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Best Value Philosophy Colleges in Pennsylvania

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

Pennsylvania's philosophy programs reveal stark contrasts in return on investment, with University of Pennsylvania graduates earning $61,516 annually while Slippery Rock graduates start at $24,035. This earnings gap of over $37,000 reflects different career trajectories within the field. Carnegie Mellon stands out with a 92.5% graduation rate despite an 11.3% acceptance rate, suggesting intensive academic rigor pays off for philosophy students. The state's healthcare giants like UPMC and pharmaceutical companies increasingly value philosophy graduates for their critical thinking skills in bioethics and regulatory compliance roles. Public options range from Slippery Rock's $19,524 net cost to Temple's $29,219, while private schools span $19,173 at Saint Francis to $35,487 at Saint Joseph's. Pennsylvania's PA State Grant program helps reduce costs for residents, making public universities particularly attractive for philosophy majors planning graduate school. The state's finance sector, anchored by companies like Comcast, also recruits philosophy graduates for analytical positions requiring strong reasoning abilities.
50
Programs
$12,912 – $44,876
Net Price Range
$38,254
Avg. Program Earnings
69.4%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Philosophy Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $31,229 $61,516 $66,104 96.8% 6.5%
2 $31,671 $49,683 $63,829 92.5% 11.3%
3 $19,524 $24,035 $10,507 65.9% 74.3%
4 $29,219 $29,685 $22,082 74.7% 79.7%
5 $30,086 $26,353 $64,230 82.7% 56.3%
6 $35,487 $51,340 79.8% 88.7%
7 $22,222 $39,570 72.5% 80.8%
8 $19,173 $41,720 72.8% 73.1%
9 $20,356 $22,171 43.5% 75.6%
10 $30,074 $21,524 84.3% 49.1%
11 $30,314 $60,240 80.2% 65.5%
12 $29,843 $52,000 71.1% 67.0%
13 $24,829 $38,370 69.2% 88.7%
14 $20,231 $12,262 54.4% 92.4%
15 $27,686 $40,640 78.5% 79.4%
16 $27,263 $44,510 58.7% 80.6%
17 $12,912 $12,512 52.1% 80.6%
18 $23,331 $41,100 72.1% 73.4%
19 $30,528 $52,309 80.8% 84.4%
20 $38,775 $25,023 44.4% 75.0%
21 $26,539 $57,400 74.1% 76.7%
22 $18,686 $62,412 94.1% 6.9%
23 $22,746 $36,864 43.5% 82.3%
24 $30,485 $59,196 76.6% 82.2%
25 $44,876 $64,701 92.4% 23.4%
26 $25,544 $28,185 71.4% 88.1%
27 $22,673 $10,687 69.8% 87.9%
28 $20,800 $39,470 65.9% 75.3%
29 $27,700 $42,286 60.3% 94.1%
30 $21,241 $27,000 51.8% 94.1%
31 $19,685 $24,606 59.7% 95.6%
32 $39,061 $68,380 86.0% 36.2%
33 $21,900 $54,960 66.5% 69.7%
34 $30,465 $44,800 71.0% 77.2%
35 $28,329 $42,810 58.5% 59.0%
36 $25,866 $48,290 64.0% 77.6%
37 $40,690 $62,560 85.6% 30.8%
38 $40,429 $64,772 86.2% 32.6%
39 $24,051 $35,815 50.5% 78.5%
40 $20,822 $34,502 55.2% 92.7%
41 $32,191 $63,475 83.4% 34.9%
42 $38,428 $60,663 77.1% 79.6%
43 $34,978 $47,146 75.5% 87.5%
44 $15,089 $11,036 43.8% 93.6%
45 $25,885 $37,420 56.0% 63.2%
46 $26,198 $36,842 77.1% 81.1%
47 $19,258 $47,675 59.6% 75.2%
48 $23,206 $37,951 69.5% 80.9%
49 $21,043 $33,610 61.5% 79.1%
50 $27,141 $38,310 58.5% 58.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $37,000 earnings gap between top and bottom philosophy programs?

University of Pennsylvania philosophy graduates earn $61,516 compared to $24,035 at Slippery Rock, reflecting alumni networks and career services quality. Penn's 6.5% acceptance rate attracts high-achieving students who often pursue law school or consulting careers. Regional job markets also matter, with Philadelphia offering more high-paying opportunities than smaller Pennsylvania towns. Graduate school placement rates significantly impact long-term earning potential for philosophy majors.

How do Pennsylvania's public universities compare for philosophy value?

Slippery Rock offers the lowest net cost at $19,524 but graduates earn just $24,035 annually. West Chester provides better value with a $22,673 net cost and stronger regional connections. Temple University costs $29,219 but serves Philadelphia's job market with 79.7% acceptance rate. The University of Pittsburgh balances quality and cost effectively for in-state students paying $21,524.

Is the high cost of private philosophy programs justified by outcomes?

Carnegie Mellon charges $31,671 net but delivers a 92.5% graduation rate and $49,683 starting salaries. Gettysburg College costs $30,086 with only $26,353 earnings, showing mixed private school value. Saint Joseph's represents the highest net cost at $35,487 but maintains strong Philadelphia connections. Private school value depends heavily on individual career goals and graduate school plans.

Does Pennsylvania's job market support philosophy graduates effectively?

UPMC and major pharmaceutical companies increasingly hire philosophy graduates for bioethics and compliance roles. Comcast and other tech companies value philosophical training for product ethics and user experience design. The state's legal sector remains a traditional path, with philosophy majors scoring well on LSAT exams. Graduate earnings ranging from $24,035 to $61,516 reflect varied career applications across Pennsylvania's economy.

Where should cost-conscious students focus their philosophy applications?

Saint Francis University offers excellent value at $19,173 net cost with a 72.8% graduation rate. Westminster College provides quality education for $20,800 in a smaller setting. Slippery Rock delivers the absolute lowest cost but requires realistic salary expectations. Students planning graduate school should prioritize schools with strong faculty research and recommendation letter potential over immediate earnings.

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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.