Cheapest Philosophy Colleges in Wisconsin

Philosophy graduates in Wisconsin earn between $20,140 and $29,685 annually, with the state's technology sector creating unexpected opportunities for critical thinking majors. University of Wisconsin-Parkside offers the most affordable option at $10,044 net cost, while private institutions like Beloit College reach $21,924 despite generous aid packages. The 19,000-point cost difference between the cheapest and most expensive programs reflects Wisconsin's mixed public-private market. Philosophy students find work at major state employers like Epic Systems, where logical reasoning skills translate to healthcare software development roles. Wisconsin's agricultural cooperatives and manufacturing firms also value graduates who can navigate complex ethical frameworks and policy analysis. The state's 15 philosophy programs show graduation rates ranging from 39.8% at Parkside to 89.3% at Madison, suggesting program structure significantly impacts completion. Most public universities maintain acceptance rates above 85%, making philosophy accessible to students across academic backgrounds.

Programs

$10,044 – $29,237

Net Price Range

$25,953

Avg. Program Earnings

63.7%

Avg. Graduation Rate

20 Philosophy Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	University of Wisconsin-Parkside Kenosha, Wisconsin	$10,044	$7,855	39.8%	72.8%
2	University of Wisconsin-Green Bay Green Bay, Wisconsin	$12,878	$8,342	53.1%	89.6%
3	University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Stevens Point, Wisconsin	$13,726	$8,834	56.0%	89.1%
4	University of Wisconsin-Platteville Platteville, Wisconsin	$14,754	$8,315	61.5%	85.4%
5	University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Oshkosh, Wisconsin	$14,761	$8,212	57.9%	88.5%
6	University of Wisconsin-La Crosse La Crosse, Wisconsin	$15,374	$9,651	71.2%	74.3%
7	University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Milwaukee, Wisconsin	$16,177	$10,020	51.2%	86.3%
8	Alverno College Milwaukee, Wisconsin	$16,722	$32,794	50.5%	89.9%
9	University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison, Wisconsin	$16,928	$11,205	89.3%	49.1%
10	University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Eau Claire, Wisconsin	$16,948	$9,277	67.6%	76.6%
11	Mount Mary University Milwaukee, Wisconsin	$18,295	$34,390	58.9%	69.5%
12	Ripon College Ripon, Wisconsin	$21,176	$50,700	59.9%	81.3%
13	Beloit College Beloit, Wisconsin	$21,924	$58,554	67.2%	65.9%
14	Viterbo University La Crosse, Wisconsin	$22,633	$32,350	65.2%	72.4%
15	Carroll University Waukesha, Wisconsin	$24,362	$37,230	69.6%	72.1%
16	Lawrence University Appleton, Wisconsin	$24,563	$55,461	76.4%	72.3%
17	Carthage College Kenosha, Wisconsin	$24,813	$36,500	60.5%	81.8%
18	Saint Norbert College De Pere, Wisconsin	$25,674	$44,432	73.6%	83.6%
19	Concordia University-Wisconsin Mequon, Wisconsin	$26,067	$34,250	64.3%	70.4%
20	Marquette University Milwaukee, Wisconsin	$29,237	$48,700	80.1%	87.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes UW-Parkside's philosophy program cost just $10,044?

UW-Parkside combines low in-state tuition of $7,855 with substantial financial aid to create Wisconsin's most affordable philosophy option. The campus serves working students in the Kenosha area, keeping overhead costs minimal. However, the 39.8% graduation rate suggests students may face challenges completing their degrees. The program's proximity to Chicago provides internship opportunities that help offset the lower completion numbers.

How do Wisconsin philosophy graduates perform in the job market?

Philosophy graduates from UW-Madison earn $28,236 annually, while UW-La Crosse graduates start at $20,140. The $8,000 earning difference reflects Madison's stronger alumni network and research opportunities. Wisconsin's technology sector, anchored by Epic Systems in Madison, increasingly recruits philosophy majors for roles requiring analytical thinking. Healthcare companies like GE Healthcare also value the ethical reasoning skills philosophy students develop.

Is UW-Madison worth the extra cost for philosophy students?

UW-Madison costs $16,928 annually but delivers an 89.3% graduation rate and $28,236 starting earnings. The 49% acceptance rate makes admission competitive, but graduates earn $8,000 more than counterparts at cheaper schools. Madison's philosophy department connects students to state government internships and policy research opportunities. The higher debt load of $21,500 typically pays off within five years given the earning premium.

Does Wisconsin offer good value for private philosophy programs?

Beloit College provides the strongest private option at $21,924 net cost with a 67.2% graduation rate. Mount Mary University costs less at $18,295 but serves a specialized student population in Milwaukee. Private schools offer smaller class sizes and more individualized attention, though graduates don't necessarily out-earn public school counterparts. The $11,000 premium over public options makes sense for students needing intensive academic support.

Where do Wisconsin philosophy students find the best job prospects?

Madison and Milwaukee anchor Wisconsin's philosophy job market, with state government and healthcare technology driving demand. Epic Systems employs philosophy graduates in user experience and clinical decision support roles. Wisconsin's cooperative movement, from agricultural co-ops to credit unions, values graduates trained in ethical frameworks and democratic decision-making. The state's manufacturing heritage at companies like Kimberly-Clark creates opportunities in corporate ethics and stakeholder relations roles.

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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.