2026 Best Philosophy & Religious Studies Schools in Tennessee

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.

To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 29 schools to find the best for philosophy & religious studies students.

What’s on this page:

• Best Philosophy & Religious Studies Schools in Tennessee

Best Schools for Philosophy & Religious Studies in Tennessee

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest overall philosophy & religious studies education in Tennessee.

Top Schools in Philosophy & Religious Studies

1

Johnson University
Knoxville, TN

Doctoral Degree Highest Degree Type

30 Philosophy & Religious Studies Degrees Awarded

$34,290 Median Starting Salary

Our analysis ranked Johnson University the best school in the country for a degree in philosophy & religious studies. This small private not-for-profit university is located in the rural area of Knoxville. Roughly 54% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 30 philosophy & religious studies students who graduated with this degree at Johnson University in the most recent data year. Students who receive their philosophy & religious studies degree from Johnson University earn around $34,290 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $23,819. See the full philosophy & religious studies program report for Johnson University

2

The University Of Tennessee
Knoxville, TN

Doctoral Degree Highest Degree Type

18 Philosophy & Religious Studies Degrees Awarded

$49,826 Median Starting Salary

The University Of Tennessee is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in philosophy & religious studies, landing the #2 spot this year. Set in the city of Knoxville, The University Of Tennessee is a very large public institution. The University Of Tennessee graduates 74% of students within six years. The University Of Tennessee awarded about 18 philosophy & religious studies degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the philosophy & religious studies program make about $49,826 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in philosophy & religious studies from The University Of Tennessee

Notes and References

This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and program focus, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 29 schools evaluated.

• The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
• Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).

More about our data sources and methodologies.