Peirce College
Peirce College is a private nonprofit university in Philadelphia, PA ranked #1945 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of D-, and enrolling about 789 undergraduates. Students most often pursue Computer and Information Sciences and Accounting and Related Services.
Day to day, students benefit from a 11:1 student-faculty ratio, and 5.3% six-year graduation. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
Families typically invest $12,905, about $4,093 less than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -19.3%, roughly 104.6 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $41,647. That's about $2,041 below national results. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Peirce College Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Peirce College graduates 5.3% of students within six years and keeps 0.0% of first-year students. Affordability earns an A- compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Peirce College's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $15,060 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,200 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | Not reported |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | Not reported |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $18,260 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 52.4% of Peirce College students receive Pell Grants — well above the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $10,378 to $15,432 depending on family income. Use Peirce College's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $41,647
- 10-Year Median Earnings $41,647
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $21,875
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 31.9%
- Employment Rate 84.2%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Peirce College graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Peirce College vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Peirce College's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Peirce College's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Peirce College graduates earn $41,647 median, the -19.3% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 789
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 0.0%
- Graduation Rate 5.3%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 11:1
How to Get Into Peirce College
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Peirce College requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of Not reported, Peirce College is selective. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Peirce College undergraduates. Business Administration, Management and Operations, Health and Medical Administrative Services, and Legal Support Services draw the most students.
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 29.6%
- Health and Medical Administrative Services 20.4%
- Legal Support Services 13.4%
- Computer and Information Sciences, General 12.4%
- Criminal Justice and Corrections 11.3%
- Accounting and Related Services 8.1%
See more majors
- Human Resources Management and Services 1.6%
- Management Information Systems and Services 1.6%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Computer and Information Sciences, General $82,889
- 2. Accounting and Related Services $70,349
- 3. Health and Medical Administrative Services $60,584
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Business Administration, Management and Operations $58,698
- 5. Health and Medical Administrative Services $54,471
- 6. Legal Support Services $53,891
- 7. Criminal Justice and Corrections $48,710
- 8. Business Administration, Management and Operations $46,242
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Human Resources Management and Services (Master's Degree) $78,274
- 2. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $66,428
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Computer and Information Sciences, General grads earn $82,889—79% more than Business Administration, Management and Operations ($46,242). Graduate: Human Resources Management and Services programs lead with $78,274 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard does not list any fully online degree programs for Peirce College. This institution may offer hybrid or partially online courses, but no fully online degree programs are reported in the latest data release.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 789
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 24.3%
- Female Students 75.7%
- Caucasian 19.3%
- Asian 2.8%
- Hispanic 12.4%
- Black 53.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients 52.4%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Peirce College's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Peirce College's undergraduate population. Women make up 75.7% of the student body, while men represent 24.3%.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Peirce College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Peirce College has a diverse student body, with 19.3% identifying as White. Women make up 75.7% of undergraduates. 52.4% of students receive Pell Grants, well above the national average, indicating strong support for low-income students.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Peirce College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Peirce College offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -19.3% ROI. Ranked #1945 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $12,905 annual net price is competitive with public out-of-state tuition, offset somewhat by $41,647 median earnings. With 5.3% graduating within six years and 0.0% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Peirce College's Positioning
With a D- grade and #1945 ranking, Peirce College competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $12,905 annually, Peirce College charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 0.0% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $9,034 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -19.3% ROI and $41,647 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $2,905+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Peirce College ranks #1945 of 6272 institutions, with 342 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 5.3% six-year graduation rate sits 57.2 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- -19.3% return on investment is 104.6 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $41,647 run about 5% lower than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $12,905 is roughly $4,213 lower than the national median of $17,118.
- 84.2% employment rate within three years is 16.0 points above the national 68.2%.
Helpfulness for Students
- 11:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 84.2% employment rate within three years sits 16.0 points above national outcomes.
- -19.3% ROI indicates the degree delivers strong value for hands-on majors.
- Budget carefully for clinical travel, off-campus housing, and practicum fees to avoid surprise costs.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Located in Philadelphia, PA, Peirce College operates as a private nonprofit university and receives a D- from EDsmart. It appears at #1945 in EDsmart's national list Completion earns D-, Support D-, Career Outcomes B-, and Affordability A-.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
Expect about 5.3% of students to graduate within six years. The reported ROI is -19.3%, a figure families can weigh against cost and aid details above.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $12,905 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $18,260.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $5,355 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $21,875 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 52.4% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Graduates report median earnings of about $41,647 six years after entry. This is roughly 5% below typical U.S. college outcomes.
Roughly 84.2% of graduates are employed three years out.
The ROI comes in near -19.3%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
This institution has not reported a current acceptance rate.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Peirce College admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Philadelphia, PA 19103-5443
- Website www.peirce.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationMiddle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)
- Endowment$3.4M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate5.3%