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Peirce College

Grad Rate
5.3%
Enrollment
789
Tuition
$15,060
Median Salary
$50,660
Overall Grade
C
C
Academics
B
Value
C
Admissions
B+
Diversity
C+
Campus
C+
Aid

The Vibe Check

Peirce College feels like a tight-knit, career-focused community where adult learners and traditional students blend seamlessly. The urban campus buzzes with a practical energy, as everyone seems laser-focused on leveling up their professional lives. It's a place where you're not just earning a degree, you're building a future, surrounded by peers who are motivated and driven.

Academics & Majors

Peirce excels in career-oriented fields like Business, Health Professions, and Legal Studies, with a curriculum designed for immediate workplace application. The small class sizes ensure highly personalized attention from instructors who are often industry professionals themselves. While research opportunities are more focused on applied projects than traditional lab science, students gain hands-on experience that directly translates to their careers.

Popular Majors

Business & Marketing
36.2%
Health Professions
21.8%
Computer Science
13.3%
Criminal Justice
6.1%
Legal Studies
5.8%
Public Administration
2.7%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

5.3%
Graduation Rate
789
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$15,060
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$12,905
After financial aid
Total Cost
$18,260
Cost of attendance/year
52.4%
Receive Pell Grants
61.6%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Philadelphia

You're in the heart of Philadelphia, so you can walk to iconic landmarks like Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. For fun, students explore the vibrant Reading Terminal Market for food, catch a concert at The Fillmore, or cheer on the city's passionate sports teams. The city's extensive public transit makes it easy to explore different neighborhoods, from the artsy streets of Old City to the eclectic shops of South Street.

Local Rent Check

$1,451 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Philadelphia
Explore Philadelphia

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$60,240
$0Est. 4 Years: $60,240

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($50,660):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The campus is located in a busy part of Center City and has its own campus security team that patrols regularly. While the immediate area is generally safe, students should always be aware of their surroundings as with any major urban environment.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Highly flexible programs designed for working adults and non-traditional students
  • โœ“ Prime Center City location provides direct access to internships and jobs
  • โœ“ Affordable tuition with a predictable flat rate for all students
  • โœ“ Small class sizes ensure personalized attention from faculty

Cons

  • โœ— Extremely low graduation rate (5.3%) indicates significant student attrition
  • โœ— Very small campus can feel limiting for those seeking a large university social scene
  • โœ— Limited on-campus housing options compared to larger universities

Notable Alumni

Cynthia Holland
Award-winning journalist and news anchor for a major Philadelphia television station.
James F. Kenney
Former City of Philadelphia Managing Director and prominent political figure.
Dr. James B. Coleman
Respected healthcare administrator who has led major hospital initiatives in the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Peirce College is Philadelphia's only college dedicated exclusively to the education of adult learners. It is known for its flexible, career-focused programs, offering evening, weekend, and online classes to accommodate working professionals. The college specializes in fields like Business, Health Professions, and Legal Studies, with a strong emphasis on practical skills and real-world application.

Peirce College has an open admissions policy, which means it is generally not hard to get into. The acceptance rate is not typically reported as it is very high, and the primary requirements are a high school diploma or GED. The admissions process is designed to be accessible, focusing on a student's potential and career goals rather than just test scores or GPA.

Campus life at Peirce is more subdued and professional than a traditional undergraduate campus, reflecting its student body of adult learners and working adults. Social activities and student organizations exist, but the focus is more on networking and career development. The experience is centered around a tight-knit community of students who are highly motivated and balancing their education with work and family life.

Yes, for the right student, Peirce College can be an excellent value. With an average net price of $12,905 and a 10-year median graduate salary of $50,660, the return on investment is promising. The combination of affordable tuition, practical degree programs, and a prime location in a major job market makes it a worthwhile investment for career-focused individuals looking to advance or change their profession.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Independence Blue Cross Comcast Jefferson Health City of Philadelphia Temple University Health System
Smart Start Score
43

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 1,160
  • In-State Tuition $15,060
  • Zip Code 19103

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 24.3% โ™€ 75.7%

The Money Talk

With an average net price under $13,000 and a median graduate salary of over $50,000, the financial return on investment for a Peirce degree appears quite strong. The fixed tuition rate for both in- and out-of-state students adds predictability to the cost, and over half the student body receives Pell Grants, indicating robust financial aid support. For career-focused students, the combination of affordable tuition and solid post-grad earnings makes it a financially savvy choice.

*Based on Dept of Education data

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๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $15,060
Housing (12 mo) $17,412
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $39,672
With avg financial aid:
$12,905/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.