2026 Best Value Philosophy Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Philosophy master’s degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 913 institutions 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 evaluated schools to build 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 Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Our analysis found Biola University to be the best-value Philosophy school in the United States. Set in La Mirada, CA, Biola University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $48,984. The median Philosophy program debt is $25,308. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,778. That is a strong return on a $25,308 median debt. Biola University has an acceptance rate of 74%. Read more about Biola University
A rank of #2 makes Franciscan University Of Steubenville one of the best values in the United States. Based in Steubenville, OH, Franciscan University Of Steubenville is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $34,100. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Franciscan University Of Steubenville alumni report median earnings of $50,030 a decade after entry. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 58% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Franciscan University Of Steubenville report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Boston College earned it the #3 place in the United States. Based in Chestnut Hill, MA, Boston College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $70,702. Graduates carry a median of $18,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $103,937. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 16% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Boston College
Out of the 913 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, University Of Wisconsin Madison landed the #4 spot. Located in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,603 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. University Of Wisconsin Madison Philosophy students take on a median of $24,216 in debt. Median earnings reach $73,792 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin Madison admits about 45% of applicants. See the full University Of Wisconsin Madison profile
University Of Pennsylvania came in at #5 on this year's best-value Philosophy ranking in the United States. Set 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. Graduates carry a median of $18,500 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $111,371 ten years after entry. Set against $18,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Pennsylvania has an acceptance rate of 5%. Read the full report on University Of Pennsylvania
San Francisco State University came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in San Francisco, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,846, with out-of-state students paying around $20,446. Students borrow a median of $18,000 to complete their Philosophy program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,077. That is a strong return on a $18,000 median debt. San Francisco State University has an acceptance rate of 96%. Get the full San Francisco State University report
University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Set in Chapel Hill, NC, University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,994, while out-of-state students pay about $41,203. Students borrow a median of $15,408 to complete their Philosophy program here. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill alumni report median earnings of $72,200 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 15% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill
Texas A And M University College Station placed #8 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. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,995, with out-of-state students paying around $40,124. Typical Philosophy student debt is $19,000. Median earnings reach $72,097 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $19,000 median debt. Texas A And M University College Station admits about 57% of applicants. More on Texas A And M University College Station
Depaul University offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. Depaul University is a private not-for-profit school based in Chicago, IL. Students from in state pay about $45,405 in tuition and fees. Typical Philosophy student debt is $25,310. Median earnings reach $68,751 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,310 median debt. The acceptance rate is 76%. Get the full Depaul University report
Arizona State University placed #10 among the best-value Philosophy schools in the United States. Located in Tempe, AZ, Arizona State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,223, while out-of-state students pay about $33,139. Typical Philosophy student debt is $26,250. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,668. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Arizona State University admits about 90% of applicants. Get the full Arizona State University report
University Of North Texas offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Based in Denton, TX, University Of North Texas is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,309, compared with $21,149 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $17,750 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,010. That is a strong return on a $17,750 median debt. The acceptance rate is 72%. More on University Of North Texas
University Of Houston placed #12 among the best-value Philosophy schools in the United States. Set in Houston, TX, University Of Houston is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,717, while out-of-state students pay about $22,547. The median Philosophy program debt is $23,650. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,377 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Houston has an acceptance rate of 74%. Read more about University Of Houston
University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee placed #13 among the best-value Philosophy schools in the United States. Located in Milwaukee, WI, University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,398 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $22,398. Graduates carry a median of $25,500 in student loans. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee alumni report median earnings of $54,990 a decade after entry. 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
University Of California Davis landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Davis, CA, University Of California Davis is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,804 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $47,692. Typical Philosophy student debt is $13,200. Median earnings reach $80,838 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California Davis admits about 42% of applicants. Read more about University Of California Davis
Fordham University came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Located in Bronx, NY, Fordham University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $64,470. Students borrow a median of $22,999 to complete their Philosophy program here. Fordham University alumni report median earnings of $85,569 a decade after entry. Set against $22,999 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 59%. Get the full Fordham University report
University Of Washington Seattle Campus came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Located in Seattle, WA, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,973, while out-of-state students pay about $43,209. Graduates carry a median of $13,500 in student loans. Median earnings reach $78,466 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 39%. Read the full report on University Of Washington Seattle Campus
Florida State University offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Based in Tallahassee, FL, Florida State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,517, while out-of-state students pay about $21,683. Florida State University Philosophy students take on a median of $25,359 in debt. Median earnings reach $61,675 ten years out. Set against $25,359 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 24% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Florida State University profile
University Of North Carolina At Charlotte offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. This public school is set in Charlotte, NC. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,239, with out-of-state students paying around $22,492. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Philosophy program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,289. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of North Carolina At Charlotte profile
California State University Los Angeles landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Los Angeles, CA, California State University Los Angeles is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,164, with out-of-state students paying around $19,764. California State University Los Angeles Philosophy students take on a median of $14,430 in debt. Median earnings reach $59,211 ten years out. Set against $14,430 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. See the full California State University Los Angeles profile
University Of Virginia Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. This public school is set in Charlottesville, VA. In-state tuition and fees average $23,118, while out-of-state students pay about $61,591. University Of Virginia Main Campus Philosophy students take on a median of $15,509 in debt. Median earnings reach $86,863 ten years out. Set against $15,509 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 17%. Read the full report on University Of Virginia Main Campus
Catholic University Of America landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Washington, DC, Catholic University Of America is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $58,378 in tuition and fees. 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. That is a strong return on a $23,843 median debt. Catholic University Of America has an acceptance rate of 83%. Read the full report on Catholic University Of America
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities placed #22 among the best-value Philosophy schools in the United States. This public school is set in Minneapolis, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $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. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $69,020. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
University Of California Santa Barbara came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Santa Barbara, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,444, compared with $47,332 for out-of-state students. The median Philosophy program debt is $15,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $74,915 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,000 median debt. About 33% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of California Santa Barbara report
University Of Florida placed #24 among the best-value Philosophy schools in the United States. Located in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,381 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $28,659. University Of Florida Philosophy students take on a median of $17,217 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,588. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 24% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Florida report
Colorado State University Fort Collins landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Fort Collins, CO, Colorado State University Fort Collins is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,373, while out-of-state students pay about $35,061. Colorado State University Fort Collins Philosophy students take on a median of $18,894 in debt. Colorado State University Fort Collins alumni report median earnings of $60,543 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Colorado State University Fort Collins has an acceptance rate of 88%. See the full Colorado State University Fort Collins profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Philosophy Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
American University placed #26 among the best-value Philosophy schools in the United States. American University is a private not-for-profit school based in Washington, DC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $58,771. The median Philosophy program debt is $24,139. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $77,370. Set against $24,139 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 62% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full American University report
Emory University came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Emory University is a private not-for-profit school based in Atlanta, GA. In-state tuition and fees average $64,280. Typical Philosophy student debt is $16,438. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $80,137. That is a strong return on a $16,438 median debt. Emory University admits about 11% of applicants. Get the full Emory University report
University Of California Riverside came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Based in Riverside, CA, University Of California Riverside is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,636, with out-of-state students paying around $46,524. University Of California Riverside Philosophy students take on a median of $19,022 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $67,699. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California Riverside has an acceptance rate of 76%. Read the full report on University Of California Riverside
University Of California Berkeley placed #28 among the best-value Philosophy schools in the United States. University Of California Berkeley is a public school based in Berkeley, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,377, while out-of-state students pay about $47,265. University Of California Berkeley Philosophy students take on a median of $14,475 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $92,446. That is a strong return on a $14,475 median debt. About 11% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of California Berkeley
Georgia State University placed #30 among the best-value Philosophy schools in the United States. Located in Atlanta, GA, Georgia State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,664 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $24,840. Typical Philosophy student debt is $27,000. Georgia State University alumni report median earnings of $47,384 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Georgia State University has an acceptance rate of 55%. Read the full report on Georgia State University
University Of Arizona came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Based in Tucson, AZ, University Of Arizona is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,573, compared with $39,903 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,250 in student loans. University Of Arizona alumni report median earnings of $59,979 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Arizona
University Of Massachusetts Amherst came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Located in Amherst, MA, University Of Massachusetts Amherst is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $17,772, compared with $40,449 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,234 to complete their Philosophy program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,631 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,234 median debt. About 60% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Massachusetts Amherst report
University Of California Santa Cruz offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. This public school is set in Santa Cruz, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $15,035, compared with $46,923 for out-of-state students. University Of California Santa Cruz Philosophy students take on a median of $15,832 in debt. University Of California Santa Cruz alumni report median earnings of $68,396 a decade after entry. Set against $15,832 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California Santa Cruz admits about 66% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of California Santa Cruz
Vanderbilt University placed #34 among the best-value Philosophy schools in the United States. Located in Nashville, TN, Vanderbilt University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,498. Typical Philosophy student debt is $13,975. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $91,565. That is a strong return on a $13,975 median debt. Vanderbilt University has an acceptance rate of 6%. Read the full report on Vanderbilt University
Ohio State University Main Campus ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Philosophy schools. This public school is set in Columbus, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,244, with out-of-state students paying around $40,022. Typical Philosophy student debt is $26,247. Median earnings reach $60,409 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,247 median debt. Roughly 61% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Ohio State University Main Campus report
Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Philosophy schools. Based in Baton Rouge, LA, Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,954, with out-of-state students paying around $28,631. Graduates carry a median of $19,875 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,251 ten years after entry. Set against $19,875 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 73% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College profile
New York University ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Philosophy schools. Set in New York, NY, New York University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $62,796. Graduates carry a median of $24,128 in student loans. New York University alumni report median earnings of $82,509 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,128 median debt. The acceptance rate is 9%. Get the full New York University report
Columbia University In The City Of New York landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in New York, NY, Columbia University In The City Of New York is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $70,517. Columbia University In The City Of New York Philosophy students take on a median of $20,062 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $102,491. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 4% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Columbia University In The City Of New York profile
University Of Oregon came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Set in Eugene, OR, University Of Oregon is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,320, compared with $42,516 for out-of-state students. University Of Oregon Philosophy students take on a median of $26,000 in debt. University Of Oregon alumni report median earnings of $61,324 a decade after entry. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Oregon
University Of Notre Dame came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Based in Notre Dame, IN, University Of Notre Dame is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,025. Graduates carry a median of $20,793 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $99,980 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,793 median debt. Roughly 11% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Notre Dame profile
Boston University placed #41 among the best-value Philosophy schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Boston, MA. In-state tuition and fees average $68,102. Boston University Philosophy students take on a median of $25,750 in debt. Median earnings reach $83,238 ten years out. Set against $25,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Boston University has an acceptance rate of 11%. Read the full report on Boston University
University Of Chicago offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Chicago, IL. Students from in state pay about $69,324 in tuition and fees. The median Philosophy program debt is $22,641. University Of Chicago alumni report median earnings of $91,885 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Chicago has an acceptance rate of 4%. More on University Of Chicago
Arcadia University placed #43 among the best-value Philosophy schools in the United States. More on Arcadia University
California State University Long Beach came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Read the full report on California State University Long Beach
Carnegie Mellon University placed #45 among the best-value Philosophy schools in the United States. See the full Carnegie Mellon University profile
Antelope Valley College landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. See the full Antelope Valley College profile
Bridgewater State University landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. Read more about Bridgewater State University
California State University Sacramento came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. Get the full California State University Sacramento report
College Of The Redwoods landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Read the full report on College Of The Redwoods
Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis placed #50 among the best-value Philosophy schools in the United States. Get the full Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis report
Related Philosophy Value Rankings
See value rankings for other degree levels:
- Best Value Philosophy Schools (All Levels)
- 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 Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs 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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