- 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 12,926 students (36% of students are full-time).
The college's student-teacher ratio of 25:1 is higher than the state community college average of 22:1.
Minority enrollment is 82% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the state average of 50%.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Enrollment: 12,926 students
- In-state tuition: $9,360
- Out-state tuition: $13,800
- Student-teacher ratio: 25:1
- Minority enrollment: 82%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
Top Rankings
Community College of Philadelphia ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Pennsylvania for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
Community Size
School Overview
The teacher population of 515 teachers has declined by 49% over five years.
Community College of Philadelphia
(PA) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges
Associate's Colleges: High Career & Technical-High Traditional
Institution Level
At least 2 but less than 4 years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Private not-for-profit
Total Faculty
515 staff
28 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Community College of Philadelphia has declined by 5% over five years.
The student-teacher ratio of 25:1 has increased from 16:1 over five years.
The Community College of Philadelphia diversity score of 0.75 is more than the state average of 0.00. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Total Enrollment
12,926 students
350 students
Student-Teacher Ratio
25:1
22:1
# Full-Time Students
4,623 students
292 students
# Part-Time Students
8,303 students
88 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
12,926 students
366 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
4,623 students
290 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
8,303 students
88 students
% Asian
9%
4%
% Hispanic
17%
12%
% Black
42%
15%
% White
18%
50%
% Two or more races
4%
4%
% Non Resident races
3%
1%
% Unknown races
6%
14%
Diversity Score
0.75
0.00
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
16%
61%
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 $11,141. The in-state tuition has grown by 7% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $13,800 is less than the state average of $16,403. The out-state tuition has grown by 8% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$9,360
$11,141
Out-State Tuition Fees
$13,800
$16,403
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
88%
89%
Median Debt for Graduates
$11,338
$13,310
Median Debt for Dropouts
$5,250
$6,297
Source: 2025 (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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Community College of Philadelphia cost?
Community College of Philadelphia's tuition is approximately $9,360 for In-State students and $13,800 for Out-State students.
What is Community College of Philadelphia's ranking?
Community College of Philadelphia ranks among the top 20% of community college in Pennsylvania for: Diversity in US community colleges, Average community college minority breakdown and Largest student body.
In what neighborhood is Community College of Philadelphia located?
Community College of Philadelphia is located in the Center City neighborhood of Philadelphia, PA.
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