About Philadelphia University

Founded in 1884, Philadelphia University. is a Private college. Located in Pennsylvania, which is a city setting in Pennsylvania, the campus itself is Urban. The campus is home to 2,701 full time undergraduate students, and 1,036 full time graduate students.

The Philadelphia University Academic calendar runs on a Semester basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 13:1. There are 130 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at Philadelphia University include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.

Quick Facts

Acceptance Rate60%
Application Deadline
Application Fee40
SAT Range960-1130
ACT Range20-26

Admissions at PhilaU are considered Selective, with ,15% of all applicants being admitted.

In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 13 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.

78% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 43% were in the top quarter, and 17% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.

STUDENT LIFE Reviews

We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at Philadelphia University.

0%
“We”re apathetic”
28%
“We know about current events and vote”
64%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
8%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
0%
“We save it for the classroom”
8%
“Sometimes, but not often”
60%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
32%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
0%
“I only go out in groups”
40%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
60%
“I feel extremely safe”
10%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
71%
“We bought the gear”
19%
“We live for the big game”
0%
“It”s not really our thing”
4%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
48%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
48%
“We”re a very artistic group”
0%
“Haven”t met them”
0%
“Available in class”
40%
“They keep regular office hours”
60%
“They”re always available”
4%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
68%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
28%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
0%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
0%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
33%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
63%
“We only party on weekends”
4%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
21%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
50%
“There might be people who do”
29%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
0%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
0%
“We”re apathetic”
28%
“We know about current events and vote”
64%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
8%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
0%
“We save it for the classroom”
8%
“Sometimes, but not often”
60%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
32%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
0%
“I only go out in groups”
40%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
60%
“I feel extremely safe”
10%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
71%
“We bought the gear”
19%
“We live for the big game”
0%
“It”s not really our thing”
4%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
48%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
48%
“We”re a very artistic group”
0%
“Haven”t met them”
0%
“Available in class”
40%
“They keep regular office hours”
60%
“They”re always available”
4%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
68%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
28%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
0%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
0%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
33%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
63%
“We only party on weekends”
4%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
21%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
50%
“There might be people who do”
29%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
0%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
Write a review, Enter to win $1,000 Scholarship

  • How would you rate on-campus housing?

    64 Students rated on-campus housing 3.2 stars. 5 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate off-campus housing?

    60 Students rated off-campus housing 3.4 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus food?

    70 Students rated campus food 3.3 stars. 13 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus facilities?

    70 Students rated campus facilities 4 stars. 29 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate class size?

    70 Students rated class size 4.5 stars. 57 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate school activities?

    70 Students rated school activities 3.7 stars. 21 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate local services?

    70 Students rated local services 3.7 stars. 27 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate academics?

    70 Students rated academics 3.9 stars. 33 % gave the school a 5.0.

Philadelphia University REVIEWS

What's your overall opinion of Philadelphia University?

17 Students rated Philadelphia University

Ciara - 12/24/2023

Overall, I believe that Philadelphia University, or by its new current name, Thomas Jefferson University is a great school. The environment is so warm and welcoming with tons of communities and activities to get engaged in. The professors there are dedicated to seeing their students pass and do good on their finals! The Breakfast, lunch, dinners, and late-night dinners are truly delicious and the staff are wonderful. However, the financial aid system does need improvement through communication and there is room for improvement with certain conditions in the dormitories (such as the bathrooms and lounge areas).

Abigail - 12/21/2019

PhilaU is the perfect distance from the inner city, and the campus is beautiful. It is just a short walk from a drugstore and a cute plant store/cafe that's perfect for studying. Although you can see Center City from campus, it is in a very safe and secluded neighborhood, and all the local residents are friendly. One of the best parts of living on campus is the diversity that comes with living in a city, but with a small community feel. Professors and staff are more than willing to be a support system both in the classroom setting and within your personal life. The Resident Assistants in the dorms are always doing face mask or movie nights or special holiday activities (my favorite was pumpkin painting in October) and it makes adjusting to dorm life very easy.

Melanie - 02/15/2019

Philadelphia University is a beautiful campus with new buildings and currently one being built. It has great classes with teachers who are more than willing to work extra with you if you need. There is no football team but soccer is very popular to watch. Overall great atmosphere!

Jordan - 01/20/2019

Philadelphia University has a great academic program, with helpful and experienced professors. There are extracurricular activities but not much school spirit or many school events, probably because of the lack of a football team. The campus is very pretty but the dorms are not the best quality, facilities are not always up to date and sometimes can take long to repair.

Philadelphia University FAQS

  1. What is the Acceptance Rate at Philadelphia University?

    The fall 2020 acceptance rate for Philadelphia University is 60%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020, _____ students were offered admission.

  2. What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

    To my former self: Take risks and listen to your heart. Put all your mind and effort towards a life of happiness and fufillment. Work hard at what you love and do not sacrifice your time for money. Keep true to your values and do not steal, smoke, or drink. Be creative and pay attention to detail. Listen to your friends and let others do the talking sometimes. Take opportunity to travel and absorb all you see. Choose your friends wisely and listen to your mentors. Be the cloud and rise above.

    Read all 86 answers

  3. Describe the students at your school.

    my classmates revolve heavily around their work and are very creative

    Read all 26 answers

  4. Describe how your school looks to someone who's never seen it.

    A private design school in the suburbs outside the city.

    Read all 23 answers

  5. What kind of person should not attend this school?

    not interested in design or business and engineering related majors. looking for school sprirt or greek life

    Read all 19 answers

  6. What do you consider the worst thing about your school? Why?

    The growth in the school right now is so much that the facilities and staff struggle to accomodate the increased demand. Lack of space for new equipment, and poor upkeep on equipment are frustrating in the engineering program.

    Read all 16 answers

  7. What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?

    I wish i had known of schools that were cheaper with the same educational oppurtunities.

    Read all 16 answers

  8. Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!

    its a textile and design school

    Read all 14 answers

  9. What's unique about your campus?

    design classes because they're exciting and challenging

    Read all 13 answers

  10. What kind of person should attend this school?

    some who is open to innovation, like small classes, doesnt mind not going out every weekend, like the city a little, doesnt mind the small school feel, and is willing to get involved

    Read all 12 answers

  11. What are the academics like at your school?

    There are a variety of classes ranging from foundation design to microbiology! Often non-design major take a design class as an elective and there are some design majors that take a science course or liberal arts course. The freedom to do whatever with your schedule is great. The class sizes are small which allows more questions to be asked during class time. It also why professors know when you are and aren't in class. Not only do the professors take the time to get to know you but they are also more than eager to help you with the course material beyond class time.

    Read all 12 answers

  12. What is your overall opinion of this school?

    I have a list of thing I like about this school! The campus size is awesome because there will never be a face that you haven't seen before. No one is a stranger. The closeness to downtown Philly is awesome. Hop on the bus or train and in a half an hour you are downtown. Always stuff to do downtown! The administration faculty isn’t phantoms! I love seeing the president, President Spinelli, hanging about campus..even at the gym!!!

    Read all 12 answers

  13. What's the most frustrating thing about your school?

    Being so far from home.

    Read all 10 answers

  14. What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?

    That they have a great architecture program, where employers in Philadelphia go first when seeking to hire, so their relatively new engineering program is sure to follow in the architecture program's footsteps.

    Read all 9 answers

  15. What is the stereotype of students at your school? Is this stereotype accurate?

    Kidding... because we are a fashion school, the majority of our students could be labeled as "fashionistas". However, this does not accurately represent the student population. We have a large variety of students and majors, which helps create a diverse campus.

    Read all 8 answers

  16. What are the most popular student activities/groups?

    Basketball and soccer are big but every other sport is recognized. We are a small school so fraternities and sororities are not that big but they play a big role in our school. Every organization matters.

    Read all 8 answers

  17. Describe your favorite campus traditions.

    textiles and engineering departments

    Read all 8 answers

  18. What are your classes like?

    Most of my classes are core science course,like biochemistry and genetics, but I am taking Latin America Area Studies and Creative Writing which are both awesome classes. I especially enjoy my Creative Writing course because it's allowed me to polish my poetry skills-something that lab reports don't quite facilitate.

    Read all 6 answers

  19. Where is the best place to get work done on campus?

    I love working at the Kanbar Student Center. Specifically on the balcony which allows you to look over a large part of the campus. On good, breezy days the best place to study or just to enjoy the day is outside on the green space infront of the library..is...awesome!

    Read all 3 answers

  20. Tell us about the sports scene on campus.

    Unfortunately, we do not have a football team because of our small size. However, we go crazy with other sports to make up for it. Soccer and basketball are huge here. During the fall, everyone will gather at the soccer field, and during the winter, the gym will be packed with basketball/Herb fans. We have several rallies throughout the year, especially during the basketball season because of all the awards Coach Magee has been receiving lately. The spring is ruled mostly by baseball and softball. Our sports teams are pretty darn good, especially our cross country team, who has more banners in the gym than I can count.

    Read all 2 answers

  21. What's the dating scene like?

    I don't see a lot of couples through morning/evening. I commute so whatever happens after classes, I don't get to see.

    Read all 1 answers

Student Body

Students

67%

female

33%

male

2,701

Total Undergrad Enrollment

1,036

Total Grad Students

46%

Out-Of-State

53%

In-State

1%

International

Organizations

35

Student Organizations

2

Fraternities

1

Sororities

Housing

Yes

On-Campus Housing

43%

of students living on campus

Student Diversity

% American Indian/Alaskan Native
N/A
% Asian/Pacific Islander
5%
% Black or African-American
17%
% Hispanic/Latino
9%
% White or Caucasian
54%

TUITION & AID

All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA. Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.

98% of students attending Philadelphia University receive some sort of financial aid. 32% were awarded federal grants.71%received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.

Cost Out of State

$38,130

Tuition and fees(Out of state)

$1,600

Books and Supplies

$12,560

Room and Board

52,290

Total On Campus

Actual Cost By Income Level(W/Financial Aid)

Family Income
Cost
$0 - $30K
$19,799
$30 - $48K
$21,125
$48 - $75K
$24,932
$75 - $110K
$28,349
$110K & UP
$31,981

We use student reviews and the most current publicly available data on our school pages. As such, we don't typically remove or edit college information. Sources for school statistics and data include the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. Portions of college data include copyrighted material, which is reproduced on this website by permission of Wintergreen Orchard House, a division of Carnegie Communications. © 2009-2016 by Wintergreen Orchard House. All rights reserved.

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