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Cheapest Philosophy Colleges in Tennessee

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

The University of Tennessee-Martin delivers Philosophy education for just $10,299 annually, making it the most affordable option among Tennessee's 15 programs. This dramatic cost advantage over private institutions like Belmont University at $32,096 creates a three-fold price difference within the state. Tennessee's lack of state income tax helps stretch student budgets further, while the state's growing healthcare sector, anchored by HCA Healthcare, increasingly values ethical reasoning and critical thinking skills that Philosophy majors develop. Middle Tennessee State University graduates earn $26,353 annually, demonstrating solid career prospects in a state where analytical skills serve the music industry's contract negotiations and automotive manufacturing's quality control processes.
15
Programs
$10,299 – $32,096
Net Price Range
$29,559
Avg. Program Earnings
61.3%
Avg. Graduation Rate

15 Philosophy Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $10,299 $10,208 54.8% 88.4%
2 $10,896 $37,300 56.0% 87.5%
3 $12,599 $9,506 54.0% 72.5%
4 $13,253 $10,344 49.4% 94.6%
5 $14,846 $8,675 44.5% 93.8%
6 $15,794 $9,950 49.9% 85.3%
7 $18,109 $13,484 73.5% 68.4%
8 $18,661 $34,700 46.4% 79.8%
9 $19,040 $63,946 92.7% 6.7%
10 $20,986 $38,514 47.2% 69.5%
11 $23,508 $34,800 46.4% 60.8%
12 $25,060 $54,892 81.6% 53.9%
13 $25,610 $38,824 68.7% 71.1%
14 $27,498 $53,698 82.4% 52.3%
15 $32,096 $41,320 71.7% 96.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Tennessee's public Philosophy programs so much cheaper than private options?

Tennessee's public universities offer Philosophy programs at dramatically lower costs, with UT-Martin at $10,299 and Middle Tennessee State at $12,599 compared to private institutions. Christian Brothers University costs $10,896 despite being private, making it an outlier among Tennessee's nonprofit schools. The Tennessee Promise program covers community college tuition, creating a pathway to transfer into four-year Philosophy programs at reduced costs.

How do Philosophy graduates perform in Tennessee's job market?

Philosophy graduates from Middle Tennessee State University earn $26,353 annually, while Vanderbilt Philosophy alumni command $38,289 in early career earnings. Tennessee's economy benefits Philosophy majors through healthcare administration roles at HCA Healthcare, contract analysis in Nashville's music industry, and quality assurance positions in the state's automotive sector. The absence of state income tax means graduates keep more of their earnings compared to other states.

Is Vanderbilt University worth the higher cost for Philosophy students?

Vanderbilt charges $19,040 net annually but delivers a 92.70% graduation rate and $38,289 in graduate earnings. This represents a 45% earnings premium over Middle Tennessee State graduates who earn $26,353. Vanderbilt accepts only 6.67% of applicants, making it extremely selective, while the higher graduation rate suggests stronger student support systems justify the investment for qualified candidates.

Where can Philosophy students find the best value in Tennessee?

UT-Martin offers the lowest net cost at $10,299 with an 88.44% acceptance rate, making it accessible for most applicants. Christian Brothers University provides strong value at $10,896 for a private education with small class sizes. Students seeking prestige should consider Rhodes College at $25,060, which maintains an 81.60% graduation rate while costing significantly less than Vanderbilt.

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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.