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Peirce College

#2240 in US ranking Philadelphia, PA
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Programs:
4 years or more

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Cost

Tuition & fees
$14,565
Avg. aid
$6,101
Receiving aid
100%

Outcomes

Graduation rate
10%
Median salary
$57,272
1 yr after graduation

What is the history of Peirce College?

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.

What are the faculties and departments at Peirce College?

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.

What is the location of Peirce College?

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.

What is the mission and vision of Peirce College?

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.

Peirce College Profile - Basic Information

Name of the institution

Peirce College

Level of institution

Four or more years

Control of institution

Private

Setting type

City: Large

Institutional Category

Degree - granting, primarily baccalaureate or above

Institution size category

Under 1,000

School type

Comprehensive higher education institution

Main student body

Primarily Women

Calendar system

Semesters

Foundation year

1865

Peirce College Programs and Degrees

iconCertificate of less than 1 year
iconCertificate of at least 1 year, but less than 2 years
iconAssociate's degree
iconBachelor's degree
iconPostbaccalaureate certificate
iconMaster's degree

Data 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.