Peirce College
Peirce College General Information
Overview
Peirce College is a private, nonprofit institution located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with a strong focus on adult learners and career‑aligned education. Established in 1865 originally as Union Business College to educate Civil War veterans, Peirce has evolved into a modern institution offering associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees tailored to working adults. The curriculum and scheduling are designed around the needs of adult learners: many courses are delivered in accelerated formats, and the institution emphasizes flexibility, online and hybrid options, recognition of prior learning and alignment with industry certifications.
The student population is predominantly older, many balancing work, family and education simultaneously. The mission is career‑focused, aiming to prepare graduates for meaningful employment or advancement in fields such as business, information technology, health care administration, legal studies and organizational leadership. With a relatively small and personalized campus environment in the heart of Philadelphia, Peirce College supports adult learners in completing degrees at an accelerated pace while providing academic and professional support services. The institution is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and authorized by the Pennsylvania Department of Education to award its degrees.
Contact Informations
Address: 1608 Walnut Street, Suite 1900, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Phone Number: 215‑545‑6400
Email Address: Prospective students may contact the admissions or registrar offices via the institution’s main email contact (specific email is provided upon inquiry through admissions).
School Facts
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | 1865 |
| Motto | Career‑focused, adult learner‑oriented education |
| Institutional Type | Private nonprofit college |
| Location | Urban campus in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Accreditation | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Student Profile | Average age ~39 years, approximately 97% over age 21 |
| Student Gender Ratio | Approximately 76% women, 24% men |
Peirce College Rankings
| Ranking Category | Rank / Position |
|---|---|
| U.S. Acceptance Rate | 100% (open admission policy) |
| Global / International Ranking | #6,629 of 14,131 in the world (per one ranking source) |
| National (U.S.) Ranking | #1,738 of 2,496 in the U.S. (per same ranking source) |
Peirce College Academics
Peirce College Faculties / Departments
- Business Administration & Management Department
- Information Technology & Cybersecurity Department
- Health Care Administration & Management Department
- Legal & Paralegal Studies Department
- Organizational Leadership & Management Department
- Adult Learner Support & Professional Development Services
Peirce College Courses and Programs / Majors
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (various concentrations: accounting, human resources, entrepreneurship)
- Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (concentrations: network administration, information security, programming)
- Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration & Management
- Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies / Paralegal Studies
- Master of Science in Organizational Leadership
- Associate Degrees in liberal arts for adult learners
Online Learning
Peirce College offers robust online and hybrid learning options to serve adult learners who may be working or balancing family commitments. Courses are often delivered in accelerated periods (for example seven‑week formats) to allow more frequent starts and flexible pacing. The institution recognizes prior learning from work, military or professional experience and allows students to transfer credits or earn credit for certain certifications. This approach supports adult learners seeking to complete degrees efficiently while accommodating non‑traditional schedules.
Average Test Scores
| Test | Range / Data |
|---|---|
| SAT | Not publicly reported for Peirce College |
| ACT | Not publicly reported for Peirce College |
| GRE | Not applicable (most programs do not require) |
Retention and Graduation Rates
Data indicate that in recent years the graduation rate at Peirce College has been quite low by traditional standards, with one ranking source reporting a graduation rate of approximately 5%. However, this statistic may reflect the adult learner, part‑time nature of the student body rather than full‑time traditional cohorts. Because a large proportion of students are part‑time, older, working while studying, and may proceed at their own pace, traditional retention and graduation metrics may not fully capture the institution’s outcomes. The college emphasizes workforce‑relevant credentials and adult completion pathways rather than purely full‑time, first‑time student metrics.
Peirce College Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
Peirce College operates essentially an open admissions model designed for adult learners, meaning there is no publicly published minimum GPA requirement or standard SAT/ACT test range for admission. Admission focuses on readiness for undergraduate or graduate coursework, proof of high school diploma or equivalent, and alignment with program goals rather than competitive academic entrance criteria.
Peirce College Acceptance Rate
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | Approximately 100% (open admission policy) |
Peirce College Application Requirements
To apply to Peirce College, prospective students must complete an application form, provide documentation of high school graduation or GED equivalency, submit any required program‑specific admissions forms, engage in an admission consultation or orientation session (especially for adult learners), and meet any prerequisites for the chosen program. Their admissions office guides applicants through assessment of prior learning, transfer credits and discussion of scheduling (especially for accelerated and online formats). Financial aid counselling is available to assist in navigating aid, tuition options and credit for experiential learning. This process is crafted to accommodate working adults seeking efficient completion and career‑relevant credentials.
Application Process
- Submit the admissions application to the college
- Provide high school diploma or GED documentation
- Attend an admissions consultation or orientation session
- Assess any prior learning or professional credits for transfer or recognition
- Finalize program start date, schedule, tuition plan and financial aid arrangements
Peirce College Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Deadline Type | Detail |
|---|---|
| Rolling Admissions | Enrollment is continuous for many programs |
| Program‑Start Dates | Multiple start dates annually due to accelerated formats |
Essay Prompt (if applicable)
Peirce College does not publicly publish a standard essay prompt for undergraduate admission, consistent with its adult‑learner open admissions ethos. Therefore, applicants are not generally required to submit a personal essay as part of the standard admissions process.
Peirce College Scholarships
The institution offers financial aid and scholarship resources to eligible students, with a high percentage of undergraduates receiving grant aid. Adult learners may access institutional scholarships, Pell Grants, state grants or employer‑sponsored tuition assistance. The financial aid office helps applicants explore the full range of funding options, including recognition of prior learning and certification credits to reduce time and cost to degree.
Peirce College Tuition Fee (Costs)
| Cost Category | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Tuition (Undergraduate) | Median undergraduate tuition approximately US$14,400 per year |
| Average Net Price (after aid) | Approximately US$12,905 (for full‑time beginning undergraduate students) |
Peirce College Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics (Gender, Age, Race/Ethnicity)
At Peirce College the student population is diverse and primarily adult learners: approximately 76% of students are women while 24% are men. The average age of students is approximately 39 years old, and about 97% of students are over 21 years of age. Ethnic/racial breakdown shows approximately 53.7% of students identify as Black or African American, 20.2% White, 11.8% Hispanic or Latino, 2.9% Asian, and 1.3% two or more races.
Low‑Income Students / Students with Disabilities
A significant portion of Peirce College’s student body is eligible for financial aid: approximately 54.5% of students are Pell Grant eligible and about 75.6% use some form of financial aid. While specific data for students with disabilities are not detailed publicly, the college’s adult‑learner support structure suggests accessibility services and accommodations are available for non‑traditional students balancing work or family responsibilities.
Student Body (Total Students, International Students, etc.)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Enrollment | Approximately 872 students (undergraduate + graduate) |
| Full‑Time Enrollment | Approximately 160 students |
| Part‑Time Enrollment | Approximately 712 students |
University Diversity
Peirce College emphasizes educational access for adult learners from diverse backgrounds, including working professionals, career changers, and those returning to school after breaks. The institution serves a racially and ethnically diverse student body, with a majority of students identifying as Black or African American and substantial representation of Hispanic/Latino and White students. The average age being nearly 39 underscores that students bring prior work and life experience, enriching classroom discussions with real‑world perspectives. The gender composition, with approximately three‑quarters female, reflects enrollment patterns in adult education and career‑oriented programs, particularly in business, health administration and legal studies. The high percentage of students eligible for Pell Grants illustrates the college’s role in providing access to higher education for lower‑income adults seeking upward mobility. By offering flexible scheduling, accelerated formats, online options and recognition of prior learning, Peirce College aligns with the needs of non‑traditional learners who may juggle employment, family and education. In doing so, the institution cultivates a learning environment where diversity of age, background and experience contributes to a supportive and inclusive academic community.
Average Earnings
Graduates of Peirce College pursue careers in business management, health care administration, legal support services, information technology and organizational leadership—fields that demand practical skills and credentials rather than purely academic research. While specific average earnings metrics for Peirce alumni are not published in detailed form, the median undergraduate tuition of US$14,400 combined with a net price of roughly US$12,905 suggests that many students are able to manage cost effectively and position themselves for employment or advancement in accessible career pathways. The low student loan default rate (0% for a recent cohort) signals that graduates are succeeding in repaying debt, which implies stable post‑graduation earnings relative to cost. For working adults already in the workforce, returning to Peirce College for a credential often increases earning potential through promotions, leadership roles or transitions into new fields. Thus the institution offers an educational model designed to deliver meaningful economic value to adult learners seeking career‑oriented outcomes.
Peirce College Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
Peirce College employs a combination of full‑time and adjunct faculty experienced in adult pedagogy and aligned with workplace expectations. Given the adult‑learner profile, staff include academic advisors specializing in adult education, career services professionals providing job‑placement and resume support, and faculty who design accelerated and online course formats. The student‑faculty interaction is designed for accessibility, with instructors described by students as approachable and invested in student success.
Faculty Profiles (Expertise, Achievements)
Faculty at Peirce College bring professional and industry experience to their teaching roles. Many instructors have backgrounds in business, information technology, health care administration, or legal studies, reflecting the institution’s program focus. The college’s longstanding accreditation and its recognition of prior learning and professional certifications point to faculty credentials that meet rigorous standards. Student reviews note faculty are engaging and helpful, supporting working adults juggling multiple commitments. The institution’s flexibility in scheduling and modality is made possible by faculty who adapt curriculum to adult learners and integrate professional relevancy into coursework, which helps graduates apply skills directly in workplace contexts.
Peirce College Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
Peirce College’s campus is located in downtown Philadelphia, providing an urban setting convenient for commuter adult learners rather than residential life. Traditional dormitory housing and extensive campus residential amenities are not emphasized due to the adult‑learner demographic and commuting nature of most students. The institution caters to learners who may live locally, work full‑time or part‑time, and attend classes in evening or accelerated formats. Student life focuses less on athletics or traditional undergraduate social activities and more on academic support, career services, professional networking and cohort‑based adult learning communities. Student lounges, online support, study centers and academic advising are part of the environment designed for adult engagement rather than dorm communities.
Transportation
The Philadelphia downtown location affords convenient access to public transportation, including buses, regional rail and subway services, making it accessible to adult commuters. Facilities are positioned for ease of arrival before or after work hours, and many students choose evening or online classes to fit alongside professional responsibilities. On‑campus mobility is designed for adult learners who may arrive, attend class, use study resources or career services and depart without traditional residential campus navigation. Nearby parking, public transit stops and an urban setting support flexible scheduling and ensure that transportation is compatible with mindful access for working students.