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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2026 Best Philosophy Schools in District of Columbia

2 Colleges in the United States
91 Philosophy Degrees Awarded
$63,848 Avg Early-Career Salary

Philosophy programs are offered at a focused set of schools across the country. A focused field like this rewards careful comparison of the schools that offer it.

College Factual analyzed 6 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best philosophy schools.

What’s on this page:

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Best Schools for Philosophy in District of Columbia

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest overall philosophy education in District of Columbia.

Top Schools in Philosophy

1

Our analysis ranked George Washington University the best school in the country for a degree in philosophy. This very large private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Washington. George Washington University graduates 84% of students within six years. There were roughly 11 philosophy students who graduated with this degree at George Washington University in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, philosophy degree recipients from George Washington University generally make around $73,749. Students borrow a median of $22,910 to complete this degree. Get the full philosophy details for George Washington University

2
American University crest
American University
Washington, DC

Students looking for a strong philosophy program will find one at American University, which ranked #2. American University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Washington. American University graduates 76% of students within six years. American University awarded about 38 philosophy degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the philosophy program make about $58,030 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $24,139. Read more about the philosophy program at American University

3
Howard University crest
Howard University
Washington, DC

Howard University is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in philosophy, ranking #3. This large private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Washington. Howard University graduates 70% of students within six years. There were roughly 11 philosophy students who graduated with this degree at Howard University in the most recent data year. Graduates of the philosophy program make about $58,495 in their early career. Howard University graduates carry a median of $25,498 in student loans. Get the full philosophy details for Howard University

4

Students looking for a strong philosophy program will find one at Catholic University Of America, which ranked #4. This moderately-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Washington. The six-year graduation rate is 80%. Catholic University Of America awarded about 31 philosophy degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, philosophy degree recipients from Catholic University Of America generally make around $65,120. Typical student debt for the program is $23,843. Read more about the philosophy program at Catholic University Of America

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Notes and References

This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and program quality, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 6 schools evaluated.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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