2026 Best Value Philosophy Bachelor’s Degree Schools

#1

Arizona State University Skysong

Scottsdale, AZ

Our analysis found Arizona State University Skysong to be the best-value Philosophy school in the United States. Set in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,627, compared with $13,925 for out-of-state students. Arizona State University Skysong Philosophy students take on a median of $26,250 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,668. That is a strong return on a $26,250 median debt. The acceptance rate is 67%. More on Arizona State University Skysong

#2

Liberty University

Lynchburg, VA

You'll get strong value at Liberty University, which ranked #2 this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Lynchburg, VA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,173. Graduates carry a median of $27,414 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,813. That is a strong return on a $27,414 median debt. The acceptance rate is 99%. Read more about Liberty University

#3

University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee

Milwaukee, WI

Out of the 913 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee landed the #3 spot. Set in Milwaukee, WI, University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,398, with out-of-state students paying around $22,398. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee Philosophy students take on a median of $25,500 in debt. Median earnings reach $54,990 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee

#4

California State University Fresno

Fresno, CA

Out of the 913 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, California State University Fresno landed the #4 spot. Located in Fresno, CA, California State University Fresno is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,341, while out-of-state students pay about $19,941. Graduates carry a median of $15,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,244. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. More on California State University Fresno

#5

Florida State University

Tallahassee, FL

Out of the 913 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Florida State University landed the #5 spot. Set in Tallahassee, FL, Florida State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,517, with out-of-state students paying around $21,683. Florida State University Philosophy students take on a median of $25,359 in debt. 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. The acceptance rate is 24%. Read the full report on Florida State University

#6

University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point

Stevens Point, WI

University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Stevens Point, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,228, compared with $18,248 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,380 in student loans. University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point alumni report median earnings of $52,021 a decade after entry. Set against $23,380 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point

#7

Florida International University

Miami, FL

Florida International University landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Miami, FL, Florida International University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,565, compared with $18,964 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $13,134 to complete their Philosophy program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,249. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 55% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Florida International University report

#8

University Of Minnesota Duluth

Duluth, MN

University Of Minnesota Duluth offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. University Of Minnesota Duluth is a public school based in Duluth, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,608, with out-of-state students paying around $20,134. Students borrow a median of $24,624 to complete their Philosophy program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,616. Set against $24,624 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Minnesota Duluth

#9

San Francisco State University

San Francisco, CA

San Francisco State University offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. Set in San Francisco, CA, San Francisco State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,846, compared with $20,446 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $18,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $68,077 ten years out. Set against $18,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 96%. Get the full San Francisco State University report

#10

California State University Northridge

Northridge, CA

California State University Northridge came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Set in Northridge, CA, California State University Northridge is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,458, compared with $20,058 for out-of-state students. Typical Philosophy student debt is $16,202. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,115 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,202 median debt. California State University Northridge admits about 93% of applicants. Read the full report on California State University Northridge

#11

Duke University

Durham, NC

Duke University came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Durham, NC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,758. The median Philosophy program debt is $13,296. Duke University alumni report median earnings of $97,800 a decade after entry. Set against $13,296 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 6%. Get the full Duke University report

#12

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. Set in Chapel Hill, NC, University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,994 in tuition and fees, 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. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill has an acceptance rate of 15%. More on University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill

#13

University Of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA

University Of Pennsylvania placed #13 among the best-value Philosophy schools in the United States. Based in Philadelphia, PA, University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $68,686. Students borrow a median of $18,500 to complete their Philosophy program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $111,371 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $18,500 median debt. University Of Pennsylvania has an acceptance rate of 5%. Read more about University Of Pennsylvania

#14

University Of North Carolina At Charlotte

Charlotte, NC

University Of North Carolina At Charlotte landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Charlotte, NC, University Of North Carolina At Charlotte is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,239, with out-of-state students paying around $22,492. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Philosophy program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,289 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte has an acceptance rate of 80%. Get the full University Of North Carolina At Charlotte report

#15

Grand Valley State University

Allendale, MI

Grand Valley State University placed #15 among the best-value Philosophy schools in the United States. Grand Valley State University is a public school based in Allendale, MI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,502, compared with $21,894 for out-of-state students. Typical Philosophy student debt is $26,500. Median earnings reach $56,118 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 83%. Get the full Grand Valley State University report

#16

Arizona State University

Tempe, AZ

Arizona State University ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Philosophy schools. Arizona State University is a public school based in Tempe, AZ. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,223, while out-of-state students pay about $33,139. Graduates carry a median of $26,250 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,668. Set against $26,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%. See the full Arizona State University profile

#17

California State University Fullerton

Fullerton, CA

California State University Fullerton came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. Set in Fullerton, CA, California State University Fullerton is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,470, with out-of-state students paying around $20,070. Typical Philosophy student debt is $15,525. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,951. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%. Read the full report on California State University Fullerton

#18

University Of Colorado At Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs, CO

University Of Colorado At Colorado Springs ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Philosophy schools. University Of Colorado At Colorado Springs is a public school based in Colorado Springs, CO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,906, while out-of-state students pay about $25,039. University Of Colorado At Colorado Springs Philosophy students take on a median of $28,495 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,659 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $28,495 median debt. The acceptance rate is 97%. Read the full report on University Of Colorado At Colorado Springs

#19

University Of Wisconsin Madison

Madison, WI

University Of Wisconsin Madison ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Philosophy schools. This public school is set in Madison, WI. Students from in state pay about $11,603 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. Typical Philosophy student debt is $24,216. University Of Wisconsin Madison alumni report median earnings of $73,792 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Madison report

#20

University Of Houston

Houston, TX

University Of Houston ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Philosophy schools. Set in Houston, TX, University Of Houston is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,717 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $22,547. Graduates carry a median of $23,650 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,377. That is a strong return on a $23,650 median debt. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Houston report

#21

Catholic University Of America

Washington, DC

Catholic University Of America ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Philosophy schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Washington, DC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $58,378. Students borrow a median of $23,843 to complete their Philosophy program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $73,250 ten years after entry. Set against $23,843 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Catholic University Of America has an acceptance rate of 83%. Read the full report on Catholic University Of America

#21

Gordon College

Wenham, MA

Gordon College offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Located in Wenham, MA, Gordon College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $30,700. Graduates carry a median of $26,372 in student loans. Median earnings reach $52,119 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Gordon College admits about 69% of applicants. Read the full report on Gordon College

#23

Cuny Lehman College

Bronx, NY

Cuny Lehman College ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Philosophy schools. This public school is set in Bronx, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,410, while out-of-state students pay about $15,360. Students borrow a median of $18,700 to complete their Philosophy program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,013. Set against $18,700 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Cuny Lehman College has an acceptance rate of 57%. Get the full Cuny Lehman College report

#24

Franciscan University Of Steubenville

Steubenville, OH

Franciscan University Of Steubenville ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Philosophy schools. Franciscan University Of Steubenville is a private not-for-profit school based in Steubenville, OH. Students from in state pay about $34,100 in tuition and fees. Franciscan University Of Steubenville Philosophy students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $50,030 ten years out. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 58% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Franciscan University Of Steubenville

#25

University Of Florida

Gainesville, FL

University Of Florida offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. This public school is set in Gainesville, FL. In-state tuition and fees average $6,381, while out-of-state students pay about $28,659. University Of Florida Philosophy students take on a median of $17,217 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,588 ten years after entry. Set against $17,217 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 24% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Florida

#26

California State University Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA

California State University Los Angeles came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Los Angeles, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $7,164, compared with $19,764 for out-of-state students. The median Philosophy program debt is $14,430. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,211 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California State University Los Angeles has an acceptance rate of 91%. More on California State University Los Angeles

#27

Utah Valley University

Orem, UT

Utah Valley University ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Philosophy schools. This public school is set in Orem, UT. In-state tuition and fees average $6,507, compared with $18,489 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $15,636 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,486. Set against $15,636 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Utah Valley University

#28

University Of Washington Seattle Campus

Seattle, WA

University Of Washington Seattle Campus placed #28 among the best-value Philosophy schools in the United States. University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public school based in Seattle, WA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,973, compared with $43,209 for out-of-state students. University Of Washington Seattle Campus Philosophy students take on a median of $13,500 in debt. University Of Washington Seattle Campus alumni report median earnings of $78,466 a decade after entry. Set against $13,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 39%. Read more about University Of Washington Seattle Campus

#29

The University Of Texas At Austin

Austin, TX

The University Of Texas At Austin ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Philosophy schools. Based in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,688 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $44,908. Typical Philosophy student debt is $18,676. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $75,121. That is a strong return on a $18,676 median debt. The University Of Texas At Austin admits about 27% of applicants. Read the full report on The University Of Texas At Austin

#30

University Of Washington Bothell Campus

Bothell, WA

University Of Washington Bothell Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Based in Bothell, WA, University Of Washington Bothell Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,919, with out-of-state students paying around $43,155. Graduates carry a median of $13,500 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $78,466. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Washington Bothell Campus has an acceptance rate of 91%. More on University Of Washington Bothell Campus

#31

Wheaton College Illinois

Wheaton, IL

Wheaton College Illinois offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Located in Wheaton, IL, Wheaton College Illinois is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $45,546. The median Philosophy program debt is $23,685. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,756 ten years after entry. Set against $23,685 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Wheaton College Illinois has an acceptance rate of 87%. More on Wheaton College Illinois

#32

Boston College

Chestnut Hill, MA

Boston College landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Chestnut Hill, MA, Boston College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $70,702. The median Philosophy program debt is $18,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $103,937 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $18,000 median debt. Boston College has an acceptance rate of 16%. More on Boston College

#32

University Of North Texas

Denton, TX

University Of North Texas landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Denton, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,309, with out-of-state students paying around $21,149. Typical Philosophy student debt is $17,750. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,010. That is a strong return on a $17,750 median debt. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of North Texas profile

#34

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities

Minneapolis, MN

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Philosophy schools. Based in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $17,214, compared with $38,362 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete their Philosophy program here. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities alumni report median earnings of $69,020 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities admits about 80% of applicants. Read more about University Of Minnesota Twin Cities

#35

California State University Sacramento

Sacramento, CA

California State University Sacramento came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Based in Sacramento, CA, California State University Sacramento is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,018, with out-of-state students paying around $20,618. Typical Philosophy student debt is $15,034. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,876. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. Read more about California State University Sacramento

#36

California State Polytechnic University Pomona

Pomona, CA

California State Polytechnic University Pomona offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. California State Polytechnic University Pomona is a public school based in Pomona, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,781, with out-of-state students paying around $20,381. Graduates carry a median of $17,226 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,902. That is a strong return on a $17,226 median debt. California State Polytechnic University Pomona admits about 75% of applicants. More on California State Polytechnic University Pomona

#37

University Of California Davis

Davis, CA

University Of California Davis came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. University Of California Davis is a public school based in Davis, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,804, with out-of-state students paying around $47,692. The median Philosophy program debt is $13,200. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $80,838. That is a strong return on a $13,200 median debt. The acceptance rate is 42%. Read more about University Of California Davis

#38

Texas A And M University College Station

College Station, TX

Texas A And M University College Station placed #38 among the best-value Philosophy schools in the United States. Set in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,995, while out-of-state students pay about $40,124. Students borrow a median of $19,000 to complete their Philosophy program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,097. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 57% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Texas A And M University College Station profile

#38

Christopher Newport University

Newport News, VA

Christopher Newport University offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. This public school is set in Newport News, VA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,828, compared with $31,178 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,094 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,509. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Christopher Newport University

#40

Colorado State University Fort Collins

Fort Collins, CO

Colorado State University Fort Collins placed #40 among the best-value Philosophy schools in the United States. Based in Fort Collins, CO, Colorado State University Fort Collins is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,373, with out-of-state students paying around $35,061. Typical Philosophy student debt is $18,894. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,543. Set against $18,894 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Colorado State University Fort Collins has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read the full report on Colorado State University Fort Collins

#40

Georgia State University

Atlanta, GA

Georgia State University placed #40 among the best-value Philosophy schools in the United States. Based in Atlanta, GA, Georgia State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,664, compared with $24,840 for out-of-state students. The median Philosophy program debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $47,384 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 55% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Georgia State University

#42

Ohio State University Main Campus

Columbus, OH

Ohio State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Located in Columbus, OH, Ohio State University Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,244, with out-of-state students paying around $40,022. The median Philosophy program debt is $26,247. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,409. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Ohio State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 61%. Get the full Ohio State University Main Campus report

#43

University Of Nevada Las Vegas

Las Vegas, NV

University Of Nevada Las Vegas ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Philosophy schools. University Of Nevada Las Vegas is a public school based in Las Vegas, NV. In-state tuition and fees average $9,748, with out-of-state students paying around $27,411. University Of Nevada Las Vegas Philosophy students take on a median of $22,500 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,037 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,500 median debt. University Of Nevada Las Vegas has an acceptance rate of 96%. Read the full report on University Of Nevada Las Vegas

#44

University Of Arizona

Tucson, AZ

University Of Arizona came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Located in Tucson, AZ, University Of Arizona is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,573, with out-of-state students paying around $39,903. University Of Arizona Philosophy students take on a median of $21,250 in debt. Median earnings reach $59,979 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Arizona has an acceptance rate of 86%. Read more about University Of Arizona

#45

Depauw University

Greencastle, IN

Depauw University landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Greencastle, IN. In-state tuition and fees run about $59,070. Depauw University Philosophy students take on a median of $26,174 in debt. Depauw University alumni report median earnings of $70,527 a decade after entry. Set against $26,174 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 57% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Depauw University

#46

University Of St Thomas Minnesota

Saint Paul, MN

University Of St Thomas Minnesota offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Paul, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $54,398. Typical Philosophy student debt is $18,201. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $73,739. That is a strong return on a $18,201 median debt. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of St Thomas Minnesota

#47

University Of Massachusetts Amherst

Amherst, MA

University Of Massachusetts Amherst placed #47 among the best-value Philosophy schools in the United States. Set in Amherst, MA, University Of Massachusetts Amherst is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $17,772 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $40,449. University Of Massachusetts Amherst Philosophy students take on a median of $25,234 in debt. University Of Massachusetts Amherst alumni report median earnings of $71,631 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Massachusetts Amherst admits about 60% of applicants. See the full University Of Massachusetts Amherst profile

#47

Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College

Baton Rouge, LA

Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Philosophy schools. This public school is set in Baton Rouge, LA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,954, while out-of-state students pay about $28,631. Graduates carry a median of $19,875 in student loans. Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College alumni report median earnings of $61,251 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College has an acceptance rate of 73%. See the full Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College profile

#49

Rutgers University New Brunswick

New Brunswick, NJ

Rutgers University New Brunswick placed #49 among the best-value Philosophy schools in the United States. This public school is set in New Brunswick, NJ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,929, while out-of-state students pay about $37,441. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $74,479 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 58%. Get the full Rutgers University New Brunswick report

#50

Emory University

Atlanta, GA

Emory University landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Atlanta, GA. In-state tuition and fees average $64,280. Graduates carry a median of $16,438 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $80,137. Set against $16,438 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 11% of applicants are accepted. See the full Emory University profile