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A Closer Look at The Most Affordable Online Philosophy Degrees

Pursuing an online philosophy degree offers an intellectually rich path while maintaining flexibility and affordability. But choosing the right program involves weighing more than just tuition costs 鈥� student retention, graduation rates, recommendation scores, and unique program offerings all matter. By highlighting each program鈥檚 unique features and key data points, we provide a deeper understanding of what sets them apart, helping you make a well-informed decision.

Affordability and Financial Accessibility

For most students, affordability is a major factor, and some schools make earning a philosophy degree far more accessible than others. Fort Hays State University (FHSU) stands out with its exceptionally low tuition of $7,720, making it one of the most cost-effective options in this field. The University of New Orleans (UNO) takes affordability a step further, offering a slightly higher annual tuition of $10,926 while allowing all online philosophy majors to pay in-state tuition, regardless of where they live. 

At the higher end of the affordability spectrum, the University of Missouri - St. Louis (UM) charges a steep $37,590 in annual tuition. However, 97% of its students receive financial aid, which can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs. 

Future earning potential is another important factor to weigh. Philosophy graduates pursue careers in a variety of fields, including law, education, business, and public policy, with salaries varying widely depending on industry and location.

• Arizona State University (ASU) leads in this area, with median earnings of $48,225 鈥� placing its graduates in the 52nd percentile nationwide among similar programs. The 
• The University of Arizona (UA) follows closely behind at $47,061, making its ethics-focused curriculum a compelling choice for students considering careers in law, corporate governance, or public policy.

On the lower end of the earnings spectrum, graduates of the University of Memphis (UM) report median salaries of $28,113, ranking in just the 7th percentile. This suggests that post-graduation outcomes can differ significantly depending on job opportunities and regional demand. While philosophy may not traditionally be seen as a high-earning field, choosing the right program 鈥� especially one with strong career connections or specialized tracks 鈥� can make a meaningful difference in financial outcomes.

Measuring Student Success

While affordability plays a crucial role in choosing a degree program, graduation and retention rates offer deeper insight into how well students are supported throughout their studies. A high retention rate suggests that students are more likely to continue after their first year, often reflecting strong academic resources and student support services. APUS leads in this category with a 90% retention rate, reinforcing its reputation as a highly accessible and student-friendly online institution. Oregon State University (OSU), Franciscan University of Steubenville (FUS), and UA also show strong retention rates, ranging from 86-87%, indicating that students remain engaged and supported as they progress through their coursework.

Graduation rates, meanwhile, highlight how many students successfully complete their degrees. FUS stands out with one of the highest graduation rates at 76%, followed closely by OSU at 70% 鈥� both well above average for online programs. In contrast, Holy Apostles and UNO report lower graduation rates, both falling below 40%. This could suggest a larger percentage of part-time or nontraditional students, who often take longer to complete their degrees or may balance their education with work and other commitments. 

Together, retention and graduation rates paint a clearer picture of which schools provide the strongest support systems to help students stay on track and complete their degrees.

What Online Philosophy Students Are Saying: Firsthand Experiences and Insights

For students pursuing an online philosophy degree, firsthand experiences reveal what matters most. We've collected hundreds of student surveys to show that while online education offers unique opportunities, the quality of support, instruction, and interaction can make all the difference. 

One recurring theme among the online students at these schools is the importance of faculty accessibility. At several universities, graduates mention how professors played a pivotal role in shaping their academic journey, not just through coursework but through mentorship and career guidance. As Ashley Anderson (UNC Greensboro, Class of 2013) noted, faculty were 鈥渁lways accessible for coursework help, as well as for advice and counseling on future career opportunities.鈥� This kind of support can be crucial in a field like philosophy, where discussion and debate are central to the learning experience. 

Flexibility is another major factor in students鈥� decisions to study online, and many reviewers emphasize how well their schools accommodated work schedules and personal responsibilities. At APUS, flexibility was a defining feature, particularly for military-affiliated students. As Joshua Stinar (Class of 2016) put it, 鈥淔lexible eight-week programs enabled a balanced work-study life, crucial for military service members.鈥� For philosophy students, this flexibility may be particularly beneficial, as many pursue the degree alongside careers in law, education, or public service.

Despite the remote format, some students found a surprising sense of community in their online programs. Paxton Duran (FHSU, Class of 2016) described how the small class sizes and close relationships with professors helped foster a meaningful academic experience, stating, 鈥淯ltimately, the education went beyond academics, supporting personal and professional development.鈥� Even in fully online philosophy programs, opportunities for discussion groups, faculty interaction, and virtual networking can make a significant difference in student engagement.

Ultimately, online philosophy students value a combination of supportive faculty, flexible scheduling, and intellectually engaging coursework. Those who succeed in these programs tend to be proactive, seeking out discussions, additional readings, and networking opportunities. 

Philosophy at Religious Institutions: A Unique Perspective

Philosophy and religion have been deeply intertwined for centuries, so it鈥檚 no surprise that many top online philosophy programs are housed within religious institutions. For students who want to explore philosophy through a theological lens, faith-based schools offer a structured framework rooted in religious tradition. 

Holy Apostles and FUS, for example, emphasize Catholic intellectual heritage, particularly Thomistic philosophy 鈥� the work of St. Thomas Aquinas. Graduates from these schools often highlight the profound impact of studying philosophy within a religious context. William (Franciscan University, Class of 2013) praised the Humanities and Catholic Culture degree as 鈥渂y far the most challenging and rewarding degree offered,鈥� adding that it provides a worldview that deeply connects history, theology, and philosophy.

Liberty, a Christian institution, offers a different approach, blending biblical perspectives with political and economic philosophy. The program is rooted in Christian teachings on government, law, and ethics. While some students appreciate this integration of faith and philosophy, others caution that Liberty鈥檚 religious framework is deeply embedded in the curriculum. Joy, an online graduate from Liberty, found the program to be well-structured and appreciated the professors鈥� responsiveness, but noted that 鈥渞eligion and Christian perspectives are integral to the coursework,鈥� making it important for prospective students to research whether the school鈥檚 approach aligns with their own beliefs.

By contrast, secular institutions such as OSU, ASU, and PSU offer philosophy degrees that engage with contemporary ethical and social issues, such as AI ethics, biomedical ethics, and environmental philosophy. As Sarah (PSU, Class of 2017) noted, the anthropology and philosophy programs at PSU are structured to explore multiple perspectives, making them well-suited for students who want to engage critically with modern philosophical debates rather than study philosophy through a religious lens.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right online philosophy program is about finding a school that aligns with your personal academic goals, career aspirations, and personal values. Whether you鈥檙e drawn to a faith-based institution that integrates theological perspectives or a secular program focused on contemporary ethical challenges, the best choice is one that provides the right balance of affordability, academic rigor, and student support. 

I would quickly like to note some of the schools offering specialized concentrations that provide a more tailored approach to philosophy education:

• UNC Greensboro stands out with its Pre-Law concentration, a valuable option for students planning to attend law school. 
• UA and UM emphasize applied ethics, an increasingly relevant field for careers in corporate responsibility, public policy, and healthcare. 
• Liberty takes an interdisciplinary approach by integrating philosophy with politics and economics, providing a broader foundation for those interested in government or policy work.

With factors like faculty accessibility, graduation rates, and student satisfaction in mind, our list above of the most affordable philosophy degrees aims to help you make a well-informed decision about your education and future.