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Cheapest Philosophy Colleges in Iowa

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

Grinnell College stands out among Iowa's Philosophy programs with a 10.76% acceptance rate yet maintains a $15,608 net price that rivals public institutions. This creates an unusual opportunity in a state where insurance giants like Principal Financial value the analytical thinking that Philosophy majors develop. The gap between most expensive and least expensive options spans just $15,433, from University of Northern Iowa at $14,609 to Northwestern College at $30,042. Philosophy students benefit from Iowa's low cost of living and the state's emphasis on ethical business practices, particularly relevant as John Deere and other major employers increasingly seek graduates who can navigate complex moral and logical frameworks in corporate decision-making.
19
Programs
$14,609 – $30,042
Net Price Range
66.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

19 Philosophy Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $14,609 $9,728 68.9% 95.0%
2 $15,608 $64,862 87.5% 10.8%
3 $18,165 $10,497 75.5% 90.2%
4 $19,155 $52,576 59.0%
5 $20,068 $39,600 54.9% 84.8%
6 $21,057 $38,298 69.9% 89.8%
7 $21,398 $10,964 73.1% 86.0%
8 $22,231 $46,212 65.7% 89.1%
9 $22,353 $20,988 69.2% 79.2%
10 $22,604 $51,040 66.8% 97.5%
11 $22,750 $35,598 62.8% 73.9%
12 $23,169 $38,190 52.8% 70.6%
13 $23,250 $40,065 41.1% 85.1%
14 $23,435 $39,070 55.9% 75.3%
15 $23,519 $35,300 63.6% 87.3%
16 $25,079 $50,634 71.7% 79.3%
17 $25,383 $35,960 65.3% 87.7%
18 $25,635 $50,320 75.0% 75.3%
19 $30,042 $49,944 77.3% 67.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Grinnell College's Philosophy program unusual for the price?

Grinnell combines elite selectivity with surprisingly affordable costs for qualified students. With only 10.76% of applicants accepted, it rivals Ivy League standards, yet maintains a $15,608 net price. The 87.50% graduation rate reflects the program's academic rigor and student support systems.

How do public universities compare for Philosophy costs in Iowa?

Public options range from $14,609 at University of Northern Iowa to $21,398 at University of Iowa. Iowa State falls in between at $18,165 with a strong 75.50% graduation rate. These schools serve 90% or more of applicants, making Philosophy education accessible to most students.

Is there a significant graduation rate difference between price levels?

Higher-priced programs generally show stronger completion rates. Grinnell leads at 87.50%, while University of Northern Iowa achieves 68.90% despite being most affordable. The University of Dubuque shows concerning completion at 41.10% for a $23,250 net cost.

Where do Philosophy majors find work in Iowa's economy?

Iowa's insurance sector, led by Principal Financial, values Philosophy graduates' analytical skills for risk assessment and ethical decision-making. John Deere and other manufacturers seek critical thinking abilities for complex problem-solving. The state's agricultural cooperatives also benefit from ethical reasoning skills in business operations.

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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.