10 Free and Cheap Universities in Philadelphia for International Students

Search Courses:

In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, there are a lot of affordable universities that you can find. Enrolling in these schools will help you fulfill your dream of studying in United States without paying a lot. These institutions also provide well-rounded academic programs and curriculums, allowing students to earn a degree with less burden on their pockets.

Now, if you’re planning to study in Philadelphia, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 10 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in Philadelphia, make sure to read more!

Apply for 2026 Intake!

Applications for 2026 Intake are open. Search through the degrees around the world!

Apply Now

Cheap Bachelor's Colleges and Universities in Philadelphia for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Philadelphia ordered by their tuition fee for international bachelor's students.

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Curtis Institute of Music 0 USD 100%
Holy Family University 35,100 USD 19%
Temple University 35,300 USD - 44,400 USD 18%
La Salle University 38,200 USD 11%
Chestnut Hill College 39,400 USD 9%
Thomas Jefferson University 48,100 USD -12%
Moore College of Art and Design 52,500 USD -22%
Saint Joseph’s University 55,200 USD -28%
Drexel University 61,900 USD -44%
University of Pennsylvania 63,300 USD -47%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 42,900 USD for universities in Philadelphia.

Search Bachelor's Courses for International Students!

Search through the bachelor's courses that are currently open for international students!

Apply Now

1. Curtis Institute of Music

Curtis Institute of Music is a private music school that offers tuition-free education to aspiring musicians. It was established in 1924 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Students of the institute learn from several notable artists and music experts. 

2. Holy Family University

Holy Family University stands out from other private, Catholic universities because of its core values: family, respect, integrity, service, responsibility, and learning. These are foundation of the university’s education and training of its students, whether undergraduate or graduate.

The university’s main campus is located in Northeast Philadelphia. It has a satellite campus in Newtown, where most onsite graduate programs are conducted. Online or blended-format programs are also offered for undergrad and grad students.

3. Temple University

Due to its excellent reputation in business, arts, and health programs, Temple University has become popular with students who want to study in the United States. The university offers a safe space where individuals can unleash their fullest potential through intensive training and research program. At present, Temple University aims to continue its legacy through constant innovation and improvement.

4. La Salle University

La Salle University was named after St. Jean-Baptiste de la Salle the patron saint of educators. The university is the world’s first educational institution to carry the saint’s name and legacy. Established by the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, La Salle University continues to stay true to its founding values, upholding quality education and the mission to educate and inspire curious minds.

5. Chestnut Hill College

Chestnut Hill College (CHC) is a private Catholic college in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Sisters of St. Joseph established it as a women’s college in 1924. The college offers associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees in fields such as arts, music, and science. CHC emphasizes the importance of providing students with a well-rounded college experience by providing them with an enjoyable social life, a healthy spiritual life, and a balanced life.

6. Thomas Jefferson University

Thomas Jefferson University offers competitive programs in architecture, business, engineering, and the health sciences. Education and training at Jefferson are not only hands-on but interprofessional, as well. This allows students to have maximum exposure in preparation for their future professions while being able to practice collaboration with others, too.

7. Moore College of Art and Design

Moore College of Art & Design offers Bachelor’s degree programs in Fine Arts and a Master’s degree program. Bachelor’s degree programs in Fine Arts, or BFA in short, consist of both Major and Minor with a total of 20. All of the students in the college receive financial aid and are offered paid internships during their stay in the school. It has been around since 1848, providing art education to the youth and opportunities to showcase them through summer events, exhibits, press releases, magazines, and feature stories online. Various facilities are also available to students such as in-campus laundromats, lounges, dining areas, and residence halls. Art students in Moore College of Art and Design are ensured a safe, comfortable, creative, and inspiring environment perfect for their growth.

8. Saint Joseph’s University

Saint Joseph’s University is a private university in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and is one of the region’s leading academic institutions. It was originally a men’s college when it was established back in 1851, but started admitting women students in 1970. The university currently offers over 200 study programs in a wide range of disciplines and is known for the high employability of its graduates.

9. Drexel University

Drexel University is a world-class research institution that provides education in courses related to science, medicine, and arts. It aims to train students comprehensively in order to prepare them for the professional world. Since its establishment, the university did not fail in accomplishing its mission and is already well-known to numerous employers and industry leaders.

10. University of Pennsylvania

The University of Pennsylvania is the fourth-oldest educational institution in the United States. Founded in 1740 by none other than Benjamin Franklin, this prestigious university boasts of nurturing minds to make an impact in society. The University of Pennsylvania is among the renowned Ivy League schools and offers around 400 undergraduate and graduate programs to a diverse student body.

Cheap Master's Colleges and Universities in Philadelphia for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Philadelphia ordered by their tuition fee for international master's students.

University Annual Master's International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Curtis Institute of Music 0 USD 100%
Chestnut Hill College 3,900 USD - 14,200 USD 76%
Holy Family University 8,652 USD - 16,600 USD 47%
Saint Joseph’s University 9,360 USD - 19,800 USD 42%
Thomas Jefferson University 10,200 USD - 48,100 USD 38%
La Salle University 10,200 USD - 21,600 USD 37%
Temple University 13,800 USD - 32,900 USD 15%
Drexel University 20,800 USD - 41,200 USD -28%
Moore College of Art and Design 26,500 USD - 39,800 USD -64%
University of Pennsylvania 58,000 USD - 84,900 USD -259%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 16,200 USD for universities in Philadelphia.

Search Master's Courses for International Students!

Search through the master's courses that are currently open for international students!

Apply Now

1. Curtis Institute of Music

Curtis Institute of Music is a private music school that offers tuition-free education to aspiring musicians. It was established in 1924 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Students of the institute learn from several notable artists and music experts. 

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, Curtis Institute of Music should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 0 USD annually for their master's degree.

2. Chestnut Hill College

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is Chestnut Hill College. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at Chestnut Hill College is 3,900 USD to 14,130 USD.

Chestnut Hill College (CHC) is a private Catholic college in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Sisters of St. Joseph established it as a women’s college in 1924. The college offers associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees in fields such as arts, music, and science. CHC emphasizes the importance of providing students with a well-rounded college experience by providing them with an enjoyable social life, a healthy spiritual life, and a balanced life.

3. Holy Family University

Holy Family University stands out from other private, Catholic universities because of its core values: family, respect, integrity, service, responsibility, and learning. These are foundation of the university’s education and training of its students, whether undergraduate or graduate.

The university’s main campus is located in Northeast Philadelphia. It has a satellite campus in Newtown, where most onsite graduate programs are conducted. Online or blended-format programs are also offered for undergrad and grad students.

The tuition fee at Holy Family University for incoming international master’s students is 8,652 USD to 16,578 USD. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. Saint Joseph’s University

Another affordable university to consider in Philadelphia is Saint Joseph’s University.

Saint Joseph’s University is a private university in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and is one of the region’s leading academic institutions. It was originally a men’s college when it was established back in 1851, but started admitting women students in 1970. The university currently offers over 200 study programs in a wide range of disciplines and is known for the high employability of its graduates.

The tuition fee in Saint Joseph’s University for master’s program for foreign students starts from 9,360 USD.

5. Thomas Jefferson University

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, Thomas Jefferson University has some of the lowest tuition fee prices for foreign students who are planning to take a master's degree here. International master's students only pay as low as 10,140 USD yearly.

Thomas Jefferson University offers competitive programs in architecture, business, engineering, and the health sciences. Education and training at Jefferson are not only hands-on but interprofessional, as well. This allows students to have maximum exposure in preparation for their future professions while being able to practice collaboration with others, too.

6. La Salle University

La Salle University was named after St. Jean-Baptiste de la Salle the patron saint of educators. The university is the world’s first educational institution to carry the saint’s name and legacy. Established by the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, La Salle University continues to stay true to its founding values, upholding quality education and the mission to educate and inspire curious minds.

7. Temple University

Due to its excellent reputation in business, arts, and health programs, Temple University has become popular with students who want to study in the United States. The university offers a safe space where individuals can unleash their fullest potential through intensive training and research program. At present, Temple University aims to continue its legacy through constant innovation and improvement.

8. Drexel University

Drexel University is a world-class research institution that provides education in courses related to science, medicine, and arts. It aims to train students comprehensively in order to prepare them for the professional world. Since its establishment, the university did not fail in accomplishing its mission and is already well-known to numerous employers and industry leaders.

9. Moore College of Art and Design

Moore College of Art & Design offers Bachelor’s degree programs in Fine Arts and a Master’s degree program. Bachelor’s degree programs in Fine Arts, or BFA in short, consist of both Major and Minor with a total of 20. All of the students in the college receive financial aid and are offered paid internships during their stay in the school. It has been around since 1848, providing art education to the youth and opportunities to showcase them through summer events, exhibits, press releases, magazines, and feature stories online. Various facilities are also available to students such as in-campus laundromats, lounges, dining areas, and residence halls. Art students in Moore College of Art and Design are ensured a safe, comfortable, creative, and inspiring environment perfect for their growth.

10. University of Pennsylvania

The University of Pennsylvania is the fourth-oldest educational institution in the United States. Founded in 1740 by none other than Benjamin Franklin, this prestigious university boasts of nurturing minds to make an impact in society. The University of Pennsylvania is among the renowned Ivy League schools and offers around 400 undergraduate and graduate programs to a diverse student body.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get admission to affordable universities in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania?

Applying to cheap universities in Philadelphia requires you to complete different requirements depending on your degree and chosen university. These usually include admission forms, language proficiency scores, and a visa. Check out our full guide to studying in United States for a more comprehensive guide!

2. What can I study at Best affordable universities in Philadelphia?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Philadelphia. For example, one of the best affordable schools in Philadelphia is the Chestnut Hill College, which offers Criminal Justice, Digital Forensics, and Biochemistry to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the Chestnut Hill College offers Clinical and Counseling Psychology, Cybersecurity, and Education.

It's important to take a look at all your options when selecting where to attend post-secondary school. With so many different types of schools, degrees, and universities in United States, it can be tough to know where to start looking.

So, make sure to explore the best public universities in United States as well if you're looking for affordable education!

We hope that this article on free and affordable institutions in Philadelphia for international students was helpful!