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Cheapest Philosophy Colleges in New Jersey

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

Princeton University stands apart as the most affordable Philosophy option in New Jersey despite its $59,710 sticker price, offering a net cost of just $10,555 through generous financial aid. This creates a dramatic gap with other private institutions like Saint Peter's University at $12,973 net cost and Saint Elizabeth University at $17,949. Public universities cluster between $11,732 and $23,519 for net costs, while acceptance rates span from Princeton's selective 5.7% to William Paterson's accessible 91.53%. Philosophy graduates across all New Jersey programs earn approximately $20,140, positioning them well for the state's expanding tech sector and proximity to New York City's financial district, where analytical thinking and ethical reasoning skills translate into careers in consulting, compliance, and corporate ethics roles.
19
Programs
$10,555 – $41,315
Net Price Range
$20,140
Avg. Program Earnings
64.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

19 Philosophy Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $10,555 $59,710 97.1% 5.7%
2 $11,732 $13,971 38.7% 90.1%
3 $12,973 $41,054 63.1% 88.8%
4 $14,159 $14,766 64.3% 91.3%
5 $15,266 $35,822 61.7% 84.1%
6 $17,764 $15,150 47.7% 91.5%
7 $17,949 $35,942 40.2% 71.9%
8 $18,778 $30,680 31.1% 78.2%
9 $18,803 $17,079 66.4% 76.5%
10 $19,407 $16,586 67.6% 73.9%
11 $20,360 $15,978 71.9% 70.5%
12 $22,185 $15,700 68.3% 76.9%
13 $23,519 $17,239 85.0% 66.3%
14 $24,415 $35,822 72.3% 89.1%
15 $25,287 $38,900 63.3% 84.1%
16 $25,458 $18,685 85.2% 64.4%
17 $25,644 $45,360 72.4% 72.7%
18 $28,921 $51,370 71.5% 75.1%
19 $41,315 $37,830 49.7% 89.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Princeton make Philosophy affordable compared to other New Jersey schools?

Princeton's need-based aid reduces costs to $10,555 for Philosophy students, making it cheaper than public options like Rutgers-New Brunswick at $23,519 net cost. The university eliminates tuition for families earning under $100,000 annually. This aggressive aid policy means Princeton Philosophy students often pay less than those at state schools despite the $59,710 list price.

What explains the wide acceptance rate range among New Jersey Philosophy programs?

Acceptance rates vary dramatically from Princeton's exclusive 5.7% to William Paterson's open 91.53%, reflecting different institutional missions. Public universities like New Jersey City University (90.14%) and Montclair State (91.31%) emphasize accessibility. Private schools show mixed approaches, with Saint Peter's accepting 88.83% while Princeton maintains extreme selectivity for its Philosophy program.

Is the $20,140 Philosophy earning potential realistic for New Jersey graduates?

The consistent $20,140 figure across programs likely represents early-career or entry-level positions rather than mid-career potential. New Jersey Philosophy graduates often pursue additional credentials in law, business, or education. The state's proximity to major financial centers and pharmaceutical companies like Johnson & Johnson creates pathways to higher-paying roles in ethics, compliance, and corporate strategy.

Which New Jersey public universities offer the best value for Philosophy studies?

New Jersey City University provides the lowest public net cost at $11,732, though with a 38.7% graduation rate. Montclair State offers better balance at $14,159 net cost with 64.3% graduation rate. Rutgers-New Brunswick commands the highest public net price at $23,519 but delivers 85% graduation rate and stronger alumni networks for Philosophy careers.

More Philosophy Rankings

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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.