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2027 Best Philosophy & Religious Studies Bachelor’s Degree Schools

233 Colleges in the United States
8,439 Philosophy & Religious Studies Degrees Awarded
$44,944 Avg Early-Career Salary

Philosophy & Religious Studies programs are offered at a focused set of schools across the country. A focused field like this rewards careful comparison of the schools that offer it.

College Factual analyzed 233 schools to build this 2027 ranking of the best philosophy & religious studies schools.

What’s on this page:

Best Schools for Philosophy & Religious Studies in the United States

These are the top schools for a bachelor’s degree in philosophy & religious studies, based on student outcomes and program quality.

Top Schools in Philosophy & Religious Studies

1

Northwestern University tops our 2027 ranking of the best philosophy & religious studies schools. Located in the city of Evanston, Northwestern University is a very large private not-for-profit university. Northwestern University graduates 95% of students within six years. About 21 philosophy & religious studies degrees were awarded at Northwestern University in the most recent year. Graduates of the philosophy & religious studies program make about $78,551 in their early career. Northwestern University graduates carry a median of $16,616 in student loans. See the full philosophy & religious studies program report for Northwestern University

2
Santa Clara University crest
Santa Clara University
Santa Clara, CA

Santa Clara University is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in philosophy & religious studies, ranking #2. This large private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Santa Clara. About 88% of students finish within six years. Santa Clara University awarded about 31 philosophy & religious studies degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, philosophy & religious studies degree recipients from Santa Clara University generally make around $79,380. Students borrow a median of $20,144 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in philosophy & religious studies from Santa Clara University

3
Stanford University crest
Stanford University
Stanford, CA

Stanford University came in at #3 on our 2027 list of the best philosophy & religious studies schools. Set in the suburb of Stanford, Stanford University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 92% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 22 philosophy & religious studies students who graduated with this degree at Stanford University in the most recent data year. Graduates of the philosophy & religious studies program make about $100,827 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $10,492 to complete this degree. Read more about the philosophy & religious studies program at Stanford University

4
University Of Pennsylvania crest
University Of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA

University Of Pennsylvania is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in philosophy & religious studies, landing the #4 spot this year. University Of Pennsylvania is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Philadelphia. Roughly 96% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 201 philosophy & religious studies students who graduated with this degree at University Of Pennsylvania in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, philosophy & religious studies degree recipients from University Of Pennsylvania generally make around $73,053. Typical student debt for the program is $18,500. Read more about the philosophy & religious studies program at University Of Pennsylvania

5

College Of William And Mary came in at #5 on our 2027 list of the best philosophy & religious studies schools. College Of William And Mary is a large public school located in the suburb of Williamsburg. Roughly 89% of students complete a degree within six years here. College Of William And Mary awarded about 19 philosophy & religious studies degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, philosophy & religious studies degree recipients from College Of William And Mary generally make around $53,338. Students borrow a median of $16,750 to complete this degree. Get the full philosophy & religious studies details for College Of William And Mary

6

Washington University In St Louis earned the #6 position for philosophy & religious studies this year. Set in the suburb of St. Louis, Washington University In St Louis is a large private not-for-profit institution. Washington University In St Louis graduates 94% of students within six years. There were roughly 19 philosophy & religious studies students who graduated with this degree at Washington University In St Louis in the most recent data year. Graduates of the philosophy & religious studies program make about $68,303 in their early career. Washington University In St Louis graduates carry a median of $17,553 in student loans. More information about a degree in philosophy & religious studies from Washington University In St Louis

7

Carnegie Mellon University landed the #7 spot for philosophy & religious studies this year. This large private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Pittsburgh. Carnegie Mellon University graduates 94% of students within six years. Carnegie Mellon University awarded about 16 philosophy & religious studies degrees in the most recent data year. Philosophy & Religious Studies graduates of Carnegie Mellon University earn a median of $89,327 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $23,529. See the full philosophy & religious studies program report for Carnegie Mellon University

8
Georgetown University crest
Georgetown University
Washington, DC

Georgetown University placed #8 among the best philosophy & religious studies schools. Georgetown University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Washington. Georgetown University graduates 95% of students within six years. Georgetown University awarded about 25 philosophy & religious studies degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, philosophy & religious studies degree recipients from Georgetown University generally make around $79,632. Students borrow a median of $16,483 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in philosophy & religious studies from Georgetown University

9
Yale University crest
Yale University
New Haven, CT

Yale University placed #9 among the best philosophy & religious studies schools. Set in the city of New Haven, Yale University is a large private not-for-profit institution. About 96% of students finish within six years. About 38 philosophy & religious studies degrees were awarded at Yale University in the most recent year. Philosophy & Religious Studies graduates of Yale University earn a median of $74,578 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $14,357. See the full philosophy & religious studies program report for Yale University

10
Emory University crest
Emory University
Atlanta, GA

Emory University landed the #10 spot for philosophy & religious studies this year. Set in the city of Atlanta, Emory University is a large private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 91%. There were roughly 51 philosophy & religious studies students who graduated with this degree at Emory University in the most recent data year. Philosophy & Religious Studies graduates of Emory University earn a median of $58,984 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $16,438. More information about a degree in philosophy & religious studies from Emory University

11
Harvard University crest
Harvard University
Cambridge, MA

Harvard University landed the #11 spot for philosophy & religious studies this year. This very large private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Cambridge. The six-year graduation rate is 98%. Harvard University awarded about 46 philosophy & religious studies degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the philosophy & religious studies program make about $95,207 in their early career. Harvard University graduates carry a median of $16,616 in student loans. Get the full philosophy & religious studies details for Harvard University

12
Dartmouth College crest
Dartmouth College
Hanover, NH

Dartmouth College earned the #12 position for philosophy & religious studies this year. Set in the town of Hanover, Dartmouth College is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Dartmouth College graduates 96% of students within six years. Dartmouth College awarded about 15 philosophy & religious studies degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their philosophy & religious studies degree from Dartmouth College earn around $81,992 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $16,989. See the full philosophy & religious studies program report for Dartmouth College

13
Wake Forest University crest
Wake Forest University
Winston-Salem, NC

Wake Forest University earned the #13 position for philosophy & religious studies this year. Located in the city of Winston-Salem, Wake Forest University is a large private not-for-profit university. About 89% of students finish within six years. About 20 philosophy & religious studies degrees were awarded at Wake Forest University in the most recent year. Students who receive their philosophy & religious studies degree from Wake Forest University earn around $67,369 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $21,577 to complete this degree. Read more about the philosophy & religious studies program at Wake Forest University

14
Brown University crest
Brown University
Providence, RI

Brown University came in at #14 for philosophy & religious studies this year. This large private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Providence. The six-year graduation rate is 96%. There were roughly 23 philosophy & religious studies students who graduated with this degree at Brown University in the most recent data year. Philosophy & Religious Studies graduates of Brown University earn a median of $62,820 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $13,025. Get the full philosophy & religious studies details for Brown University

15
Tufts University crest
Tufts University
Medford, MA

Tufts University came in at #15 for philosophy & religious studies this year. This large private not-for-profit university is located in the suburb of Medford. The six-year graduation rate is 94%. There were roughly 16 philosophy & religious studies students who graduated with this degree at Tufts University in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, philosophy & religious studies degree recipients from Tufts University generally make around $68,154. Students borrow a median of $17,074 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in philosophy & religious studies from Tufts University

16

Cornell University came in at #16 for philosophy & religious studies this year. Set in the city of Ithaca, Cornell University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Cornell University graduates 95% of students within six years. Cornell University awarded about 21 philosophy & religious studies degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their philosophy & religious studies degree from Cornell University earn around $75,976 in the first couple years of their career. Cornell University graduates carry a median of $15,005 in student loans. Get the full philosophy & religious studies details for Cornell University

17
Princeton University crest
Princeton University
Princeton, NJ

Princeton University earned the #17 position for philosophy & religious studies this year. Set in the city of Princeton, Princeton University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 98% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 27 philosophy & religious studies degrees were awarded at Princeton University in the most recent year. Students who receive their philosophy & religious studies degree from Princeton University earn around $67,532 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $10,888 to complete this degree. See the full philosophy & religious studies program report for Princeton University

18

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill earned the #18 position for philosophy & religious studies this year. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a very large public school located in the city of Chapel Hill. The six-year graduation rate is 91%. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill awarded about 34 philosophy & religious studies degrees in the most recent data year. Philosophy & Religious Studies graduates of University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill earn a median of $33,982 early in their careers. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill graduates carry a median of $13,122 in student loans. Read more about the philosophy & religious studies program at University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill

19

University Of Virginia Main Campus earned the #19 position for philosophy & religious studies this year. University Of Virginia Main Campus is a very large public school located in the suburb of Charlottesville. University Of Virginia Main Campus graduates 96% of students within six years. There were roughly 26 philosophy & religious studies students who graduated with this degree at University Of Virginia Main Campus in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, philosophy & religious studies degree recipients from University Of Virginia Main Campus generally make around $25,260. Typical student debt for the program is $17,715. Read more about the philosophy & religious studies program at University Of Virginia Main Campus

20
Purdue University Main Campus crest
Purdue University Main Campus
West Lafayette, IN

Purdue University Main Campus ranked #20 on our 2027 list of the best philosophy & religious studies schools. Located in the city of West Lafayette, Purdue University Main Campus is a very large public university. About 83% of students finish within six years. Purdue University Main Campus awarded about 41 philosophy & religious studies degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their philosophy & religious studies degree from Purdue University Main Campus earn around $63,111 in the first couple years of their career. Purdue University Main Campus graduates carry a median of $19,844 in student loans. Get the full philosophy & religious studies details for Purdue University Main Campus

21

Northeastern University came in at #21 for philosophy & religious studies this year. Northeastern University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Boston. The six-year graduation rate is 90%. There were roughly 18 philosophy & religious studies students who graduated with this degree at Northeastern University in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, philosophy & religious studies degree recipients from Northeastern University generally make around $74,800. Typical student debt for the program is $25,611. Get the full philosophy & religious studies details for Northeastern University

22

University Of Delaware came in at #22 for philosophy & religious studies this year. University Of Delaware is a very large public school located in the suburb of Newark. Roughly 82% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 12 philosophy & religious studies students who graduated with this degree at University Of Delaware in the most recent data year. Students who receive their philosophy & religious studies degree from University Of Delaware earn around $54,155 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $24,861. Read more about the philosophy & religious studies program at University Of Delaware

23

California State University Chico earned the #23 position for philosophy & religious studies this year. This large public university is located in the city of Chico. Roughly 63% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 17 philosophy & religious studies students who graduated with this degree at California State University Chico in the most recent data year. Philosophy & Religious Studies graduates of California State University Chico earn a median of $45,591 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $18,591. More information about a degree in philosophy & religious studies from California State University Chico

24

California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo ranked #24 on our 2027 list of the best philosophy & religious studies schools. Located in the suburb of San Luis Obispo, California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a very large public university. The six-year graduation rate is 86%. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo awarded about 29 philosophy & religious studies degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, philosophy & religious studies degree recipients from California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo generally make around $61,010. Students borrow a median of $19,273 to complete this degree. Read more about the philosophy & religious studies program at California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo

25

Pepperdine University placed #25 among the best philosophy & religious studies schools. This large private not-for-profit university is located in the suburb of Malibu. The six-year graduation rate is 83%. About 19 philosophy & religious studies degrees were awarded at Pepperdine University in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, philosophy & religious studies degree recipients from Pepperdine University generally make around $57,582. Students borrow a median of $23,645 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in philosophy & religious studies from Pepperdine University

Rest of the Top 50 Philosophy & Religious Studies Schools

Not far behind, these schools also delivered a strong philosophy & religious studies education:

26
Colgate University crest
Colgate University
Hamilton, NY
27
28
29
Carleton College crest
Carleton College
Northfield, MN
30
31
Wesleyan University crest
Wesleyan University
Middletown, CT
32
33
Boston College crest
Boston College
Chestnut Hill, MA
34
Bucknell University crest
Bucknell University
Lewisburg, PA
35
University Of Mary Washington crest
University Of Mary Washington
Fredericksburg, VA
36
Yeshiva University crest
Yeshiva University
New York, NY
37
Westmont College crest
Westmont College
Santa Barbara, CA
38
39
American University crest
American University
Washington, DC
40
41
Depauw University crest
Depauw University
Greencastle, IN
42
Hamilton College crest
Hamilton College
Clinton, NY
43
Stony Brook University crest
Stony Brook University
Stony Brook, NY
44
45
46
Barnard College crest
Barnard College
New York, NY
47
Williams College crest
Williams College
Williamstown, MA
48
University Of Utah crest
University Of Utah
Salt Lake City, UT
49
50
University Of Kansas crest
University Of Kansas
Lawrence, KS

Honorable Mentions

These schools earned honorable mentions for philosophy & religious studies:

Other Philosophy & Religious Studies Degree Levels

Looking for a different degree level? Compare Philosophy & Religious Studies rankings across degree levels:

All Degree Levels in Philosophy & Religious Studies
Associate's Degrees in Philosophy & Religious Studies
Master's Degrees in Philosophy & Religious Studies

View All Philosophy & Religious Studies Rankings >

Notes and References

This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. The methodology weighs graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and program quality, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 233 schools evaluated.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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