Top Universities in Philadelphia: Admissions, Courses, Rankings, Acceptance Rates, and More

Philadelphia is home to some of the finest universities in the United States, offering students a blend of academic excellence, research opportunities, and career-focused education. Whether you’re looking for a prestigious Ivy League institution like the University of Pennsylvania, a top public research university like Temple University, or a career-driven private institution like Drexel University, the city provides a diverse range of educational options. In this guide, we explore the top universities in Philadelphia, covering their rankings, acceptance rates, popular programs, tuition fees, and more.

Top Universities in Philadelphia

University of Pennsylvania

Founded in 1740 by Benjamin Franklin, the University of Pennsylvania (Penn) is one of the most prestigious Ivy League institutions in the U.S. With a strong commitment to interdisciplinary learning and research, Penn offers top-ranked programs across various fields, including business, law, medicine, engineering, and social sciences. Below is everything that you should know about University of Pennsylvania: 

• Ranked #11 in the world by QS World rankings, #14 in the world by THE 2025, and #6 in the United States for national universities by U.S. News & World Report (2024), Penn is globally recognized for academic excellence. 
• With an acceptance rate of just 6.5%, it is one of the most competitive universities in the country. 
• The university hosts over 28,000 students, including 10,610 undergraduates and 13,338 graduate/professional students. 
• Penn’s alumni network includes influential figures like Elon Musk (CEO of Tesla & SpaceX), Warren Buffett (investor & business magnate), and Noam Chomsky (renowned linguist and philosopher). 
• The annual tuition for international students is approximately $60,000, with need-based financial aid available. 
• Graduates are highly sought after by top recruiters like Amazon, Bank of America, Google, IBM, Microsoft, Oracle, and UBS reflecting Penn’s strong industry ties. 

Temple University

Established in 1884, Temple University is a leading public research institution known for its commitment to affordable, high-quality education. As Philadelphia’s only public university, Temple plays a crucial role in promoting accessibility and diversity in higher education. It offers a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with strong emphasis on business, education, engineering, health professions, and media & communication.  Below is everything that you should know about Temple University: 

• Ranked as #98 in national universities and top 50 public schools by U.S. News & World Report (2025). Furthermore, it is ranked #681-690 in QS World University Rankings 2025. 
• With an acceptance rate of 80%, Temple provides an inclusive learning environment for a diverse student body. The application fee is $55 for undergraduate applicants.  
• The university enrolls approximately 30,205 students, including 21,720 undergraduates and 8,485 graduates. 
• Tuition for international students is around $44,756 per year, making it an affordable option compared to private institutions. 
• Temple boasts a strong alumni network, including Bob Saget (actor & comedian), Tamron Hall (journalist), and Bill Cosby (former comedian & actor). 
• Merit-based scholarships are available for international students, helping make education accessible to talented individuals from around the world. 
• Graduates secure opportunities with top recruiters such as Cigna, Ernst & Young, Grant Thornton, KPMG, Protiviti, Inc, Prudential Financial, PwC, QVC, RSM, and SAP America, Inc., reflecting the university’s industry-driven approach. 

Drexel University

Established in 1891, Drexel University is a private research institution recognized for its cooperative education (co-op) program, which allows students to gain up to 18 months of paid, full-time work experience before graduation. The university offers more than 200-degree programs across 15 colleges and schools, with popular fields of study including business, engineering, computer science, and health sciences.  

Top employers such as BlackRock, Comcast Corporation, Deloitte, Ernst & Young, Goldman, Sachs & Co. Among others actively recruit Drexel graduates, thanks to the university’s strong industry partnerships. Below is everything that you should know about Drexel University: 

• Drexel is ranked #86 in national universities by U.S. News & World Report. 
• It enrolls over 22,000 students, making it one of the largest private universities in Pennsylvania. 
• With an acceptance rate of around 78%, Drexel offers access to a diverse pool of students. This means that for every 100 applicants, 78 are admitted, making the university moderately competitive.  
• Its R1 research classification highlights the university’s strong focus on high-impact research and innovation. 
• Tuition for international students is approximately $81,413 per year, with merit-based scholarships available. 
• Drexel’s alumni network includes pioneers like Chuck Barris, Susan Seidelman, Alassane Ouattara, Chris McKendry, Meinhardt Raabe, Paul Baran among others.  

Thomas Jefferson University

Founded in 1824, Thomas Jefferson University is a private health sciences institution specializing in medicine, nursing, health professions, and biomedical sciences. The university offers state-of-the-art medical simulation centers, advanced research institutes, and modern campus facilities, ensuring that students receive the best possible education and training. The university is known for its interprofessional education model, which fosters collaboration across different healthcare disciplines. Below is everything that you should know about Thomas Jefferson University:  

• Ranked #136 among the best national universities, it is a leading name in healthcare education. 
• It has an acceptance rate of about 89%, making it moderately competitive. 
• The student population stands at approximately 8,286, with a strong focus on healthcare and life sciences. This included 3,771 undergraduate students and 4,515 graduate students.   
• Tuition fees for international students are around $45,000 per year, with merit-based scholarships available. 
• Notable alumni include Samuel D. Gross, Malcolm Cummings Grow, S. Weir Mitchell, William S. Forbes among many others. 
• Graduates are highly sought after by top employers such as URBN, QVC, Burlington, Stantec, Timberland, and American Airlines. 

La Salle University

Founded in 1863, La Salle University is a private Roman Catholic institution that offers a liberal arts education with a strong focus on teaching, research, and community service. The university aims to provide students with a well-rounded academic experience, equipping them with critical thinking, leadership, and problem-solving skills essential for success in various career fields. Below is everything that you should know about La Salle University:  

• Ranked 231st in the National Universities category by US News Best Colleges in 2025. 
• It has an acceptance rate of approximately 69%, making it accessible to a broad range of students. 
• The university enrolls around 20,705 students, creating a close-knit and supportive learning environment. 
• Tuition fees for international students are approximately $35,570 per year, with merit-based scholarships available. 
• Popular academic programs include Accounting, Finance, Marketing, Nutrition Sciences and Psychology. 
• La Salle has produced notable alumni such as Peter Boyle (actor), Joe Bryant (former NBA player and coach), and Tom Gola (basketball legend). 
• Graduates find career opportunities with top recruiters like JPMorgan Chase & Co, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Deloitte, and AmeriHealth. 

Saint Joseph’s University

Established in 1851, Saint Joseph’s University (SJU) is a private Jesuit university that emphasizes liberal arts education, ethical leadership, and social justice. With a mission to develop critical thinkers and compassionate leaders, SJU integrates academic rigor with real-world experiences, preparing students for success in business, healthcare, education, and the sciences. Below is everything that you should know about Saint Joseph’s University: 

• Ranked #5 among Regional Universities North by U.S. News & World Report (2025). 
• The university has an acceptance rate of approximately 71%, offering opportunities for a diverse student population. 
• Approximately 8,415 students are enrolled, providing a dynamic and engaging academic community. 
• Tuition fees for international students are around $53,260 per year, with merit-based scholarships available. 
• Popular academic disciplines include Business, Education, Health Professions, Liberal Arts, and Sciences. 
• Notable alumni include John Lehman (former U.S. Secretary of the Navy), Jameer Nelson (NBA player), and Jamie Moyer (MLB pitcher). 
• Top employers hiring SJU graduates include Strands, Exterior-Interior, EgiPatachala, Career Launcher, MGH, CACTUS, Million Minds, Cognizant, SAP Labs, and Redseer Consulting. 

Holy Family University

Founded in 1954, Holy Family University is a private Catholic institution that blends liberal arts education with professional studies. The university focuses on small class sizes, personalized attention, and student success, making it a great option for those looking for a supportive and community-driven learning environment. Below is everything that you should know about Holy Family University: 

• Ranked #111 among Regional Universities North by U.S. News & World Report (2025). 
• It has an acceptance rate of approximately 74%, offering opportunities for a diverse student body. 
• The university serves approximately 3,033 students, including 2,452 undergraduates and 581 graduates, ensuring individualized attention and mentorship. 
• Tuition fees for international students are approximately $35,330 per year, with merit-based scholarships and financial aid available. 
• Popular academic programs include Nursing, Business Administration, Education, Criminal Justice, and Psychology. 
• Holy Family has strong partnerships with local healthcare systems, educational institutions, and businesses, ensuring job placement opportunities after graduation. 
• The university offers modern learning facilities, dedicated student support services, and a student-faculty ratio of 13:1, fostering a personalized learning experience. 

Conclusion 

Choosing the right university is a crucial step in shaping your academic journey and future career. Philadelphia offers a wealth of opportunities for students seeking world-class education, strong industry connections, and a vibrant campus life. Whether you prioritize cutting-edge research at Penn, affordability at Temple, co-op programs at Drexel, or specialized education at La Salle, Saint Joseph’s, or Holy Family University, there is a perfect fit for everyone.