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Cheapest Philosophy Colleges in Virginia

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

Philosophy students in Virginia face striking cost differences that can determine their financial future. While Old Dominion University offers net costs as low as $14,170, private institutions like Washington and Lee reach $23,911 despite generous aid packages. The gap between public and private options spans nearly $10,000 annually, though graduation rates tell a different story. William & Mary achieves a 91% graduation rate, while several affordable options hover around 50%. Virginia's proximity to federal agencies and defense contractors creates unique opportunities for philosophy graduates skilled in ethics and critical reasoning. Companies like Booz Allen Hamilton value analytical thinking for policy work, while the region's legal sector provides traditional pathways. The VTAG grant helps bridge costs at private colleges, making schools like Randolph College more accessible at $18,436 net cost. With earnings potential reaching $33,993 for graduates, choosing the right program balance of cost and outcomes becomes important in a state where philosophy skills translate to government and corporate consulting roles.
21
Programs
$14,170 – $33,417
Net Price Range
$33,992
Avg. Program Earnings
67.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

21 Philosophy Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $14,170 $12,262 44.4% 95.1%
2 $18,287 $13,815 69.3% 90.0%
3 $18,436 $29,010 51.5% 95.0%
4 $19,452 $16,458 65.4% 91.0%
5 $20,187 $35,540 61.6% 95.9%
6 $20,583 $36,960 49.1% 81.4%
7 $20,591 $35,280 53.8% 96.9%
8 $22,197 $16,351 75.1% 85.4%
9 $22,263 $42,260 69.7% 72.4%
10 $22,529 $25,040 91.0% 33.5%
11 $22,881 $20,986 95.3% 18.7%
12 $23,383 $25,110 48.1% 75.8%
13 $23,790 $15,478 86.3% 57.0%
14 $23,911 $64,525 94.9% 17.0%
15 $24,014 $20,040 38.3% 99.5%
16 $24,668 $52,388 65.3% 39.8%
17 $25,153 $39,050 57.9% 81.4%
18 $27,759 $48,002 74.6% 85.5%
19 $27,786 $36,774 65.9% 79.8%
20 $29,552 $21,222 63.5% 99.3%
21 $33,417 $62,600 87.8% 24.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the major cost gap between Virginia's cheapest and most expensive philosophy programs?

The difference between Old Dominion's $14,170 net cost and Washington and Lee's $23,911 reflects public versus private funding models. Public universities like ODU and George Mason benefit from state subsidies, keeping in-state tuition around $12,000-$13,000. Private colleges must rely on endowments and tuition revenue, though generous aid packages help reduce sticker prices that can exceed $64,000 at Washington and Lee. The VTAG grant provides additional assistance for Virginia residents attending private institutions.

How do graduation rates vary among Virginia's most affordable philosophy programs?

Graduation rates range dramatically from Southern Virginia University's 38.3% to University of Virginia's 95.3%. The most affordable option, Old Dominion at $14,170, maintains a 44.4% graduation rate, while mid-priced options like Christopher Newport achieve 75.1%. William & Mary and UVA both exceed 90% despite higher net costs around $22,500. This suggests that program selectivity and student support services significantly impact completion rates regardless of affordability.

Does acceptance rate correlate with program quality among Virginia philosophy schools?

The data reveals an inverse relationship between selectivity and acceptance rates. Washington and Lee accepts just 16.96% of applicants with a 94.9% graduation rate, while Southern Virginia admits 99.45% but graduates only 38.3%. Old Dominion's 95.14% acceptance rate produces a 44.4% graduation rate at the lowest cost point. More selective programs like UVA (18.66% acceptance) and William & Mary (33.5% acceptance) demonstrate stronger completion rates above 90%.

What career advantages do Virginia philosophy graduates gain from the state's proximity to Washington DC?

Virginia's location provides philosophy graduates with access to federal agencies, defense contractors, and policy organizations that value critical thinking skills. Companies like Northrop Grumman and Booz Allen Hamilton hire philosophy majors for ethics consulting and strategic analysis roles. The region's concentration of legal firms, think tanks, and government relations companies creates pathways beyond traditional academic careers. Philosophy graduates earn around $33,990 in Virginia, reflecting these specialized opportunities in policy analysis and corporate ethics.

Which Virginia schools offer the best value combination of low cost and strong outcomes for philosophy majors?

Christopher Newport University provides excellent value at $22,197 net cost with a 75.1% graduation rate, significantly outperforming cheaper alternatives. George Mason offers strong outcomes at $18,287 with a 69.3% graduation rate and 90% acceptance rate. Virginia Commonwealth University delivers solid results at $19,452 with a 65.4% graduation rate. These schools balance affordability with completion rates that justify the investment compared to the lowest-cost options that struggle with retention.

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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.