College Costs in Philadelphia, PA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 42 colleges in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$18,526
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$59,845
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$2,554
per month
Colleges & Universities
42
institutions
Philadelphia Overview
Population
1,603,797
Student Population
116,806 (7.3%)
Cost of Living Index
150 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
67/100
Transit Score
56/100
Unemployment Rate
4.5%
College Cost Calculator for Philadelphia
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$152,660
Total After Financial Aid
$152,660
Annual Cost
$38,165
Annual After Aid
$38,165
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $152,660 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,733 |
| Total Interest | $55,351 |
| Total Loan Cost | $208,011 |
Universities in Philadelphia
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| University of Pennsylvania | Private | $63,452 |
| Temple University | Public | $18,526 |
| Drexel University | Private | $56,238 |
| Community College of Philadelphia | Community | $6,378 |
Philadelphia has 42 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Philadelphia vs. National Average
| Category | Philadelphia | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $18,526 | $10,940 | +$7,586 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $2,554 | $1,050 | +$1,504 |
| Cost of Living Index | 150 | 100 | +50 |
Philadelphia's cost of living is above the national average. Students should budget accordingly and consider off-campus housing options to reduce expenses.
Student Life in Philadelphia
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Some Transit
Student Population
116,806 students
Philadelphia has a total population of 1,603,797, with approximately 116,806 college students (7.3% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Philadelphia offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Philadelphia
$74,118
Starting Salary
4.5%
Unemployment Rate
52%
Graduation Rate
~4 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Philadelphia earn a median starting salary of $74,118, which is $39,118 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $152,660 (including room and board), it would take approximately 4 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $10,866 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh
12 colleges · Avg tuition $19,718
Allentown
5 colleges · Avg tuition $17,315
Reading
3 colleges · Avg tuition $15,201
Erie
4 colleges · Avg tuition $15,346
Scranton
8 colleges · Avg tuition $13,080
Bethlehem
7 colleges · Avg tuition $11,147
Harrisburg
6 colleges · Avg tuition $16,601
State College
3 colleges · Avg tuition $19,286
Easton
2 colleges · Avg tuition $13,558
Carlisle
2 colleges · Avg tuition $14,374
Gettysburg
2 colleges · Avg tuition $14,315
Villanova
2 colleges · Avg tuition $12,670
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