Best Research Universities for Philosophy Degrees 2025

Badge for BEST FOR PHILOSOPHY RESEARCH UNIVERSITIES
By Dr. Brian Carlson and Dr. James Barham
Published:
Updated:

The best philosophy research universities 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.

Key Takeaways

  • A philosophy degree helps students to gain practical skills that are highly transferable to a wide range of workplaces.
  • A philosophy degree can lead to a wide range of career opportunities in education, political science, religion, and business.
  • If you are interested in attending a large university that is focused on research and publishing, a research university may be the right choice for you when pursuing a philosophy degree.

Top 10 Research Universities Philosophy Programs in 2025

  1. Harvard University
  2. University of California, Berkeley
    +5
  3. Columbia University
    +1
  4. Stanford University
    +2
  5. University of Chicago
  6. Yale University
    –4
  7. Princeton University
    –4
  8. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
  9. University of Michigan
    +2
  10. New York University
    +2

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, the top ten schools in our ranking of the best research universities for philosophy degrees saw a considerable amount of shuffling. The University of California, Berkeley gained the most ranking positions as a result of the Ethics and Technology Initiative, which explores the philosophical implications of artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and digital privacy, offering philosophy students interdisciplinary opportunities to engage with cutting-edge ethical issues. Berkeley has also expanded its Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) program, providing students with a broader analytical framework that links philosophical inquiry with real-world social and political challenges. Additionally, new seminar series and workshops focused on applied ethics and global justice provide philosophy students with opportunities to engage in contemporary debates and collaborative research with faculty.

Featured Programs

Best Research Universities for Philosophy Degrees

  1. #1

    Harvard University

    Cambridge , MA
    #1 Online Colleges with the Most Generous Financial Aid in 2025 #1 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #1 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #1 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $57K

    Acceptance

    3%

    Graduation

    98%

    Student body

    39K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1535/35

    What is Harvard University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Harvard University Philosophy Major:

    • AB in Philosophy
    Source
    Compare school
  2. #2

    University of California, Berkeley

    Berkeley , CA
    #1 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #1 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #1 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025 #1 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    11%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    48K

    What is University of California, Berkeley known for?

    University of California, Berkeley’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    UC Berkeley Philosophy Major:

    • BA in Philosophy
    Source
    Compare school
  3. #3

    Columbia University

    New York , NY
    #2 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #2 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #2 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #3 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $66K

    Acceptance

    4%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    37K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1535/34

    What is Columbia University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Columbia University Philosophy Majors:

    • Philosophy
    • Philosophy & Economics
    Source
    Compare school
  4. #4

    Stanford University

    Stanford , CA
    #3 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #3 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #3 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #4 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $58K

    Acceptance

    4%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    20K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1540/34

    What is Stanford University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Stanford University Philosophy Majors:

    • BA in Philosophy
    • BA in Philosophy and Religious Studies
    Source
    Compare school
  6. #5

    University of Chicago

    Chicago , IL
    #4 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #4 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #4 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #5 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $64K

    Acceptance

    5%

    Graduation

    96%

    Student body

    21K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1540/34

    What is University of Chicago known for?

    University of Chicago’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    University of Chicago Philosophy Majors:

    • BA in Philosophy
    • Philosophy and Allied Fields
    Source
    Compare school
  7. #6

    Yale University

    New Haven , CT
    #5 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #5 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #6 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025 #6 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    5%

    Graduation

    98%

    Student body

    16K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1540/34

    What is Yale University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Yale University Philosophy Major:

    • Philosophy
    Source
    Compare school
  8. #7

    Princeton University

    Princeton , NJ
    #4 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #6 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #6 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #7 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $57K

    Acceptance

    6%

    Graduation

    97%

    Student body

    9K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1535/34

    What is Princeton University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Princeton University Philosophy Major:

    • AB in Philosophy
    Source
    Compare school
  9. #8

    Massachusetts Institute of Technology

    Cambridge , MA
    #5 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #7 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #7 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #8 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $58K

    Acceptance

    4%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    13K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1555/35

    What is Massachusetts Institute of Technology known for?

    Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    MIT Philosophy Majors:

    • Philosophy
    • Linguistics & Philosophy
    Source
    Compare school
  10. #9

    University of Michigan

    Ann Arbor , MI
    #2 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #2 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #2 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025 #2 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $18K

    Acceptance

    18%

    Graduation

    93%

    Student body

    52K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1440/32

    What is University of Michigan known for?

    University of Michigan’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    University of Michigan Philosophy Major:

    • Philosophy
    Source
    Compare school
  12. #10

    New York University

    New York , NY
    #8 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #8 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #10 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025 #10 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $58K

    Acceptance

    12%

    Graduation

    87%

    Student body

    65K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1520/34

    What is New York University known for?

    New York University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    NYU Philosophy Major:

    • Philosophy
    Source
    Compare school
  13. #11

    Cornell University

    Ithaca , NY
    #1 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2025 #6 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #9 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #9 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $63K

    Acceptance

    7%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    26K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1520/34

    What is Cornell University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Cornell University Philosophy Major:

    • Philosophy
    Source
    Compare school
  14. #12

    University of Pennsylvania

    Philadelphia , PA
    #5 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online #10 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #10 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #10 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $63K

    Acceptance

    7%

    Graduation

    96%

    Student body

    33K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1535/34

    What is University of Pennsylvania known for?

    University of Pennsylvania’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    University of Pennsylvania Philosophy Major:

    • Philosophy
    Source
    Compare school
  15. #13

    University of California, Los Angeles

    Los Angeles , CA
    #3 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #3 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #3 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025 #3 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    9%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    49K

    What is University of California, Los Angeles known for?

    University of California, Los Angeles’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    UCLA Philosophy Major:

    • BA in Philosophy
    • BA in Linguistics and Philosophy
    Source
    Compare school
  16. #14

    Johns Hopkins University

    Baltimore , MD
    #11 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #11 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #11 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #14 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    7%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    40K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1545/34

    What is Johns Hopkins University known for?

    Johns Hopkins University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    JHU Philosophy Major:

    • BA in Philosophy
    Source
    Compare school
  18. #15

    Duke University

    Durham , NC
    #1 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees 2025 #1 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #6 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online #13 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $63K

    Acceptance

    6%

    Graduation

    97%

    Student body

    18K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1530/34

    What is Duke University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Duke University Philosophy Major:

    • BA in Philosophy
    Source
    Compare school
  19. #16

    University of Southern California

    Los Angeles , CA
    #9 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #14 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #14 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #17 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $65K

    Acceptance

    12%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    54K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1500/33

    What is University of Southern California known for?

    University of Southern California’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    USC Philosophy Majors:

    • BA in Philosophy
    • BA in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics
    • BA in Philosophy, Politics, and Law
    • BA in Philosophy and Physics
    • BA in Linguistics and Philosophy
    Source
    Compare school
  20. #17

    University of Texas at Austin

    Austin , TX
    #4 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #4 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #4 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025 #4 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    31%

    Graduation

    88%

    Student body

    55K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1365/29

    What is University of Texas at Austin known for?

    University of Texas at Austin’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    UT Austin Philosophy Major:

    • Philosophy
    Source
    Compare school
  21. #18

    Northwestern University

    Evanston , IL
    #14 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #15 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #15 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #18 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $63K

    Acceptance

    7%

    Graduation

    97%

    Student body

    27K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1530/34

    What is Northwestern University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Northwestern University Philosophy Major:

    • Philosophy
    Source
    Compare school
  22. #19

    Brown University

    Providence , RI
    #10 15 Colleges with the Happiest Freshmen #16 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #17 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #17 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $65K

    Acceptance

    5%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    11K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1535/35

    What is Brown University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Brown University Philosophy Major:

    • BA in Philosophy
    Source
    Compare school
  24. #20

    Georgetown University

    Washington , DC
    #2 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #17 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #18 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #18 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    12%

    Graduation

    96%

    Student body

    24K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1485/33

    What is Georgetown University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Georgetown University Philosophy Major Concentrations:

    • Bioethics
    Source
    Compare school
  25. #21

    University of Virginia

    Charlottesville , VA
    #7 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #8 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #8 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online #8 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $21K

    Acceptance

    19%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    29K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1470/33

    What is University of Virginia known for?

    University of Virginia’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    University of Virginia Philosophy Majors:

    • Philosophy
    • Political Philosophy, Policy, and Law
    Source
    Compare school
  26. #22

    Dartmouth College

    Hanover , NH
    #18 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #20 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #21 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #24 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $63K

    Acceptance

    6%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    7K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1540/34

    What is Dartmouth College known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Dartmouth College Philosophy Major:

    • BA in Philosophy
    Source
    Compare school
  27. #23

    University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

    Chapel Hill , NC
    #9 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online #9 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #12 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #13 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    17%

    Graduation

    91%

    Student body

    34K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1440/32

    What is University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill known for?

    University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    UNC Philosophy Major:

    • BA in Philosophy
    Source
    Compare school
  28. #24

    University of Notre Dame

    Notre Dame , IN
    #3 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #21 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #22 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #25 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    13%

    Graduation

    96%

    Student body

    14K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1500/33

    What is University of Notre Dame known for?

    University of Notre Dame’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    University of Notre Dame Philosophy Majors:

    • Philosophy
    • Philosophy and Theology (joint major)
    Source
    Compare school
  30. #25

    Vanderbilt University

    Nashville , TN
    #15 15 Colleges with the Happiest Freshmen #1 Best Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #1 Best Grad Schools in Tennessee 2024 #1 Best Research Universities in Tennessee 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    7%

    Graduation

    93%

    Student body

    15K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1530/34

    What is Vanderbilt University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Vanderbilt University 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.

A bachelor’s degree in philosophy is an excellent starting point for a career in public service, corporate governance, education, and a host of other intellectually stimulating fields. As a philosophy major, you’ll study ethics, epistemology, and rhetorical debate.

Your philosophy degree will incorporate classic works by great thinkers alongside a critical analysis of relevant literature, history, and social order. The best schools for philosophy are those which are regionally accredited, which offer a full array of philosophy concentrations, and which give you the chance to work with the best and most influential professors and classmates.

In Greek, philosophy means love of wisdom. If you’re considering pursuing a career in this field, it’s wise to learn about the best research universities for philosophy degrees. Modern philosophy can be very interesting, but choosing where to study the discipline can be overwhelming.

Fret not; it is possible for you to find the best universities with an excellent philosophy department. The good news is there are several prominent research universities that offer high-quality and robust philosophy curricula on the graduate degree level.

Studying this field of logic and reason will make students better at analyzing concepts, reasoning, definitions, challenges, and arguments. Organizing ideas and issues, dealing with value questions, and extracting what’s essential from large quantities of information are all aided by this study.

A surprising number of top schools, publishing firms, and other industries worldwide hire philosophy graduates from the best research universities. Hence, it’s crucial to take time to assess which institution to enroll in for a philosophy major, bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or doctorate.

If you think a liberal arts college may be a better fit for you, see our ranking of the best liberal arts colleges for a bachelor’s in philosophy.

Go to all Research Universities for Philosophy programs

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