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 TuitionSaint Joseph's University - Philadelphia
Annual Tuition
$51,340
Early Salary
$86,881
Acceptance Matrix
86.4%
The Beauty Institute
Annual Tuition
TBD
Early Salary
$24,785
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
Talmudical Yeshiva of Philadelphia
Annual Tuition
$10,869
Early Salary
TBD
Acceptance Matrix
75.5%
Temple University
Annual Tuition
$22,082
Early Salary
$63,727
Acceptance Matrix
82.9%
Thomas Jefferson University
Annual Tuition
$45,683
Early Salary
$77,449
Acceptance Matrix
86.1%
Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Philadelphia
Annual Tuition
$16,757
Early Salary
$42,785
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
Empire Beauty School-Center City Philadelphia
Annual Tuition
$18,228
Early Salary
$22,377
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
Jean Madeline Aveda Institute
Annual Tuition
$20,629
Early Salary
$26,029
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
Prism Career Institute-Philadelphia
Annual Tuition
$27,173
Early Salary
$32,473
Acceptance Matrix
100%
Jna Institute of Culinary Arts
Annual Tuition
$14,575
Early Salary
$32,286
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
Philadelphia Technician Training
Annual Tuition
$23,288
Early Salary
$19,703
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
Studio Incamminati
Annual Tuition
$17,333
Early Salary
TBD
Acceptance Matrix
100%
Health and Technology Training Institute
Annual Tuition
$24,653
Early Salary
TBD
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
Strayer University-Center City Campus
Annual Tuition
$13,920
Early Salary
$40,092
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
Relay Graduate School of Education - Philadelphia & Camden
Annual Tuition
TBD
Early Salary
TBD
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
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 Millersville, Exton, Sharon 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.