About Community College of Philadelphia
The Community College of Philadelphia serves as the city's main pathway to higher education and workforce training. With 11,312 students spread across multiple campuses, it's one of the largest community colleges in Pennsylvania. The school has built a reputation for preparing students for immediate employment or transfer to four-year universities. Two-thirds of students are women, reflecting the college's strong programs in healthcare, education, and social services.
Students pay an average net price of $13,306 after financial aid, with 53% receiving Pell Grants. In-state tuition costs just $4,632, making it accessible for local families. Graduates typically earn $40,852 ten years after starting, which provides a reasonable return considering the median debt of only $10,750. Monthly loan payments average $114, a manageable amount for most graduates.
The student body reflects Philadelphia's diversity, with 44% Black students, 18% Hispanic students, and 18% White students. The 19.7% six-year graduation rate is typical for urban community colleges serving many first-generation and working students. With a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, classes remain small despite the large enrollment. The Lions compete in four NCCAA sports with just 16 total athletes, keeping athletics low-key and accessible.
Students pay an average net price of $13,306 after financial aid, with 53% receiving Pell Grants. In-state tuition costs just $4,632, making it accessible for local families. Graduates typically earn $40,852 ten years after starting, which provides a reasonable return considering the median debt of only $10,750. Monthly loan payments average $114, a manageable amount for most graduates.
The student body reflects Philadelphia's diversity, with 44% Black students, 18% Hispanic students, and 18% White students. The 19.7% six-year graduation rate is typical for urban community colleges serving many first-generation and working students. With a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, classes remain small despite the large enrollment. The Lions compete in four NCCAA sports with just 16 total athletes, keeping athletics low-key and accessible.
Academics & Faculty
Community College of Philadelphia serves as a stepping stone for students seeking affordable higher education or career training in the heart of the city. The college maintains a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, providing personalized attention in smaller classes. However, the 19.7% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face, including working while attending school and transferring before completing degrees. The school offers strong programs in nursing, culinary arts, and automotive technology that connect directly to Philadelphia's job market. Many students use CCP as an affordable pathway to four-year universities, taking advantage of transfer agreements with regional institutions. The college emphasizes practical, career-focused education alongside traditional academic preparation.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 14:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 35.1%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 19.7%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $40,852
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $63,005 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $59,937 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $51,273 |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | Associate | $48,849 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Associate | $48,432 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $33,993 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $32,925 |
| Legal Support Services. | Associate | $32,391 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $31,783 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Associate | $29,685 |
Campus Life
The Community College of Philadelphia sits in the heart of one of America's largest cities, where 11,312 students navigate urban college life. Two-thirds of students are women, creating a predominantly female campus environment. The school serves as a launching pad for Philadelphia's diverse population, with 44% of students being Black and 18% Hispanic.
Students bundle up for real winters here, with snow and freezing temperatures requiring heavy coats from December through March. Since this is a commuter school with no residence halls, campus empties out after classes as students head to jobs, families, or apartments throughout the city. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio means smaller class discussions, but social life revolves around study groups in the library or grabbing food between classes. Weekends find students working at the jobs that help them afford the $4,632 in-state tuition. The Lions compete in just four varsity sports with only 16 total athletes, so school spirit centers more on academic achievements than game day traditions.
Students bundle up for real winters here, with snow and freezing temperatures requiring heavy coats from December through March. Since this is a commuter school with no residence halls, campus empties out after classes as students head to jobs, families, or apartments throughout the city. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio means smaller class discussions, but social life revolves around study groups in the library or grabbing food between classes. Weekends find students working at the jobs that help them afford the $4,632 in-state tuition. The Lions compete in just four varsity sports with only 16 total athletes, so school spirit centers more on academic achievements than game day traditions.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1965
Campus Safety (2023)
3 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fondling | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Robbery | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 27°–41°F
- July Avg
- 71°–89°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 50.7"
- Annual Snowfall
- 16.1"
Student Demographics
Two-thirds of students are women, reflecting the college's strength in healthcare, education, and human services programs that traditionally draw female students. Nearly half the student body is Black, with significant Hispanic and White populations creating Philadelphia's diverse urban mix. Over half receive Pell Grants, showing the college serves working-class families seeking affordable pathways to careers or four-year transfers. With 92% from Pennsylvania, this is clearly a neighborhood institution where local residents pursue practical skills training, career changes, or college preparation without leaving their community.
- Men
- 33.7%
- Women
- 66.3%
- White
- 18.2%
- Black
- 44.0%
- Hispanic
- 18.2%
- Asian
- 9.2%
- In-State Students
- 92.3%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 53.3%
Location
Community College of Philadelphia sits in the heart of Pennsylvania's largest city, serving over 11,000 students in an urban environment. The college operates within Philadelphia proper, giving students direct access to the city's job market, internships, and cultural opportunities. Philadelphia's robust healthcare, education, and business sectors provide practical learning opportunities for the college's career-focused programs. The urban setting means students can walk to restaurants, museums, and public transportation. Women make up 66% of the student body, reflecting the college's strong appeal to adult learners returning to education. The diverse student population mirrors Philadelphia's demographics, with significant representation across racial and ethnic groups. Students considering colleges in Pennsylvania may also compare Community College of Philadelphia with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19130-3991
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $40,852
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $45,114
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $28,600
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 33.0%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $114/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $10,750
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Community College of Philadelphia cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $13,306 annually, though costs vary by family income. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay around $12,031, while those from higher-income families can expect to pay up to $19,006.
What is the graduation rate at Community College of Philadelphia?
Only 19.70% of students graduate within six years, which reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing work, family, and education. Despite the low completion rate, 86.8% of graduates find employment, showing the school's focus on workforce preparation.
How diverse is Community College of Philadelphia's student body?
The college serves a predominantly minority student population, with 44.02% Black students and 18.19% Hispanic students. Women make up 66.26% of enrollment, typical for community colleges where many students pursue healthcare and education programs.
What kind of financial aid do students receive at Community College of Philadelphia?
Over half of students (53.25%) receive Pell Grants, indicating significant financial need among the student body. The median debt load is relatively low at $10,750, with manageable monthly loan payments of $114 for those who borrow.
How accessible are professors at Community College of Philadelphia?
With a student-faculty ratio of 14:1, students get more personalized attention than at many larger institutions. This smaller class environment helps support the college's mission of serving first-generation and non-traditional students who often need extra academic support.
Does Community College of Philadelphia offer athletic programs?
The Lions compete in just 4 varsity sports through the NCCAA with only 16 total athletes. The limited athletics program reflects the college's practical focus on academics and career preparation rather than traditional campus life activities.
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