University Tuition Cost in Philadelphia (2026)
Quick Answer
Partially verifiedUniversity tuition in Philadelphia varies widely by institution and degree level. For 2024–25, published undergraduate tuition and fees range from about $18,287 per year at Community College of Philadelphia (in-district) to $67,446 per year at the University of Pennsylvania, with many private universities in the city charging roughly $35,000–$65,000 annually before housing and other living costs.
Overview
Philadelphia has a dense higher-education market, so tuition depends heavily on whether you are looking at a community college, a public university, or a private university. At the lower end, Community College of Philadelphia publishes per-credit tuition and mandatory fees, making it the most budget-friendly route for local residents. At the upper end, private institutions such as the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University publish annual undergraduate tuition and fee figures that are substantially higher, though many students do not pay the full sticker price because of grants and scholarships. For local planning, it is important to separate tuition from total cost of attendance. Philadelphia students often also need to budget for housing, food, books, transport, and personal expenses, especially at residential institutions. International and domestic undergraduate tuition is often the same at private universities, but visa-related costs, health insurance, and proof-of-funds requirements can make the total bill higher for international students. Duration also matters: most bachelor’s degrees are designed for four academic years, while associate degrees at community colleges are usually two years if studied full-time. Because annual tuition usually changes each academic year, prospective students should always check the current published tuition schedule for the exact programme and status category.
What It Costs
| Item | Cost | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Community College of Philadelphia tuition and fees (in-district, full-time estimate)(per academic year) Based on published 2024–2025 in-district tuition and fees for 30 credits. | ~$18,287 – $18,287 | Estimated range |
| Temple University undergraduate tuition and fees (Pennsylvania resident)(per academic year) Published annual undergraduate tuition and fees for Pennsylvania residents for 2024–2025. | ~$21,576 – $21,576 | Estimated range |
| Temple University undergraduate tuition and fees (out-of-state/international)(per academic year) Published annual undergraduate tuition and fees for non-Pennsylvania residents for 2024–2025; commonly the same tuition category used for many international undergraduates. | ~$37,626 – $37,626 | Estimated range |
| Drexel University undergraduate tuition(per academic year) Published undergraduate tuition for 2024–2025; fees and living costs are separate. | $61,206 – $61,206 | Verified from source |
| University of Pennsylvania undergraduate tuition and fees(per academic year) Published tuition and fees for 2024–2025 undergraduate study. | $67,446 – $67,446 | Verified from source |
| Typical Philadelphia university tuition range(per academic year) Estimated citywide range based on published 2024–2025 tuition at major Philadelphia institutions including community college, public and private universities. | ~$18,000 – $67,000 | Estimated range |
What’s Typically Included
- Tuition usually covers teaching for enrolled credits or the standard full-time load
- Some published totals include mandatory student fees
- Housing, meals, books, supplies and transport are usually separate unless stated in full cost-of-attendance budgets
Duration
Associate degrees are commonly 2 academic years full-time; bachelor’s degrees are commonly 4 academic years full-time.
How Fees Work
Philadelphia universities commonly charge either a flat annual/full-time tuition rate or a per-credit rate. Public institutions often differentiate by residency, while private universities often charge the same tuition for domestic and international undergraduates.
Factors Affecting Price
- Institution type: community college, public university or private university
- Residency status, especially Pennsylvania resident versus out-of-state
- Degree level and programme, such as undergraduate, graduate, nursing, business or professional study
- Credit load and whether charges are per credit or flat annual tuition
- Mandatory university fees, which may be added on top of headline tuition
- Length of study, typically two years for an associate degree and four years for a bachelor’s degree
Local Context
Philadelphia has a broad spread between low-cost community college study and high-cost private university tuition. Pennsylvania residency can materially reduce the headline price at public institutions such as Temple. Tuition figures are usually quoted before financial aid and do not include living costs, which can be significant in central Philadelphia and university-adjacent neighbourhoods.
Some figures here are still being verified.
Where a verified figure isn’t available yet, we say so rather than guess. For the most current pricing, check the official source below.
All amounts are in US dollars and usually quoted per academic year unless stated otherwise.
Sources & References
Every price on this page is traced to a documented source. Last checked 24 September 2026.
- Drexel University · provider
2024–2025 undergraduate tuition and related cost information.
- University of Pennsylvania · provider
2024–2025 undergraduate tuition and fees within cost of attendance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest university-level option in Philadelphia?+
Community College of Philadelphia is typically the lowest-cost option for local students, with published in-district tuition and fees well below four-year private university rates.
Do international students pay more in Philadelphia?+
It depends on the institution. At public universities, international students often pay the non-resident rate. At private universities, tuition is often the same for domestic and international students, but international students may face extra costs such as health insurance and visa-related expenses.
Is tuition the same as total cost of attendance?+
No. Tuition is only part of the cost. Universities also publish total cost-of-attendance estimates that can include fees, housing, food, books, transport and personal expenses.
How long do students usually pay tuition for?+
Most full-time associate students pay for around 2 academic years, while most bachelor’s students pay for around 4 academic years, assuming standard progress and no extra semesters.
Are scholarships included in these figures?+
No. The figures listed here are published sticker prices or standard tuition schedules. Many students pay less after grants, scholarships or other aid.
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