Best Community Colleges in Philadelphia: Transfer, Tuition & Programs for 2026
GradeToGrad Editorial Team
March 29, 2026
CCP at $4,632/year with dual admissions to Drexel and Penn State. Suburban CCs from $5,021-$6,660 with strong nursing and transfer programs.
Why Community College in Philadelphia?
Philadelphia's community colleges offer a genuine path to top-tier universities at a fraction of the cost. Community College of Philadelphia has dual admissions agreements with Drexel University (which recently reduced tuition for CC transfers) and guaranteed transfer to Penn State Commonwealth campuses. The suburban CCs — Bucks, Montgomery, and Delaware County — serve the collar counties with strong nursing and transfer programs.
Community College of Philadelphia (CCP)
Tuition: $4,632/year | Enrollment: 11,312 | Location: Center City Philadelphia
CCP is the city's community college, located on a modern campus in Spring Garden near Center City. It's the most affordable option for Philadelphia residents.
Nursing: ADN graduates earn $67,558/year. The nursing program is competitive — separate admission from general enrollment.
Transfer highlights:
- Drexel dual admissions — guaranteed admission for qualifying AA/AS graduates. Drexel recently reduced tuition specifically for community college transfers.
- Penn State Commonwealth — dual admissions with guaranteed junior status
- Temple — core-to-core general education transfer agreement
- Multiple other agreements with regional universities
6-year earnings: $31,173.
Bucks County Community College (Newtown)
Tuition: $5,021/year | Enrollment: 5,199
Located in suburban Bucks County north of the city. Highest nursing ADN earnings among Philly-area CCs at $72,230/year. Strong liberal arts transfer and nursing programs. 6-year earnings: $39,454 — highest in the Philadelphia CC network.
Montgomery County Community College (Blue Bell)
Tuition: $6,270/year | Enrollment: 7,181
Serves the prosperous Montgomery County suburbs. Two campuses (Blue Bell and Pottstown). Nursing ADN graduates earn $61,758. Strong dental hygiene, culinary arts, and business programs. 6-year earnings: $37,237.
Delaware County Community College (Media)
Tuition: $6,660/year | Enrollment: 7,065
Serves Delaware County (Delco) southwest of the city. Nursing ADN graduates earn $67,950. Multiple locations including Marple and Upper Darby. 6-year earnings: $37,658.
Transfer Pathways
Dual Admissions Programs
Philadelphia CCs pioneered dual admissions — you're simultaneously admitted to both the CC and the receiving university:
- CCP + Drexel — take your first two years at CCP, guaranteed transfer to Drexel. Drexel reduced tuition for these students.
- CCP + Penn State Commonwealth — guaranteed junior status at Penn State branch campuses (note: main campus University Park is not included)
- CCP + Temple — general education core transfers as a block
Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Center (PA TRAC)
Statewide system showing how courses transfer between PA institutions. Not as seamless as Florida's 2+2, but provides course-by-course equivalency guides.
Cost Comparison
| Path | 4-Year Total | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| 4 years at Temple | $88,328 | $22,082/yr |
| 4 years at Drexel | $242,652 | $60,663/yr |
| 2yr CCP + 2yr Temple | $53,428 | $4,632 then $22,082 |
| 2yr CCP + 2yr Drexel (reduced) | ~$100,000 | $4,632 then reduced Drexel |
The CCP-to-Temple path saves $35,000. CCP-to-Drexel saves over $140,000.
Best Programs by Field
Nursing: Bucks County CC ($72,230 ADN earnings), Delaware County CC ($67,950), CCP ($67,558)
STEM/Engineering Transfer: CCP (Drexel dual admissions for engineering), Montgomery County CC
Health Sciences: CCP (nursing, dental hygiene), Bucks County (nursing, health info tech)
Business: CCP (Temple/Drexel transfer tracks), Montgomery County CC
Skilled Trades: Delaware County CC (HVAC, construction), CCP (automotive)
Financial Aid
- PA State Grant (PHEAA) — need-based, covers significant portion of CC tuition
- Federal Pell Grant — up to $7,395, covers full tuition at all 4 CCs
- CCP Foundation Scholarships — dozens of scholarships for CCP students
- Drexel reduced tuition for CC transfer students
- Mayor's Scholarship (CCP) — free tuition for qualifying Philadelphia residents
How to Choose
| Priority | Best Fit |
|---|---|
| Lowest tuition | CCP ($4,632/yr) |
| Best nursing earnings | Bucks County CC ($72,230) |
| Transfer to Drexel | CCP (dual admissions) |
| Transfer to Penn State | CCP (dual admissions) |
| Transfer to Temple | CCP (core-to-core) |
| Best post-grad earnings | Bucks County ($39,454 at 6yrs) |
| City of Philadelphia | CCP |
| North suburbs | Montgomery County CC |
| South/West suburbs | Delaware County CC |
Next Steps
Compare Philadelphia community colleges on GradeToGrad.
Related Articles
- Best Nursing Schools in Philadelphia: Rankings, Tuition & Programs for 2026
- Community College: Your Smart Start to a Four-Year Degree
- Community College: Smart Start, Big Savings, Smooth Transfer
- Community College: Your Smart Start to a 4-Year Degree & Beyond
- Smart Money: How 2+2 Saves Tens of Thousands on College