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Best Value Philosophy Colleges in Illinois

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

Philosophy students at the University of Chicago face a striking paradox in Illinois higher education. Despite the school's ultra-selective 5.43% acceptance rate and nearly $19,000 net cost, philosophy graduates earn $33,993 annually, which trails Illinois State University graduates by over $4,000. Illinois State delivers strong value with an $18,996 net cost and the highest philosophy earnings at $38,289. The earnings gap across Illinois philosophy programs spans nearly $19,000, from Loyola University Chicago's $19,455 to Illinois State's peak. This disparity matters particularly in Illinois, where Chicago's finance and consulting sectors increasingly value philosophical reasoning skills for risk analysis and strategic thinking roles. Public universities dominate the value proposition here. The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign combines a moderate $15,201 net cost with solid career outcomes, while Northern Illinois University offers the most affordable path at $12,909 net cost.
39
Programs
$8,837 – $35,196
Net Price Range
$30,129
Avg. Program Earnings
61.7%
Avg. Graduation Rate

39 Philosophy Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $18,996 $38,289 $16,021 66.3% 86.2%
2 $15,201 $28,598 $16,004 84.9% 44.8%
3 $18,967 $33,993 $66,939 94.9% 5.4%
4 $27,143 $31,839 $65,997 95.9% 7.2%
5 $26,984 $28,598 $43,930 86.6% 88.4%
6 $35,196 $19,455 $51,716 76.9% 79.2%
7 $12,093 $36,840 59.0% 84.1%
8 $23,033 $44,394 71.1% 60.9%
9 $18,191 $35,325 56.0% 68.0%
10 $12,909 $12,700 49.6% 70.7%
11 $23,572 $39,680 72.1% 75.1%
12 $13,550 $12,383 16.8% 62.7%
13 $23,066 $37,300 38.3% 54.9%
14 $20,152 $20,280 41.0% 88.3%
15 $15,113 $37,844 62.4% 89.5%
16 $18,034 $43,520 60.1% 90.7%
17 $8,916 $12,252 61.4% 82.0%
18 $16,177 $13,244 56.3% 91.5%
19 $13,696 $12,922 55.0% 97.5%
20 $16,381 $20,325 63.9% 70.7%
21 $21,386 $12,320 45.7% 91.3%
22 $11,592 $14,952 44.8% 75.0%
23 $18,992 $28,220 58.3% 81.9%
24 $14,093 $13,403 45.2% 68.0%
25 $8,837 $26,892 59.1% 75.4%
26 $24,190 $34,070 59.5% 68.4%
27 $12,437 $49,834 79.2% 61.2%
28 $17,610 $15,400 58.2%
29 $18,370 $37,882 62.6% 74.1%
30 $27,499 $54,202 70.4% 59.7%
31 $24,875 $55,587 67.5% 73.3%
32 $16,774 $36,258 47.4% 93.0%
33 $17,945 $37,470 61.1% 77.2%
34 $29,550 $55,704 82.5% 42.2%
35 $29,141 $44,460 70.0% 70.2%
36 $23,529 $34,290 51.0% 93.1%
37 $12,313 $14,338 60.3% 78.7%
38 $21,270 $30,598 51.4% 94.1%
39 $21,063 $41,628 65.2% 76.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains Illinois State University's $38,289 earning advantage over University of Chicago philosophy graduates?

Illinois State philosophy graduates earn $4,296 more annually than University of Chicago graduates despite attending a school with an 86.24% acceptance rate versus Chicago's 5.43%. This reflects Illinois State's strong career services connections to state government and education sectors. The school's location in Normal provides direct pipelines to Illinois government internships and teaching positions. University of Chicago's theoretical focus may not translate as directly to immediate earning potential in the Illinois job market.

How do public university philosophy programs compare to private options in Illinois?

Illinois public universities deliver superior value for philosophy students across multiple metrics. The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign costs $15,201 annually while maintaining an 84.90% graduation rate. Northern Illinois University offers the lowest cost at $12,909 but graduation rates drop to 49.60%. Private schools like Northwestern charge $27,143 annually despite philosophy graduates earning just $31,839, creating questionable return on investment for this major.

Is the $26,000 average debt at Loyola University Chicago justified by philosophy career outcomes?

Loyola University Chicago philosophy graduates face concerning financial prospects with $19,455 median earnings against $26,000 average debt. This creates a debt-to-income ratio exceeding industry recommendations for sustainable repayment. The school's 76.90% graduation rate falls below Northwestern's 95.90% despite similar private tuition structures. Students considering Loyola should examine Illinois State University's debt-free value alternative with nearly double the earning potential.

Does the University of Chicago's 94.90% graduation rate justify its philosophy program costs?

The University of Chicago achieves Illinois's second-highest philosophy graduation rate at 94.90%, trailing only Northwestern's 95.90%. However, the $18,967 net cost produces graduates earning $33,993, which ranks third among Illinois philosophy programs. Illinois State University graduates earn $4,296 more annually while paying similar net costs. Chicago's academic prestige doesn't translate to proportional career advantages for philosophy majors in the Illinois market.

Where do Illinois philosophy graduates find the best career opportunities relative to program costs?

Illinois State University creates the strongest career outcomes for philosophy graduates with $38,289 median earnings and manageable $18,996 annual costs. The school's Normal location provides access to state government internships and education sector connections. Chicago-area programs like Saint Xavier University offer lower net costs at $12,093 but lack earnings data for comparison. Philosophy students should prioritize schools with documented career placement success over theoretical academic rankings.

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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.