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Best Value Philosophy Colleges in Massachusetts

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

College of the Holy Cross delivers the highest post-graduation earnings for Philosophy majors at $42,682 annually, nearly double what graduates from UMass Lowell earn at $21,964. This earnings gap of over $20,000 reflects Massachusetts' two-tier higher education system, where private institutions command premium tuition but often provide stronger alumni networks in the state's finance and consulting sectors. Boston's concentration of investment firms and management consulting companies actively recruit Philosophy graduates for their critical thinking skills, making location important for career prospects. The University of Massachusetts system offers the most affordable entry point, with UMass Boston charging just $18,282 net cost while maintaining an 80% acceptance rate. Public options range from $18,282 to $23,691, while private institutions span $26,181 to $39,866, creating clear pathways for different financial situations. Massachusetts produces Philosophy graduates who frequently transition into law, with the state's 34 law schools providing natural career progression. The combination of academic rigor and proximity to Boston's professional services sector makes Massachusetts particularly attractive for Philosophy students planning careers in legal analysis, policy work, or corporate strategy.
34
Programs
$14,852 – $39,866
Net Price Range
$30,949
Avg. Program Earnings
75.2%
Avg. Graduation Rate

34 Philosophy Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $18,282 $29,685 $15,496 51.1% 80.8%
2 $30,031 $38,829 $45,380 59.8% 86.8%
3 $23,691 $30,409 $17,357 83.2% 63.5%
4 $18,627 $21,964 $16,570 70.1% 86.0%
5 $36,868 $42,682 $60,850 89.6% 36.4%
6 $26,996 $26,353 $65,168 90.0% 14.4%
7 $33,885 $28,598 $64,946 86.1% 39.4%
8 $39,866 $33,281 $67,680 91.0% 16.7%
9 $35,435 $26,739 $67,844 93.3% 9.7%
10 $29,969 $54,500 80.8% 73.4%
11 $32,116 $63,141 90.4% 6.8%
12 $18,441 $11,978 55.0% 92.7%
13 $27,313 $45,538 71.2% 76.5%
14 $36,684 $66,594 54.2% 95.5%
15 $26,181 $61,568 89.7% 22.9%
16 $20,605 $15,208 49.0% 95.5%
17 $19,813 $60,156 96.1% 4.0%
18 $25,008 $64,320 91.2% 13.6%
19 $31,170 $46,430 63.9% 88.0%
20 $30,934 $62,080 75.7% 79.5%
21 $14,852 $64,860 96.6% 8.5%
22 $18,707 $11,884 49.1% 92.5%
23 $29,562 $64,142 85.0% 39.8%
24 $37,899 $51,786 72.1% 74.6%
25 $18,246 $67,280 93.4% 7.3%
26 $16,816 $59,076 97.3% 3.2%
27 $25,810 $56,630 57.2% 68.9%
28 $24,817 $28,100 67.6% 91.8%
29 $31,569 $46,686 65.8% 79.7%
30 $29,504 $46,220 48.3% 87.5%
31 $27,711 $55,160 77.1% 50.3%
32 $17,970 $11,389 54.6% 87.7%
33 $38,787 $58,150 88.2% 57.9%
34 $28,853 $49,414 74.6% 82.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $20,000 earnings gap between Philosophy programs in Massachusetts?

College of the Holy Cross graduates earn $42,682 compared to UMass Lowell's $21,964, reflecting differences in alumni networks and recruiting patterns. Private institutions like Holy Cross maintain stronger connections to Boston's finance and consulting sectors, where Philosophy majors often find high-paying analyst positions. The 89.60% graduation rate at Holy Cross also suggests more students complete their degrees and enter the workforce. Public universities serve broader populations but may have less targeted career placement in specialized fields.

How do Massachusetts public universities compare for Philosophy value?

UMass Boston offers the lowest net cost at $18,282 with decent earnings of $29,685, making it the top public value choice. UMass Amherst costs $5,400 more at $23,691 but produces similar earnings at $30,409 and boasts an 83.20% graduation rate. UMass Lowell provides the cheapest option for in-state students at $16,570 tuition, though post-graduation earnings lag significantly. Salem State offers the most affordable tuition at $11,978 but lacks earnings data.

Is Philosophy a practical major choice in Massachusetts' job market?

Massachusetts hosts over 200 biotech companies, numerous consulting firms, and 34 law schools, creating multiple career paths for Philosophy graduates. The state's emphasis on critical thinking and analytical skills aligns well with Philosophy training, particularly in legal services and policy analysis. Earnings range from $21,964 to $42,682 demonstrates varying market value based on institutional connections. Boston's concentration of professional services provides more opportunities than most states for Philosophy career applications.

Does attending a more selective Philosophy program improve earnings outcomes?

Boston College accepts only 16.66% of applicants and produces graduates earning $33,281, while UMass Boston accepts 80.76% with similar earnings at $29,685. Tufts University's 9.69% acceptance rate correlates with lower earnings at $26,739, suggesting selectivity alone doesn't determine financial outcomes. College of the Holy Cross combines moderate selectivity at 36.36% acceptance with the highest earnings at $42,682. The data indicates institutional networking and regional connections matter more than admission difficulty.

Where should cost-conscious students pursue Philosophy degrees in Massachusetts?

UMass Boston provides the best combination of affordability and earning potential at $18,282 net cost and $29,685 median earnings. In-state students pay just $15,496 tuition, making it extremely accessible for Massachusetts residents. Smith College offers surprising value at $26,181 net cost despite being private, with strong liberal arts connections. Students should avoid schools lacking earnings data like Salem State and Stonehill College when prioritizing financial returns.

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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.