by our College Data Analytics Team
[Philosophy](/majors/philosophy-and-religious-studies/philosophy/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong philosophy education at a price that pays off.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 10 schools to find the best return on investment for philosophy students.
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If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the philosophy degrees they offer, see the list below.
Our analysis ranked Utah Valley University the best value for a degree in philosophy in Utah. Set in the city of Orem, Utah Valley University is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,507, with out-of-state students paying around $18,489. Students borrow a median of $15,636 to complete the philosophy program here. Early-career philosophy graduates make about $43,699. That is a strong return on a $15,636 median debt.
Utah State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in philosophy, landing the #2 spot this year. Set in the city of Logan, Utah State University is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,560 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $24,993. Philosophy graduates carry a median of $16,191 in student loans. Soon after graduation, philosophy degree recipients from Utah State University generally make around $50,348. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted.
Students looking for strong value in philosophy will find it at University Of Utah, which ranked #3. Located in the city of Salt Lake City, University Of Utah is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $9,620 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $30,860. Students borrow a median of $20,798 to complete the philosophy program here. Soon after graduation, philosophy degree recipients from University Of Utah generally make around $60,527. That is a strong return on a $20,798 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.
Brigham Young University Provo is a great value for students pursuing a degree in philosophy, landing the #4 spot this year. Brigham Young University Provo is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Provo. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,688. Students borrow a median of $12,184 to complete the philosophy program here. Philosophy graduates of Brigham Young University Provo earn a median of $54,507 early in their careers. Set against $12,184 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Brigham Young University Provo admits about 68% of applicants.
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 10 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 1 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.