Peirce College: $15,060 Tuition

$15,060Tuition

789Students

5%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$50,660Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearData: 2023-24

About Peirce College

Peirce College focuses entirely on getting students job-ready in business, technology, and health sciences. With just 789 students, this Philadelphia college operates more like a trade school than a traditional university. The small size means an 11:1 student-faculty ratio, but it also reflects the school's narrow focus on career training rather than broad liberal arts education.

The financial picture tells a concerning story. Students pay an average net price of $12,905 after aid, which seems reasonable. However, the 6-year graduation rate sits at just 5.30%, meaning almost no one actually finishes their degree. Those who do graduate and find work earn a median of $50,660 after 10 years, but graduates carry $31,250 in debt with monthly payments of $331. Only 32% of borrowers are successfully paying down their loans.

The student body is 76% women and 54% Black, reflecting the school's focus on fields like health sciences that attract diverse students. However, the 0% retention rate means virtually no students return for their second year. With a 95% employment rate, graduates who finish do find jobs, but the extremely low completion rates suggest most students never reach that point. This makes Peirce a risky choice despite its job-focused approach.

Academics & Faculty

Peirce College focuses on career-ready programs in business, technology, and health sciences rather than traditional liberal arts education. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio means small classes where professors know your name and can provide individual attention. However, the 5.3% six-year graduation rate signals serious challenges with student completion. This is a college designed for working adults and career changers who need flexible scheduling and practical skills training. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning that connects directly to Philadelphia's job market. Students here typically want specific job skills rather than broad academic exploration, but the low graduation numbers suggest many students struggle to finish their programs despite the supportive class sizes.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Full-Time Faculty: 100.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 5.3%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 5.3%
Retention Rate: 0.0%
Median Earnings (10 years): $50,660
Carnegie Classification: Baccalaureate College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Computer and Information Sciences, General.	Bachelor	$63,005
Human Resources Management and Services.	Master	$57,318
Accounting and Related Services.	Bachelor	$50,439
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Bachelor	$49,621
Health and Medical Administrative Services.	Bachelor	$45,696
Legal Support Services.	Bachelor	$39,214

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Campus Life

Peirce College sits in the heart of Philadelphia, where 789 students focus on career training rather than traditional college life. With 75.67% women and a strong representation of Black students at 53.61%, the campus has a professional atmosphere that feels more like a training center than a typical college. Most students commute since the school doesn't offer dorms, and many juggle work alongside their studies.

Philadelphia winters require a good coat, with snow and temperatures often dropping into the 30s from December through February. The city offers plenty to do, from food trucks near campus to professional sports games, but Peirce students typically stay focused on their coursework. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio means small, hands-on classes where professors know your name and track your progress closely. Weekend activities often revolve around studying, working, or exploring Philadelphia's neighborhoods. The semester calendar keeps things moving quickly, and with a 95.0% employment rate after graduation, students see this as job preparation rather than the traditional four-year college experience.

Setting: City-Large
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1865

Campus Safety (2023)

2 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Motor Vehicle Theft	0	0	0	1
Robbery	0	0	0	1

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 28°–42°F
July Avg: 70°–86°F
Annual Precipitation: 48.5"
Annual Snowfall: 15.0"

Student Demographics

Peirce draws working adults and career-changers who need flexible scheduling in Philadelphia's business district. The student body is 76% women, reflecting the college's strong programs in healthcare administration and business support roles that traditionally attract female students. About 53% of students are Black, showing Peirce's role serving Philadelphia's urban communities. Most students come from Pennsylvania, giving the college deep local ties. With 52% receiving Pell Grants, Peirce serves students who need affordable, practical training to advance their careers rather than traditional four-year degrees.

Men: 24.3%
Women: 75.7%
White: 19.3%
Black: 53.6%
Hispanic: 12.4%
Asian: 2.8%
In-State Students: 61.5%
Pell Grant Recipients: 52.4%

Location

Peirce College sits in Philadelphia, the largest city in Pennsylvania with over 1.5 million people. The campus is right in the heart of one of America's most historic cities, where students can walk to Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. Philadelphia offers countless internship opportunities in business and healthcare, which matches well with Peirce's career-focused programs. The city has a strong job market, especially in the sectors where Peirce graduates typically work. With 789 students, the college maintains a small community feel even in this major metropolitan area. Students get big-city resources while keeping the personal attention that comes with an 11:1 student-faculty ratio. Students considering colleges in Pennsylvania may also compare Peirce College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103-5443

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $50,660
Median Earnings (5 years): $61,452
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $40,500
Loan Repayment Rate: 31.9%
Monthly Loan Payment: $331/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $31,250

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the student profile like at Peirce College?

Peirce College serves 789 students with women making up 75.67% of the student body. The college attracts a diverse population with 53.61% Black students and 19.26% White students, reflecting its mission as a career-focused institution serving Philadelphia's working adult population.

How much does Peirce College cost after financial aid?

The average net price at Peirce College is $12,905, with 52.36% of students receiving financial aid. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay around $10,378 after aid, making this career-focused college relatively affordable for working adults seeking practical skills.

What are the academics like at Peirce College?

Peirce College maintains an 11:1 student-faculty ratio, allowing for personalized attention in career-focused programs. The college specializes in business, technology, and health sciences programs designed for working adults who need flexible scheduling and practical skills training.

What are the graduation and employment outcomes at Peirce College?

Peirce College has a 5.30% six-year graduation rate, but achieves a 95% employment rate for graduates. The median earnings ten years after enrollment reach $50,660, reflecting the college's focus on career preparation rather than traditional four-year degree completion.

Where is Peirce College located and what is the campus setting?

Peirce College operates in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in a large city setting that provides access to internships and job opportunities. The urban location serves the college's mission of educating working adults who often balance careers with their studies in business and technology fields.

Does Peirce College have good retention rates?

Peirce College reports a 0% retention rate, which reflects its unique student population of working adults who often attend part-time or take breaks. The college's flexible semester system and career-focused approach serve students who prioritize employment and practical skills over traditional college timelines.