Skip to main content

Philosophy Colleges Under $10,000

Programs with net price under $10,000. See our methodology.

Philosophy programs under $10,000 reveal a striking cost divide between public and private options. CUNY Hunter College delivers the most affordable path at just $2,446 net cost annually, while Berea College charges $4,483 despite its $49,326 sticker price. The City University of New York system dominates the affordable philosophy market, claiming eight of the top fifteen spots with consistent graduation rates between 49% and 72%. Philosophy graduates from these programs earn around $26,600 annually, reflecting the field's role in preparing students for law school, public service, and the growing ethics consulting sector that major corporations increasingly require. California State campuses also provide strong value, with CSU-Dominguez Hills offering 89% acceptance rates at $3,659 net cost. These affordable programs serve regions where philosophy skills prove valuable in legal services, education, and the tech industry's growing focus on artificial intelligence ethics and data privacy compliance.
49
Programs
$2,446 – $9,962
Net Price Range
$29,320
Avg. Program Earnings
49.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

49 Philosophy Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $2,446 $7,382 61.0% 47.9%
2 $2,943 $7,452 56.6% 54.5%
3 $2,978 $7,464 72.1% 49.5%
4 $3,046 $7,470 55.5% 50.7%
5 $3,482 $7,410 49.3% 55.3%
6 $3,486 $7,340 54.7% 66.6%
7 $3,659 $7,064 46.9% 89.1%
8 $3,830 $7,538 60.2% 69.5%
9 $4,113 $6,813 52.6% 86.9%
10 $4,285 $5,986 37.9% 80.4%
11 $4,483 $49,326 62.0% 24.6%
12 $4,503 $6,178 20.0%
13 $4,734 $7,358 30.3% 59.1%
14 $5,115 $7,490 32.8%
15 $5,328 $6,178 19.3%
16 $5,646 $7,073 69.2% 66.7%
17 $5,671 $7,826 58.0% 96.6%
18 $5,825 $7,696 49.3% 86.6%
19 $5,918 $7,675 54.7% 91.1%
20 $5,970 $8,179 36.9% 80.3%
21 $5,971 $6,178 17.7%
22 $6,133 $6,178 13.7%
23 $6,351 $6,381 91.5% 23.4%
24 $6,480 $6,980 54.8% 95.4%
25 $6,483 $6,178 12.1%
26 $6,500 $9,859 49.3% 87.7%
27 $6,507 $5,324 52.5% 51.6%
28 $6,602 $37,143 26.3% 83.0%
29 $6,608 $10,646 46.4% 80.0%
30 $6,747 $8,147 52.2% 78.1%
31 $7,168 $10,896 48.3% 86.0%
32 $7,599 $7,095 56.2% 91.2%
33 $8,001 $4,879 64.3% 81.3%
34 $8,155 $6,360 61.8% 48.0%
35 $8,257 $8,179 33.4% 85.2%
36 $8,364 $8,179 35.7% 86.9%
37 $8,463 $8,419 44.0% 72.8%
38 $8,463 $6,270 40.7%
39 $8,837 $26,892 59.1% 75.4%
40 $8,896 $17,462 59.5% 97.9%
41 $8,916 $12,252 61.4% 82.0%
42 $8,931 $7,008 69.9% 40.0%
43 $9,104 $8,400 53.2%
44 $9,110 $14,288 61.9% 77.7%
45 $9,121 $9,708 59.5% 84.0%
46 $9,133 $6,565 73.9% 63.9%
47 $9,424 $6,110 42.1%
48 $9,634 $8,640 36.7%
49 $9,962 $10,130 49.7% 64.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes CUNY schools so affordable for philosophy majors?

CUNY schools benefit from substantial state subsidies that keep tuition low for New York residents. Hunter College charges just $7,382 for in-state students, but generous financial aid reduces the average net cost to $2,446. The system serves over 270,000 students across multiple campuses, creating economies of scale that help maintain affordability. Philosophy programs at CUNY schools typically graduate 49% to 72% of students within six years.

How do philosophy graduate earnings compare across affordable programs?

Philosophy graduates from affordable programs earn between $26,353 and $26,896 annually within six years of graduation. CUNY Hunter College graduates earn the highest at $26,896 despite having the lowest net cost at $2,446. This narrow earnings range suggests that employer demand for philosophy skills remains consistent regardless of the specific school attended. The analytical and critical thinking skills developed in philosophy programs translate well to entry-level positions in law, government, and business.

Is Berea College worth the higher cost for philosophy students?

Berea College costs $4,483 net despite a $49,326 sticker price because it provides every student with a full-tuition scholarship. The college serves only low-income students and requires all students to work on campus, creating a unique educational model. With a 62% graduation rate and highly selective 24.58% acceptance rate, Berea offers a more exclusive environment than most affordable options. However, earnings data for Berea philosophy graduates was not available for comparison.

Does location affect job prospects for affordable philosophy programs?

New York and California dominate the affordable philosophy market, with CUNY and California State campuses offering the best values. These regions provide strong job markets for philosophy graduates in legal services, government, and technology sectors. New York's concentration of law firms, publishing houses, and financial services creates varied career paths for philosophy majors. California's tech industry increasingly values philosophy graduates for ethics consulting and policy development roles.

Where can philosophy majors find the best combination of low cost and graduation rates?

CUNY Baruch College offers the best balance with a $2,978 net cost and 72.1% graduation rate, the highest among affordable options. Hunter College follows closely with $2,446 net cost and 61% graduation rate. These schools significantly outperform regional options like Ohio University campuses, which cost more but graduate only 19% to 20% of students. The CUNY system's urban locations also provide internship opportunities that boost career prospects.

More Philosophy Rankings

Cheapest Philosophy Best Value Philosophy

Related

All Philosophy Programs All College Rankings Highest-Paying Majors 2026

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