2026 Best Value Philosophy Schools in Pennsylvania

1

Swarthmore College
Swarthmore, PA

Leading the list is Swarthmore College, our #1 best value for philosophy in Pennsylvania. Swarthmore College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Swarthmore. Students from in state pay about $65,494 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for philosophy graduates is $19,500. Philosophy graduates of Swarthmore College earn a median of $66,971 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $19,500 median debt. Swarthmore College admits about 8% of applicants.

2

Temple University
Philadelphia, PA

Students looking for strong value in philosophy will find it at Temple University, which ranked #2. Set in the city of Philadelphia, Temple University is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $23,005, compared with $38,805 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for philosophy graduates is $25,000. Philosophy graduates of Temple University earn a median of $28,648 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 80%.

3

University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus
Pittsburgh, PA

A rank of #3 makes University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus one of the best values for philosophy. Set in the city of Pittsburgh, University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $21,926 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $41,430. Typical student debt for philosophy graduates is $24,958. Philosophy graduates of University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus earn a median of $56,926 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 58%.

4

University Of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA

A rank of #4 makes University Of Pennsylvania one of the best values for philosophy. University Of Pennsylvania is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Philadelphia. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,686. Philosophy graduates carry a median of $18,500 in student loans. Soon after graduation, philosophy degree recipients from University Of Pennsylvania generally make around $73,053. Set against $18,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 5% of applicants are accepted.

5

Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, PA

Carnegie Mellon University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in philosophy, landing the #5 spot this year. Carnegie Mellon University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Pittsburgh. In-state tuition and fees average $65,636. Philosophy graduates carry a median of $23,529 in student loans. Soon after graduation, philosophy degree recipients from Carnegie Mellon University generally make around $89,327. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Carnegie Mellon University admits about 12% of applicants.

6

Pennsylvania State University Main Campus
University Park, PA

Pennsylvania State University Main Campus earned the #6 position for value in philosophy this year. Located in the city of University Park, Pennsylvania State University Main Campus is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $20,644 in tuition and fees, compared with $41,790 for out-of-state students. Median earnings reach $63,435 ten years out. Roughly 61% of applicants are accepted.