2026 Best Value Philosophy And Religious Studies Doctoral Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Philosophy And Religious Studies doctoral degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 1273 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor analyzed schools to produce 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 And Religious Studies Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Our analysis found Liberty University to be the best-value Philosophy And Religious Studies school in the United States. Located in Lynchburg, VA, Liberty University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,173. The median Philosophy And Religious Studies program debt is $32,873. Median earnings reach $44,813 ten years out. Set against $32,873 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 99%. See the full Liberty University profile
Out of the 1273 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Jewish Theological Seminary Of America landed the #2 spot. Set in New York, NY, Jewish Theological Seminary Of America is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $71,910 in tuition and fees. Typical Philosophy And Religious Studies student debt is $16,750. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $92,751. That is a strong return on a $16,750 median debt. Roughly 49% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Jewish Theological Seminary Of America
The University Of Texas At Austin came in at #3 on this year's best-value Philosophy And Religious Studies ranking in the United States. 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, compared with $44,908 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $18,676 to complete their Philosophy And Religious Studies program here. The University Of Texas At Austin alumni report median earnings of $75,121 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 27% of applicants are accepted. Get the full The University Of Texas At Austin report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Boston College earned it the #4 place in the United States. 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. The median Philosophy And Religious Studies program debt is $18,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $103,937 ten years after entry. Set against $18,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 16% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Boston College report
University Of Wisconsin Madison came in at #4 on this year's best-value Philosophy And Religious Studies ranking in the United States. University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public school based in Madison, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $11,603, while out-of-state students pay about $42,103. Students borrow a median of $24,216 to complete their Philosophy And Religious Studies program here. Median earnings reach $73,792 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 45% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Madison report
University Of Pennsylvania offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Set 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 And Religious Studies program here. University Of Pennsylvania alumni report median earnings of $111,371 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 5%. More on University Of Pennsylvania
University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a public school based in Chapel Hill, NC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,994, while out-of-state students pay about $41,203. Students borrow a median of $13,122 to complete their Philosophy And Religious Studies program here. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill alumni report median earnings of $72,200 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,122 median debt. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill admits about 15% of applicants. Get the full University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill report
Texas A And M University College Station landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Texas A And M University College Station is a public school based in College Station, TX. Students from in state pay about $12,995 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $40,124. Graduates carry a median of $19,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,097. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 57%. See the full Texas A And M University College Station profile
Arizona State University ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Philosophy And Religious Studies schools. This public school is set in Tempe, AZ. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,223, compared with $33,139 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,684 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,668. Set against $21,684 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Arizona State University admits about 90% of applicants. More on Arizona State University
Emory University ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Philosophy And Religious Studies schools. Emory University is a private not-for-profit school based in Atlanta, GA. Students from in state pay about $64,280 in tuition and fees. Emory University Philosophy And Religious Studies students take on a median of $16,438 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $80,137. Set against $16,438 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 11% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Emory University report
Depaul University ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Philosophy And Religious Studies schools. Located in Chicago, IL, Depaul University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $45,405. Graduates carry a median of $25,310 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,751 ten years after entry. Set against $25,310 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 76%. See the full Depaul University profile
University Of North Texas ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Philosophy And Religious Studies schools. University Of North Texas is a public school based in Denton, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,309, with out-of-state students paying around $21,149. University Of North Texas Philosophy And Religious Studies students take on a median of $17,750 in debt. Median earnings reach $57,010 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $17,750 median debt. University Of North Texas admits about 72% of applicants. Get the full University Of North Texas report
Duke University ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Philosophy And Religious Studies schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Durham, NC. In-state tuition and fees average $68,758. Typical Philosophy And Religious Studies student debt is $13,296. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $97,800. Set against $13,296 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Duke University admits about 6% of applicants. See the full Duke University profile
University Of Washington Seattle Campus came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Set in Seattle, WA, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,973, with out-of-state students paying around $43,209. Graduates carry a median of $13,500 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,466. That is a strong return on a $13,500 median debt. University Of Washington Seattle Campus has an acceptance rate of 39%. Read more about University Of Washington Seattle Campus
Fordham University landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Bronx, NY, Fordham University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $64,470. Fordham University Philosophy And Religious Studies students take on a median of $25,656 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $85,569 ten years after entry. Set against $25,656 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 59% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Fordham University
Florida State University landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Tallahassee, FL, Florida State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,517, compared with $21,683 for out-of-state students. The median Philosophy And Religious Studies program debt is $25,359. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,675 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,359 median debt. Florida State University has an acceptance rate of 24%. Get the full Florida State University report
University Of Virginia Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public school based in Charlottesville, VA. In-state tuition and fees run about $23,118, while out-of-state students pay about $61,591. Typical Philosophy And Religious Studies student debt is $17,715. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $86,863. That is a strong return on a $17,715 median debt. University Of Virginia Main Campus admits about 17% of applicants. Read more about University Of Virginia Main Campus
University Of California Santa Barbara ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Philosophy And Religious Studies schools. Set in Santa Barbara, CA, University Of California Santa Barbara is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,444 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $47,332. University Of California Santa Barbara Philosophy And Religious Studies students take on a median of $15,698 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $74,915 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 33% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of California Santa Barbara
Catholic University Of America placed #19 among the best-value Philosophy And Religious Studies schools in the United States. Based in Washington, DC, Catholic University Of America is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $58,378. Graduates carry a median of $23,843 in student loans. 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. About 83% of those who apply are admitted. More on Catholic University Of America
University Of Florida ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Philosophy And Religious Studies schools. Based in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,381, compared with $28,659 for out-of-state students. Typical Philosophy And Religious Studies student debt is $17,217. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,588. Set against $17,217 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 24%. More on University Of Florida
University Of California Berkeley came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Berkeley, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $15,377, with out-of-state students paying around $47,265. Typical Philosophy And Religious Studies student debt is $14,475. University Of California Berkeley alumni report median earnings of $92,446 a decade after entry. Set against $14,475 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 11% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of California Berkeley
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Philosophy And Religious Studies schools. Set in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $18,267 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $40,096. Typical Philosophy And Religious Studies student debt is $18,750. Median earnings reach $81,054 ten years out. Set against $18,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign has an acceptance rate of 42%. Read the full report on University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
University Of Arizona came in at #23 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. University Of Arizona Philosophy And Religious Studies students take on a median of $21,250 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, 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. Read the full report on University Of Arizona
University Of Massachusetts Amherst landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Amherst, MA, University Of Massachusetts Amherst is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $17,772, with out-of-state students paying around $40,449. Typical Philosophy And Religious Studies student debt is $25,234. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,631. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Massachusetts Amherst has an acceptance rate of 60%. Read more about University Of Massachusetts Amherst
University Of California Riverside ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Philosophy And Religious Studies schools. Located in Riverside, CA, University Of California Riverside is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,636, while out-of-state students pay about $46,524. Typical Philosophy And Religious Studies student debt is $19,022. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $67,699. That is a strong return on a $19,022 median debt. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of California Riverside profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Philosophy And Religious Studies Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
University Of California Santa Cruz placed #26 among the best-value Philosophy And Religious Studies schools in the United States. Based in Santa Cruz, CA, University Of California Santa Cruz is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,035, while out-of-state students pay about $46,923. Graduates carry a median of $15,832 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,396. That is a strong return on a $15,832 median debt. About 66% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of California Santa Cruz report
Vanderbilt University landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Nashville, TN, Vanderbilt University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,498. Vanderbilt University Philosophy And Religious Studies students take on a median of $13,975 in debt. Vanderbilt University alumni report median earnings of $91,565 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Vanderbilt University has an acceptance rate of 6%. Get the full Vanderbilt University report
Ohio State University Main Campus landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Columbus, OH, Ohio State University Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,244, compared with $40,022 for out-of-state students. The median Philosophy And Religious Studies program debt is $26,247. Median earnings reach $60,409 ten years out. Set against $26,247 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Ohio State University Main Campus admits about 61% of applicants. Read more about Ohio State University Main Campus
Rutgers University New Brunswick offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. This public school is set in New Brunswick, NJ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,929, with out-of-state students paying around $37,441. The median Philosophy And Religious Studies program debt is $25,800. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $74,479. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 58% of those who apply are admitted. More on Rutgers University New Brunswick
Suny At Albany offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. This public school is set in Albany, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,601, compared with $30,991 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,521 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $67,979. That is a strong return on a $23,521 median debt. Suny At Albany admits about 69% of applicants. More on Suny At Albany
New York University offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Based in New York, NY, New York University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $62,796. New York University Philosophy And Religious Studies students take on a median of $24,128 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $82,509. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. New York University admits about 9% of applicants. Read more about New York University
Columbia University In The City Of New York came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Located in New York, NY, Columbia University In The City Of New York is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $70,517. Graduates carry a median of $20,062 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $102,491 ten years after entry. Set against $20,062 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 4%. See the full Columbia University In The City Of New York profile
University Of Notre Dame came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Based in Notre Dame, IN, University Of Notre Dame is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $65,025 in tuition and fees. University Of Notre Dame Philosophy And Religious Studies students take on a median of $20,793 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $99,980. Set against $20,793 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 11% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Notre Dame profile
University Of Oregon came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. University Of Oregon is a public school based in Eugene, OR. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,320, with out-of-state students paying around $42,516. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. 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. University Of Oregon admits about 88% of applicants. Get the full University Of Oregon report
University Of Chicago came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Based in Chicago, IL, University Of Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $69,324. University Of Chicago Philosophy And Religious Studies students take on a median of $22,641 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $91,885. That is a strong return on a $22,641 median debt. University Of Chicago has an acceptance rate of 4%. Read more about University Of Chicago
Boston University came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. Located in Boston, MA, Boston University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $68,102. Boston University Philosophy And Religious Studies students take on a median of $25,750 in debt. Boston University alumni report median earnings of $83,238 a decade after entry. Set against $25,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 11%. More on Boston University
University Of New Mexico Main Campus came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Based in Albuquerque, NM, University Of New Mexico Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,140, with out-of-state students paying around $33,060. Students borrow a median of $24,095 to complete their Philosophy And Religious Studies program here. Median earnings reach $44,792 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,095 median debt. The acceptance rate is 95%. More on University Of New Mexico Main Campus
University Of Southern California placed #38 among the best-value Philosophy And Religious Studies schools in the United States. Located in Los Angeles, CA, University Of Southern California is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $71,647. Students borrow a median of $11,491 to complete their Philosophy And Religious Studies program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $92,498 ten years after entry. Set against $11,491 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Southern California has an acceptance rate of 10%. More on University Of Southern California
American Islamic College ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Philosophy And Religious Studies schools. Read the full report on American Islamic College
Central New Mexico Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. See the full Central New Mexico Community College profile
Eastern Connecticut State University offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Read more about Eastern Connecticut State University
Estrella Mountain Community College landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. See the full Estrella Mountain Community College profile
Idaho State University offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. Read the full report on Idaho State University
Sterling College Kansas landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. See the full Sterling College Kansas profile
University Of California Irvine landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. More on University Of California Irvine
Urshan Graduate School Of Theology offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. More on Urshan Graduate School Of Theology
Bennington College came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. More on Bennington College
Chaffey College
Chaffey College offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. Get the full Chaffey College report
Nova Southeastern University landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. More on Nova Southeastern University
Ohio University Southern Campus landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. More on Ohio University Southern Campus
Related Philosophy And Religious Studies Value Rankings
See value rankings for other degree levels:
- Best Value Philosophy And Religious Studies Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Philosophy And Religious Studies Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Philosophy And Religious Studies Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Philosophy And Religious Studies Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Philosophy And Religious Studies Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Philosophy And Religious Studies Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Philosophy And Religious Studies Master’s Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 1273 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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