Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Philosophy Degrees 2025

Badge for BEST FOR PHILOSOPHY LIBERAL ARTS COLLEGES
By Dr. Brian Carlson and Dr. James Barham
Published:
Updated:

The best philosophy liberal arts colleges are those with rich histories of influence, proven through the work produced by the program’s faculty and alumni. Beyond demonstrating scholarly impact in the field, the best philosophy degree programs maximize your opportunities to interact with outstanding philosophy faculty.

Featured Programs

Key Takeaways

  • A philosophy degree allows students to explore abstract and real phenomena, including arguments and investigations about their logical structures.
  • Get ready to study diverse core subjects like logic, ethics, aesthetics, symbolism, epistemology, metaphysics, and the history of philosophy.
  • Most philosophy graduates can find jobs in management, education, social service, the legal sector, and the business world.

Top 10 Liberal Arts Colleges Philosophy Programs in 2025

  1. Wesleyan University
  2. Amherst College
    +2
  3. Swarthmore College
    –1
  4. United States Military Academy
    +12
  5. Williams College
  6. Oberlin College
    +12
  7. Wellesley College
    –4
  8. Barnard College
    –1
  9. Vassar College
    +6
  10. Bryn Mawr College
    +9

2025 Ranking Update

Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or lost ground for the 2025 school year.

In 2025, our ranking of the top ten liberal arts colleges philosophy programs saw a large amount of shuffling. One school that stands out for a large jump in ranking positions is the United States Military Academy. The school was able to make such a substantial jump because of expanded academic programs with a stronger focus on cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and data science, preparing cadets for emerging challenges in military and civilian leadership. The academy has also upgraded its physical training facilities and athletic resources to enhance cadet wellness and physical readiness. Additionally, new leadership development programs have been integrated into the curriculum, emphasizing real-world problem-solving and critical thinking skills. These initiatives align with the academy’s mission to produce well-rounded leaders for the future.

Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Philosophy Degrees

  1. #1

    Wesleyan University

    Middletown , CT
    #1 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #2 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #1 Best Small Colleges in Connecticut 2025 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Connecticut 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $64K

    Acceptance

    14%

    Graduation

    93%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1415/32

    What is Wesleyan University known for?

    Wesleyan University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Wesleyan University Philosophy Major Tracks:

    • General Philosophy
    • Social Justice
    Source
    Compare school
  2. #2

    Amherst College

    Amherst , MA
    #3 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #3 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #5 15 Colleges with the Happiest Freshmen #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Massachusetts 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $64K

    Acceptance

    7%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1485/33

    What is Amherst College known for?

    Amherst College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Amherst College Philosophy Major:

    • Philosophy
    Source
    Compare school
  3. #3

    Swarthmore College

    Swarthmore , PA
    #4 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #4 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #1 Best Small Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $59K

    Acceptance

    7%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1500/33

    What is Swarthmore College known for?

    Swarthmore College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Swarthmore College Philosophy Major:

    • BA in Philosophy
    Source
    Compare school
  4. #4

    United States Military Academy

    West Point , NY
    #5 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New York 2025 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in New York 2025 #5 Best Public Colleges in New York 2024
    Other Rankings

    Acceptance

    12%

    Graduation

    88%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1335/30

    What is United States Military Academy known for?

    United States Military Academy’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    USMA Philosophy Major:

    • Philosophy
    Source
    Compare school
  6. #5

    Williams College

    Williamstown , MA
    #5 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #6 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Massachusetts 2025 #2 Best Small Colleges in Massachusetts 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    8%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1525/34

    What is Williams College known for?

    Williams College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Williams College Philosophy Major:

    • Philosophy
    Source
    Compare school
  7. #6

    Oberlin College

    Oberlin , OH
    #7 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #8 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #1 Best Small Colleges in Ohio 2024 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Ohio 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    35%

    Graduation

    83%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1445/31

    What is Oberlin College known for?

    Oberlin College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Oberlin College Philosophy Major:

    • Philosophy
    Source
    Compare school
  8. #7

    Wellesley College

    Wellesley , MA
    #9 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #9 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Massachusetts 2025 #4 Best Small Colleges in Massachusetts 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    14%

    Graduation

    90%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1490/34

    What is Wellesley College known for?

    Wellesley College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Wellesley College Philosophy Major:

    • Philosophy
    Source
    Compare school
  9. #8

    Barnard College

    New York , NY
    #10 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #10 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #2 Best Small Colleges in New York 2024 #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New York 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $63K

    Acceptance

    9%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1495/33

    What is Barnard College known for?

    Barnard College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Barnard College Philosophy Major:

    • Philosophy
    Source
    Compare school
  10. #9

    Vassar College

    Poughkeepsie , NY
    #11 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #13 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #3 Best Small Colleges in New York 2024 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New York 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $65K

    Acceptance

    19%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1482/33

    What is Vassar College known for?

    Vassar College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Vassar College Philosophy Major:

    • Philosophy
    Source
    Compare school
  13. #11

    San Francisco State University

    San Francisco , CA
    #16 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in California 2025 #9 Most Affordable Colleges in California 2025 #10 Best Public Colleges California 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    94%

    Graduation

    55%

    Student body

    30K

    What is San Francisco State University known for?

    San Francisco State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    SFSU Philosophy Major:

    • BA in Philosophy
    Source
    Compare school
  14. #12

    Reed College

    Portland , OR
    #1 Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship #17 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #17 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Oregon 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $65K

    Acceptance

    31%

    Graduation

    80%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1410/31

    What is Reed College known for?

    Reed College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Reed College Philosophy Major:

    • BA in philosophy
    Source
    Compare school
  15. #13

    Haverford College

    Haverford , PA
    #19 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #20 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #2 Best Small Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $64K

    Acceptance

    14%

    Graduation

    91%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1485/34

    What is Haverford College known for?

    Haverford College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Haverford College Philosophy Major:

    • Philosophy
    Source
    Compare school
  16. #14

    Pomona College

    Claremont , CA
    #20 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #21 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #2 Best Small Colleges in California 2025 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in California 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $59K

    Acceptance

    7%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1520/34

    What is Pomona College known for?

    Pomona College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Pomona College Philosophy Majors:

    • Philosophy
    • Philosophy, Politics & Economics
    Source
    Compare school
  18. #15

    Bowdoin College

    Brunswick , ME
    #25 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maine 2024 #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #1 Best Private Colleges in Maine 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    9%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1510/34

    What is Bowdoin College known for?

    Bowdoin College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Bowdoin College Philosophy Major:

    • Philosophy
    Source
    Compare school
  19. #16

    Middlebury College

    Middlebury , VT
    #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Vermont 2024 #2 Best Private Colleges in Vermont 2025 #2 Best Small Colleges in Vermont 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    13%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1482/34

    What is Middlebury College known for?

    Middlebury College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Middlebury College Philosophy Major:

    • Philosophy
    Source
    Compare school
  20. #17

    Colgate University

    Hamilton , NY
    #4 Best Small Colleges in New York 2024 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Education Degrees #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Anthropology Degrees #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Religious Studies Degrees
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $64K

    Acceptance

    12%

    Graduation

    91%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1470/33

    What is Colgate University known for?

    Colgate University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Colgate University Philosophy Majors:

    • Philosophy
    • Philosophy and Religion
    Source
    Compare school
  27. #23

    Davidson College

    Davidson , NC
    #4 50 Best Christian Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities 2025 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in North Carolina 2025 #1 Best Small Colleges in North Carolina 2024 #2 Best Christian Colleges in North Carolina 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $57K

    Acceptance

    17%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1425/32

    What is Davidson College known for?

    Davidson College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Davidson College Philosophy Major:

    • Philosophy
    Source
    Compare school
  28. #24

    Claremont McKenna College

    Claremont , CA
    #5 Best Small Colleges in California 2025 #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in California 2025 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Business Degrees in 2025 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Religious Studies Degrees
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $61K

    Acceptance

    10%

    Graduation

    91%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1495/34

    What is Claremont McKenna College known for?

    Claremont McKenna College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    CMC Philosophy Major:

    • Philosophy
    Source
    Compare school

Career Outlook for Students with Philosophy Degree

Go to Degree Finder tool

Philosophy And Religious Studies

Degree Level: Bachelor's

  • Location: The U.S. (Private Schools)

Career Salaries

CareerJob GrowthAvg. Salary
Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary2.27%$79,930

Top Industries

IndustryAvg. Salary
Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary$79,930
Data from The Bureau of Labor Statistics, The Department of Education College Scorecard, The Department of Education NCES, and The Council for Community and Economic Research.

Do you sometimes pause and think about why things are the way they are? If your curiosity gets the best of you, it may be a nudge to pave a career path with a degree in philosophy.

In a nutshell, philosophy is best defined as a way of thinking. Studying philosophy as an antecedent of science enhances your ability to evaluate and resolve problems. Analyzing concepts, definitions, arguments, and problems will become easier once you enroll in a philosophy degree. 

In a philosophy degree program, students are taught to comprehend complex texts, solve problems, formulate logical arguments, and analyze complex situations with exceptional skills. Some of the promising professions waiting for you are professors, researchers, ministers, consultants, counselors, and journalists. It’s time to start researching the best liberal arts college to enroll in a philosophy program.

If you think a research university may be a better fit for you, see our ranking of the best research universities for a bachelor’s in philosophy.

Go to all Liberal Arts Colleges for Philosophy programs

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