Best institutions to study Philosophy
Compare 20 U.S. colleges offering Philosophy by graduate earnings, cost, and outcomes. Federal data across 16 states.
About Philosophy programs
The Philosophy program, specifically focusing on Philosophy, Politics, and Economics, offers a systematic study of fundamental questions regarding existence, knowledge, and values. This interdisciplinary approach is ideal for students interested in exploring the connections between philosophical thought, political theory, and economic principles. Students in this program engage in rational and critical inquiry, developing skills that are applicable across various fields. The program is suited for those who wish to deepen their understanding of complex societal issues and contribute to discussions on ethics, governance, and economic policy.
Core coursework in this program emphasizes critical thinking, mathematics, and effective communication. Students will gain knowledge in economics, data analysis, and the evaluation of public policies, equipping them with the skills necessary to analyze and interpret complex information.
Top 20 institutions, ranked by graduate earnings
Earnings = median 1 year after graduation (College Scorecard, predominant credential).
Offered across 16 states
The same program, compared state by state. Pick a state for in-state earnings and institutions.
| State | Institutions | Median earnings | Top institution by earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | 3 | — | — |
| Floridalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Indianalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Iowalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Kansaslimited | 1 | — | — |
| Kentuckylimited | 1 | — | — |
| Massachusettslimited | 1 | — | — |
| Michiganlimited | 2 | — | — |
| New Yorklimited | 2 | — | — |
| North Carolinalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Ohiolimited | 1 | — | — |
| Pennsylvanialimited | 1 | — | — |
| South Dakotalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Utahlimited | 1 | — | — |
| Virginialimited | 1 | — | — |
| Texaslimited | 1 | — | — |
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 19-3011, Economists, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Philosophy program can pursue various careers, particularly in fields related to policy analysis, economics, and public administration. The job outlook indicates a growth rate of 1.2% with approximately 900 annual openings. The median wage for positions in this area is $115,440, typically requiring a Master's degree for advancement.
Top-paying metros
Related careers
CIP-to-SOC crosswalk for Philosophy
The SOC occupations NCES officially maps to CIP 30.51.
Under the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk, CIP 30.51 (Philosophy, Politics, and Economics) maps to 7 Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) occupations, the jobs the U.S. Department of Labor links to this field of study.
| SOC code | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 11-9199 | Managers, All Other |
| 19-3011 | Economistsprimary |
| 19-3094 | Political Scientists |
| 19-3099 | Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other |
| 25-1063 | Economics Teachers, Postsecondary |
| 25-1065 | Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary |
| 25-1126 | Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary |
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 Crosswalk.
Skills & knowledge in Philosophy programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this program most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
What graduates do on the job
- Study economic and statistical data in area of specialization, such as finance, labor, or agriculture.
- Compile, analyze, and report data to explain economic phenomena and forecast market trends, applying mathematical models and statistical techniques.
- Study the socioeconomic impacts of new public policies, such as proposed legislation, taxes, services, and regulations.
- Explain economic impact of policies to the public.
- Review documents written by others.
- Provide advice and consultation on economic relationships to businesses, public and private agencies, and other employers.
Concentrations within Philosophy
Specializations under this field (NCES CIP 2020).
- Philosophy, Politics, and EconomicsCIP 30.5101
A program that focuses on philosophical foundations, political institutions, collective behavior, economic theory, and economic influences
Common questions
What is the focus of the Philosophy program?+
The program focuses on Philosophy, Politics, and Economics, exploring fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, and values.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
Students will develop critical thinking, mathematics, reading comprehension, and effective communication skills.
What is the job outlook for graduates?+
The job outlook shows a growth rate of 1.2% with about 900 annual openings.
What level of education is typically required for careers in this field?+
Most careers in this field typically require a Master's degree.
What is the CIP code for Philosophy?+
Philosophy maps to CIP 30.51 in the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP), the U.S. Department of Education taxonomy used for College Scorecard Field of Study earnings and IPEDS completions.
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Explore every U.S. college in one conversation
Clema turns plain-language questions into sourced answers across every U.S. institution — earnings, aid, acceptance, graduation, safety, and athletics from IPEDS, College Scorecard, and 10+ federal datasets, built in.
Free for teams up to 3 · No credit card