What Is It Known For?
Community College of Philadelphia (CCP) is known for its role as the largest public higher education institution in Philadelphia, providing accessible and affordable education to a diverse student body. With more than 100 associate degree and certificate programs, CCP offers students a strong foundation for both career preparation and transfer to four-year universities. The college’s commitment to student success is evident in its open-admissions policy and the extensive support services it offers, which include academic advising, financial aid, and career development resources.
CCP is also recognized for its impact on the local economy, with 85% of recent graduates employed in the Philadelphia metro area. The college’s flexible scheduling, including day, evening, and weekend classes, along with online and hybrid options, caters to the needs of both traditional and non-traditional students. Additionally, CCP’s partnerships with local industries through its Corporate Solutions program provide customized workforce training, helping to bridge the gap between education and employment in high-demand fields.
Degrees & Certifications
Community College of Philadelphia (CCP) offers a wide range of degrees and certifications to meet diverse student needs. These include:
- Associate Degrees:
- Associate in Arts (A.A.): Focused on fields like Liberal Arts, designed for students planning to transfer to a four-year institution.
- Associate in Science (A.S.): Covers areas such as Business, Science, and Technology, also geared towards transfer.
- Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.): Oriented towards immediate employment in fields like Nursing, Automotive Technology, and Information Technology.
- Certificates:
- Proficiency Certificates: Shorter programs that provide specialized skills in areas like Medical Assisting, Cybersecurity, and Digital Media.
- Academic Certificates: These certificates often focus on foundational skills or specific career training and can sometimes be stacked towards an associate degree.
- Occupational Certificates:
- Focused on job readiness, these certifications prepare students for immediate entry into the workforce in technical and vocational fields.
These offerings provide students with multiple pathways, whether they aim to enter the workforce directly or transfer to a four-year university.
Class Schedules
Community College of Philadelphia offers flexible class schedules to accommodate the diverse needs of its students.
Classes are available during the day, evening, and weekends, making it easier for both full-time and part-time students to fit their education into their busy lives.
In addition to on-campus courses, CCP provides online and hybrid options, allowing students to complete coursework remotely or through a combination of in-person and online learning. This flexibility is especially beneficial for working adults, parents, and those with other commitments who are pursuing their education at CCP.
Is It a Good School?
Yes, Community College of Philadelphia is considered a good school, particularly for students seeking affordable, accessible education with the flexibility to transfer to a four-year institution or enter the workforce directly. It is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), which ensures that the college meets rigorous academic standards. Additionally, many of its individual programs have specific accreditations, further enhancing the quality and credibility of the education provided.
What is the Acceptance Rate?
Community College of Philadelphia has an open admissions policy, which means that it accepts all applicants who meet the basic eligibility requirements. As a result, the acceptance rate is effectively 100%, making it accessible to a wide range of students who wish to pursue higher education.
How Much Does It Cost?
For in-district residents (those living in Philadelphia), the tuition is approximately $159 per credit hour.
For Pennsylvania residents outside of Philadelphia, the cost is about $318 per credit hour, and for out-of-state students, the tuition is around $477 per credit hour.
Additional fees, such as registration and course-specific fees, may also apply. The total cost will depend on the number of credit hours taken each semester. Financial aid and scholarships are available to help offset these costs for eligible students.
Check out their tuition calculator for more details.
Programs & Courses
Arts & Design
- Acting
- Art & Design
- Fashion
- Interior Design
- Music
- Photography
- Theater
- Video Production
Business
- Accounting
- Communication & Media
- Data Analytics
- Entrepreneurship
- Leadership
- Hospitality & Tourism
- Project Management
Healthcare
- Dental Hygiene
- Health Services Management
- LPN
- Massage Therapy
- Medical Assistant
- Medical Billing Proficiency Certificate
- Medical Laboratory Technician
- Patient Service Rep
- Personal Training
- Radiology
- Respiratory Care
- RN
Legal & Law
- Criminal Justice
- Paralegal
Professional Services
- Culinary
- Real Estate
Public Health
- ASL
- Community Health
- Counseling
- Public Health
- Life Coach
Skilled Trades
- Automotive Repair
- Alternative Fuel
- Applied Engineering
- Construction
- Facilities Management
- Fire Science
- Medium and Heavy Truck Technology
- Mobile App Development
- Welding
Technology
- Computer Programming
- Computer Science
- Cybersecurity
- Information Systems
- Mobile App Development
- Network Administration
- Video Game Development
- Web Development
Campus Locations
Main Campus 1700 Spring Garden Street Philadelphia, PA 19130
Career & Advanced Technology 4750 Market Street Philadelphia, PA 19139
Northeast Regional 12901 Townsend Road Philadelphia, PA 19154
West Regional 4725 Chestnut Street Philadelphia, PA 19139 215.516.3650
Reviews
Based on local Google reviews, the Community College of Philadelphia has a mixed reputation, with students and alumni praising its value and diversity while others raise concerns about administrative issues.
Overall Score: 3.8/5 Stars
Common Praises
Affordability and Value: Many reviewers praise the school for offering an “affordable education” and being a good place to start a college career without accumulating significant debt. The quality of education is considered a good value for the price.
Diverse Student Body: The college is described as a “vibrant institution” that offers diverse opportunities. Reviewers appreciate the student body, which includes people from all walks of life and creates an inclusive and welcoming environment.
Strong Foundation for Transfer: Several former students highlight that earning an associate’s degree at the college provided a good foundation, with some successfully transferring to four-year universities and building fulfilling careers.
Supportive Faculty: The professors are generally described as being knowledgeable and supportive, with a few reviews specifically mentioning positive experiences with their instructors.
Common Criticisms
Administrative Issues: A recurring complaint is the difficulty of getting in contact with administrators. One reviewer stated it was “very hard to get in contact with administrators,” which is a significant frustration for students.
Lack of Communication & Placement: A recent review alleges paying in full for an online course but never receiving the promised certificate or placement, with the college stopping all communication. This student expressed feeling “scammed.”
Momentum
The most recent detailed reviews show a mixed trend. While some recent feedback is positive, a highly critical review from just two months ago raises a serious concern about communication and the value of a specific program. The reviews from the past year are polarized, highlighting both the positive aspects of the academic environment and significant issues with administrative support.