2026 Best Value Philosophy Schools
Looking for the best-value Philosophy programs programs in the United States? This list ranks 913 colleges 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.
To help you make your decision, 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 Philosophy Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Our analysis found Arizona State University Skysong to be the best-value Philosophy school in the United States. Based in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,627, while out-of-state students pay about $13,925. Graduates carry a median of $26,250 in student loans. Arizona State University Skysong alumni report median earnings of $62,668 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 67% of applicants are accepted. More on Arizona State University Skysong
You'll get strong value at Biola University, which ranked #2 this year. Located in La Mirada, CA, Biola University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $48,984 in tuition and fees. The median Philosophy program debt is $25,308. Median earnings reach $56,778 ten years out. Set against $25,308 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Biola University has an acceptance rate of 74%. More on Biola University
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Liberty University earned it the #3 place in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Lynchburg, VA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,173. Liberty University Philosophy students take on a median of $27,414 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,813. Set against $27,414 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Liberty University has an acceptance rate of 99%. Read the full report on Liberty University
University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point came in at #4 on this year's best-value Philosophy ranking in the United States. University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point is a public school based in Stevens Point, WI. Students from in state pay about $9,228 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,248. University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point Philosophy students take on a median of $23,380 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,021. Set against $23,380 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point has an acceptance rate of 92%. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point report
Out of the 913 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, California State University Fresno landed the #5 spot. California State University Fresno is a public school based in Fresno, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,341, compared with $19,941 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $15,000 in student loans. California State University Fresno alumni report median earnings of $61,244 a decade after entry. Set against $15,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State University Fresno has an acceptance rate of 95%. See the full California State University Fresno profile
Florida State University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Philosophy schools. Florida State University is a public school based in Tallahassee, FL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,517, compared with $21,683 for out-of-state students. Typical Philosophy student debt is $25,359. Florida State University alumni report median earnings of $61,675 a decade after entry. Set against $25,359 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 24% of those who apply are admitted. More on Florida State University
University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Philosophy schools. This public school is set in Milwaukee, WI. 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. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,990. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee
Florida International University landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Miami, FL, Florida International University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,565, compared with $18,964 for out-of-state students. Florida International University Philosophy students take on a median of $13,134 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,249. Set against $13,134 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 55%. Read the full report on Florida International University
San Francisco State University landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in San Francisco, CA, San Francisco State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,846, compared with $20,446 for out-of-state students. San Francisco State University Philosophy students take on a median of $18,000 in debt. San Francisco State University alumni report median earnings of $68,077 a decade after entry. Set against $18,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. More on San Francisco State University
University Of Minnesota Duluth placed #10 among the best-value Philosophy schools in the United States. Located in Duluth, MN, University Of Minnesota Duluth is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,608 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $20,134. Students borrow a median of $24,624 to complete their Philosophy program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,616. That is a strong return on a $24,624 median debt. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Minnesota Duluth
Franciscan University Of Steubenville came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Set in Steubenville, OH, Franciscan University Of Steubenville is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,100. The median Philosophy program debt is $25,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,030. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Franciscan University Of Steubenville admits about 58% of applicants. Read the full report on Franciscan University Of Steubenville
California State University Northridge offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Set in Northridge, CA, California State University Northridge is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,458, while out-of-state students pay about $20,058. Typical Philosophy student debt is $16,202. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,115. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 93%. More on California State University Northridge
Duke University landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. Duke University is a private not-for-profit school based in Durham, NC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,758. Duke University Philosophy students take on a median of $13,296 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $97,800 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 6%. Get the full Duke University report
University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill placed #14 among the best-value Philosophy schools in the United States. Based in Chapel Hill, NC, University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,994, with out-of-state students paying around $41,203. The median Philosophy program debt is $15,408. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,200. Set against $15,408 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 15%. Read the full report on University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill
University Of Pennsylvania landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Philadelphia, PA, University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $68,686 in tuition and fees. University Of Pennsylvania Philosophy students take on a median of $18,500 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $111,371. Set against $18,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 5% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Pennsylvania
University Of Wisconsin Madison came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public school based in Madison, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,603, compared with $42,103 for out-of-state students. Typical Philosophy student debt is $24,216. University Of Wisconsin Madison alumni report median earnings of $73,792 a decade after entry. Set against $24,216 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin Madison admits about 45% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Madison
University Of North Carolina At Charlotte placed #17 among the best-value Philosophy schools in the United States. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte is a public school based in Charlotte, NC. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,239, compared with $22,492 for out-of-state students. Typical Philosophy student debt is $25,000. Median earnings reach $57,289 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte admits about 80% of applicants. See the full University Of North Carolina At Charlotte profile
Boston College came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Set in Chestnut Hill, MA, Boston College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $70,702 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $18,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $103,937. Set against $18,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Boston College has an acceptance rate of 16%. Get the full Boston College report
Grand Valley State University ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Philosophy schools. This public school is set in Allendale, MI. Students from in state pay about $15,502 in tuition and fees, compared with $21,894 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,500 to complete their Philosophy program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,118. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Grand Valley State University admits about 83% of applicants. Get the full Grand Valley State University report
Arizona State University landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. Arizona State University is a public school based in Tempe, AZ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,223, while out-of-state students pay about $33,139. Arizona State University Philosophy students take on a median of $26,250 in debt. Arizona State University alumni report median earnings of $62,668 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,250 median debt. Arizona State University admits about 90% of applicants. Read more about Arizona State University
University Of Houston offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Set in Houston, TX, University Of Houston is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,717, compared with $22,547 for out-of-state students. Typical Philosophy student debt is $23,650. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,377. Set against $23,650 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 74% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Houston profile
California State University Fullerton came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. California State University Fullerton is a public school based in Fullerton, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,470, while out-of-state students pay about $20,070. The median Philosophy program debt is $15,525. California State University Fullerton alumni report median earnings of $62,951 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,525 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%. See the full California State University Fullerton profile
University Of Colorado At Colorado Springs ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Philosophy schools. Based in Colorado Springs, CO, University Of Colorado At Colorado Springs is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,906, with out-of-state students paying around $25,039. Typical Philosophy student debt is $28,495. Median earnings reach $54,659 ten years out. Set against $28,495 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Colorado At Colorado Springs admits about 97% of applicants. Get the full University Of Colorado At Colorado Springs report
University Of North Texas offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Set in Denton, TX, University Of North Texas is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,309, while out-of-state students pay about $21,149. The median Philosophy program debt is $17,750. University Of North Texas alumni report median earnings of $57,010 a decade after entry. Set against $17,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of North Texas
California State University Los Angeles offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Based in Los Angeles, CA, California State University Los Angeles is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,164, while out-of-state students pay about $19,764. Students borrow a median of $14,430 to complete their Philosophy program here. California State University Los Angeles alumni report median earnings of $59,211 a decade after entry. Set against $14,430 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. More on California State University Los Angeles
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Philosophy Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Gordon College offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Based in Wenham, MA, Gordon College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $30,700. Graduates carry a median of $26,372 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,119. That is a strong return on a $26,372 median debt. Gordon College has an acceptance rate of 69%. Get the full Gordon College report
Catholic University Of America landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Washington, DC, Catholic University Of America is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $58,378. Students borrow a median of $23,843 to complete their Philosophy program here. Catholic University Of America alumni report median earnings of $73,250 a decade after entry. Set against $23,843 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 83% of applicants are accepted. More on Catholic University Of America
Cuny Lehman College offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Located in Bronx, NY, Cuny Lehman College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,410, compared with $15,360 for out-of-state students. The median Philosophy program debt is $18,700. Median earnings reach $58,013 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $18,700 median debt. About 57% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Cuny Lehman College report
University Of Florida offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Located in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,381, compared with $28,659 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $17,217 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,588. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 24% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Florida
The University Of Texas At Austin came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Set in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,688, while out-of-state students pay about $44,908. The University Of Texas At Austin Philosophy students take on a median of $18,676 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,121 ten years after entry. Set against $18,676 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The University Of Texas At Austin has an acceptance rate of 27%. Get the full The University Of Texas At Austin report
Utah Valley University placed #31 among the best-value Philosophy schools in the United States. Based in Orem, UT, Utah Valley University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,507 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $18,489. Graduates carry a median of $15,636 in student loans. Utah Valley University alumni report median earnings of $55,486 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,636 median debt. Read the full report on Utah Valley University
University Of Washington Seattle Campus landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Seattle, WA, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,973, with out-of-state students paying around $43,209. Typical Philosophy student debt is $13,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,466 ten years after entry. Set against $13,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Washington Seattle Campus has an acceptance rate of 39%. Get the full University Of Washington Seattle Campus report
University Of Washington Bothell Campus landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Bothell, WA, University Of Washington Bothell Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,919, with out-of-state students paying around $43,155. University Of Washington Bothell Campus Philosophy students take on a median of $13,500 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,466. That is a strong return on a $13,500 median debt. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Washington Bothell Campus
Wheaton College Illinois offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Wheaton, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $45,546. Students borrow a median of $23,685 to complete their Philosophy program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,756. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 87%. More on Wheaton College Illinois
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public school based in Minneapolis, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $17,214, compared with $38,362 for out-of-state students. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities Philosophy students take on a median of $21,500 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $69,020 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 80%. Read the full report on University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
Texas A And M University College Station offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. Set in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,995, while out-of-state students pay about $40,124. Graduates carry a median of $19,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,097. That is a strong return on a $19,000 median debt. Roughly 57% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Texas A And M University College Station
California State University Sacramento landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Sacramento, CA, California State University Sacramento is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,018, while out-of-state students pay about $20,618. Typical Philosophy student debt is $15,034. California State University Sacramento alumni report median earnings of $64,876 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,034 median debt. California State University Sacramento has an acceptance rate of 94%. Read the full report on California State University Sacramento
Depaul University ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Philosophy schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Chicago, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $45,405. Depaul University Philosophy students take on a median of $25,310 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,751. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Depaul University admits about 76% of applicants. Read the full report on Depaul University
California State Polytechnic University Pomona placed #38 among the best-value Philosophy schools in the United States. Set in Pomona, CA, California State Polytechnic University Pomona is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,781, while out-of-state students pay about $20,381. Graduates carry a median of $17,226 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,902. That is a strong return on a $17,226 median debt. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted. More on California State Polytechnic University Pomona
University Of California Davis landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of California Davis is a public school based in Davis, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,804, compared with $47,692 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $13,200 to complete their Philosophy program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $80,838 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of California Davis report
Christopher Newport University ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Philosophy schools. Christopher Newport University is a public school based in Newport News, VA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,828, while out-of-state students pay about $31,178. Students borrow a median of $25,094 to complete their Philosophy program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,509 ten years after entry. Set against $25,094 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Christopher Newport University profile
Colorado State University Fort Collins placed #42 among the best-value Philosophy schools in the United States. Located in Fort Collins, CO, Colorado State University Fort Collins is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,373, with out-of-state students paying around $35,061. Graduates carry a median of $18,894 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,543. That is a strong return on a $18,894 median debt. Colorado State University Fort Collins has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read more about Colorado State University Fort Collins
Georgia State University landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Atlanta, GA, Georgia State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,664, with out-of-state students paying around $24,840. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Philosophy program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,384 ten years after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Georgia State University admits about 55% of applicants. See the full Georgia State University profile
University Of Nevada Las Vegas placed #44 among the best-value Philosophy schools in the United States. University Of Nevada Las Vegas is a public school based in Las Vegas, NV. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,748, while out-of-state students pay about $27,411. University Of Nevada Las Vegas Philosophy students take on a median of $22,500 in debt. Median earnings reach $55,037 ten years out. Set against $22,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Nevada Las Vegas report
University Of Arizona came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Set in Tucson, AZ, University Of Arizona is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,573 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $39,903. Typical Philosophy student debt is $21,250. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,979. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Arizona admits about 86% of applicants. More on University Of Arizona
Ohio State University Main Campus came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Based in Columbus, OH, Ohio State University Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $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. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,409. That is a strong return on a $26,247 median debt. Ohio State University Main Campus admits about 61% of applicants. Read the full report on Ohio State University Main Campus
Emory University placed #47 among the best-value Philosophy schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Atlanta, GA. In-state tuition and fees average $64,280. Typical Philosophy student debt is $16,438. Graduates go on to earn a median of $80,137 ten years after entry. Set against $16,438 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Emory University has an acceptance rate of 11%. See the full Emory University profile
Depauw University ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Philosophy schools. Depauw University is a private not-for-profit school based in Greencastle, IN. Students from in state pay about $59,070 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $26,174 to complete their Philosophy program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $70,527. That is a strong return on a $26,174 median debt. Depauw University admits about 57% of applicants. See the full Depauw University profile
American University offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Washington, DC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $58,771. Typical Philosophy student debt is $24,139. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $77,370. That is a strong return on a $24,139 median debt. American University has an acceptance rate of 62%. Read the full report on American University
University Of St Thomas Minnesota ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Philosophy schools. University Of St Thomas Minnesota is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Paul, MN. Students from in state pay about $54,398 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $18,201 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $73,739 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of St Thomas Minnesota admits about 85% of applicants. Read more about University Of St Thomas Minnesota
Best Value Philosophy Schools by Degree Level
Explore value rankings for a specific degree level:
- Best Value Philosophy Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Philosophy Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Philosophy Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Philosophy Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Philosophy Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Philosophy Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Philosophy Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider 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 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).
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