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Colleges & Universities in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania


Philadelphia has long been a cornerstone of American higher education, with a legacy that stretches back to the founding of the University of Pennsylvania in 1740. Today, colleges and universities in Philadelphia form a dynamic academic ecosystem that includes Temple University, Drexel University, Thomas Jefferson University, and dozens of other respected institutions. The city's rich history, diverse culture, and strong professional sectors in healthcare, law, and public policy make it an ideal environment for students at every stage of their academic journey.

Students looking for the best colleges and universities in Philadelphia will find options that go far beyond traditional classroom learning — co-op programs, research opportunities, clinical training, and community engagement are woven into the fabric of Philly's higher education culture. With affordable urban living compared to other major cities and strong graduate employment outcomes, Philadelphia continues to attract driven students from across the country and around the world. It's a city where education and real-world experience genuinely go hand in hand.

Penn Graduate School of Education

Penn Graduate School of Education

Colleges & Universities · Philadelphia, Pennsylvania · Closed now
4.5 2 reviews

Ranked #1 by U.S. News & World Report, the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education is one of the nation’s premier education schools.

Relay - Philadelphia & Camden

Relay - Philadelphia & Camden

Colleges & Universities · Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
5.0 1 review

Philadelphia is a city steeped in the history of our nation’s independence yet continues to be on the forefront of progress in business, medicine and education. Located across the Delaware River, Camden is a historic industrial center undergoing a period of rapid urban renewal with a vast amount of resources dedicated...

Drexel University School of Education

Drexel University School of Education

Colleges & Universities · Philadelphia, Pennsylvania · Closed now
5.0 1 review

Drexel University's School of Education is a private university in Philadelphia specializing in Undergraduate, Masters, EdD, and PhD degrees, as well as a wide variety of certificate and certification programs in Education.

Peirce College

Peirce College

Colleges & Universities · Philadelphia, Pennsylvania · Closed now
4.5 2 reviews

Peirce College was established in 1865 as Union Business College to provide career-focused education for soldiers returning from the Civil War and was one of the country’s first schools to embrace women as students

Saint Joseph's University

Saint Joseph's University

Colleges & Universities · Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Saint Joseph’s University combines a Jesuit educational tradition with a broad academic portfolio designed for students at different stages of study. The university offers more than 270 academic programs across five schools and colleges, including options in arts and sciences, business, education, health professions, n...

La Salle University

La Salle University

Colleges & Universities · Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

La Salle University is a Colleges & Universities business serving customers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The business is listed for people who are researching dependable local options within this category and want a clear overview before deciding what fits their needs.As a local Colleges & Universities provider, La S...

Drexel University College of Computing & Informatics

Drexel University College of Computing & Informatics

Colleges & Universities · Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Drexel University’s College of Computing & Informatics, now the School of Computer and Information Sciences within the Nick Howley College of Engineering and Computing, prepares students for fast-moving careers in technology and information science. Its academic options span computer science, artificial intelligence an...

Moore College of Art & Design

Moore College of Art & Design

Colleges & Universities · Philadelphia, Pennsylvania · Open now

Moore College of Art & Design gives emerging artists and designers a focused environment for turning creative ability into professional practice. Undergraduate students begin with a shared foundation before choosing from 10 BFA majors, including animation and game arts, fashion design, fine arts, graphic design, illust...

Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine

Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine

Colleges & Universities · Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine centers its education on whole-person care, preparing future physicians and health professionals to look beyond symptoms and consider the broader needs of each patient. Founded in 1899, PCOM offers doctoral, graduate, and certificate programs through its College of Osteopath...

Temple University

Temple University

Colleges & Universities · Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Temple University combines the scale of a major public research university with a wide range of academic and professional pathways. Students can choose from more than 600 programs across 17 schools and colleges, covering fields such as business, engineering, public health, education, communication, the arts, science, d...

The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University

The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University

Colleges & Universities · Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University brings natural history to life through fossils, specimens, immersive displays, and active scientific research. Founded in 1812, the Philadelphia institution is recognized as the oldest natural sciences institution in the Western Hemisphere.

Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts

Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts

Colleges & Universities · Philadelphia, Pennsylvania · Closed now

Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts brings museum-going and studio education into the same institution, giving visitors and artists different ways to engage with American art. Founded in Philadelphia in 1805, PAFA is recognized as the nation’s first art museum and school.

The Franklin Institute

The Franklin Institute

Colleges & Universities · Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The Franklin Institute turns science into something visitors can see, touch, test, and experience firsthand. Located in Philadelphia, the museum offers three floors of interactive exhibits covering topics such as space, the human body, the brain, engineering, motion, and technology.

University of Pennsylvania

University of Pennsylvania

Colleges & Universities · Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

University of Pennsylvania gives students unusual freedom to connect ideas across business, engineering, nursing, the arts and sciences, medicine, law, design, education, communication, and other professional fields. Penn’s undergraduate students can choose from more than 90 majors across four schools, while graduate a...

Thomas Jefferson University

Thomas Jefferson University

Colleges & Universities · Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Thomas Jefferson University blends professional education, research, and hands-on learning across a broad mix of disciplines. Students can choose from more than 200 programs spanning health sciences, medicine, nursing, pharmacy, architecture, design, engineering, business, science, and the humanities.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What should students compare when choosing colleges and universities in Philadelphia?
Students may want to compare academic programs, tuition, financial aid, class sizes, campus environment, housing, career support, and graduation outcomes. The best fit depends on academic goals, budget, preferred learning style, and whether a student wants a large university, smaller college, commuter campus, or specialized institution in Philadelphia.
How can I explore colleges and universities in Philadelphia before applying?
Start by reviewing program offerings, admission requirements, campus locations, student services, housing, and application deadlines. TheMaplio can help students browse colleges and universities in Philadelphia and create a shortlist, while current admissions information, tuition, and program availability should always be confirmed directly with each institution.
Do colleges and universities in Philadelphia accept transfer students?
Many Philadelphia institutions accept transfer applicants, but requirements and credit-transfer policies vary. Students should ask which previous courses may count toward a degree, how many credits can transfer, and whether certain major requirements must be completed after enrollment. An official transcript review is usually needed before transfer credit is finalized.
What financial aid options should students ask about in Philadelphia?
Students should ask about scholarships, grants, federal student aid, institutional aid, work-study opportunities, payment plans, and any program-specific awards. Financial aid packages can differ significantly between Philadelphia colleges and universities, so comparing the total cost after aid may be more useful than looking only at the published tuition price.
How important are internships when comparing Philadelphia colleges and universities?
Internships can provide practical experience, professional connections, and exposure to potential career paths before graduation. Students should ask whether a Philadelphia institution has partnerships with local employers, internship coordinators, career fairs, or academic programs that include experiential learning. TheMaplio can help students identify institutions to research before comparing career-support resources.
Can students find part-time or evening degree programs in Philadelphia?
Some Philadelphia colleges and universities offer part-time, evening, hybrid, or online study options for students balancing education with work or family responsibilities. Availability varies by program, so applicants should confirm course schedules, minimum enrollment requirements, time-to-degree expectations, and whether financial aid rules differ for part-time students.
What should students look for during a campus visit in Philadelphia?
A campus visit can help students evaluate classrooms, libraries, laboratories, housing, dining, transportation, safety resources, accessibility, and the overall campus atmosphere. Students should also consider how easy it is to reach the Philadelphia campus from home, internships, work, or public transit and whether the environment feels comfortable for daily student life.
How can students judge career support at colleges and universities in Philadelphia?
Students can ask about career advising, resume help, interview preparation, employer partnerships, alumni networks, job fairs, internship placement, and graduate-school guidance. Strong career support should connect academic study with realistic next steps after graduation. Applicants should also ask whether these services remain available to alumni after they complete their degree.