Best Online Colleges in Philadelphia
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In addition to its revolutionary history and rich culture, Philadelphia is home to some of the top postsecondary schools in the United States. This roster includes Temple University, a public research institution and provider of professional education in law, medicine, and dentistry.
The City of Brotherly Love also houses private institutions like Drexel University, which delivers over 150 online degrees and certificates in fields like cybersecurity and nonprofit management. Students can also earn a biopharmaceutical degree, preparing for a career in one of Philadelphia's key industries.
This guide helps you find the school that can help you reach your career goals by detailing the 10 best online colleges in Philadelphia. Each profile contains information about the school's admission requirements, degree offerings, and student services, including financial aid.
What Are the Best Online Colleges in Philadelphia? Here Are Our Top 5:
Ranking compiled by the BestColleges Ranking Team
#1 | Temple University Philadelphia, PA |
#2 | Thomas Jefferson University Philadelphia, PA |
#3 | Saint Joseph's University Philadelphia, PA |
#4 | Drexel University Philadelphia, PA |
#5 | La Salle University Philadelphia, PA |
How We Rank Schools
At BestColleges, we believe a college education is one of the most important investments you will make. We want to help you navigate the college selection process by offering school rankings that are transparent, inclusive, and relevant for online students.
Our rankings are grounded in a few guiding principles and use the latest statistical data available from trusted sources. Read our Ranking Methodology. We hope our approach helps you find the school that is best for you.
Best Accredited Online Colleges in Philadelphia
Best Online Colleges in Philadelphia
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Temple UniversityLocation
Philadelphia, PA
Tuition$23192
Graduation Rate71%
A large public research institution, Temple University offers online undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs. Students take online classes through the Canvas learning management system. Many courses include the use of web-conferencing software and synchronous coursework.
Temple's online undergraduate degrees include social work, liberal studies, and business administration. Graduate degree programs include an MBA, education, and public health. Temple also offers online graduate certificate programs in fields like global tourism, health informatics, and conflict management and dispute resolution.
Distance learners have access to a student success center, disability resources and services, library services, and a career center.
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Thomas Jefferson UniversityLocation
Philadelphia, PA
Graduation Rate64%
A 2017 merger brought together Thomas Jefferson University, established in 1824, and Philadelphia University, which was founded in 1884, to form Jefferson.
This united private research university offers a variety of online undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Through a mix of liberal arts and sciences coursework, Jefferson's online degrees take an interdisciplinary and collaborative approach to education.
Jefferson offers eight online undergraduate degree programs, including health services management, business management, and information technology. Additionally, graduate degrees include an MS in sustainable design, an MS in organizational leadership, and an innovation MBA. Jefferson also offers an online post-master's certificate in nursing.
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Saint Joseph's UniversityLocation
Philadelphia, PA
Graduation Rate80%
A Jesuit institution founded in 1851, Saint Joseph's University offers a variety of online certificate and degree programs for undergraduates and graduates.
SJU's online bachelor's programs include business administration, health administration, and organization development and leadership. Online graduate degrees include an MS in applied behavior analysis, an MS in strategic human resource management, and multiple education programs.
SJU's distance learners have access to academic advising, career development, and a diversity and inclusion center. Online students also can use on-campus spaces and join a variety of student clubs and activities. Graduates join a network of over 75,000 alumni.
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Drexel UniversityLocation
Philadelphia, PA
Graduation Rate74%
Drexel University maintains a tradition of providing adult learners with flexible and accessible online degrees.
Drexel, a private research university, offers online bachelor's programs in fields like business, education, and technology. Master's degree programs include engineering, biomedical research, and nursing. Doctoral programs are offered in education and nursing. Drexel's online certificate programs include options in public health, behavioral health, and computer science.
Drexel offers various tools and resources for its distance students. These services include remote access to the library, career development, and teletherapy.
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La Salle UniversityLocation
Philadelphia, PA
Graduation Rate67%
A Catholic institution established in 1863, La Salle University offers several online degrees in nursing and business disciplines. Distance learners can choose from bachelor's and master's programs.
The university's online nursing programs include an RN-to-BSN completion track and a nursing master's with specializations in family nurse practitioner and adult gerontology studies. La Salle also offers several 14-month online MBA programs with specializations including accounting, marketing, and business systems and analytics.
Online students at La Salle gain access to many additional resources, including a virtual library, career services, and technical support.