
Peirce College was founded in Philadelphia in 1865 by Thomas May Peirce as a business school. Its early focus on practical education helps explain its continuing emphasis on programs designed for working adults.
The institution developed beyond its original business curriculum to offer associate, bachelor's, and graduate study in fields such as technology, healthcare administration, and legal studies. Prospective students reviewing older records may encounter different institutional names or program descriptions; the current catalog is the appropriate reference for the credential they would earn.
Peirce College concentrates on career-oriented academic programs rather than the broad range of schools found at a large university. Its program areas include business, information technology, healthcare, legal studies, and liberal studies.
Examples in its academic offerings include accounting, business administration, computer and information sciences, health and medical administrative services, and legal support. Students should compare the current catalog's degree requirements and course schedules - not just program titles - because the available courses and delivery format determine how readily a program fits a working student's schedule.
Peirce College is in Center City Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Its urban location is more suited to commuting than to a traditional residential-campus experience.
The Pine Street area has access to SEPTA transit and regional transportation connections. Students traveling to campus should check their particular class location and hours before planning a commute, especially for evening classes. Philadelphia International Airport serves the region, but routine travel to the college is more likely to depend on public transportation, driving, or regional rail.
Peirce College's educational purpose centers on accessible, career-relevant education, particularly for working adults. Its emphasis on flexible study and the recognition of prior learning is consistent with that stated focus.
A mission describes what an institution intends to do; it does not, by itself, establish that every student will have a particular academic or employment outcome. Applicants can test how well that purpose fits their needs by examining course availability, advising arrangements, and the time required to finish their chosen degree.
Name of the institution
Peirce CollegeLevel of institution
Four or more yearsControl of institution
PrivateSetting type
City: LargeInstitutional Category
Degree - granting, primarily baccalaureate or aboveInstitution size category
Under 1,000School type
Comprehensive higher education institutionMain student body
Primarily WomenCalendar system
SemestersFoundation year
1865
Certificate of less than 1 year
Certificate of at least 1 year, but less than 2 years
Associate's degree
Bachelor's degree
Postbaccalaureate certificate
Master's degreeData last updated on November 2, 2026
Data sources: IPEDS 2024-25, Peterson 2026, College Scorecard 10/2026, Clery 2024 (2023-24), OpenAlex 2026
Figures on this profile come from federal and third-party datasets in the editions listed above and are refreshed periodically, so they may differ from what the institution currently reports. Confirm costs, deadlines and requirements with the school before making decisions.