Thousands of young people in Philadelphia graduate from high school every year and are ready to take on the world. College is the next step for many of these young people.
With thousands of colleges and academic institutions all over the country, the choice of a college can be overwhelming for you. We are here to make that decision easier with concise, information-packed articles like this to help you make the right choice.
There are over 20 impressive institutions in Philadelphia where you can get an excellent education. But, in this article, we will go over the 10 best colleges in Philadelphia in 2024.
For most people, academic excellence and cost are not the only factors to consider when choosing a state and a college. The state of Philadelphia has a lot more to offer than these 2 factors I have spoken about earlier. Philadelphia is a great place to live.
This article will help you decide on one of the best 10 colleges in the state.
Table of contents
Is Philadelphia a good place to live?
Philadelphia [Philly] has become a top destination for people who want to live on the East Coast but don’t want to pay New York City or Washington, DC prices, thanks to affordable housing, job opportunities in the healthcare and education industries, incredible arts and culture, highly-rated universities, and much more.
The City of Brotherly Love is Pennsylvania’s largest city, with over 1.5 million people and a total population of about 7 million when the Delaware Valley metro area is included.
It is a terrific area to live for college students, young professionals, families with children, and retirees alike, with a rising employment market and a cost of living that is 4% lower than the national average!
Philadelphia offers career possibilities with big firms such as Comcast Corporation, Wells Fargo, Trinity Health Corporation, and the University of Pennsylvania. It also boasts affordable housing, with typical home prices at $147,300 and median monthly rent about $943.
When you compare that to the typical purchase price of $508,900 in NYC and $506,100 in DC, you’ll wonder why you didn’t relocate to Philly sooner!
Why should I attend college in Philadelphia?
Philly is a fantastic city to go to college since it offers an abundance of nightlife, internship possibilities, and other amenities. Unique food trucks and shopping, as well as military museums and memorials, make Philly a culturally rich and enjoyable place to live. Living in Philadelphia is known to be an amazing experience.
Philadelphia is known for its nightclubs and rooftop bars and being one of the finest spots to grab affordable food and drink discounts. If you are living in Philadelphia, it is a fantastic city to go to college since it offers an abundance of nightlife, internship possibilities, and other amenities.
Unique food trucks and shopping, as well as military museums and memorials, making Philly a culturally rich and enjoyable place to live.
Going out and partying with friends is an important element of college culture and lifestyle. Philadelphia is known for its nightclubs and rooftop bars and being one of the finest spots to grab affordable food and drink discounts.
The area is relatively safe and crime rates are not particularly high so you can enjoy the nightlife without worrying about your safety. This does not in any way encourage you to ignore personal safety methods. Those living in Philadelphia report a high feeling of security compared to places in the country.
Seeing that many colleges in Philadelphia also rank pretty high on a nationwide chart, you cannot go wrong if you pick Philadelphia.
How much does it cost to get into college in Philadelphia?
A four-year university’s average cost of attendance to the best colleges in Philadelphia is about $35,331.
Tuition at a four-year university costs an average of $28,775. In-state tuition and compulsory fees average $9,349 per year at public four-year colleges, whereas out-of-state tuition and fees average $27,023.
The University of Pennsylvania, which is regarded as the country’s 10th most expensive private university by U.S. News & World Report, is increasing its tuition. This month, the school’s board of trustees announced a 2.9 percent price hike. A student’s annual donation to Philadelphia’s Ivy League college may reach close to $81,000 when tuition, lodging, board, and fees are included in.
How to get into college in Philadelphia ?
Getting into the 10 best colleges in Philadelphia is a lot like getting into colleges anywhere in the country. They cannot compromise the following 9 requirements on if you want to maximize your chances of getting into any of the 10 best colleges in Philadelphia.
It is very important that you make up your mind on the colleges you want to apply to and begin the process early.
- Obtain Good Grades in Difficult Courses.
- Increase your SAT/ACT score.
- Make a Strong Personal Statement.
- Show your enthusiasm.
- Obtain powerful letters of recommendation.
- Apply to a Wide Range of Universities.
- Choose the Early Admission Plan.
- Take control of your online reputation.
- Get assistance when you require it.
10 Best Colleges in Philadelphia
Here is a short list of the 10 best colleges in Philadelphia with a brief description of what these institutions have to offer, the cost of attendance and over all expectations.
1. University of Pennsylvania
They established the University of Pennsylvania in 1740 as a private college. It has a total undergraduate enrolment of 9,872 students (fall 2020), is located in an urban area, and covers 299 acres.
The academic schedule is semester-based. The University of Pennsylvania is ranked #8 in National Universities in the Best Colleges 2024 edition. Therefore, it is a top University in Philadelphia.
The total cost of tuition and fees is $61,710. Benjamin Franklin established the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. The Ivy League’s Penn Quakers play in more than 25 NCAA Division I sport and are known for their outstanding basketball and lacrosse teams. Penn has over ten College Homes, however, many students live off-campus in the various flats and houses available. Greek life, which includes approximately 50 fraternities and sororities, attracts more than 25% of the student body.
The school also has a variety of clubs and organizations, including performing groups like the Latin & Ballroom Dance Club and student periodicals like the Penn Political Review. Penn’s community service and advocacy groups interact closely with the West Philadelphia neighborhood.
2. Villanova University
They found Villanova University in 1842 and is a private university. It has a total undergraduate enrolment of 7,037 students (fall 2020), a suburban environment, and a 260-acre campus. The academic schedule is semester-based. Villanova University is ranked #49 in National Universities in the Best Colleges 2024 edition. The total cost of tuition and fees is $59,900. The university is still linked with the Augustinian Order and is named after Spanish Augustinian St. Thomas of Villanova.
Villanova comprises six colleges, four of which educate undergraduate and graduate students, and is located just outside of Philadelphia. The School of Business and the Charles Widger School of Law both provide graduate programs. The Blue Key Society, which conducts admissions tours and arranges prospective student days, is one of more than 280 student-run groups at Villanova. Villanova also hosts the world’s biggest student-run Special Olympics event, with students volunteering about a quarter-million hours each year.
They can also join one of the approximately two dozen fraternities and sororities on campus. The Villanova Wildcats participate in the NCAA Division I Big East Conference, and are noted for their successful men’s basketball program. For the first three years, freshmen are promised housing.
3. University of Delaware
The University of Delaware was established in 1743 as a public university. It has a total undergraduate enrolment of 18,420 students (fall 2020), a suburban environment, and a 1,996-acre campus. It follows the 4-1-4 academic schedule. The University of Delaware is ranked #93 in National Universities in the Best Colleges 2024 edition.
It ranks number 3 in the best colleges to attend in Philadelphia. It charges $15,020 for in-state tuition and fees and $36,880 for out-of-state tuition and fees. Living in Delaware pays well for students interested in attending the University of Delaware. All Delaware citizens with strong academic records are admitted to the University of Delaware, and around 65 percent of those who apply are accepted.
Approximately half of all out-of-state candidates (45-55%) are accepted. On the school’s gorgeous campus in downtown Newark, there are over 400 student clubs and organizations for all who are accepted. The school’s vast Greek system, which comprises over 40 fraternities and sororities, is home to about 20% of students. The Fightin’ Blue Hens sports teams participate in the NCAA Division I Colonial Athletic Association, and are named after a Delaware Revolutionary War unit of the same name.
YoUDee, the school’s mascot, is a costumed bird, and the school farm is home to a flock of genuine Blue Hen chicks. Unless they travel from a parent’s local home, freshmen must reside on campus. Wilmington is around 12 miles distant for students who desire to leave college. Baltimore is 55 miles distant while Philadelphia is 45 miles away.
In 1923, the University of Delaware launched the nation’s first study abroad program, and today, nearly a third of undergraduates choose to travel overseas.
4. Drexel University
Drexel University was established in 1891 as a private college. It has a total undergraduate enrolment of 14,552 students (fall 2020), is located in an urban area, and covers 96 acres. The academic calendar is based on quarters. Drexel University is ranked #103 in National Universities in the Best Colleges 2024 edition. The total cost of tuition and fees is $57,136.
Before graduating, Drexel University students can obtain a blend of in-class instruction and considerable on-the-job experience. Drexel University has a cooperative education program that sends students to over 1,600 companies throughout the world for six months at a time. Most co-ops are compensated, and a Drexel student may expect to earn more than $16,000 on average.
Three co-ops are usually completed in five years for students. Students with a single co-op experience or no co-op experience can complete their education in four years.
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5. Temple University
Temple University was established in 1884 as a public university. It has a total undergraduate enrolment of 27,306 students (fall 2020), is located in an urban environment, and covers 406 acres.
The academic schedule is semester-based. Temple University is ranked #103 in National Universities in the Best Colleges 2024 edition. Tuition and costs for in-state students are $20,291; tuition and fees for out-of-state students are $34,801. Temple University is a big, Philadelphia-based university. Freshmen are not obliged to live on campus at Temple, but the majority do. Students can request their preferred room assignment using an online system and look for possible roommates through a Facebook-based matching tool.
6. Ritgers University-Camden
Rutgers University—Camden was established in 1926 as a public university. It has a total undergraduate enrolment of 5,502 students (fall 2020), is located in an urban area, and covers 29 acres.
The academic schedule is semester-based. Rutgers University—Camden is ranked #148 in National Universities in the Best Colleges 2024 edition. It charges $15,657 for in-state tuition and fees and $32,299 for out-of-state tuition and fees.
7. Thomas Jefferson University
Thomas Jefferson University was established in 1824 as a private college. It has 3,783 undergraduate students (fall 2020) and is located in an urban area. It is one of the best colleges in Philadelphia.
The academic schedule is semester-based. In the 2024 edition of Best Colleges, Thomas Jefferson University is ranked #148 in National Universities. The total cost of tuition and fees is $41,715.
8. Rowan University
Rowan University was established in 1923 as a public university. It has a total undergraduate enrolment of 15,963 students (fall 2020), a suburban environment, and a 196-acre campus. The academic schedule is semester-based. Rowan University is ranked #179 in National Universities in the Best Colleges 2024 edition.
It charges $14,377 for in-state tuition and fees and $23,409 for out-of-state tuition and fees. Rowan University began as a teacher training school and has evolved into a prominent research university focused on environmental issues. At least 13 prizes for green efforts have been given to the school since 2007. It also provides undergraduate and graduate students with a variety of degree opportunities.
Students research a variety of topics, including whether blood tests can detect Alzheimer’s disease and how to make lithium-ion batteries safer. In addition, the school encourages diversity in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Many upperclassmen live off campus, while freshmen and sophomores are expected to reside on campus unless they can commute from a nearby guardian’s house. Rowan Profs student athletes compete in NCAA Division III New Jersey Athletic Conference and intramural sports.
9. Widener University
Widener University was established in 1821 as a private college. It has a total undergraduate enrolment of 2,912 students (fall 2020), a suburban environment, and a 108-acre campus. The academic schedule is semester-based. Widener University is ranked #213 in National Universities in the Best Colleges 2024 edition. The total cost of tuition and fees is $49,706. Widener University is roughly 15 miles south of Philadelphia in Chester, Pennsylvania.
In 1821, the institution began as a boys’ preparatory school, evolved into a military academy many years later, and is currently a coed university with over 40 undergraduate majors. A number of master’s degree programs are available at Widener University, including business, law, and education.
Because it is part of Widener University’s commitment to serve the community, many Widener students tutor and mentor local children, construct houses, donate blood, and assist low-income Chester citizens with their taxes each year.
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10. Immaculata University
Immaculata University was formed in 1920 as a private college. It has a total undergraduate enrolment of 1,614 students (fall 2020), a suburban environment, and a 373-acre campus.Immaculate University is one of the top 10 colleges in Philadelphia.
The academic schedule is semester-based. In the 2024 edition of Best Colleges, Immaculata University is ranked #227 in National Universities. The total cost of tuition and fees is $27,750.
Conclusion
These are the ten best colleges in Philadelphia. If you want to get the best academic and social experience in Philadelphia, this is the place to be. Note that there still a number of colleges in Philadelphia which did not make our list. They may also offer a decent academic experience.
However, if you are looking to attend a top school, one that has national recognition, then this list is exactly what you need. The acceptance rates are not as high as they are in most other places therefore, it is important that you decide on your path early and start putting in the work.
Frequently Asked Questions
The University of Pennsylvania is the number 1 college in Philadelphia.
Most colleges in Philadelphia have an average acceptance rate of about 64% this means that, of every 100 students who apply to these colleges, about 64 of them are accepted to study in the University.
Philadelphia University expects you to have a 3.47 GPA in high school and be in the middle of your class. You’ll need a balance of A and B grades, with only a few Cs. If your GPA is poor, you can make up for it by taking more difficult subjects such as AP or IB.
References
- www.extraspace.com – What is it like living in Philadelphia ?
- educationdata.org – How much does it cost to attend college in Philadelpha?
- www.usnews.com – What are the best colleges in Philadelphia ?
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