Community College of Philadelphia
Out-of-state tuition
$12,744
In-state $8,688
Peer median $8,816
Undergraduates
12,926
Student-faculty ratio 15:1
Peer median 18 : 1
Graduation rate
19.7%
Within 150% of normal time; 200%: 24.3%
Peer median 33.7%
“Peers” are all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).
About
The Community College of Philadelphia, located in the vibrant city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is a cornerstone of higher education that caters to a diverse student population. Established in 1965, the college has grown to offer over 70 associate degree and certificate programs across various fields, including health sciences, business, liberal arts, and technology. One of the standout features of the college is its commitment to accessibility and affordability, providing students with a high-quality education that is financially feasible. The college's urban setting allows students to engage with the rich cultural and historical tapestry of Philadelphia, enhancing their educational experience through real-world applications and internships in the city's bustling economy.
The Community College of Philadelphia prides itself on fostering a supportive and inclusive environment. With a strong emphasis on student success, the college offers numerous resources such as academic advising, tutoring, and career services to help students navigate their educational journey and prepare for future employment. The college also promotes a vibrant campus culture, encouraging student involvement through various clubs, organizations, and events that enrich the college experience. Furthermore, the faculty consists of dedicated professionals with extensive experience in their respective fields, ensuring that students receive both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Through its strong community ties and commitment to student development, the Community College of Philadelphia continues to play a crucial role in shaping the futures of its students and contributing to the workforce in the Philadelphia area.
Analysis of Key Metrics at Community College of Philadelphia
The data from Community College of Philadelphia reveals several important trends that warrant discussion. One significant observation is the fluctuation in tuition fees for in-state and out-of-state undergraduate students. From 2014 to 2018, in-state tuition increased from $9,360 to $10,284, representing a rise of approximately 9.8%. However, it subsequently decreased to $8,688 by 2024, indicating a reversal in the trend. In contrast, out-of-state tuition initially increased from $13,800 to $15,426, then dropped to $12,744, reflecting a 9.4% decrease in the last few years. This pattern suggests an effort by the institution to make education more accessible, especially amidst rising educational costs across the nation.
Another noteworthy element is the declining student enrollment numbers. From a peak of 19,063 students in 2014, enrollment plummeted to 11,636 in 2023, a staggering drop of approximately 39%. This decline raises concerns regarding the college's ability to attract and retain students, particularly as community colleges often serve as a critical access point for higher education.
Moreover, the graduation rates have shown a promising upward trend, with the timely graduation rate increasing from only 1.1% in 2013 to 5.1% in 2023. This improvement indicates that once students enroll, they are more likely to complete their degrees within the expected timeframe, which is a positive sign for the institution's support services and academic offerings.
Lastly, the gender ratio among undergraduate students has shifted over the years, with male representation decreasing from 37.8% in 2014 to 32.9% in 2023. This shift could have implications for program development and recruitment strategies, as the institution may want to consider initiatives aimed at attracting more male students.
In summary, while tuition adjustments and improved graduation rates suggest positive developments, the declining enrollment figures pose a significant challenge for the Community College of Philadelphia. Addressing these issues will be crucial for the institution's long-term sustainability and effectiveness in serving its community.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Large city
- Nearest major city
- In Philadelphia
- Nearest international airport
- Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), about 7 mi
- Academic calendar
- Semester
- Religious affiliation
- Not applicable
- President
- Alycia Marshall (Interim President)
- Phone
- 2157518010
- City
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Address
- 1700 Spring Garden St, Philadelphia, PA 19130-3991
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Data insights
Analysis of Graduation Data at Community College of Philadelphia
The graduation data from the Community College of Philadelphia presents intriguing insights into various academic programs in 2023. Notably, the health-related fields emerge as significant contributors to graduation numbers, with Registered Nursing leading the way with 121 graduates, followed closely by Health Services and Clinical/Medical Laboratory Technician programs. This indicates a strong focus on healthcare education, which aligns with the growing demand for healthcare professionals, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Additionally, the data highlights the absence of bachelor's, master's, and doctorate graduates across most programs, suggesting that the college primarily serves as a stepping stone for students pursuing associate degrees. This trend may reflect a broader educational landscape where community colleges cater to students seeking immediate employment opportunities or those looking to transfer to four-year institutions.
Interestingly, international students also play a role in this landscape, albeit in small numbers, with the program in Health Services registering nine graduates. This could point to the college's appeal to international students in health-related fields, which are often in high demand globally.
On a different note, some fields like Engineering and Computer Science show minimal graduation figures, which may indicate either a lack of interest or challenges in these disciplines. As technology continues to advance, there may be a need for institutions to reevaluate their curricula and support systems to better engage students in these critical areas.
Overall, the data underscores the importance of health sciences at the Community College of Philadelphia while also highlighting potential areas for growth and improvement in other disciplines.
All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard
*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General. | $40,895 | |
| Dental Hygiene/Hygienist. | $69,073 | |
| Health/Health Care Administration/Management. | $46,863 | |
| Respiratory Care Therapy/Therapist. | $77,318 | |
| Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiographer. | $77,318 | |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Technician. | $74,593 | |
| Public Health Education and Promotion. | - | |
| Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse. | $84,773 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Business/Commerce, General. | $42,444 | |
| Organizational Leadership. | - | |
| Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping. | - | |
| Hospitality Administration/Management, General. | - | |
| Fashion Merchandising. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | $38,957 | |
| Network and System Administration/Administrator. | $45,214 | |
| Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance. | $45,214 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies. | $36,503 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Psychology, General. | $37,130 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Elementary Education and Teaching. | $34,512 | |
| Teacher Education, Multiple Levels. | $34,512 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General. | - | |
| Photography. | - | |
| Art/Art Studies, General. | - | |
| Music Performance, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Corrections and Criminal Justice, Other. | $37,231 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Mass Communication/Media Studies. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Biology/Biological Sciences, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Human Services, General. | $45,219 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| English Language and Literature, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Photographic and Film/Video Technology/Technician. | - | |
| Recording Arts Technology/Technician. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| International/Globalization Studies. | - | |
| Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Assistant/Paralegal. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Culinary Arts/Chef Training. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Building/Construction Site Management/Manager. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Chemistry, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Sign Language Interpretation and Translation. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| African-American/Black Studies. | - |
Students
12,926 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 34:66 · Freshman retention 59.9%
- Continuing undergraduates 8,480
- First-year undergraduates 1,573
- Transfers and others 2,873
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (12,926)
Data insights
Analysis of Student Demographics at Community College of Philadelphia
The data from the Community College of Philadelphia for the year 2023 reveals significant insights into the composition of its student body. Among undergraduates, there are 2,521 new freshmen, showcasing a gender distribution where 39% are male and 61% are female. This indicates a predominantly female enrollment, which is a trend seen in many colleges across the United States, reflecting broader societal shifts towards higher female participation in higher education.
For the continuing undergraduate students, there are 7,908 individuals, with a similar gender divide—31.1% male and 68.9% female. This further emphasizes the growing female presence in academia, as the numbers suggest that women are not only enrolling but also persisting in their studies at higher rates than their male counterparts.
Among transfer students, the population is significantly smaller, with only 392 students. The male-to-female ratio remains skewed towards females, with 34.9% male and 65.1% female. The smaller size of this group may reflect the challenges transfer students face in transitioning between institutions, which could deter potential candidates.
The broader demographic breakdown by ethnicity within these categories remains partially unreported. However, the representation of different racial and ethnic groups is crucial to understanding the diversity of the student body. This data aligns with national trends that indicate a gradual increase in diversity among community college populations, suggesting an evolving landscape of higher education that is becoming more inclusive.
In conclusion, the data highlights a consistent pattern of female dominance in enrollment across various student categories, while also hinting at the need for more comprehensive data on ethnic diversity. Understanding these dynamics is essential for fostering an inclusive educational environment that addresses the needs of all students.
Student Age Composition at Community College of Philadelphia
The age distribution of students at the Community College of Philadelphia reveals a significant trend toward younger demographics. The largest proportion of students falls within the 20-21 age bracket, with 739 male undergraduates and 1,268 female undergraduates, indicating a strong presence of traditional college-aged students. This trend is consistent with national statistics, which show that community colleges often attract younger students seeking to complete their education before entering the workforce.
Interestingly, as we move up the age brackets, the number of students significantly decreases. For instance, in the 30-34 age group, there are only 301 male undergraduates and 844 female undergraduates. This decline continues as we examine older age groups, suggesting that community colleges may not be the primary educational choice for non-traditional students. The data shows very few graduate students, as all graduate categories are reported as zero, highlighting a potential area for growth in attracting graduate-level education.
Overall, the figures reflect a clear pattern: the majority of students are under 30, with females significantly outnumbering males across all age groups. This gender disparity may prompt further investigation into the factors influencing female enrollment in community colleges, as well as the need for targeted programs to support male students. As community colleges continue to play a vital role in higher education, understanding these demographic trends is essential for developing effective strategies to meet diverse student needs.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
442 in 2025 · 11.2% in 2016
Data insights
Trends in International Student Enrollment at Community College of Philadelphia
The data on international student enrollment at the Community College of Philadelphia reveals significant fluctuations over nearly two decades. Initially, in 2004, international students constituted a mere 1.18% of the undergraduate population, with only 243 students enrolled. However, a remarkable increase occurred in the following years, peaking at 10.90% in 2015 when 2,084 international students were recorded. This surge can be attributed to various factors, including the growing global interest in U.S. higher education and the college's initiatives to attract a diverse student body.
From 2016 onwards, however, the percentage of international students began to decline sharply, dropping to just 2.76% by 2021. This decline could reflect broader trends influenced by changing immigration policies, the global pandemic, and shifts in international student mobility, as many prospective students reconsidered their study abroad plans.
The data for the years following 2021 continues to show a low percentage of international students, with 3.45% in 2023. This recovery, albeit modest, indicates a potential rebound as institutions adapt to the post-pandemic landscape and global students reassess their options.
Overall, the trends observed at Community College of Philadelphia mirror the challenges and opportunities faced by many institutions in attracting international students, highlighting the importance of ongoing support and strategic initiatives to cultivate a welcoming environment for global learners.
Cost
2025 cost per year (out-of-state)
$23,544
- Undergrad tuition (out-of-state)
- $12,744
- Undergraduate tuition (in-state)
- $8,688
- Room and board
- $10,800
Peer median tuition + room and board $19,938 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Tuition rose -8% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 53%.
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$192M
Expenses$154M
Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)
Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Campus Life
Athletics and varsity athletes NJCAA
| NJCAA Division III | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Volleyball | 10 | 14 |
| Basketball | 10 | 9 |
| Track and Field (Outdoor) | 3 | - |
| Cross Country | 3 | - |
| NJCAA Division III | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Basketball | 9 | 6 |
| Track and Field and Cross Country (combined) | 5 | 2 |
| NJCAA Division III | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Basketball | 14 | 12 |
| Track and Field (Outdoor) | 3 | 2 |
Nearby & Safety
Ranked colleges nearby
-
University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia · 1.7 mi
U.S. News #7
-
Haverford CollegeHaverford · 8.0 mi
Liberal Arts #26
-
Bryn Mawr CollegeBryn Mawr · 9.0 mi
Liberal Arts #31
-
Villanova UniversityVillanova · 10.6 mi
U.S. News #42
-
Swarthmore CollegeSwarthmore · 10.8 mi
Liberal Arts #3
-
Princeton UniversityPrinceton · 37.8 mi
U.S. News #2
-
Lehigh UniversityBethlehem · 45.9 mi
U.S. News #44
-
Lafayette CollegeEaston · 51.0 mi
Liberal Arts #30
-
Rutgers University-New BrunswickNew Brunswick · 53.0 mi
U.S. News #44
Data insights
Here are some notable universities surrounding Community College of Philadelphia:
-
University of Pennsylvania - Ranked 6th in the 2024 US News rankings, this prestigious Ivy League university is known for its strong emphasis on research and offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs across multiple disciplines.
-
Princeton University - As the top-ranked university at 1st place, Princeton is renowned for its rigorous academics, distinguished faculty, and a beautiful campus. It offers a wide range of programs and is a leader in research and scholarship.
-
Swarthmore College - With a ranking of 4th, Swarthmore is a highly selective liberal arts college that emphasizes a strong academic curriculum and social responsibility. It provides a close-knit community with engaging faculty and student involvement.
-
Haverford College - Ranked 21st, Haverford is another distinguished liberal arts college known for its commitment to academic excellence and social justice. It offers a collaborative learning environment and a strong focus on undergraduate education.
-
Villanova University - With a ranking of 67th, Villanova combines a rich Catholic tradition with a commitment to academic excellence, offering a range of undergraduate and graduate programs.
These institutions offer a variety of educational opportunities and contribute to the vibrant academic landscape around Community College of Philadelphia.
Peer median 0.4 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Incidents, 2023–2025
From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.
Data insights
Analysis of Crime Rates at Community College of Philadelphia
The crime statistics at the Community College of Philadelphia reveal a significant decline in criminal incidents over the years from 2013 to 2023. The average number of crimes per 1,000 students has dropped dramatically from 1.96 in 2013 to just 0.09 in 2022, indicating a substantial improvement in campus safety. This trend suggests that the college has successfully implemented measures to enhance security and reduce criminal activities.
In particular, the arrest rates for gun-related offenses and drug-related offenses have shown noteworthy reductions, with incidents approaching zero in recent years. This decrease can be attributed to increased awareness and proactive measures taken by campus authorities, including educational programs and collaborations with local law enforcement.
However, it is essential to address the sporadic spikes in crime rates, such as the increase noted in 2023, where the crime rate rose to 0.77 per 1,000 students. This fluctuation underscores the need for continuous vigilance and community engagement to maintain safety on campus.
The overall trend of decreasing crime rates at the Community College of Philadelphia aligns with national patterns observed in college campuses, where increased security measures and community-focused initiatives have led to safer environments for students. Continued efforts in maintaining a safe learning environment will be crucial in sustaining these positive outcomes.
For further information on crime rate calculations, please refer to this link: Crime Rate Calculation Method.
Notable Alumni
Notable alumni of Community College of Philadelphia include Melody Gardot (Jazz singer, songwriter and composer), Ronald Murray (Former professional basketball guard) and Chaka Fattah (U.S. representative from Pennsylvania, 1995–2016).
-
Melody Gardot 1985–
Jazz singer, songwriter and composer
-
Ronald Murray 1979–
Former professional basketball guard
-
Chaka Fattah 1956–
U.S. representative from Pennsylvania, 1995–2016
-
Dwight E. Evans 1954–
US representative from Pennsylvania, Democrat
-
Ollie Johnson 1949–
Former NBA player for ten seasons
-
Mary Enoch Elizabeth Baxter 1981–
Multimedia artist, activist and rapper
-
Jonathan Lyndon Chase 1989–
Visual artist known for painting
-
Vanessa L. Brown 1966–
Former Pennsylvania state representative
-
Benjamin Ramos 1956–
Former Pennsylvania state representative
More alumni (2, by field)
Politics and law
-
Deesha Dyer 1978–
White House Social Secretary under Obama
-
Kendra Brooks 1972–
Philadelphia city councilmember and activist
From Wikidata “educated at” records (including people who attended without graduating), ordered by the number of Wikipedia language editions. Degrees and years follow Wikidata and are left out where it has none.
References and Data Sources
Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.