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Cheapest Philosophy Colleges in Pennsylvania

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

Swarthmore College stands out among Pennsylvania's philosophy programs with a 94.10% graduation rate despite accepting just 6.93% of applicants, yet costs students only $18,686 after aid. This stark contrast highlights how financial aid can make elite education accessible. Public universities dominate the most affordable options, with Lincoln University leading at $12,912 net cost and East Stroudsburg following at $15,089. Philosophy graduates in Pennsylvania find opportunities beyond traditional academic paths, particularly in the state's growing healthcare and finance sectors where UPMC and major pharmaceutical companies value critical thinking skills. The 20 most affordable programs range from $12,912 to $22,673, with public institutions typically charging in-state students around $11,000-$12,500 before aid. Private colleges like Saint Francis University offer substantial financial assistance, bringing costs down from $41,720 to $19,173 after aid. Pennsylvania's combination of strong liberal arts colleges and accessible state universities creates unique pathways for philosophy students entering fields that increasingly value analytical reasoning and ethical decision-making capabilities.
50
Programs
$12,912 – $32,191
Net Price Range
$38,254
Avg. Program Earnings
66.9%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Philosophy Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $12,912 $12,512 52.1% 80.6%
2 $15,089 $11,036 43.8% 93.6%
3 $17,216 $11,380 52.4% 91.9%
4 $18,686 $62,412 94.1% 6.9%
5 $19,173 $41,720 72.8% 73.1%
6 $19,258 $47,675 59.6% 75.2%
7 $19,524 $10,507 65.9% 74.3%
8 $19,685 $24,606 59.7% 95.6%
9 $20,231 $12,262 54.4% 92.4%
10 $20,356 $22,171 43.5% 75.6%
11 $20,800 $39,470 65.9% 75.3%
12 $20,822 $34,502 55.2% 92.7%
13 $21,043 $33,610 61.5% 79.1%
14 $21,205 $11,230 54.1% 96.1%
15 $21,241 $27,000 51.8% 94.1%
16 $21,409 $35,570 57.9% 94.3%
17 $21,664 $28,794 42.2% 84.9%
18 $21,900 $54,960 66.5% 69.7%
19 $22,222 $39,570 72.5% 80.8%
20 $22,673 $10,687 69.8% 87.9%
21 $22,746 $36,864 43.5% 82.3%
22 $23,206 $37,951 69.5% 80.9%
23 $23,281 $42,600 60.1% 96.0%
24 $23,331 $41,100 72.1% 73.4%
25 $24,051 $35,815 50.5% 78.5%
26 $24,829 $38,370 69.2% 88.7%
27 $25,210 $68,300 89.4% 14.2%
28 $25,544 $28,185 71.4% 88.1%
29 $25,866 $48,290 64.0% 77.6%
30 $25,885 $37,420 56.0% 63.2%
31 $26,198 $36,842 77.1% 81.1%
32 $26,539 $57,400 74.1% 76.7%
33 $27,141 $38,310 58.5% 58.4%
34 $27,263 $44,510 58.7% 80.6%
35 $27,663 $56,402 68.9% 76.2%
36 $27,686 $40,640 78.5% 79.4%
37 $27,700 $42,286 60.3% 94.1%
38 $28,132 $50,320 72.5% 76.7%
39 $28,329 $42,810 58.5% 59.0%
40 $29,219 $22,082 74.7% 79.7%
41 $29,843 $52,000 71.1% 67.0%
42 $30,074 $21,524 84.3% 49.1%
43 $30,086 $64,230 82.7% 56.3%
44 $30,314 $60,240 80.2% 65.5%
45 $30,465 $44,800 71.0% 77.2%
46 $30,485 $59,196 76.6% 82.2%
47 $30,528 $52,309 80.8% 84.4%
48 $31,229 $66,104 96.8% 6.5%
49 $31,671 $63,829 92.5% 11.3%
50 $32,191 $63,475 83.4% 34.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Lincoln University the most affordable philosophy option in Pennsylvania?

Lincoln University offers the lowest net cost at $12,912 for philosophy students, with in-state tuition of just $12,512. The historically black public university maintains an 80.61% acceptance rate while achieving a 52.10% graduation rate. As a public institution, Lincoln benefits from state funding that keeps costs low for Pennsylvania residents seeking philosophy education.

How does Swarthmore College manage such a low net cost despite being private?

Swarthmore College reduces its $62,412 sticker price to just $18,686 through substantial need-based financial aid packages. The college's 6.93% acceptance rate reflects its selectivity, while the 94.10% graduation rate demonstrates strong student outcomes. This combination of generous aid and academic excellence makes Swarthmore accessible to qualified students regardless of financial background.

Is there a significant cost difference between public and private philosophy programs?

Public universities typically charge in-state students $10,507-$12,512 before aid, while private colleges list prices from $22,171 to $62,412. However, financial aid narrows this gap considerably, with private schools often matching public net costs. East Stroudsburg's $15,089 net cost compares closely to Saint Francis University's $19,173 after aid adjustments.

Does philosophy education in Pennsylvania connect to the state's job market?

Pennsylvania's healthcare, finance, and pharmaceutical sectors increasingly value philosophy graduates' analytical and ethical reasoning skills. Major employers like UPMC and Comcast seek workers who can navigate complex decision-making scenarios. Philosophy graduates from Slippery Rock University earn a median of $24,035, reflecting entry-level positions in these growing fields that prize critical thinking abilities.

Where do graduation rates vary most among affordable philosophy programs?

Graduation rates span from 43.50% at Rosemont College to 94.10% at Swarthmore College among the most affordable programs. Public universities show mixed results, with Slippery Rock achieving 65.90% compared to East Stroudsburg's 43.80%. Private colleges generally maintain higher completion rates, with Saint Francis University reaching 72.80% and Geneva College at 61.50%.

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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.