Best Value Philosophy Colleges in Wisconsin

Philosophy students in Wisconsin face a dramatic cost divide that reaches nearly $20,000 between the most affordable and expensive options. University of Wisconsin-Parkside delivers the lowest net cost at $10,044, while Marquette University tops the list at $29,237 despite offering the highest graduate earnings of $29,685. The state's 15 philosophy programs serve a region where critical thinking skills align well with major employers like Epic Systems and GE Healthcare, companies that value analytical reasoning in their workforce. Public universities dominate the value equation, with UW-Madison combining a reasonable $16,928 net cost with strong earnings of $28,236 and an impressive 89.30% graduation rate. The earnings gap spans from $20,140 at UW-La Crosse to nearly $30,000 at Marquette, reflecting different career paths and alumni networks. Wisconsin's manufacturing and healthcare sectors increasingly seek employees who can navigate complex ethical questions and regulatory frameworks, making philosophy graduates valuable in corporate compliance, bioethics, and policy analysis roles throughout the state.

Programs

$10,044 – $29,237

Net Price Range

$25,953

Avg. Program Earnings

63.7%

Avg. Graduation Rate

20 Philosophy Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Milwaukee, Wisconsin	$16,177	$27,669	$10,020	51.2%	86.3%
2	University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison, Wisconsin	$16,928	$28,236	$11,205	89.3%	49.1%
3	University of Wisconsin-La Crosse La Crosse, Wisconsin	$15,374	$20,140	$9,651	71.2%	74.3%
4	Beloit College Beloit, Wisconsin	$21,924	$24,035	$58,554	67.2%	65.9%
5	Marquette University Milwaukee, Wisconsin	$29,237	$29,685	$48,700	80.1%	87.2%
6	University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Stevens Point, Wisconsin	$13,726		$8,834	56.0%	89.1%
7	Alverno College Milwaukee, Wisconsin	$16,722		$32,794	50.5%	89.9%
8	University of Wisconsin-Platteville Platteville, Wisconsin	$14,754		$8,315	61.5%	85.4%
9	University of Wisconsin-Parkside Kenosha, Wisconsin	$10,044		$7,855	39.8%	72.8%
10	University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Oshkosh, Wisconsin	$14,761		$8,212	57.9%	88.5%
11	University of Wisconsin-Green Bay Green Bay, Wisconsin	$12,878		$8,342	53.1%	89.6%
12	University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Eau Claire, Wisconsin	$16,948		$9,277	67.6%	76.6%
13	Viterbo University La Crosse, Wisconsin	$22,633		$32,350	65.2%	72.4%
14	Saint Norbert College De Pere, Wisconsin	$25,674		$44,432	73.6%	83.6%
15	Ripon College Ripon, Wisconsin	$21,176		$50,700	59.9%	81.3%
16	Mount Mary University Milwaukee, Wisconsin	$18,295		$34,390	58.9%	69.5%
17	Lawrence University Appleton, Wisconsin	$24,563		$55,461	76.4%	72.3%
18	Concordia University-Wisconsin Mequon, Wisconsin	$26,067		$34,250	64.3%	70.4%
19	Carthage College Kenosha, Wisconsin	$24,813		$36,500	60.5%	81.8%
20	Carroll University Waukesha, Wisconsin	$24,362		$37,230	69.6%	72.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $19,193 cost difference between the cheapest and most expensive philosophy programs?

The gap reflects Wisconsin's public-private divide, with UW-Parkside charging $10,044 compared to Marquette's $29,237. Public universities receive state funding that keeps costs lower for residents. Private schools like Marquette and Beloit College charge higher tuition but often provide more financial aid, with Beloit's net cost of $21,924 representing significant discounting from its $58,554 sticker price.

How do graduation rates vary among Wisconsin's philosophy programs?

UW-Madison leads with 89.30% of philosophy students completing their degrees, followed by Marquette at 80.10%. Several schools struggle with retention, including UW-Parkside at 39.80% and Alverno College at 50.50%. The state average hovers around 60%, with private colleges generally outperforming their public counterparts despite higher costs.

Is the higher cost at Marquette University justified by career outcomes?

Marquette philosophy graduates earn $29,685 annually, the highest in Wisconsin and $1,449 more than UW-Madison graduates. However, students pay $12,309 more in net costs compared to Madison. The private university's Milwaukee location and alumni network may provide better entry-level opportunities, but the return on investment requires careful consideration given the substantial cost premium.

Does UW-Madison offer the best overall value for philosophy students?

UW-Madison presents strong value with $28,236 in graduate earnings against a $16,928 net cost, plus the state's highest graduation rate at 89.30%. Students carry $21,500 in average debt, which is manageable given earning potential. The combination of reasonable costs, strong outcomes, and Madison's status as the state capital creates excellent internship and career opportunities.

Where can philosophy students find the most affordable education in Wisconsin?

UW-Parkside offers the lowest net cost at $10,044, though graduates earn just $20,140 annually and face a 39.80% graduation rate. UW-Green Bay provides better value at $12,878 with higher completion rates. UW-Stevens Point costs $13,726 but lacks earnings data, making it harder to evaluate long-term value despite its affordable price point.

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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.