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Philosophy Colleges Under $20,000

Programs with net price under $20,000. See our methodology.

Philosophy, Politics, and Economics programs show striking cost variations, from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary's $6,608 net price to Swarthmore's $18,686. The acceptance rates tell an equally dramatic story, with Criswell College admitting all applicants while Swarthmore accepts just 6.93%. These interdisciplinary programs prepare graduates for Washington D.C.'s policy organizations, think tanks, and lobbying firms, where analytical reasoning and economic literacy drive career advancement. University of Michigan stands out with its 93.20% graduation rate despite moderate costs.
5
Programs
$6,608 – $18,686
Net Price Range
71.3%
Avg. Graduation Rate

5 Philosophy, Politics, and Economics Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $6,608 $10,646 46.4% 80.0%
2 $12,929 $14,310 57.1% 100.0%
3 $14,832 $17,228 93.2% 17.7%
4 $15,960 $13,626 65.9% 86.8%
5 $18,686 $62,412 94.1% 6.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the massive cost difference between the cheapest and most expensive programs?

Seminary-based programs like Southeastern Baptist ($6,608) and Criswell College ($12,929) operate with different funding models than elite liberal arts colleges. Swarthmore's $18,686 net price reflects extensive financial aid that brings down the $62,412 sticker price for qualified students.

How do graduation rates correlate with program selectivity?

The most selective schools show the highest completion rates, with Swarthmore (6.93% acceptance) achieving 94.10% graduation and Michigan (17.69% acceptance) reaching 93.20%. Open-admission Criswell College graduates 57.10% of students, while Arizona's broader access approach yields 65.90% completion.

Is University of Michigan's public status an advantage for PPE students?

Michigan combines elite-level outcomes with public accessibility, graduating 93.20% of students at a $14,832 net cost. The Ann Arbor location provides internship access to state government and regional policy organizations while maintaining research university resources.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.