Community College of Philadelphia is an open-admission, associate's degree-granting institution which provides access to higher education for all who may benefit. Its programs of study in the liberal arts and sciences, career technologies, and basic academic skills provide a coherent foundation for college transfer, employment, and lifelong learning. The College serves Philadelphia by preparing its students to be informed and concerned citizens, active participants in the cultural life of the city, and enabled to meet the changing needs of business, industry and the professions. To help address broad economic, cultural and political concerns in the city and beyond, the College draws together students from a wide range of ages and backgrounds and seeks to provide the programs and support they need to achieve their goals.
School Highlights
Community College of Philadelphia serves 16,769 students (25% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 16:1 is higher than the state community college average of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 80% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the state average of 48%.
Quick Stats (2025)
Enrollment: 16,769 students
In-state tuition: $9,360
Out-state tuition: $13,800
Student:teacher ratio: 16:1
Minority enrollment: 80%
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
The student population of Community College of Philadelphia has stayed relatively flat over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 16:1 has increased from 13:1 over five years.
The Community College of Philadelphia diversity score of 0.73 is more than the state average of 0.68. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Total Enrollment
16,769 students
361 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
16:1
15:1
# Full-Time Students
4,234 students
310 students
# Part-Time Students
12,535 students
134 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
167 students
300 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
4,234 students
300 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
10 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
12,535 students
134 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
12 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
330 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
n/a
n/a
% Asian
10%
5%
% Hispanic
16%
11%
% Black
44%
15%
% White
20%
52%
% Hawaiian
n/a
3%
% Two or more races
4%
3%
% Non Resident races
3%
1%
% Unknown races
2%
10%
Diversity Score
0.73
0.68
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
0.1621%
0.6111%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
n/a
0.3822%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$34,900
$34,900
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $9,360 is less than the state average of $10,557. The in-state tuition has grown by 8% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $13,800 is less than the state average of $15,342. The out-state tuition has grown by 9% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$9,360
$10,557
Out-State Tuition Fees
$13,800
$15,342
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
81%
91%
Median Debt for Graduates
$11,338
$13,620
Median Debt for Dropouts
$5,250
$6,234
Acceptance Rate
n/a
78%
SAT Reading
n/a
460
SAT Math
n/a
470
SAT Writing
n/a
435
ACT Composite
n/a
20
ACT English
n/a
20
ACT Math
n/a
21
ACT Writing
n/a
7
Source: 2024 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
School Notes
Founded in 1964, the College opened for classes in 1965 in a former
department store at 34 S. 11th Street while a permanent campus was
being sought. In 1971 the College acquired from the federal
government the building at 1700 Spring Garden Street that had
housed the third Philadelphia Mint and eventually would become the
centerpiece of its permanent campus. Community College of
Philadelphia is the only public institution of higher education in
the City. Since 1965, over 500,000 students have passed through our
doors seeking associate's degrees, certificates, improved workplace
skills and lifelong learning. Many of our degree students transfer
to four-year institutions while others seek employment in the
Philadelphia region. Over 90 percent of our graduates remain in the
area and seek employment, strengthening our local economy and
workforce. Local businesses look to us to provide workplace
training to keep their workers skilled and their companies
competitive. The college offers over 70 degree and certificate
programs in art, science, business, technology and liberal arts.
Classes are held during the day, in the evening and on Saturdays at
the Main Campus, our three Regional Centers and at neighborhood
sites throughout the City. Distance education classes are also
available. The college is accredited by the Middle States
Association of Colleges and Schools Department of Education,
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
From business and healthcare to technology and skilled trades, the article showcases the breadth of options available to students seeking to enhance their knowledge, develop new skills, or pursue career advancement.
This comprehensive guide explains what a community college is, its history, and its role in higher education. It covers the types of programs offered, differences from four-year colleges, benefits of attending, and important considerations for prospective students, providing valuable insights for those exploring educational options.
Quick Stats (2025)
Enrollment: 16,769 students
In-state tuition: $9,360
Out-state tuition: $13,800
Student:teacher ratio: 16:1
Minority enrollment: 80%
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
Philadelphia County, PA community colleges have a diversity score of 0.64, which is higher than the national average of 0.00. The most diverse community college in Philadelphia County, PA is ASPIRA City College. Read more about community college diversity statistics in the USA.
