35 Best Colleges in Philadelphia
A definitive 2026 intelligence report on higher education in Philadelphia, covering tuition transparency, career outcomes, and academic excellence.
City DNA: Educational Specialization
STEM & Innovation
Technical and scientific excellence programs across local campuses.
Business & Law
Strategic leadership and management concentrations in Philadelphia.
Health & Medicine
Vital healthcare and medical training opportunities locally.
Outcome Matrix: Career Momentum
Market Yield Report
Median earnings for Philadelphia graduates reach $52,424 within 10 years.
Investment Matrix
Tuition levels range from $4,632 to $66,104.
Detailed economic breakdown of in-state versus private institutional costs across the city.
View Lowest TuitionAcademy of Vocal Arts
Annual Tuition
TBD
Early Salary
TBD
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
Missio Theological Seminary
Annual Tuition
TBD
Early Salary
TBD
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
Chestnut Hill College
Annual Tuition
$39,410
Early Salary
$52,015
Acceptance Matrix
79.1%
Curtis Institute of Music
Annual Tuition
$6,000
Early Salary
$40,313
Acceptance Matrix
7%
Drexel University
Annual Tuition
$60,663
Early Salary
$84,648
Acceptance Matrix
77.5%
Empire Beauty School-NE Philadelphia
Annual Tuition
$17,950
Early Salary
$24,407
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
Holy Family University
Annual Tuition
$33,968
Early Salary
$62,235
Acceptance Matrix
74.2%
La Salle University
Annual Tuition
$35,570
Early Salary
$67,416
Acceptance Matrix
86.2%
Lincoln Technical Institute-Philadelphia
Annual Tuition
$28,399
Early Salary
$38,683
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
Roxborough Memorial Hospital School of Nursing
Annual Tuition
TBD
Early Salary
$79,323
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
ASPIRA City College
Annual Tuition
$12,147
Early Salary
$34,857
Acceptance Matrix
100%
Moore College of Art and Design
Annual Tuition
$50,279
Early Salary
$37,839
Acceptance Matrix
60.5%
Orleans Technical College
Annual Tuition
$17,627
Early Salary
$38,668
Acceptance Matrix
50.4%
Peirce College
Annual Tuition
$15,060
Early Salary
$50,660
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Annual Tuition
$44,600
Early Salary
$29,881
Acceptance Matrix
87.5%
University of Pennsylvania
Annual Tuition
$66,104
Early Salary
$111,371
Acceptance Matrix
5.9%
University of the Arts
Annual Tuition
$54,290
Early Salary
$38,252
Acceptance Matrix
78.2%
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Annual Tuition
TBD
Early Salary
$138,767
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
Community College of Philadelphia
Annual Tuition
$4,632
Early Salary
$40,852
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
Walnut Hill College
Annual Tuition
$23,550
Early Salary
$36,689
Acceptance Matrix
95%
Choosing a College in Philadelphia
01
Academic Diversity
Philadelphia offers a remarkable range of educational pathways. The city is home to Academy of Vocal Arts, Missio Theological Seminary, Chestnut Hill College and other specialized institutions. From large-scale research universities to specialized technical colleges, students in Philadelphia can find programs tailored to virtually any career path.
02
Financial Outlook & ROI
The financial return on investment for Philadelphia graduates is notably strong. Institutions like Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine lead the way with median starting salaries reaching as high as $138,767. Combined with competitive local tuition rates, pursuing a degree here represents a strategic long-term investment in your professional future.
03. Expanding Your Search
While Philadelphia has an incredible local selection, students often find additional value by exploring nearby educational hubs. We recommend also researching colleges in Reynoldsville, East Stroudsburg, Allentown to broaden your options and find the perfect institutional fit within the Pennsylvania landscape.
City Intelligence Hub
Local Program Hub: Philadelphia
Nearby Career Hubs
Choosing a College in Philadelphia, PA
Selecting a college in Philadelphia provides a unique blend of local community and academic excellence. Currently, there are 35 institutions within or near the city limits of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This local directory is designed to help you navigate these options by providing a clear overview of what each school offers.
Educational opportunities in Philadelphia cater to a variety of student needs, from community colleges offering associate degrees to specialized vocational schools and comprehensive universities. By focusing your search on the Philadelphia area, you can find institutions that offer the specific programs and campus culture you desire while staying connected to the vibrant atmosphere of Pennsylvania.
Our data for Philadelphia, PA colleges includes critical information such as average SAT/ACT scores for admissions, the net price after financial aid, and the expected median salary for graduates. We encourage you to use our comparison tools to evaluate how these schools stack up against each other and institutions across the rest of Pennsylvania.