by our College Data Analytics Team
[Philosophy](/majors/philosophy-and-religious-studies/philosophy/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 36 schools to find the best return on investment for philosophy students.
What’s on this page:
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the philosophy degrees they offer, see the list below.
Northern Illinois University earned the #1 spot for value among philosophy schools in Illinois. Located in the suburb of Dekalb, Northern Illinois University is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $13,060. Philosophy graduates carry a median of $25,209 in student loans. Early-career philosophy graduates make about $52,308. That is a strong return on a $25,209 median debt. Northern Illinois University admits about 70% of applicants.
A rank of #2 makes University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign one of the best values for philosophy. Located in the city of Champaign, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $18,267, with out-of-state students paying around $40,096. Typical student debt for philosophy graduates is $18,750. Early-career philosophy graduates make about $21,824. That is a strong return on a $18,750 median debt. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign admits about 42% of applicants.
A rank of #3 makes University Of Chicago one of the best values for philosophy. Set in the city of Chicago, University Of Chicago is a very large private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $69,324. Students borrow a median of $22,641 to complete the philosophy program here. Soon after graduation, philosophy degree recipients from University Of Chicago generally make around $81,002. Set against $22,641 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 4%.
Wheaton College Illinois is a great value for students pursuing a degree in philosophy, landing the #4 spot this year. Set in the suburb of Wheaton, Wheaton College Illinois is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $45,546 in tuition and fees. Philosophy graduates carry a median of $23,685 in student loans. Early-career philosophy graduates make about $43,654. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted.
Depaul University came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value philosophy schools. Set in the city of Chicago, Depaul University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $45,405. Students borrow a median of $25,310 to complete the philosophy program here. Philosophy graduates of Depaul University earn a median of $55,226 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Depaul University admits about 76% of applicants.
1
2
3
4
5
Loyola University Chicago came in at #6 for value in philosophy this year. Located in the city of Chicago, Loyola University Chicago is a large private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $53,710 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for philosophy graduates is $25,530. Early-career philosophy graduates make about $58,568. That is a strong return on a $25,530 median debt. Loyola University Chicago admits about 82% of applicants.
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 36 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 5 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.