Cheapest Philosophy Colleges in New York

CUNY Hunter College philosophy majors pay just $2,446 per year after aid, making it the most affordable option among New York's 20 philosophy programs. The CUNY system dominates the cheapest slots, with nine of the ten most affordable programs coming from City University schools across the five boroughs. Philosophy graduates from these programs earn between $26,353 and $31,305 annually, positioning them well for New York's legal sector where many philosophy majors pursue paralegal work or law school preparation. While private colleges typically cost students over $40,000 annually, CUNY schools keep costs under $6,000 for most students through a combination of low tuition and generous aid packages. Brooklyn College follows closely at $2,943 net cost with a 56.60% graduation rate, while Baruch College commands the highest graduation rate at 72.10% for just $2,978 annually. The state's TAP grant program further reduces costs for New York residents, making philosophy education accessible even in a region known for high living expenses.

Programs

$2,446 – $29,694

Net Price Range

$29,824

Avg. Program Earnings

62.7%

Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Philosophy Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	CUNY Hunter College New York, New York	$2,446	$7,382	61.0%	47.9%
2	CUNY Brooklyn College Brooklyn, New York	$2,943	$7,452	56.6%	54.5%
3	CUNY Bernard M Baruch College New York, New York	$2,978	$7,464	72.1%	49.5%
4	CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice New York, New York	$3,046	$7,470	55.5%	50.7%
5	CUNY Lehman College Bronx, New York	$3,482	$7,410	49.3%	55.3%
6	CUNY City College New York, New York	$3,486	$7,340	54.7%	66.6%
7	CUNY Queens College Queens, New York	$3,830	$7,538	60.2%	69.5%
8	CUNY York College Jamaica, New York	$4,734	$7,358	30.3%	59.1%
9	College of Staten Island CUNY Staten Island, New York	$5,115	$7,490	32.8%
10	SUNY Buffalo State University Buffalo, New York	$14,229	$8,486	36.0%	86.0%
11	SUNY College at Potsdam Potsdam, New York	$14,295	$8,712	47.9%	82.7%
12	SUNY at Fredonia Fredonia, New York	$15,644	$8,771	53.5%	84.6%
13	SUNY Brockport Brockport, New York	$15,844	$8,678	56.6%	67.9%
14	SUNY College at Plattsburgh Plattsburgh, New York	$16,547	$8,881	58.8%	70.2%
15	State University of New York at Oswego Oswego, New York	$17,231	$8,769	60.4%	82.6%
16	St. Joseph's University-New York Brooklyn, New York	$17,622	$34,535	64.2%	76.7%
17	SUNY College at Geneseo Geneseo, New York	$18,021	$8,966	72.1%	74.9%
18	Canisius University Buffalo, New York	$18,322	$32,720	70.7%	77.7%
19	Stony Brook University Stony Brook, New York	$18,430	$10,560	77.8%	49.1%
20	State University of New York at New Paltz New Paltz, New York	$18,481	$8,524	68.9%	58.3%
21	University at Albany Albany, New York	$18,486	$10,408	63.9%	67.9%
22	Niagara University Niagara University, New York	$18,740	$38,135	70.2%	89.6%
23	SUNY Oneonta Oneonta, New York	$18,833	$8,812	70.2%	72.5%
24	SUNY at Purchase College Purchase, New York	$19,067	$8,953	61.6%	74.7%
25	D'Youville University Buffalo, New York	$19,585	$33,560	56.7%	84.0%
26	University of Mount Saint Vincent Bronx, New York	$19,920	$42,740	57.1%	88.9%
27	State University of New York at Cortland Cortland, New York	$19,951	$8,815	68.2%	59.8%
28	Columbia University in the City of New York New York, New York	$20,148	$69,045	95.0%	4.0%
29	University at Buffalo Buffalo, New York	$20,470	$10,782	73.4%	67.7%
30	Houghton University Houghton, New York	$21,148	$17,290	64.7%	77.0%
31	Binghamton University Vestal, New York	$21,364	$10,363	83.6%	41.8%
32	Le Moyne College Syracuse, New York	$21,547	$38,970	71.0%	78.3%
33	St. Francis College Brooklyn, New York	$21,614	$27,570	52.3%	84.3%
34	Utica University Utica, New York	$21,869	$24,308	55.5%	80.9%
35	Alfred University Alfred, New York	$22,701	$39,530	55.5%	50.6%
36	Wells College Aurora, New York	$22,921	$35,166	40.9%	87.7%
37	The College of Saint Rose Albany, New York	$23,819	$37,452	51.0%	78.0%
38	Long Island University Brookville, New York	$23,901	$41,642	55.4%	92.7%
39	Manhattanville College Purchase, New York	$25,842	$42,950	53.7%	84.1%
40	Molloy College Rockville Centre, New York	$26,870	$37,840	71.8%	76.6%
41	Manhattan College Riverdale, New York	$26,881	$50,850	66.0%	82.3%
42	St. John's University-New York Queens, New York	$26,985	$50,110	68.5%	84.7%
43	St Bonaventure University Saint Bonaventure, New York	$27,151	$40,150	70.4%	81.1%
44	Wagner College Staten Island, New York	$27,733	$52,000	68.1%	68.5%
45	Iona University New Rochelle, New York	$27,951	$45,880	57.4%	96.4%
46	St. John Fisher University Rochester, New York	$28,150	$39,666	74.4%	73.1%
47	Hamilton College Clinton, New York	$28,314	$65,740	91.3%	11.8%
48	Adelphi University Garden City, New York	$28,348	$47,290	68.9%	72.8%
49	Colgate University Hamilton, New York	$29,107	$67,024	90.5%	12.4%
50	Rochester Institute of Technology Rochester, New York	$29,694	$57,016	70.8%	67.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes CUNY schools so affordable for philosophy students?

CUNY schools offer philosophy programs with net costs ranging from $2,446 to $5,115 annually due to low in-state tuition rates around $7,400 and substantial financial aid packages. The system serves over 270,000 students across New York City, allowing for economies of scale that keep costs down. TAP grants and federal aid often cover most tuition expenses for qualifying students. Hunter College leads with the lowest net cost at $2,446 despite charging $7,382 in tuition.

How do graduation rates vary among affordable philosophy programs?

Graduation rates span from 30.30% at York College to 72.10% at Baruch College among the most affordable options. Hunter College maintains a solid 61.00% rate while charging the lowest net price. CUNY schools generally show rates between 49% and 72%, with Baruch and Hunter performing best. SUNY schools in the affordable range typically achieve rates between 47% and 60%.

Where do philosophy graduates typically work in New York?

Philosophy graduates earning $26,353 to $31,305 often find work in New York's extensive legal industry, including law firms, corporate legal departments, and government agencies. Many pursue paralegal positions or use their degree as preparation for law school. The state's media companies, nonprofit organizations, and financial services also hire philosophy majors for research and analysis roles. Teaching and publishing represent additional career paths given New York's educational and literary institutions.

Does net cost include living expenses for these programs?

The net costs listed ($2,446 to $18,481) reflect tuition, fees, room, board, and other expenses minus financial aid for students living on campus or at home. Living costs vary dramatically across New York, with NYC area students facing much higher expenses than those attending upstate SUNY schools. Buffalo State at $14,229 net cost includes significantly lower living expenses than Hunter College's $2,446 in Manhattan. Students commuting from home can reduce costs further at CUNY schools.

How competitive is admission to affordable philosophy programs?

Acceptance rates range from 47.86% at Hunter College to 85.98% at SUNY Buffalo State among affordable options. CUNY schools typically accept 48% to 70% of applicants, making them moderately selective. Baruch College accepts 49.53% of applicants while maintaining the highest graduation rate at 72.10%. Most SUNY schools accept over 80% of applicants, offering broader access to four-year philosophy education.

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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.