11 Free and Cheap Universities in Philadelphia for International Students

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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 11 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in Philadelphia, make sure to read more!

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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 31,600 USD 17%
La Salle University 32,700 USD 14%
Drexel University 37,800 USD -0%
Temple University 38,600 USD -2%
Chestnut Hill College 39,000 USD -3%
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts 40,500 USD -7%
Thomas Jefferson University 43,100 USD -14%
Moore College of Art and Design 46,400 USD -22%
Saint Joseph’s University 49,500 USD -30%
University of Pennsylvania 56,300 USD -48%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 37,800 USD for universities in Philadelphia.

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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. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts

The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts is cited as the oldest museum and higher education institution for the arts in the United States. The museum curates collections of Obras maestras dating back from the 19th and 20th centuries. As well as delivering world-class degrees in fine arts, the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts collaborates with the University of Pennsylvania for a holistic learning experience in the fine arts.

8. 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.

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. 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.

11. 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%
Saint Joseph’s University 9,000 USD - 20,200 USD 60%
Chestnut Hill College 9,000 USD - 13,800 USD 60%
Holy Family University 9,480 USD 58%
La Salle University 11,200 USD - 15,800 USD 50%
Thomas Jefferson University 17,900 USD - 49,600 USD 20%
Drexel University 21,100 USD - 55,800 USD 5%
Moore College of Art and Design 29,300 USD - 51,300 USD -32%
University of Pennsylvania 35,800 USD - 57,200 USD -61%
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts 40,500 USD -83%
Temple University 60,000 USD -171%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 22,100 USD for universities in Philadelphia.

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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. Saint Joseph’s University

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is Saint Joseph’s University. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at Saint Joseph’s University is 9,000 USD to 20,112 USD.

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.

3. 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.

The tuition fee at Chestnut Hill College for incoming international master’s students is 9,000 USD to 13,770 USD. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. Holy Family University

Another affordable university to consider in Philadelphia is 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 in Holy Family University for master’s program for foreign students starts from 9,480 USD.

5. La Salle University

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, La Salle 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 11,175 USD yearly.

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.

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. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts

The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts is cited as the oldest museum and higher education institution for the arts in the United States. The museum curates collections of Obras maestras dating back from the 19th and 20th centuries. As well as delivering world-class degrees in fine arts, the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts collaborates with the University of Pennsylvania for a holistic learning experience in the fine arts.

11. 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.

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!