- Peirce College is a private college in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. It focuses on adult education.
School Highlights
Peirce College serves 1,279 students (24% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 8:1 is lower than the state community college average of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 82% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the state average of 48%.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Enrollment: 1,279 students
- Private-state tuition: $13,800
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Student:teacher ratio: 8:1
- Minority enrollment: 82%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
Top Rankings
Peirce College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Pennsylvania for:
Category
Attribute
School Resources
School Overview
The teacher population of 153 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Peirce College
(PA) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Baccalaureate Colleges: Diverse Fields
Not applicable, not in Carnegie universe (not accredited or nondegree-granting)
Institution Level
Four or more years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Private not-for-profit
Private not-for-profit
Total Faculty
153 staff
59 staff

School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Peirce College has grown by 8% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 8:1 has increased from 7:1 over five years.
The Peirce College diversity score of 0.63 is less than the state average of 0.68. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Total Enrollment
1,279 students
461 students

Student : Teacher Ratio
8:1
15:1

# Full-Time Students
310 students
325 students

# Part-Time Students
969 students
136 students



# Enrollment Undergraduate
116 students
298 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
300 students
326 students

# Full-Time Graduate Students
10 students
10 students



# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
860 students
151 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
109 students
12 students


Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
330 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
1%
n/a

% Asian
3%
5%

% Hispanic
13%
11%

% Black
56%
15%

% White
18%
52%

% Hawaiian
n/a
3%

% Two or more races
1%
3%

% Non Resident races
n/a
1%

% Unknown races
8%
10%


Diversity Score
0.63
0.68

College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
n/a
0.6%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
0.0526%
0.3587%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$52,100
$34,900

Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The private state tuition of $13,800 is less than the state average of $17,231. The private state tuition has declined by 8% over four years.
Private State Tuition Fees
$13,800
$17,231

% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
100%
88%

Median Debt for Graduates
$33,014
$13,000

Median Debt for Dropouts
$12,550
$6,260

Acceptance Rate
100%
76%
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
- Located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Peirce College is one of the oldest accredited colleges offering a complete online degree program in the United States. Peirce offers its practical business and information technology management degrees online. Our three pronged educational delivery system approach – on campus, on site, online – has advanced dramatically, even beyond our own healthy projections. On campus refers to our facilities in the Center City business district of Philadelphia dating back to 1865. On site encompasses our array of degree offerings at employer, community, and school locations. Peirce Online is our expanding Internet mediated distance learning (IMDL) platform offering complete, accredited degrees. This triad provides a very strong foundation for long-term regional, national, and international growth. Peirce has earned its exceptional reputation as a leading provider of quality academic programs and undergraduate degrees in the areas of business, information technology and paralegal studies. A premier choice among working adults, Peirce offers options to make learning more convenient, including our online degree program, accelerated evening & weekend formats and The Peirce Corporate College, where individuals can earn a degree at their workplace. The College is authorized by the Pennsylvania Department of Education to award the Bachelor of Science and Associate in Science degrees. Peirce College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Peirce College cost?
Peirce College's private state tuition is approximately $13,800.
What is the acceptance rate of Peirce College?
The acceptance rate of Peirce College is 100%, which is higher than the state average of 76%.
What is Peirce College's ranking?
Peirce College ranks among the top 20% of community college in Pennsylvania for: Percent of students receiving financial aid.
In what neighborhood is Peirce College located?
Peirce College is located in the Rittenhouse Square neighborhood of Philadelphia, PA.
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