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Cheapest Philosophy and Religious Studies Colleges

Ranked by lowest net price after financial aid. See our methodology.

College of the Ozarks offers an extraordinary path to studying Philosophy and Religious Studies programs for just $7,669 net annually, despite its highly selective 21% acceptance rate. This Missouri institution stands out dramatically from the typical private college model, making philosophical education accessible at a fraction of standard costs. Stanford University presents an interesting contrast in this field, matching similar affordability at $12,136 net cost while maintaining its position as one of America's most competitive institutions. The philosophy job market continues expanding in nonprofit organizations and religious institutions across the Midwest and South, where many of these affordable programs cluster. Students can pursue deep questions about meaning, ethics, and spirituality without accumulating massive debt, particularly at public institutions like SUNY Old Westbury ($9,900) and UNC Pembroke ($9,918). Missouri's Truman State demonstrates how regional public universities deliver strong outcomes, with 68% graduation rates for philosophy students who often continue to graduate school or careers in education, counseling, and religious leadership.
50
Programs
$7,669 – $23,069
Net Price Range
$29,505
Avg. Program Earnings
53.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Philosophy and Religious Studies, Other Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $7,669 $21,290 61.3% 21.1%
2 $9,900 $8,379 46.6% 92.1%
3 $9,918 $3,571 44.5% 89.7%
4 $12,030 $9,470 68.4% 45.1%
5 $12,136 $62,484 92.8% 3.7%
6 $12,817 $10,144 53.1% 82.7%
7 $12,882 $7,424 50.1% 94.2%
8 $14,083 $17,176 20.2% 61.0%
9 $14,892 $14,794 27.8% 85.0%
10 $15,133 $10,506 35.7% 80.3%
11 $15,389 $9,622 43.0%
12 $15,847 $5,785 51.9% 32.9%
13 $15,975 $33,220 38.3% 74.5%
14 $16,353 $15,956 61.2% 69.8%
15 $16,602 $19,890 61.6% 41.0%
16 $16,640 $12,286 49.6% 93.3%
17 $17,324 $35,740 42.7% 61.7%
18 $17,740 $16,896 33.2% 58.9%
19 $17,781 $18,000 21.1% 67.8%
20 $17,999 $26,150 53.9% 78.5%
21 $18,148 $33,494 49.5% 96.4%
22 $18,321 $40,190 47.3% 77.3%
23 $18,508 $33,252 46.7% 75.2%
24 $18,661 $34,700 46.4% 79.8%
25 $18,686 $62,412 94.1% 6.9%
26 $19,173 $41,720 72.8% 73.1%
27 $19,472 $7,317 70.7% 68.8%
28 $19,692 $21,316 12.7%
29 $20,148 $69,045 95.0% 4.0%
30 $20,173 $41,350 49.4% 90.4%
31 $20,318 $24,820 44.0% 92.0%
32 $20,351 $30,050 44.4% 75.3%
33 $20,874 $20,740 60.5% 76.0%
34 $20,899 $32,580 59.9% 47.3%
35 $21,108 $14,559 67.4% 85.8%
36 $21,232 $17,046 49.1% 78.0%
37 $21,344 $37,720 62.6% 88.6%
38 $21,539 $37,940 60.3% 57.8%
39 $21,556 $33,586 64.2% 70.4%
40 $21,816 $13,576 80.9% 78.3%
41 $22,048 $28,400 40.6% 86.7%
42 $22,185 $15,700 68.3% 76.9%
43 $22,198 $29,696 27.1% 63.0%
44 $22,355 $32,480 70.3% 72.3%
45 $22,403 $32,200 29.0% 61.1%
46 $22,633 $32,350 65.2% 72.4%
47 $22,670 $31,000 55.9% 59.8%
48 $22,872 $30,962 55.1% 88.1%
49 $22,921 $35,166 40.9% 87.7%
50 $23,069 $31,168 66.3% 86.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes College of the Ozarks so affordable for philosophy students?

College of the Ozarks operates on a unique work-study model where students work on campus to cover educational costs. The net price of $7,669 represents one of the lowest costs for any four-year degree in the nation. Despite this affordability, the college maintains high academic standards with only 21% of applicants accepted. This combination makes it an strong option for philosophy and religious studies majors seeking quality education without debt.

How do public universities compare to private colleges for philosophy programs?

Public universities dominate the affordable philosophy education space, with schools like SUNY Old Westbury at $9,900 and UNC Pembroke at $9,918 offering significant savings. Private institutions typically cost more, though exceptions like College of the Ozarks ($7,669) and Stanford ($12,136) break this pattern through unique financial aid approaches. Most public philosophy programs maintain acceptance rates above 80%, providing broader access than highly selective private alternatives.

Is Stanford University really affordable for philosophy studies?

Stanford's net cost of $12,136 reflects their generous need-based financial aid program, despite sticker prices exceeding $62,000. Only 3.68% of applicants gain admission, making it extremely competitive compared to other affordable options. The 92.8% graduation rate demonstrates strong student success in philosophy and related fields. For qualifying students, Stanford provides an Ivy-level education at costs comparable to many state universities.

Where can philosophy students find the best value in the Southeast?

UNC Pembroke delivers outstanding value at $9,918 net cost with an 89% acceptance rate, making quality philosophy education accessible across North Carolina. University of Tennessee-Chattanooga offers another strong option at $12,817 with reasonable admission standards. Florida A&M provides excellent opportunities for $15,847, though with more competitive 33% acceptance rates. These regional programs often connect students to growing nonprofit and educational sectors throughout the South.

Does graduation rate correlate with program cost in philosophy majors?

Graduation rates vary significantly regardless of cost among philosophy programs. College of the Ozarks achieves 61% completion rates at the lowest price point, while Stanford reaches 92.8% at similar net costs. Some moderately priced programs like Shaw University ($14,083) show concerning 20% graduation rates, suggesting cost alone doesn't predict success. Students should examine both affordability and institutional support systems when choosing philosophy programs.

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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.