2026 Best Philosophy Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best Philosophy master’s degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 913 colleges by overall quality and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and admissions selectivity.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor evaluated schools to produce this 2026 ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Philosophy Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these excellent schools below:
Leading the list is University Of Pennsylvania, our #1 Philosophy school in the United States. Located in Philadelphia, PA, University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. University Of Pennsylvania posts a six-year graduation rate of 96%. In-state tuition and fees run about $68,686. Typical Philosophy student debt is $18,500. See the full University Of Pennsylvania profile
The strong Philosophy programs at Catholic University Of America earned it the #2 place in the United States. Located in Washington, DC, Catholic University Of America is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 80%. In-state tuition and fees run about $58,378. Typical Philosophy student debt is $23,843. Get the full Catholic University Of America report
A rank of #3 makes Boston College one of the top choices in the United States. Set in Chestnut Hill, MA, Boston College is a private not-for-profit institution. Boston College posts a six-year graduation rate of 91%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $70,702. Typical Philosophy student debt is $18,000. Get the full Boston College report
Out of the 913 schools in the United States in this year's ranking, University Of Wisconsin Madison landed the #4 spot. Based in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. About 90% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $11,603 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $42,103. Graduates carry a median of $24,216 in student loans. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Madison
The strong Philosophy programs at University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill earned it the #5 place in the United States. This public school is set in Chapel Hill, NC. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill posts a six-year graduation rate of 91%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,994, with out-of-state students paying around $41,203. Typical Philosophy student debt is $15,408. Get the full University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill report
Emory University landed the #6 spot in the United States this year. Located in Atlanta, GA, Emory University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 91% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $64,280. Typical Philosophy student debt is $16,438. Read more about Emory University
Vanderbilt University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best Philosophy schools. Based in Nashville, TN, Vanderbilt University is a private not-for-profit institution. Vanderbilt University posts a six-year graduation rate of 94%. In-state tuition and fees average $67,498. The median Philosophy program debt is $13,975. See the full Vanderbilt University profile
University Of Notre Dame placed #8 among Philosophy schools in the United States. Located in Notre Dame, IN, University Of Notre Dame is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 95%. Students from in state pay about $65,025 in tuition and fees. Typical Philosophy student debt is $20,793. Get the full University Of Notre Dame report
University Of Virginia Main Campus landed the #9 spot in the United States this year. Located in Charlottesville, VA, University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public institution. About 96% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $23,118, compared with $61,591 for out-of-state students. University Of Virginia Main Campus Philosophy students take on a median of $15,509 in debt. Read the full report on University Of Virginia Main Campus
University Of Washington Seattle Campus landed the #10 spot in the United States this year. This public school is set in Seattle, WA. The six-year graduation rate is 85%. In-state tuition and fees average $12,973, with out-of-state students paying around $43,209. Graduates carry a median of $13,500 in student loans. Get the full University Of Washington Seattle Campus report
University Of California Davis landed the #11 spot in the United States this year. University Of California Davis is a public school based in Davis, CA. The six-year graduation rate is 86%. In-state tuition and fees average $15,804, while out-of-state students pay about $47,692. Typical Philosophy student debt is $13,200. Read the full report on University Of California Davis
Boston University came in at #12 in this year's ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Boston, MA. Boston University graduates 89% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $68,102 in tuition and fees. Typical Philosophy student debt is $25,750. See the full Boston University profile
University Of Chicago ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best Philosophy schools. University Of Chicago is a private not-for-profit school based in Chicago, IL. About 96% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $69,324. The median Philosophy program debt is $22,641. See the full University Of Chicago profile
Columbia University In The City Of New York placed #14 among Philosophy schools in the United States. Set in New York, NY, Columbia University In The City Of New York is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 96%. In-state tuition and fees average $70,517. Graduates carry a median of $20,062 in student loans. Read the full report on Columbia University In The City Of New York
American University landed the #15 spot in the United States this year. Set in Washington, DC, American University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 76% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $58,771 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $24,139 in student loans. Get the full American University report
Texas A And M University College Station ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best Philosophy schools. Set in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. Texas A And M University College Station graduates 84% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,995, compared with $40,124 for out-of-state students. Texas A And M University College Station Philosophy students take on a median of $19,000 in debt. See the full Texas A And M University College Station profile
University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee landed the #17 spot in the United States this year. This public school is set in Milwaukee, WI. Roughly 53% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,398, with out-of-state students paying around $22,398. The median Philosophy program debt is $25,500. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee report
Arizona State University placed #18 among Philosophy schools in the United States. Located in Tempe, AZ, Arizona State University is a public institution. Roughly 68% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,223, while out-of-state students pay about $33,139. Graduates carry a median of $26,250 in student loans. Read the full report on Arizona State University
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities placed #19 among Philosophy schools in the United States. Located in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities graduates 85% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $17,214, with out-of-state students paying around $38,362. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities Philosophy students take on a median of $21,500 in debt. See the full University Of Minnesota Twin Cities profile
Biola University came in at #20 in this year's ranking. Set in La Mirada, CA, Biola University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 68% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $48,984. Typical Philosophy student debt is $25,308. See the full Biola University profile
Florida State University did well this year, earning the #21 position. This public school is set in Tallahassee, FL. The six-year graduation rate is 86%. In-state tuition and fees average $6,517, compared with $21,683 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,359 to complete their Philosophy program here. More on Florida State University
Ohio State University Main Campus placed #22 among Philosophy schools in the United States. Ohio State University Main Campus is a public school based in Columbus, OH. Ohio State University Main Campus graduates 88% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $13,244, while out-of-state students pay about $40,022. Ohio State University Main Campus Philosophy students take on a median of $26,247 in debt. Get the full Ohio State University Main Campus report
Fordham University did well this year, earning the #23 position. Fordham University is a private not-for-profit school based in Bronx, NY. Fordham University posts a six-year graduation rate of 82%. In-state tuition and fees run about $64,470. Fordham University Philosophy students take on a median of $22,999 in debt. Read the full report on Fordham University
University Of Florida landed the #24 spot in the United States this year. Set in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. University Of Florida graduates 91% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,381, with out-of-state students paying around $28,659. Graduates carry a median of $17,217 in student loans. Read the full report on University Of Florida
University Of Arizona landed the #25 spot in the United States this year. University Of Arizona is a public school based in Tucson, AZ. About 68% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $13,573, while out-of-state students pay about $39,903. Students borrow a median of $21,250 to complete their Philosophy program here. Read more about University Of Arizona
Rest of the Top 50 Best Philosophy Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also placed among the very best this year:
University Of California Santa Barbara landed the #26 spot in the United States this year. Based in Santa Barbara, CA, University Of California Santa Barbara is a public institution. University Of California Santa Barbara graduates 83% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,444, while out-of-state students pay about $47,332. Graduates carry a median of $15,000 in student loans. Get the full University Of California Santa Barbara report
New York University ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best Philosophy schools. Located in New York, NY, New York University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 88%. Students from in state pay about $62,796 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $24,128 in student loans. Read the full report on New York University
University Of Massachusetts Amherst came in at #28 in this year's ranking. Set in Amherst, MA, University Of Massachusetts Amherst is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 83%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,772, while out-of-state students pay about $40,449. The median Philosophy program debt is $25,234. Read more about University Of Massachusetts Amherst
Colorado State University Fort Collins placed #29 among Philosophy schools in the United States. Located in Fort Collins, CO, Colorado State University Fort Collins is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 66%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,373, with out-of-state students paying around $35,061. Colorado State University Fort Collins Philosophy students take on a median of $18,894 in debt. See the full Colorado State University Fort Collins profile
University Of California Berkeley did well this year, earning the #30 position. Located in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. About 93% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,377, while out-of-state students pay about $47,265. Graduates carry a median of $14,475 in student loans. More on University Of California Berkeley
San Francisco State University ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best Philosophy schools. This public school is set in San Francisco, CA. San Francisco State University graduates 50% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $7,846 in tuition and fees, compared with $20,446 for out-of-state students. Typical Philosophy student debt is $18,000. Get the full San Francisco State University report
University Of California Riverside did well this year, earning the #32 position. Set in Riverside, CA, University Of California Riverside is a public institution. University Of California Riverside graduates 76% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $14,636, with out-of-state students paying around $46,524. Students borrow a median of $19,022 to complete their Philosophy program here. Get the full University Of California Riverside report
Franciscan University Of Steubenville placed #33 among Philosophy schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Steubenville, OH. Franciscan University Of Steubenville graduates 75% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,100. Franciscan University Of Steubenville Philosophy students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. Read the full report on Franciscan University Of Steubenville
Depaul University came in at #34 in this year's ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Chicago, IL. Depaul University posts a six-year graduation rate of 68%. Students from in state pay about $45,405 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,310 to complete their Philosophy program here. Read more about Depaul University
University Of North Carolina At Charlotte came in at #35 in this year's ranking. Located in Charlotte, NC, University Of North Carolina At Charlotte is a public institution. About 69% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,239, while out-of-state students pay about $22,492. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte Philosophy students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. More on University Of North Carolina At Charlotte
University Of Houston landed the #36 spot in the United States this year. Set in Houston, TX, University Of Houston is a public institution. About 65% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,717, compared with $22,547 for out-of-state students. University Of Houston Philosophy students take on a median of $23,650 in debt. Get the full University Of Houston report
University Of California Santa Cruz came in at #37 in this year's ranking. Set in Santa Cruz, CA, University Of California Santa Cruz is a public institution. Roughly 75% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $15,035, while out-of-state students pay about $46,923. Students borrow a median of $15,832 to complete their Philosophy program here. Get the full University Of California Santa Cruz report
Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best Philosophy schools. Located in Baton Rouge, LA, Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 66%. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,954, compared with $28,631 for out-of-state students. Typical Philosophy student debt is $19,875. Read the full report on Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College
Georgia State University did well this year, earning the #39 position. Georgia State University is a public school based in Atlanta, GA. Georgia State University posts a six-year graduation rate of 53%. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,664, compared with $24,840 for out-of-state students. Typical Philosophy student debt is $27,000. Read more about Georgia State University
University Of North Texas came in at #40 in this year's ranking. University Of North Texas is a public school based in Denton, TX. Roughly 61% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,309, with out-of-state students paying around $21,149. University Of North Texas Philosophy students take on a median of $17,750 in debt. Read more about University Of North Texas
California State University Los Angeles ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best Philosophy schools. Based in Los Angeles, CA, California State University Los Angeles is a public institution. California State University Los Angeles graduates 53% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,164, compared with $19,764 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $14,430 in student loans. Read the full report on California State University Los Angeles
University Of Oregon came in at #42 in this year's ranking. This public school is set in Eugene, OR. University Of Oregon graduates 72% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $15,320, compared with $42,516 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Get the full University Of Oregon report
Canada College
Canada College placed #43 among Philosophy schools in the United States. More on Canada College
Grossmont College ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best Philosophy schools. Read more about Grossmont College
Belmont University placed #45 among Philosophy schools in the United States. More on Belmont University
Huntington University did well this year, earning the #46 position. See the full Huntington University profile
Benedictine University ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best Philosophy schools. More on Benedictine University
California State University Bakersfield landed the #48 spot in the United States this year. Read more about California State University Bakersfield
California State University Long Beach did well this year, earning the #49 position. Read more about California State University Long Beach
Coastal Carolina University did well this year, earning the #50 position. Get the full Coastal Carolina University report
Related Philosophy Rankings
See rankings for other degree levels:
- Best Philosophy Schools (All Levels)
- Best Philosophy Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Philosophy Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Philosophy Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Philosophy Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Philosophy Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Philosophy Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and admissions data drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: Dms College Quality · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 913 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).