Cheap Universities in Philadelphia

Here is the list of all the free and affordable universities in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. We will first go over the list of cheap bachelor's colleges and universities in Philadelphia. Then after that, we will go over the list of cheap master's colleges and universities in Philadelphia. Location, tuition fees, and some of the degrees offered will be available for each institution.

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.

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. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

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. 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.

8. University of the Arts

The University of the Arts is among the oldest art schools in the United States, bearing a colorful history in art education, music, and dance. This prestigious university is a product of the merger of Philadelphia College of the Performing Arts and the Philadelphia College of Art bac in 1985. Today, the University of the Arts hones the skills of nearly 1500 students pursuing higher education in film, design, performance, and theatre.

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.

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.

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. 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.

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. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

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. University of the Arts

The University of the Arts is among the oldest art schools in the United States, bearing a colorful history in art education, music, and dance. This prestigious university is a product of the merger of Philadelphia College of the Performing Arts and the Philadelphia College of Art bac in 1985. Today, the University of the Arts hones the skills of nearly 1500 students pursuing higher education in film, design, performance, and theatre.

9. 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.


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