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.
To produce this 2027 ranking, College Factual evaluated 4 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for philosophy students.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in philosophy, balancing cost against outcomes.
Utah Valley University tops our 2027 list of the best value philosophy schools in Utah. Located in the city of Orem, Utah Valley University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $6,507, while out-of-state students pay about $18,489. Students borrow a median of $15,636 to complete the philosophy program here. Philosophy graduates of Utah Valley University earn a median of $43,699 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $15,636 median debt.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Utah State University earned it the #2 place for philosophy. Utah State University is a very large public school located in the city of Logan. In-state tuition and fees average $8,560, compared with $24,993 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $16,191 to complete the philosophy program here. Soon after graduation, philosophy degree recipients from Utah State University generally make around $50,348. That is a strong return on a $16,191 median debt. The acceptance rate is 92%.
A rank of #3 makes Brigham Young University Provo one of the best values for philosophy. Located in the city of Provo, Brigham Young University Provo is a very large private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $6,688. Typical student debt for philosophy graduates is $12,184. Soon after graduation, philosophy degree recipients from Brigham Young University Provo generally make around $54,507. Set against $12,184 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Utah came in at #4 on our 2027 list of the best value philosophy schools. Set in the city of Salt Lake City, University Of Utah is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,620, compared with $30,860 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for philosophy graduates is $20,798. Early-career philosophy graduates make about $60,527. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Utah admits about 86% of applicants.
The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 4 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 4 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.