by our College Data Analytics Team
[Philosophy](/majors/philosophy-and-religious-studies/philosophy/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
For its 2027 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 7 schools to find the best return on investment for philosophy students.
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If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the philosophy degrees they offer, see the list below.
Swarthmore College tops our 2027 list of the best value philosophy schools in Pennsylvania. Swarthmore College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Swarthmore. In-state tuition and fees average $65,494. Philosophy graduates carry a median of $19,500 in student loans. Soon after graduation, philosophy degree recipients from Swarthmore College generally make around $66,971. That is a strong return on a $19,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 8%.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Pennsylvania earned it the #2 place for philosophy. Located in the city of Philadelphia, University Of Pennsylvania is a very large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,686. Philosophy graduates carry a median of $18,500 in student loans. Philosophy graduates of University Of Pennsylvania earn a median of $73,053 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $18,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 5%.
Temple University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in philosophy, landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the city of Philadelphia, Temple University is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $23,005, compared with $38,805 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for philosophy graduates is $25,000. Early-career philosophy graduates make about $28,648. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Temple University admits about 80% of applicants.
Students looking for strong value in philosophy will find it at University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus, which ranked #4. Located in the city of Pittsburgh, University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $21,926, while out-of-state students pay about $41,430. Typical student debt for philosophy graduates is $24,958. Soon after graduation, philosophy degree recipients from University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus generally make around $56,926. That is a strong return on a $24,958 median debt. Roughly 58% of applicants are accepted.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Carnegie Mellon University earned it the #5 place for philosophy. Carnegie Mellon University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Pittsburgh. Students from in state pay about $65,636 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for philosophy graduates is $23,529. Philosophy graduates of Carnegie Mellon University earn a median of $89,327 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $23,529 median debt. Carnegie Mellon University admits about 12% of applicants.
Pennsylvania State University Main Campus ranked #6 on our 2027 list of the best value philosophy schools. Set in the city of University Park, Pennsylvania State University Main Campus is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $20,644, with out-of-state students paying around $41,790. Students borrow a median of $23,878 to complete the philosophy program here. Early-career philosophy graduates make about $17,881. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 61%.
Bucknell University came in at #7 for value in philosophy this year. Set in the town of Lewisburg, Bucknell University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $67,812 in tuition and fees. Philosophy graduates carry a median of $25,951 in student loans. Soon after graduation, philosophy degree recipients from Bucknell University generally make around $64,331. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 29% of applicants are accepted.
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 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 · 7 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 7 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.