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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2026 Best Philosophy Schools in the The Plains States Region

4 Colleges in the United States
183 Philosophy Degrees Awarded
$57,486 Avg Early-Career Salary

Philosophy programs are offered at a focused set of schools across the country. The schools below stand out for the quality of their philosophy programs.

For its 2026 ranking, College Factual looked at 79 schools in the United States to determine which ones were the best for philosophy students pursuing a degree.

What’s on this page:

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Best Schools for Philosophy in the The Plains States Region

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest overall philosophy education in the The Plains States Region.

Top Schools in Philosophy

1

Our analysis ranked Washington University In St Louis the best school in the country for a degree in philosophy. This large private not-for-profit university is located in the suburb of St. Louis. The six-year graduation rate is 94%. About 14 philosophy degrees were awarded at Washington University In St Louis in the most recent year. Students who receive their philosophy degree from Washington University In St Louis earn around $68,303 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $17,553 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in philosophy from Washington University In St Louis

2

Saint Louis University Main Campus came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best philosophy schools. This large private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Saint Louis. Saint Louis University Main Campus graduates 80% of students within six years. About 20 philosophy degrees were awarded at Saint Louis University Main Campus in the most recent year. Students who receive their philosophy degree from Saint Louis University Main Campus earn around $65,599 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $10,000 to complete this degree. Get the full philosophy details for Saint Louis University Main Campus

3

University Of Missouri Columbia came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best philosophy schools. Set in the city of Columbia, University Of Missouri Columbia is a very large public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 75%. About 54 philosophy degrees were awarded at University Of Missouri Columbia in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, philosophy degree recipients from University Of Missouri Columbia generally make around $53,134. Typical student debt for the program is $21,818. Get the full philosophy details for University Of Missouri Columbia

4
University Of Mary crest
University Of Mary
Bismarck, ND

University Of Mary came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best philosophy schools. University Of Mary is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the rural area of Bismarck. Roughly 67% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 18 philosophy students who graduated with this degree at University Of Mary in the most recent data year. Philosophy graduates of University Of Mary earn a median of $65,565 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $26,983 to complete this degree. Read more about the philosophy program at University Of Mary

5

A rank of #5 makes University Of St Thomas Minnesota one of the top schools for philosophy. This large private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Saint Paul. The six-year graduation rate is 77%. There were roughly 19 philosophy students who graduated with this degree at University Of St Thomas Minnesota in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, philosophy degree recipients from University Of St Thomas Minnesota generally make around $65,183. University Of St Thomas Minnesota graduates carry a median of $18,201 in student loans. Read more about the philosophy program at University Of St Thomas Minnesota

6
University Of Iowa crest
University Of Iowa
Iowa City, IA

University Of Iowa came in at #6 for philosophy this year. Located in the city of Iowa City, University Of Iowa is a very large public university. The six-year graduation rate is 75%. There were roughly 13 philosophy students who graduated with this degree at University Of Iowa in the most recent data year. Graduates of the philosophy program make about $57,375 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $26,260 to complete this degree. See the full philosophy program report for University Of Iowa

7

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities placed #7 among the best philosophy schools. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a very large public school located in the city of Minneapolis. Roughly 85% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 28 philosophy students who graduated with this degree at University Of Minnesota Twin Cities in the most recent data year. Philosophy graduates of University Of Minnesota Twin Cities earn a median of $31,652 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $21,500. See the full philosophy program report for University Of Minnesota Twin Cities

8

University Of Missouri St Louis earned the #8 position for philosophy this year. This large public university is located in the suburb of Saint Louis. Roughly 57% of students complete a degree within six years here. University Of Missouri St Louis awarded about 17 philosophy degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the philosophy program make about $53,079 in their early career. University Of Missouri St Louis graduates carry a median of $25,943 in student loans. Get the full philosophy details for University Of Missouri St Louis

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Notes and References

The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and program focus, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 79 schools evaluated.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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