14 out of 16
- Universities in Philadelphia
- Ranked in at least one ranking
34
- Different Rankings list
- Universities in Philadelphia
- (27 institution and 7 subject rankings)
28
- Global Rankings rank
- Universities in Philadelphia
- Among TOP 200
Philadelphia offers its inhabitants an endless array of natural spaces in places like Fairmount Park, Citizens Bank Park, or the chance to take a walk by the canal.
‘Philly’ residents enjoy a good standard of living for the most part, thanks to having access to some of the most affordable housing in the country, reliable public transport, and a rich selection of research universities for students to choose from.
PROS
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The housing situation is in general very affordable compared to other major US cities, with modern, 3-bedroom apartments available close to the University of Pennsylvania in the range of $1,000-$1,400, for example. Prices vary according to which neighbourhood you’re interested in, but there are options for every price point in Philadelphia.
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A city that offers plenty of options for activities to enjoy in your free time, such as varied nightlife venues for the party goers, or Valley Forge Historical National Park for those who want to take a break from the city surroundings and enjoy its roughly 3,500 acres of woodlands, meadows and monuments. However you like to spend your free time, there is something for everyone here.
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Students in the city have the possibility of using the SEPTA Student Fare Discount Initiative, which is offered through universities participating in the scheme. Students should consult their university’s Bursar’s office for more information.
CONS
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One of the most recurring negative comments made about Philadelphia is its high crime rates, especially drug-related crime.
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The job market in Philadelphia is known for being fiercely competitive in recent years, with even entry level positions receiving hundreds of applications from qualified job seekers. The general consensus is that it will take at least 6 months to get a job after moving to Philadelphia.
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The cost of living in Philadelphia is higher than the national average, which is calculated without rent. The figure is calculated using groceries, gasoline, energy bills, and public transport rates.
For business studies see our separate ranking of business schools in Philadelphia, USA
Latest ranking updates related to universities in Philadelphia
- 29 Mar, 2021: US News: Best Grad Schools (US) (Materials Engineering) updated with University of Pennsylvania ranked highest among 35 listed universities in Philadelphia.
- 18 Mar, 2021: Scimago Institutions Rankings - Universities updated with University of Pennsylvania ranked highest among 7 listed universities in Philadelphia.
- 04 Mar, 2021: Publication of QS World University Rankings By Subject (Social Policy & Administration). University of Pennsylvania with highest ranking among universities in Philadelphia ranked #1.
- 30 Jan, 2021: Publication of UniRank 4icu - Top Arabic-Speaking Universities. Philadelphia University ranked #66.
Highest subject rankings of universities in Philadelphia
Nursing
#1
University of Pennsylvania
Psychology
#3
University of Pennsylvania
English
#3
University of Pennsylvania
Molecular Biology & Genetics
#4
University of Pennsylvania
Statistics
#4
University of Pennsylvania
Communication & Media Studies
#8
University of Pennsylvania
Biotechnology
#21
University of Pennsylvania
Library & Information Management
#43
Drexel University
Agriculture
#186
University of Pennsylvania
Rankings of universities in Philadelphia, USA 2021
Student satisfaction:
4.4 / 5.0
(5122 reviews)
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Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education US College Rankings
[Published 14 September, 2020] |
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THE World University Rankings - Times Higher Education
[Published 24 August, 2020] |
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QS World University Rankings
[Published 10 June, 2020] |
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Student satisfaction:
3.5 / 5.0
(265 reviews)
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Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education US College Rankings
[Published 14 September, 2020] |
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THE World University Rankings - Times Higher Education
[Published 24 August, 2020] |
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QS World University Rankings
[Published 10 June, 2020] |
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Student satisfaction:
4.3 / 5.0
(1663 reviews)
|
Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education US College Rankings
[Published 14 September, 2020] |
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THE World University Rankings - Times Higher Education
[Published 24 August, 2020] |
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QS World University Rankings
[Published 10 June, 2020] |
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Student satisfaction:
4.5 / 5.0
(21 reviews)
|
Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education US College Rankings
[Published 14 September, 2020] |
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Scimago Institutions Rankings - Universities
[Published 18 March, 2021] |
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US News: Best Global Universities
[Published 19 October, 2020] |
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Student satisfaction:
4.0 / 5.0
(120 reviews)
|
Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education US College Rankings
[Published 14 September, 2020] |
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Scimago Institutions Rankings - Universities
[Published 18 March, 2021] |
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URAP World Ranking - University Ranking by Academic Performance
[Published 03 December, 2020] |
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Student satisfaction:
4.8 / 5.0
(374 reviews)
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Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education US College Rankings
[Published 14 September, 2020] |
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Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (All Alumni)
[Published 15 August, 2020] |
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Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 01 January, 2021] |
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Student satisfaction:
4.2 / 5.0
(144 reviews)
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Scimago Institutions Rankings - Universities
[Published 18 March, 2021] |
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Nature Index - Top Academic Institutions
[Published 04 May, 2020] |
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Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (All Alumni)
[Published 15 August, 2020] |
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Student satisfaction:
3.8 / 5.0
(54 reviews)
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Scimago Institutions Rankings - Universities
[Published 18 March, 2021] |
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QS Arab Region University Rankings 2021
[Published 28 October, 2020] |
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UniRank 4icu - Top Arabic-Speaking Universities
[Published 30 January, 2021] |
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Student satisfaction:
4.1 / 5.0
(34 reviews)
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MONEY Best Colleges
[Published 25 August, 2020] |
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Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (All Alumni)
[Published 15 August, 2020] |
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Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (All Alumni)
[Published 15 August, 2020] |
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MONEY Best Colleges
[Published 25 August, 2020] |
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Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (All Alumni)
[Published 15 August, 2020] |
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Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 01 January, 2021] |
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Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (All Alumni)
[Published 15 August, 2020] |
|
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Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 01 January, 2021] |
Student satisfaction:
4.5 / 5.0
(111 reviews)
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Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (All Alumni)
[Published 15 August, 2020] |
Student satisfaction:
4.6 / 5.0
(692 reviews)
|
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 01 January, 2021] |
Student satisfaction:
2.3 / 5.0
(48 reviews)
|
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 01 January, 2021] |
#15
La Salle University
Student satisfaction:
4.6 / 5.0
(258 reviews)
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Student Opinions About Studying in Philadelphia
“People moving to Philadelphia who want to save a little money on rent should look for apartments just outside the boundaries of the more expensive, trendy neighbourhoods, which means you get the price reduction for not living in the chic neighbourhoods, but you can still get there easily on foot. The rent you pay here well-situated apartments is just incredible”
“The live music scene in Philadelphia is great. I was able to see a show in the city roughly every two weeks when I was studying for my degree at Temple. Great way to meet new people off campus.”
“Summers in Philadelphia gave me a lot of positive memories. There’s always some free or very cheap music show to attend, as well as lots of little bars with tons of character and charm. You’ll never be stuck for ideas on how to spend your free time, there’s always something going on.”
Philadelphia Key Facts for International Students
Population: 1527000
Elevation: 12 m. above sea level
Time: GMT -5
District/province: Pennsylvania, Philadelphia County
Living costs for students in Philadelphia:
* 100 = prices in London
- Living costs without accommodation 97* (3% cheaper than London)
- All costs including accommodation 83* (17% cheaper than London)
- Meals (grocery & lower cost restaurants) 88* (12% cheaper than London)
- Average Big Mac price 5.74 US$
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- Residential voltage: 120 V
- Frequency: 60 Hz
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- Residential voltage: 120 V
- Frequency: 60 Hz
Map with location of universities in Philadelphia
FAQ
University of Pennsylvania ranks #1 in Philadelphia in our meta ranking composed of 96 university rankings.
Among all universities in Philadelphia University of Pennsylvania is listed in the largest number of rankings. See all 44 rankings where University of Pennsylvania is listed.
University of Pennsylvania is ranked best in Philadelphia for Medicine & Health (Nursing). See all rankings for the University of Pennsylvania.
University of Pennsylvania is ranked best in Philadelphia for Social Studies & Humanities (Psychology). See all rankings for the University of Pennsylvania.
University of Pennsylvania is ranked best in Philadelphia for Languages & Literature (English). See all rankings for the University of Pennsylvania.
University of Pennsylvania is ranked best in Philadelphia for Natural Sciences (Molecular Biology & Genetics). See all rankings for the University of Pennsylvania.
University of Pennsylvania is ranked best in Philadelphia for Mathematics (Statistics). See all rankings for the University of Pennsylvania.
University of Pennsylvania is ranked best in Philadelphia for Journalism & Media Studies (Communication & Media Studies). See all rankings for the University of Pennsylvania.
University of Pennsylvania is ranked best in Philadelphia for Engineering (Biotechnology). See all rankings for the University of Pennsylvania.
Drexel University is ranked best in Philadelphia for Computer Science (Library & Information Management). See all rankings for the Drexel University.
University of Pennsylvania is ranked best in Philadelphia for Agriculture (Agriculture). See all rankings for the University of Pennsylvania.
Ranking publishers
4icu
- Universities:
- 200
- Published:
- 30 January, 2021
- Universities:
- 200
- Published:
- 30 January, 2021
- Universities:
- 200
- Published:
- 30 January, 2021
British Quacquarelli Symonds, UK
- Universities:
- 8365
- Published:
- 10 June, 2020
- Criteria used in ranking -QS World University Rankings:
- Academic Reputation 40%
Employer Reputation 10%
Faculty/Student Ratio 20%
Citations per faculty 20%
International Faculty Ratio 5%
International Student Ratio 5%
- Universities:
- 499
- Published:
- 19 September, 2019
- Criteria used in ranking -QS Employability Rankings:
- Employer reputation 30%
Alumni outcomes 25%
Partnerships with Employers per Faculty 25%
Employer/Student Connections 10%
Graduate employment rate 10%
- Universities:
- 160
- Published:
- 28 October, 2020
- Criteria used in ranking -QS Arab Region University Rankings 2021:
- Academic reputation 30%
Employer reputation 20%
Faculty/student ratio 15%
International research network 10%
CWUR Center for World University Rankings
- Universities:
- 4000
- Published:
- 15 June, 2020
- Criteria used in ranking -CWUR Center for World University Rankings:
- Research Performance 40%
Quality of Education 25%
Alumni Employment 25%
Quality of Faculty 10%
Centre for Science and Technology Studies, Leiden University, Netherlands
- Universities:
- 1175
- Published:
- 09 July, 2020
- Criteria used in ranking -CWTS Leiden Ranking:
- Academic research publication
Forbes
- Universities:
- 300
- Published:
- 01 January, 2019
- Criteria used in ranking -America's Best Value Colleges 2019:
- Rank on Forbes 2018 Top Colleges ranking 20%
Student debt 20%
Alumni earnings 20%
Net price 20%
Graduation rate 10%
Pell Grant recipients 10%
Kiplinger
- Universities:
- 500
- Published:
- 31 July, 2019
- Criteria used in ranking -Kiplinger's Best College Values:
- Quality Criteria 55%
Cost Criteria 45%
MONEY
- Universities:
- 739
- Published:
- 25 August, 2020
- Criteria used in ranking -MONEY Best Colleges:
- Quality of education 33.33%
Affordability 33.33%
Outcomes 33.33%
- Universities:
- 50
- Published:
- 25 August, 2020
- Universities:
- 50
- Published:
- 25 August, 2020
- Criteria used in ranking -MONEY Colleges That Add the Most Value:
- Quality of education 33.33%
Affordability 33.33%
Outcomes 33.33%
NTU ranking
- Universities:
- 799
- Published:
- 10 October, 2020
- Criteria used in ranking -NTU Performance Ranking of Scientific Papers:
- Research excellence 40%
Research impact 35%
Research productivity 25%
- Universities:
- 152
- Published:
- 10 October, 2020
- Criteria used in ranking -NTU North America:
- Research productivity 25%
Research impact 35%
Research Excellence 40%
Nature Index
- Universities:
- 4357
- Published:
- 04 May, 2020
- Criteria used in ranking -Nature Index - Top Academic Institutions:
- Article count (AC)
Fractional count (FC)
Weighted fractional count (WFC)
Payscale
- Universities:
- 1589
- Published:
- 15 August, 2020
RUR Ranking Agency (Moscow, Russia)
- Universities:
- 1697
- Published:
- 04 May, 2020
- Criteria used in ranking -RUR World University Rankings:
- Teaching 40%
Research 40%
International Diversity 10%
Financial Sustainability 10%
- Universities:
- 827
- Published:
- 16 September, 2020
- Criteria used in ranking -RUR Reputation Ranking:
- Teaching Reputation 50%
Research Reputation 50%
- Universities:
- 828
- Published:
- 16 September, 2020
- Criteria used in ranking -RUR Research Performance Ranking:
- Normalized citation impact (Citations of research publications from all university authors compared with world averages) 20%
Citation per papers 20%
Papers per academic and research staff 20%
International research reputation 20%
Share of research publications written in international co-authorship 20%
Scimago Institutions
- Universities:
- 8023
- Published:
- 18 March, 2021
- Criteria used in ranking -Scimago Institutions Rankings - Universities:
- Research 50%
Innovation 30%
Societal 20%
ShanghaiRanking Consultancy
- Universities:
- 10016
- Published:
- 17 August, 2020
- Criteria used in ranking -ARWU Academic Ranking of World Universities - ShanghaiRanking:
- Alumni winning research prizes 10%
Staff winning research prizes 20%
Research paper publications 20%
Papers published in Nature and Science 20%
Papers indexed in Science Citation Index-Expanded and Social Science Citation Index 20%
Per capita academic performance 10%
StuDocu
- Universities:
- 171
- Published:
- 21 September, 2020
THE Times Higher Education, UK
- Universities:
- 8867
- Published:
- 24 August, 2020
- Criteria used in ranking -THE World University Rankings - Times Higher Education:
- Teaching 30%
Research (volume, income and reputation) 30%
Citations 30%
International outlook (staff, students, research) 7.5%
Industry income (knowledge transfer) 2.5%
- Universities:
- 235
- Published:
- 19 November, 2020
- Criteria used in ranking -THE Global University Employability Ranking - Times Higher Education:
- Employability (survey) 100%
- Universities:
- 214
- Published:
- 26 October, 2020
- Criteria used in ranking -THE World Reputation Rankings - Times Higher Education:
- Research Reputation 66,6%
Teaching Reputation 33,3%
- Universities:
- 172
- Published:
- 28 January, 2021
- Criteria used in ranking -THE World's Most International Universities - Times Higher Education:
- Proportion of international students 25%
Proportion of international staff 25%
Proportion of journal publications with one or more international co-authors 25%
University’s international reputation 25%
Thomson Reuters
- Universities:
- 100
- Published:
- 23 October, 2019
- Criteria used in ranking -Reuters Most Innovative Universities:
- Patent Volume 33%
Patent Citations 34%
Industry Article Citation Impact 11%
Percent of Industry Collaborative Articles 11%
Total Web of Science Core Collection Papers 11%
Urap
- Universities:
- 3000
- Published:
- 03 December, 2020
Us News
- Universities:
- 1999
- Published:
- 13 September, 2020
- Universities:
- 1499
- Published:
- 19 October, 2020
Wallstreet Journal USA & THE Times Higher Education, UK
- Universities:
- 797
- Published:
- 14 September, 2020
- Criteria used in ranking -Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education US College Rankings:
- Outcomes 40% (employability)
Resources 30%
Engagement 20% (teaching)
Environment 10% (diversity)
Washington Monthly
- Universities:
- 389
- Published:
- 31 August, 2020
- Criteria used in ranking -National Universities:
- Social Mobility 33.33%
Research 33.33%
Community and National Service 33.33%
Webometrics
- Universities:
- 24005
- Published:
- 01 January, 2021
- Criteria used in ranking -Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities:
- Visibility 50%
Excellence 35%
Transparency 10%
Presence 5%