Best Philosophy Programs

Philosophy explores the fundamental questions of how to live. Discover the best bachelors in philosophy programs.
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Blake Weil is a medical student and freelance writer. Previously, he worked in market research, specializing in the pharmaceutical and hospitality industries. In addition to writing on education, he writes as a theater critic, hoping to help populari...
Updated on July 21, 2023
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Philosophy studies the "why" of the world. Touching on humanities fields such as law, ethics, and religion, philosophy is an analytical discipline that focuses on the fundamental questions of existence. A bachelor's in philosophy provides a survey of the field and introduces students to applying philosophical principles to real-world problems.

A bachelor's in philosophy generally takes four years to complete, but some online programs may be shorter. Net prices vary, but in 2020-2021, the average bachelor's program cost $9,375 in tuition and fees annually at a four-year public institution. A private nonprofit four-year school cost an average of $35,852 per year. Some online programs may cost less.

Graduates of philosophy programs typically pursue careers requiring strong analytical and communication skills, such as in law and business. Salaries are generally good, with the average bachelor's graduate taking home a median of $69,370 per year, according to 2021 Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data. Many people proceed to a graduate program, with many graduates going to law school.

Our Top Pick

Yale University - New Haven, Connecticut

Why It's #1: Yale University tops our list of the top bachelor's programs in philosophy. Boasting a stellar 97% graduation rate and a 6-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio, Yale's reputation is well deserved. While tuition may be high at $62,250, about 64% of students receive financial aid. Admissions are highly competitive, with only 6% of applicants admitted. However, admitted students jump at the opportunity, with 69% of admitted students choosing to attend.

Read Our Rankings Methodology

Popular Online Philosophy Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Best Accredited Bachelor's in Philosophy Programs

Rankings compiled by the BestColleges Ranking Team

We use datasets from sources like the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools. BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site. from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such. All data is current as of the date this article was published. Program-specific information may vary.

BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

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#1 Best Philosophy Programs

Yale University

  • New Haven, CT
  • 4 years
  • Campus

On Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Tuition per Year

Private | $62,250

Course Credits to Graduate

36

Program Information

Degree-Completion Program | No

Program Accreditation | N/A

Yale University's bachelor's in philosophy program trains students in examining questions on the nature of reality, morality, and human understanding. Coursework emphasizes philosophical analysis and how it can be applied to other areas of practice and to daily life. To graduate, students must complete either three philosophy seminars, or two seminars and an independent project.

Applicants must submit a full application, including transcripts, essays, and letters of recommendation. Standardized testing is optional during the 2022-2023 application cycle.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$55,500
Out-of-state
$55,500
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$43,300
Out-of-state
$43,300
Retention Rate
99%
Acceptance Rate
6%
Students Enrolled
13,609
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
0% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes New England Commission on Higher Education
#2 Best Philosophy Programs

University of Pennsylvania

  • Philadelphia, PA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

On Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Tuition per Year

Private | $56,212

Course Credits to Graduate

32-36

Program Information

Degree-Completion Program | Yes / No

Program Accreditation | N/A

University of Pennsylvania's bachelor's in philosophy students examine the fundamental nature of the world, the nature of knowledge, and humanity's purpose and nature. Students can choose coursework in general philosophy or a specialization in humanistic philosophy, philosophy and science, or political and moral philosophy.

Applicants must submit the Common App or Coalition Application. While ACT or SAT scores are normally required, they were made optional for the 2021-2022 application cycle. No announcement has been made about the 2022-2023 cycle as of July 2022.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$51,156
Out-of-state
$51,156
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$36,254
Out-of-state
$36,254
Retention Rate
98%
Acceptance Rate
8%
Students Enrolled
26,675
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
6% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#3 Best Philosophy Programs

Brown University

  • Providence, RI
  • 4 years
  • Campus

100% Online | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Tuition per Year

Private | $62,680

Course Credits to Graduate

30

Program Information

Degree-Completion Program | No

Program Accreditation | N/A

Brown University's philosophy concentration offers a survey of philosophy and lets students determine their specialization area. The program also emphasizes the history of philosophy. Students participate in a senior capstone process that involves completing either a thesis, independent study, or approved special project. Departmental honors are available for students who excel in the program and choose to complete a thesis.

Brown uses the Common Application for admissions. For the 2022-2023 cycle, standardized testing is optional.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$57,112
Out-of-state
$57,112
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$57,112
Out-of-state
$57,112
Retention Rate
98%
Acceptance Rate
7%
Students Enrolled
10,333
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes New England Commission on Higher Education
#4 Best Philosophy Programs

Columbia University in the City of New York

  • New York, NY
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

On Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Tuition per Year

Private | $60,514

Credits to Graduate

124

Program Information

Degree-Completion Program | No

Program Accreditation | N/A

Columbia's undergraduate major in philosophy offers a full survey of philosophy. Students are encouraged to identify links between philosophy and other fields, and to find focus areas. Selected coursework includes the history of philosophy and systematic philosophy. Students also participate in at least one philosophy seminar. 

Columbia accepts both the Common Application and Coalition Application. Students must submit transcripts and personal essays. Standardized testing is optional through fall 2024.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$57,763
Out-of-state
$57,763
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$47,600
Out-of-state
$47,600
Retention Rate
99%
Acceptance Rate
5%
Students Enrolled
31,456
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
6% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#5 Best Philosophy Programs

Bowdoin College

  • Brunswick, ME
  • 4 years
  • Campus

On Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Tuition per Year

Private | $60,952

Course Credits to Graduate

32

Program Information

Degree-Completion Program | No

Program Accreditation | N/A

Bowdoin College's philosophy program introduces students to the fundamental questions of existence. Students are taught historical philosophers' thoughts and encouraged to question and analyze their writings. Students can conduct independent research to pursue departmental honors.

Bowdoin accepts both the Common Application and Coalition Application and asks high school transcripts and personal statements. Standardized test scores are optional. Admissions are need blind, and financial aid packages include scholarships that do not require repayment.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$55,822
Out-of-state
$55,822
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
98%
Acceptance Rate
9%
Students Enrolled
1,835
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes New England Commission on Higher Education
#6 Best Philosophy Programs

Northwestern University

  • Evanston, IL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

On Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Tuition per Year

Private | $60,276

Units to Graduate

45

Program Information

Degree-Completion Program | No

Program Accreditation | N/A

Northwestern University's bachelor's in philosophy gives students a background and basic skills in philosophy. The major has only four required courses out of 13 total, offering students a chance to focus on areas or periods of interest.

Students can apply to Northwestern through the Common Application or Coalition Application. In addition to transcripts, students must submit recommendations from both their counselor and at least one teacher. SAT and ACT scores are optional for the 2022-2023 application cycle.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$56,232
Out-of-state
$56,232
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$56,067
Out-of-state
$56,067
Retention Rate
98%
Acceptance Rate
9%
Students Enrolled
22,448
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
2% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission
#7 Best Philosophy Programs

United States Air Force Academy

  • USAF Academy, CO
  • 4 years
  • Campus

On Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Tuition

Federal | N/A, Tuition Free

Semester Hours to Graduate

131

Program Information

Degree-Completion Program | No

Program Accreditation | N/A

The United States Air Force Academy's philosophy program focuses on philosophy as a way of training cadets in critical thinking and communication skills. As a military school, a unique philosophy course focuses on war and morality. 

Admissions to the Air Force Academy are complex. Students must be nominated to attend the academy. They must also submit high school grades and either SAT or ACT scores. Applicants are highly encouraged to begin the process early.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
94%
Acceptance Rate
11%
Students Enrolled
4,304
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission
#8 Best Philosophy Programs

Duke University

  • Durham, NC
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

On Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Tuition per Year

Private | $60,435

Credits to Graduate

34

Program Information

Degree-Completion Program | No

Program Accreditation | N/A

The Duke University undergraduate philosophy program introduces students to both philosophical content and the field's history. Students learn to apply philosophy to other disciplines, with many students in the program choosing to also pursue another major. Students can either specialize in ethics and social philosophy or metaphysics and epistemology.

Duke accepts both the Coalition Application and Common Application. Applicants must submit transcripts and recommendations, but standardized testing is optional for the 2022-2023 application cycle.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$55,880
Out-of-state
$55,880
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$55,680
Out-of-state
$55,680
Retention Rate
98%
Acceptance Rate
8%
Students Enrolled
16,686
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
6% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#9 Best Philosophy Programs

California Institute of Technology

  • Pasadena, CA
  • 4 years
  • Campus

On Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Tuition per Year

Private | $58,479

Units to Graduate

486

Program Information

Degree-Completion Program | No

Program Accreditation | N/A

Caltech offers a major in philosophy focused on offering new perspectives to the scientific and technical training students obtain in the main Caltech curriculum. Students are trained in both analysis and argument. All students write a senior thesis and pursue independent research with one-on-one help from a faculty member.

Caltech applicants must submit either the Common Application or Coalition Application. Along with the application, students must send transcripts, recommendations, supplemental essays, and standardized test scores.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$52,506
Out-of-state
$52,506
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$52,506
Out-of-state
$52,506
Retention Rate
98%
Acceptance Rate
6%
Students Enrolled
2,237
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#10 Best Philosophy Programs

Cornell University

  • Ithaca, NY
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

On Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Tuition per Year

Private | $62,456

Credits to Graduate

120

Program Information

Degree-Completion Program | No

Program Accreditation | N/A

Cornell University offers a bachelor's in philosophy that introduces students to a variety of philosophical disciplines. In addition to coursework in epistemology, logic, and ethics, students participate in reading groups, conferences, and large public lectures. The program highlights strong career and graduate school outcomes for graduates.

Applicants must submit the Common Application, along with transcripts, supplemental essays, and recommendations. Standardized testing requirements are suspended through fall 2024.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$56,550
Out-of-state
$56,550
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$29,500
Out-of-state
$29,500
Retention Rate
97%
Acceptance Rate
11%
Students Enrolled
24,027
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
4% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

How We Rank Schools

Each year, the BestColleges Ranking Team evaluates hundreds of programs to produce our annual Best Bachelor's in Philosophy ranking. In 2022, the team sourced the most recent data available from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System and College Navigator, both of which are hosted by the National Center for Education Statistics. We identified 801 schools that qualify for our ranking list based on the following criteria.

  • Each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution.
  • Must offer a bachelor's degree program in the given subject.
  • Must submit an annual report to the National Center for Education Statistics.

To ensure the accuracy and quality of our final ranked list, the ranking team reviewed each qualifying school to ensure it met the criteria for our ranking, and then applied our proprietary ranking methodology to identify the best schools offering this program in the nation. Each school is ranked based on a formula measuring academic factors (60%) and affordability (40%).

The BestColleges Ranking Team is made up of contributors from our data science and product management teams. These contributors operate independently from the editorial team. All BestColleges school rankings are produced by the ranking team and are free of editorial influence. Read our Editorial Policy and Standards to learn more.

Should I Get a Bachelor's in Philosophy?

Graduates with a bachelor's degree in philosophy work in many fields with various job growth projections. They may become software developers, teachers, or business managers. In addition, some philosophy majors go on to earn advanced degrees in education, law, business, or medicine.

A bachelor's degree in philosophy requires about 120 credits and takes about four years to complete. Learners who want to finish faster can take more courses each term or go to school year-round.

A philosophy degree encourages students to think hard about where they fit into the world. It helps them develop strong reasoning, analytical, and communication skills, which students can apply in any line of work. The degree also gives students a strong foundation for pursuing a master's or doctorate in another field.

What Will I Learn in a Philosophy Bachelor's Program?

Philosophy students learn to evaluate the arguments and reasoning for areas such as knowledge, morality, and religion. They study deep questions such as "Can we really know anything?" and "Is it ever OK to lie?" Students learn how to use analytical methods to evaluate values, factual claims, and arguments.

Typical courses include topics in philosophy, philosophy of the mind, and the history of modern philosophy. Learners also study contemporary analytic philosophy. Actual required courses vary by school and concentration.

Bachelor's in philosophy program students graduate with the ability to reason well, apply the concepts of logical theory, and explain the philosophical positions taken by various historical figures. They can point out the major issues in different philosophy areas and summarize the primary arguments for each position.

Most schools that offer a bachelor's degree in philosophy offer a bachelor of arts degree. However, schools may also offer a bachelor of philosophy degree that focuses more on philosophy and less on the other humanities.

Concentrations

General Philosophy

The general philosophy concentration exposes students to coursework from both theoretical and practical philosophy. It also covers the history of both modern and ancient Greek philosophy. Students learn about logic, ethics, and political philosophy.

Law and Justice

A concentration in law and justice focuses on ethics and law. Students take courses such as philosophy of law, professional ethics, and healthcare ethics. They get a strong foundation in the philosophies that guide law and justice.

Humanistic Philosophy

This concentration requires an equal number of credits in philosophy and the humanities or political science. The curriculum matches philosophy courses with the humanities. It concentrates on the history and practice of practical philosophy.

Philosophy and Science

The philosophy and science concentration requires equal units in philosophy and natural science, social science, or science, technology, and society. The curriculum balances the sciences and philosophy.

Political and Moral Philosophy

The political and moral philosophy concentration focuses on the philosophy of questioning what is normal. It covers law, politics, morality, and ethics. Students take contemporary value theory, history of philosophy, and theoretical philosophy courses.

Still Looking for the Right Fit? Discover Similar Degree Programs

How Do I Get Into a Bachelor's in Philosophy Program?

To get into a bachelor's in philosophy program, applicants must submit an undergraduate application to their chosen colleges and universities and pay any application fees. They can often use a program such as Common App to submit all of their applications at once.

After applying, candidates most likely provide official transcripts from their high school and any colleges or universities they've attended. GED certificate-holders may need to submit a copy of their certificate or official test scores.

Many schools require test scores from college entrance exams such as the ACT or SAT. Prospective learners may also need to write a college application essay or ask their former teachers or work supervisors for letters of recommendation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Philosophy Programs

Is a bachelor's in philosophy worth it?

Generally speaking, a bachelor's in philosophy is worth it. While it doesn't have a reputation as a money-making degree, it teaches useful analytical skills that graduates can apply in a variety of fields. Philosophy is also a discipline that enriches the lives of those who study it, leading to new perspectives on life. It also prepares students for diverse graduate programs.Of course, decisions of worth are based on an individual's financial circumstances. For those taking on a large amount of student debt to attend college, it is worth investigating post-college job prospects.

What can I do with a bachelor's in philosophy?

A bachelor's in philosophy is one of the most flexible undergraduate degrees. The fundamental skills a philosophy education teaches are communication, argument, and analysis. These are highly applicable skills in many fields, including writing, communication, marketing and market research, and law.Many graduates go on to pursue further degrees to specialize and apply their skills in a particular field.

What continuing education is available for philosophy graduates?

Philosophy graduates can continue their education with a graduate degree. The most popular next step is law school. The analytical and argumentative skills that philosophy programs teach make graduates excellent candidates to become lawyers.

Others pursue a philosophy master's degree or Ph.D. in the field. Ph.D. candidates conduct independent research and analysis projects. Many eventually go into academia and continue to develop the philosophy field.

Those who don't pursue further education continue to develop their skills in other ways. Many obtain career certifications to further specialize in their chosen field. They also continue to read philosophy journals and articles to keep up to date with current thoughts.

How much money can I make with a bachelor's in philosophy?

According to Payscale data, people with a BA in philosophy made an average annual salary of $74,000 per year as of July 2022. But people with these degrees can pursue careers in various fields. For example, they can become journalists, who made a median annual salary of $48,370 in May 2021, according to the BLS. They can also begin careers as public relations specialists. These workers earned a median of $62,800 per year in 2021.

However, these numbers only apply to those who start with a bachelor's degree. Many philosophy students continue their education at graduate school and gain experience that may lead to high-paying careers.

What are the highest-paying jobs with a bachelor's in philosophy?

High-paying jobs that use a philosophy major's communication and analysis skills include market research analyst and human resources manager. These positions made median annual salaries of $63,920 and $126,230, respectively, as per May 2021 BLS data.

Many philosophy majors choose to pursue advanced degrees, particularly in law. For those who decide to become lawyers, they can earn median annual salaries of $127,990 per year, as of May 2021 BLS data.

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BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

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