10 Best Private Universities in Philadelphia for International Students

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There are a lot of great countries and cities that need to be visited and discovered in your lifetime, and one of the main locations that need to be visited for your studies is Philadelphia, which is one of the cities in United States. When visiting Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in addition to developing your skills and academic knowledge, you will become part of a new system and society that will open and enrich your cultural horizons.

Private institutions are a great way to reach your academic goals and get that well-deserved degree. To help you out, check out the list below if you’re looking to study in a private university in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Each university page provides you with specific details on tuition, admission, language requirements, available courses, and more. So, make sure to check the university pages! Let’s dig in!

Rank University Location
1 University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, United States
2 Drexel University Philadelphia, United States
3 Thomas Jefferson University Philadelphia, United States
4 Saint Joseph’s University Philadelphia, United States
5 La Salle University Philadelphia, United States
6 Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts Philadelphia, United States
7 Chestnut Hill College Philadelphia, United States
8 Moore College of Art and Design Philadelphia, United States
9 Curtis Institute of Music Philadelphia, United States
10 Holy Family University Philadelphia, United States

Private Universities in Philadelphia

1. University of Pennsylvania

  • University of Pennsylvania Page
  • 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.

    2. Drexel University

  • Drexel University Page
  • 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.

    3. Thomas Jefferson University

  • Thomas Jefferson University Page
  • 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.

    4. Saint Joseph’s University

  • Saint Joseph’s University Page
  • 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.

    5. La Salle University

  • La Salle University Page
  • 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. Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts

  • Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts Page
  • 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.

    7. Chestnut Hill College

  • Chestnut Hill College Page
  • 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.

    8. Moore College of Art and Design

  • Moore College of Art and Design Page
  • 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. Curtis Institute of Music

  • Curtis Institute of Music Page
  • 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. 

    10. Holy Family University

  • Holy Family University Page
  • 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.


    Frequently Asked Questions

    1. How much does Private Universities in Philadelphia Cost?

    There are 10 private universities in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, out of which, we have tuition fee of 9 private universities available.


    As you plan your studies abroad, we hope that this article will help you in choosing a good private university.

    We know that attending a private university can be expensive, given its benefits and added perks. But remember that public universities are always an option, too, as they're affordable and can provide you with the same high-quality education. With that, feel free to check out our list of public universities within United States to learn more about your options for your next academic destination.