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Best Value Philosophy Colleges in Ohio

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

Philosophy students in Ohio face dramatic cost variations that don't align with earning outcomes. While Ohio State University delivers strong value at $18,292 net cost with graduates earning $31,133, Oberlin College charges $39,184 yet produces the lowest graduate earnings at just $18,154. This earnings gap of nearly $13,000 reflects different career paths philosophy majors pursue after graduation. Ohio's growing healthcare sector, anchored by Cleveland Clinic and Ohio State Wexner Medical Center, increasingly values critical thinking skills that philosophy programs develop. The state's 15 philosophy programs range from Antioch College's experimental approach at $6,602 net cost to traditional liberal arts institutions. Public universities consistently outperform private colleges in return on investment, with Kent State graduates earning $33,176 despite a moderate $19,614 net cost. Ohio's manufacturing base, including Honda's major operations, also recruits philosophy graduates for roles requiring analytical reasoning and ethical decision-making capabilities.
43
Programs
$4,503 – $39,184
Net Price Range
$26,594
Avg. Program Earnings
59.3%
Avg. Graduation Rate

43 Philosophy Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $18,292 $31,133 $12,859 87.7% 52.7%
2 $17,460 $29,685 $12,377 55.6% 92.2%
3 $19,614 $33,176 $12,846 65.5% 88.0%
4 $25,766 $20,824 $59,550 73.6% 56.3%
5 $39,184 $18,154 $64,646 79.5% 34.9%
6 $22,140 $34,899 68.9% 83.7%
7 $25,727 $37,800 74.2% 54.4%
8 $4,503 $6,178 20.0%
9 $6,483 $6,178 12.1%
10 $5,328 $6,178 19.3%
11 $6,133 $6,178 13.7%
12 $20,413 $13,746 66.4% 86.5%
13 $5,971 $6,178 17.7%
14 $21,619 $52,357 61.7% 52.2%
15 $6,602 $37,143 26.3% 83.0%
16 $23,987 $32,630 77.1% 66.7%
17 $18,027 $37,860 53.2% 85.1%
18 $20,004 $34,595 61.7% 72.5%
19 $19,470 $44,602 53.8% 93.9%
20 $15,216 $11,188 45.9% 95.2%
21 $32,342 $48,125 70.5% 84.5%
22 $11,877 $10,791 52.9% 80.6%
23 $14,981 $12,799 48.2% 82.9%
24 $38,111 $64,000 80.1% 22.0%
25 $21,994 $28,910 60.6% 71.8%
26 $27,654 $37,938 68.6% 77.0%
27 $20,918 $14,081 62.8% 78.7%
28 $23,585 $41,788 65.5% 72.2%
29 $38,909 $64,671 87.0% 27.4%
30 $25,022 $36,078 74.3% 64.9%
31 $23,156 $13,570 71.5% 86.2%
32 $16,065 $12,613 48.9% 85.3%
33 $31,236 $47,600 81.5% 74.1%
34 $19,476 $34,370 47.9% 52.4%
35 $23,731 $39,646 62.6% 86.0%
36 $21,662 $33,628 49.8% 71.4%
37 $20,088 $26,265 59.1% 93.1%
38 $28,617 $49,100 76.5% 82.4%
39 $29,383 $69,330 86.8% 34.3%
40 $22,881 $36,120 51.3% 77.6%
41 $27,662 $17,809 81.8% 87.9%
42 $22,539 $35,400 64.9% 75.8%
43 $21,812 $35,524 63.6% 85.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the wide earnings gap between Ohio philosophy programs?

Philosophy graduates from Kent State earn $33,176 annually compared to just $18,154 from Oberlin College, a difference of $15,022. This gap reflects different career trajectories and geographic factors. Kent State's proximity to Cleveland's business corridor and lower student debt loads of $19,614 net cost enable graduates to pursue higher-paying corporate roles. Oberlin's liberal arts focus often leads students toward graduate school or nonprofit work with lower initial salaries.

How do Ohio's public universities compare to private colleges for philosophy value?

Public universities dominate Ohio's philosophy value rankings with significantly lower costs and competitive earnings. Ohio State costs $18,292 with graduates earning $31,133, while private Oberlin charges $39,184 for lower earnings of $18,154. The University of Toledo offers strong value at $17,460 net cost with $29,685 graduate earnings. Only private colleges with substantial aid packages like Antioch at $6,602 compete effectively with public options.

Is philosophy education affordable for Ohio residents through state programs?

Ohio residents benefit from in-state tuition rates as low as $10,791 at Youngstown State University and access to the Ohio College Opportunity Grant. Public universities offer philosophy programs for $6,178 to $13,746 in tuition before aid. Wright State provides particularly strong access at $11,188 in-state tuition with a 95.22% acceptance rate. These programs make philosophy education accessible to students from varied economic backgrounds across the state.

Does graduation rate correlate with program cost in Ohio philosophy programs?

Higher-cost private colleges generally show stronger graduation rates but with notable exceptions. Oberlin achieves a 79.50% graduation rate but costs $39,184, while Ohio State reaches 87.70% at just $18,292. Antioch College presents an outlier with only 26.30% graduation despite moderate costs of $6,602. Public universities like Kent State deliver solid 65.50% rates at competitive prices, suggesting institutional support matters more than price alone.

Where do Ohio philosophy graduates find the strongest job markets?

Columbus and Cleveland offer the richest opportunities for philosophy graduates through major healthcare systems, corporate headquarters, and educational institutions. Ohio State's location in Columbus provides access to state government, Nationwide Insurance, and growing tech companies that value analytical skills. Cleveland's healthcare sector, led by Cleveland Clinic, increasingly recruits philosophy majors for bioethics and policy roles. Cincinnati and Akron also provide regional opportunities in manufacturing and finance sectors.

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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.