Universities in Philadelphia, The United States

Philadelphia, one of the most historic cities in the United States, has more than 1.5 million inhabitants and lies between New York City and Washington, D.C. For a student it combines large research universities, a strong tradition in medicine and the health sciences, and a city that is easy to get around by public transport and on foot.

Our directory lists five universities in Philadelphia: three large private universities, a public research university and a Jesuit university. All teach in English.

What the universities offer

In the United States, universities are accredited by independent bodies rather than run by a ministry, and a bachelor's degree takes four or five years, according to EducationUSA. Examples from our directory:

• University of Pennsylvania: a private university with 29,109 students, 11,478 of them undergraduates, and a ratio of 8 students per teacher, according to College Navigator
• Temple University: a public research university founded as a night school in 1884, with more than 33,000 students and over 600 academic majors
• Drexel University: a private university founded in 1891 and known for Drexel Co-op, which builds up to three six-month, full-time work placements into a degree
• Thomas Jefferson University: formed on 1 July 2017 by the merger of Jefferson, founded in 1824 as Jefferson Medical College, and Philadelphia University, founded in 1884 as the Philadelphia Textile School
• Saint Joseph's University: a university guided by the Jesuit tradition since 1851, with more than 260 academic programmes

Admission and English

Each university reviews applications itself. Drexel, for example, looks at school results, test scores, letters of recommendation and an essay; its Early Decision round is binding, so an admitted student must withdraw other applications. Temple accepts applications only through the Common App, charges an application fee of $55 and is test optional, so the SAT or ACT is not required.

International first-year students at Temple must send an English test, unless English is their native language or they have studied for three or more years in English. For direct admission Temple asks for IELTS 6.0, Duolingo 110 or the TOEFL iBT (79 on the old scale, 4.0 on the new one); slightly lower scores can lead to University Bridge Admission.

Degree students usually need an F student visa. After admission, the university's international office issues a Form I-20, which you use to apply for the visa. Drexel advises applicants abroad to respect its deadlines so that there is enough time for the I-20 and the visa process.

Costs

College Navigator gives these 2024-25 figures for a first-year undergraduate:

• University of Pennsylvania: $68,686 in tuition and fees and $19,174 for food and housing on campus
• Drexel University: $62,412 in tuition and fees and $18,096 for food and housing on campus
• Temple University: $38,958 in out-of-state tuition and fees and $17,690 for food and housing on campus

Temple is the public option; the figure above is its out-of-state rate. Fees rise most years, so check the current cost page of each university.

Practical tips

• Choose between Early Decision (binding), Early Action and Regular Decision before you apply
• If your English score is just below the minimum, ask about bridge or conditional admission
• Plan for an academic year that typically runs from September to May
• International students may work on campus up to 20 hours a week in their first year
• Public transport is run by SEPTA, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority

Frequently asked questions

Which universities are in Philadelphia?

Our directory lists the University of Pennsylvania, Temple University, Drexel University, Thomas Jefferson University and Saint Joseph's University.

Is there a public university in Philadelphia?

Yes. Temple University is a public research university. For 2024-25, out-of-state tuition and fees were $38,958, according to College Navigator.

What English score does Temple University ask for?

For direct admission, IELTS 6.0, Duolingo 110 or TOEFL iBT 79 (4.0 on the new scale). Native speakers and students with three or more years of schooling in English are exempt.

Can I work while I study?

Drexel's co-op programme builds up to three six-month work placements into a degree. Outside such programmes, international students may work on campus up to 20 hours a week in their first year, according to EducationUSA.