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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2026 Best Philosophy & Religious Studies Master’s Degree Schools

15 Colleges in the United States
1,453 Philosophy & Religious Studies Degrees Awarded
$50,386 Avg Early-Career Salary

Philosophy & Religious Studies degree programs prepare students for a range of careers in the field. While the number of schools offering the program varies, there are still top-quality ones to be found.

College Factual analyzed 1273 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best philosophy & religious studies schools.

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Best Schools for Philosophy & Religious Studies in the United States

These are the top schools for a master’s degree in philosophy & religious studies, based on student outcomes and program quality.

Top Schools in Philosophy & Religious Studies

1
Santa Clara University crest
Santa Clara University
Santa Clara, CA

Our analysis ranked Santa Clara University the best school in the country for a degree in philosophy & religious studies. Located in the city of Santa Clara, Santa Clara University is a large private not-for-profit university. Santa Clara University graduates 88% of students within six years. There were roughly 40 philosophy & religious studies students who graduated with this degree at Santa Clara University in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, philosophy & religious studies degree recipients from Santa Clara University generally make around $79,380. Santa Clara University graduates carry a median of $20,144 in student loans. See the full philosophy & religious studies program report for Santa Clara University

2
Yale University crest
Yale University
New Haven, CT

A rank of #2 makes Yale University one of the top schools for philosophy & religious studies. Yale University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of New Haven. Roughly 96% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 22 philosophy & religious studies students who graduated with this degree at Yale University in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, philosophy & religious studies degree recipients from Yale University generally make around $74,578. Yale University graduates carry a median of $14,357 in student loans. Get the full philosophy & religious studies details for Yale University

3
Harvard University crest
Harvard University
Cambridge, MA

Harvard University is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in philosophy & religious studies, ranking #3. Set in the city of Cambridge, Harvard University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Harvard University graduates 98% of students within six years. Harvard University awarded about 42 philosophy & religious studies degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, philosophy & religious studies degree recipients from Harvard University generally make around $95,207. Typical student debt for the program is $16,616. See the full philosophy & religious studies program report for Harvard University

4
Tufts University crest
Tufts University
Medford, MA

Tufts University came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best philosophy & religious studies schools. This large private not-for-profit university is located in the suburb of Medford. Tufts University graduates 94% of students within six years. Tufts University awarded about 15 philosophy & religious studies degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the philosophy & religious studies program make about $68,154 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $17,074. More information about a degree in philosophy & religious studies from Tufts University

5

University Of St Thomas Minnesota came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best philosophy & religious studies schools. 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 31 philosophy & religious studies students who graduated with this degree at University Of St Thomas Minnesota in the most recent data year. Students who receive their philosophy & religious studies degree from University Of St Thomas Minnesota earn around $27,496 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $19,240. Read more about the philosophy & religious studies program at University Of St Thomas Minnesota

6

Jewish Theological Seminary Of America landed the #6 spot for philosophy & religious studies this year. This small private not-for-profit university is located in the city of New York. About 90% of students finish within six years. About 22 philosophy & religious studies degrees were awarded at Jewish Theological Seminary Of America in the most recent year. Students who receive their philosophy & religious studies degree from Jewish Theological Seminary Of America earn around $78,469 in the first couple years of their career. Jewish Theological Seminary Of America graduates carry a median of $16,750 in student loans. See the full philosophy & religious studies program report for Jewish Theological Seminary Of America

7

Bethel University Minnesota earned the #7 position for philosophy & religious studies this year. Set in the suburb of Saint Paul, Bethel University Minnesota is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 71% of students complete a degree within six years here. Bethel University Minnesota awarded about 17 philosophy & religious studies degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their philosophy & religious studies degree from Bethel University Minnesota earn around $61,465 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $25,639 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in philosophy & religious studies from Bethel University Minnesota

8
Boston College crest
Boston College
Chestnut Hill, MA

Boston College ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best philosophy & religious studies schools. Boston College is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Chestnut Hill. About 91% of students finish within six years. Boston College awarded about 25 philosophy & religious studies degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the philosophy & religious studies program make about $47,345 in their early career. Boston College graduates carry a median of $18,000 in student loans. See the full philosophy & religious studies program report for Boston College

9
Duke University crest
Duke University
Durham, NC

Duke University placed #9 among the best philosophy & religious studies schools. Located in the city of Durham, Duke University is a large private not-for-profit university. The six-year graduation rate is 97%. About 24 philosophy & religious studies degrees were awarded at Duke University in the most recent year. Philosophy & Religious Studies graduates of Duke University earn a median of $39,956 early in their careers. Duke University graduates carry a median of $13,296 in student loans. See the full philosophy & religious studies program report for Duke University

10
Yeshiva University crest
Yeshiva University
New York, NY

Yeshiva University placed #10 among the best philosophy & religious studies schools. Set in the city of New York, Yeshiva University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 85%. About 17 philosophy & religious studies degrees were awarded at Yeshiva University in the most recent year. Philosophy & Religious Studies graduates of Yeshiva University earn a median of $52,838 early in their careers. Yeshiva University graduates carry a median of $20,625 in student loans. See the full philosophy & religious studies program report for Yeshiva University

11

Columbia University In The City Of New York landed the #11 spot for philosophy & religious studies this year. Set in the city of New York, Columbia University In The City Of New York is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Columbia University In The City Of New York graduates 96% of students within six years. About 44 philosophy & religious studies degrees were awarded at Columbia University In The City Of New York in the most recent year. Philosophy & Religious Studies graduates of Columbia University In The City Of New York earn a median of $52,668 early in their careers. Columbia University In The City Of New York graduates carry a median of $20,062 in student loans. Read more about the philosophy & religious studies program at Columbia University In The City Of New York

12

Fordham University came in at #12 for philosophy & religious studies this year. Located in the city of Bronx, Fordham University is a large private not-for-profit university. The six-year graduation rate is 82%. Fordham University awarded about 33 philosophy & religious studies degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the philosophy & religious studies program make about $30,985 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $25,656 to complete this degree. See the full philosophy & religious studies program report for Fordham University

13
Biola University crest
Biola University
La Mirada, CA

Biola University came in at #13 for philosophy & religious studies this year. Located in the suburb of La Mirada, Biola University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. Roughly 68% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 63 philosophy & religious studies degrees were awarded at Biola University in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, philosophy & religious studies degree recipients from Biola University generally make around $54,958. Students borrow a median of $25,308 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in philosophy & religious studies from Biola University

14
Suny At Albany crest
Suny At Albany
Albany, NY

Suny At Albany earned the #14 position for philosophy & religious studies this year. Suny At Albany is a very large public school located in the city of Albany. Suny At Albany graduates 61% of students within six years. Suny At Albany awarded about 10 philosophy & religious studies degrees in the most recent data year. Philosophy & Religious Studies graduates of Suny At Albany earn a median of $44,736 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $23,521. Get the full philosophy & religious studies details for Suny At Albany

15

Northern Illinois University placed #15 among the best philosophy & religious studies schools. Set in the suburb of Dekalb, Northern Illinois University is a large public institution. Northern Illinois University graduates 49% of students within six years. About 12 philosophy & religious studies degrees were awarded at Northern Illinois University in the most recent year. Students who receive their philosophy & religious studies degree from Northern Illinois University earn around $52,308 in the first couple years of their career. Northern Illinois University graduates carry a median of $25,209 in student loans. Read more about the philosophy & religious studies program at Northern Illinois University

16

Franciscan University Of Steubenville landed the #16 spot for philosophy & religious studies this year. Set in the city of Steubenville, Franciscan University Of Steubenville is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Franciscan University Of Steubenville graduates 75% of students within six years. Franciscan University Of Steubenville awarded about 38 philosophy & religious studies degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the philosophy & religious studies program make about $32,165 in their early career. Franciscan University Of Steubenville graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Read more about the philosophy & religious studies program at Franciscan University Of Steubenville

17

Cuny Graduate School And University Center landed the #17 spot for philosophy & religious studies this year. Cuny Graduate School And University Center is a large public school located in the city of New York. About 23 philosophy & religious studies degrees were awarded at Cuny Graduate School And University Center in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, philosophy & religious studies degree recipients from Cuny Graduate School And University Center generally make around $72,222. Typical student debt for the program is $17,921. Read more about the philosophy & religious studies program at Cuny Graduate School And University Center

18
American University crest
American University
Washington, DC

American University landed the #18 spot for philosophy & religious studies this year. American University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Washington. The six-year graduation rate is 76%. American University awarded about 35 philosophy & religious studies degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their philosophy & religious studies degree from American University earn around $58,030 in the first couple years of their career. American University graduates carry a median of $24,139 in student loans. See the full philosophy & religious studies program report for American University

19
Florida State University crest
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL

Florida State University landed the #19 spot for philosophy & religious studies this year. Set in the city of Tallahassee, Florida State University is a very large public institution. Florida State University graduates 86% of students within six years. About 15 philosophy & religious studies degrees were awarded at Florida State University in the most recent year. Philosophy & Religious Studies graduates of Florida State University earn a median of $27,072 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $25,359 to complete this degree. Read more about the philosophy & religious studies program at Florida State University

20
Crown College crest
Crown College
Saint Bonifacius, MN

Crown College earned the #20 position for philosophy & religious studies this year. This small private not-for-profit university is located in the rural area of Saint Bonifacius. Crown College graduates 44% of students within six years. About 27 philosophy & religious studies degrees were awarded at Crown College in the most recent year. Philosophy & Religious Studies graduates of Crown College earn a median of $56,689 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $29,537 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in philosophy & religious studies from Crown College

21

San Francisco State University placed #21 among the best philosophy & religious studies schools. Set in the city of San Francisco, San Francisco State University is a very large public institution. Roughly 50% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 19 philosophy & religious studies students who graduated with this degree at San Francisco State University in the most recent data year. Students who receive their philosophy & religious studies degree from San Francisco State University earn around $28,539 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $18,000. Read more about the philosophy & religious studies program at San Francisco State University

22

University Of Colorado Boulder ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best philosophy & religious studies schools. Located in the city of Boulder, University Of Colorado Boulder is a very large public university. About 74% of students finish within six years. About 18 philosophy & religious studies degrees were awarded at University Of Colorado Boulder in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, philosophy & religious studies degree recipients from University Of Colorado Boulder generally make around $55,861. Typical student debt for the program is $25,218. Read more about the philosophy & religious studies program at University Of Colorado Boulder

23
Touro College crest
Touro College
New York, NY

Touro College earned the #23 position for philosophy & religious studies this year. Located in the city of New York, Touro College is a large private not-for-profit university. About 76% of students finish within six years. About 15 philosophy & religious studies degrees were awarded at Touro College in the most recent year. Graduates of the philosophy & religious studies program make about $60,520 in their early career. Touro College graduates carry a median of $20,285 in student loans. More information about a degree in philosophy & religious studies from Touro College

24
Cornerstone University crest
Cornerstone University
Grand Rapids, MI

Cornerstone University ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best philosophy & religious studies schools. This mid-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Grand Rapids. The six-year graduation rate is 63%. Cornerstone University awarded about 11 philosophy & religious studies degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their philosophy & religious studies degree from Cornerstone University earn around $44,501 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $29,243 to complete this degree. Read more about the philosophy & religious studies program at Cornerstone University

25

Wayland Baptist University landed the #25 spot for philosophy & religious studies this year. Wayland Baptist University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the town of Plainview. Roughly 19% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 20 philosophy & religious studies degrees were awarded at Wayland Baptist University in the most recent year. Students who receive their philosophy & religious studies degree from Wayland Baptist University earn around $51,930 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $30,204. See the full philosophy & religious studies program report for Wayland Baptist University

Rest of the Top 39 Philosophy & Religious Studies Schools

These schools rounded out the top of this year’s philosophy & religious studies ranking:

26
27
The New School crest
The New School
New York, NY
28
Friends University crest
Friends University
Wichita, KS
29
30
Johnson University crest
Johnson University
Knoxville, TN
31
32
33
34
Denver Seminary crest
Denver Seminary
Littleton, CO
35
36
37
Beth Medrash Govoha crest
Beth Medrash Govoha
Lakewood, NJ
38
39

Other Philosophy & Religious Studies Degree Levels

Explore the best philosophy & religious studies schools at other degree levels:

All Degree Levels in Philosophy & Religious Studies
Associate's Degrees in Philosophy & Religious Studies
Bachelor's Degrees in Philosophy & Religious Studies
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View All Philosophy & Religious Studies Rankings >

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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 · 1273 schools evaluated.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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