iowa profile
Rutgers University New Brunswick placed #8 among the best-value Education Philosophy schools in the United States. Based in New Brunswick, NJ, Rutgers University New Brunswick is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,929, while out-of-state students pay about $37,441. Typical Education Philosophy student debt is $25,120. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $74,479. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Rutgers University New Brunswick has an acceptance rate of 58%. Read the full report on Rutgers University New Brunswick
University Of Wisconsin Madison placed #8 among the best-value Education Philosophy schools in the United States. Located in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,603, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. Students borrow a median of $21,813 to complete their Education Philosophy program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $73,792. That is a strong return on a $21,813 median debt. The acceptance rate is 45%. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Madison
University Of Cincinnati Main Campus landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Cincinnati, OH, University Of Cincinnati Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,363, with out-of-state students paying around $28,697. Students borrow a median of $23,530 to complete their Education Philosophy program here. Median earnings reach $54,810 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Cincinnati Main Campus
Indiana University Bloomington landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Bloomington, IN, Indiana University Bloomington is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,144, with out-of-state students paying around $41,891. Graduates carry a median of $20,542 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,742. Set against $20,542 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Indiana University Bloomington has an acceptance rate of 78%. More on Indiana University Bloomington
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Norman, OK, University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,797, while out-of-state students pay about $27,377. The median Education Philosophy program debt is $23,138. Median earnings reach $63,126 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus
University At Buffalo came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Located in Buffalo, NY, University At Buffalo is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,936 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $31,536. Graduates carry a median of $22,232 in student loans. University At Buffalo alumni report median earnings of $70,814 a decade after entry. Set against $22,232 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. More on University At Buffalo
Syracuse University offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Syracuse, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $65,528. The median Education Philosophy program debt is $26,130. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $79,164. That is a strong return on a $26,130 median debt. Roughly 46% of applicants are accepted. More on Syracuse University
University Of Toledo came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Set in Toledo, OH, University Of Toledo is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,157, compared with $21,517 for out-of-state students. Typical Education Philosophy student debt is $24,923. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,632 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,923 median debt. The acceptance rate is 92%. More on University Of Toledo
Kent State University At Kent ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education Philosophy schools. Set in Kent, OH, Kent State University At Kent is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,220, while out-of-state students pay about $21,575. Kent State University At Kent Education Philosophy students take on a median of $25,174 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,388. That is a strong return on a $25,174 median debt. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Kent State University At Kent
University Of New Mexico Main Campus placed #17 among the best-value Education Philosophy schools in the United States. Set in Albuquerque, NM, University Of New Mexico Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,140, while out-of-state students pay about $33,060. Graduates carry a median of $19,738 in student loans. University Of New Mexico Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $44,792 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of New Mexico Main Campus
Michigan State University came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Michigan State University is a public school based in East Lansing, MI. Students from in state pay about $18,079 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $44,850. Students borrow a median of $25,213 to complete their Education Philosophy program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $67,253. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Michigan State University report
University Of Oregon landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Eugene, OR. Students from in state pay about $15,320 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $42,516. The median Education Philosophy program debt is $22,034. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,324. Set against $22,034 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%. See the full University Of Oregon profile
University Of Colorado Boulder ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education Philosophy schools. This public school is set in Boulder, CO. Students from in state pay about $15,214 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $42,970. Typical Education Philosophy student debt is $20,373. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $69,738. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Colorado Boulder has an acceptance rate of 78%. Read the full report on University Of Colorado Boulder
University Of South Carolina Columbia placed #21 among the best-value Education Philosophy schools in the United States. Located in Columbia, SC, University Of South Carolina Columbia is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,688, with out-of-state students paying around $36,298. Graduates carry a median of $24,472 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,177 ten years after entry. Set against $24,472 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of South Carolina Columbia admits about 60% of applicants. More on University Of South Carolina Columbia
Wesleyan University offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. See the full Wesleyan University profile
Southern Utah University placed #23 among the best-value Education Philosophy schools in the United States. Read more about Southern Utah University
Lehigh University ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education Philosophy schools. Read the full report on Lehigh University
University Of St Thomas Texas placed #25 among the best-value Education Philosophy schools in the United States. Read more about University Of St Thomas Texas
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Education Philosophy Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
University Of California Riverside offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. See the full University Of California Riverside profile
Georgia State University placed #27 among the best-value Education Philosophy schools in the United States. Read more about Georgia State University
Chapman University placed #28 among the best-value Education Philosophy schools in the United States. Read more about Chapman University
University Of Northern Iowa offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Read more about University Of Northern Iowa
Northern Arizona University ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education Philosophy schools. Get the full Northern Arizona University report
Arizona State University landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. Read the full report on Arizona State University
East Carolina University landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Read more about East Carolina University
Eastern Mennonite University ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education Philosophy schools. Get the full Eastern Mennonite University report
Western Michigan University ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education Philosophy schools. Read more about Western Michigan University
George Mason University placed #35 among the best-value Education Philosophy schools in the United States. Read the full report on George Mason University
Florida State University placed #36 among the best-value Education Philosophy schools in the United States. See the full Florida State University profile
The University Of Texas At Austin ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education Philosophy schools. Get the full The University Of Texas At Austin report
Transylvania University landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. Read more about Transylvania University
Bard College At Simons Rock ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education Philosophy schools. Get the full Bard College At Simons Rock report
Cuny Lehman College landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. More on Cuny Lehman College
Angelo State University ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education Philosophy schools. Read the full report on Angelo State University
Eastern Washington University landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. Get the full Eastern Washington University report
High Point University placed #43 among the best-value Education Philosophy schools in the United States. Read the full report on High Point University
Cuny Graduate School And University Center landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. See the full Cuny Graduate School And University Center profile
San Francisco State University landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Read the full report on San Francisco State University
West Chester University Of Pennsylvania came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Read the full report on West Chester University Of Pennsylvania
Hofstra University landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. More on Hofstra University
Oklahoma State University Main Campus placed #48 among the best-value Education Philosophy schools in the United States. Get the full Oklahoma State University Main Campus report
University Of Georgia placed #49 among the best-value Education Philosophy schools in the United States. Read the full report on University Of Georgia
Immaculata University ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education Philosophy schools. See the full Immaculata University profile
Related Education Philosophy Value Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best Value Education Philosophy Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Education Philosophy Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Education Philosophy Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Education Philosophy Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Education Philosophy Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Education Philosophy Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Education Philosophy Master’s Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 83 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
Course Advisor provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. The displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© Course Advisor – All Rights Reserved.