2024 Best Colleges for Low-Income Students in the Philadelphia Area

• Philadelphia, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.89 out of 5  1,333 reviews

Sophomore: As a University of Pennsylvania student, my experience has been transformative. The academic rigor and diverse courses allowed me to explore passions and develop critical thinking. Accessible and knowledgeable faculty shaped my journey, while the vibrant campus life fostered a sense of community among students from diverse backgrounds. I appreciate the emphasis on research opportunities, collaborating with renowned scholars, and Philadelphia's cultural scene, offering internships and networking. However, addressing the cost of attendance with more financial aid options and scholarships is essential for equal access. Moreover, enhancing inclusivity and support for underrepresented groups would strengthen our community further. Overall, UPenn has provided exceptional opportunities, but improvements can make it an even more accessible and inclusive institution for all students.... Read 1,333 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 6%

• Net price $14,578

• SAT range 1480-1570

• Haverford, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.93 out of 5  263 reviews

Alum: The campus is large and beautiful. There are plenty of places to lounge or study. There isn't a core curriculum, so trying different fields of interest is very easy and encouraged. It is relatively seamless to transition between majors. The professors are incredibly kind and thoughtful. One of my main complaints is that for some majors, the program is fully developed with a multitude of courses, professors, and class times. But for other majors, there are much fewer resources and course electives.... Read 263 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 18%

• Net price $24,462

• SAT range 1420-1540

• Camden, NJ•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.54 out of 5  830 reviews

Sophomore: Faculty: The university boasts a dedicated and accomplished faculty comprising experienced professors and researchers who are often recognized for their contributions to their respective fields. Many faculty members are actively engaged in research and scholarship, providing students with opportunities for hands-on learning and collaboration. Civic Engagement: Rutgers University–Camden emphasizes civic engagement and community service. It encourages students to actively participate in service-learning initiatives, internships, and community-based research projects to make a positive impact in the local community and beyond. Campus Life: The university provides a vibrant campus life with a range of student organizations, clubs, and extracurricular. Location: Being located in Camden, the university benefits from its proximity to Philadelphia, one of the major cities in the United States.... Read 830 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 79%

• Net price $10,104

• SAT range 1040-1230

• Newtown, PA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.84 out of 5  521 reviews

Graduate Student: Overall, I enjoyed my time at Bucks County Community College. I started as an engineering major, which ended up being a mistake. The prerequisites are very tedious and redundant and most of the STEM teachers are not good at their job. They were all great people but just did not know how to teach students. Once I changed my major to Film Production, I had a much better experience with much better teachers. I think the biggest thing I think should be done differently is allowing students more freedom in classes and how/when they take them. The best part was how friendly all of the staff were.... Read 521 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $7,062

• SAT range —

• West Chester, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.7 out of 5  1,826 reviews

Junior: So far while being at West Chester University I have had wonderful professors in the early grades preparation major. You can tell that the professors are dedicated and love what they do. They are there to make you the best educator you can be. As well as none education professors, all the professors on campus are there for your success and want what is best for you. West Chester also offers so many fun opportunities for students. Being apart of an organization on campus, I get to witness all the hard work that is put into these fun opportunities, clubs, and organizations for students to be involved in!... Read 1,826 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 89%

• Net price $14,133

• SAT range 1070-1250

• Philadelphia, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.62 out of 5  329 reviews

Senior: Be a part of a family that knows and cares about you and your future, HFU, you belong here! A catholic private university found right in northeast Philadelphia, with one of the safest neighborhoods and approachable professors due to smaller class size that really helps with building networks and establishing connections even after graduation. A family-like institution where you get help when asked and get to enjoy year-round events and free giveaways. If you want to avoid too much money in tuition and expenses, HFU is just the right place with up to 22k merit scholarships awarded as freshmen along with named scholarships once completed a semester and get consisdred for the help for the number of years you attend.... Read 329 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 77%

• Net price $11,935

• SAT range 930-1080

• Blue Bell, PA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.94 out of 5  625 reviews

Sophomore: I am going to be a second-year student at Montgomery County Community College this semester at the Blue Bell campus. In-person, the faculty is extremely welcoming and the quality of learning is great! I struggle with anxiety yet nobody made me feel uncomfortable or that I was out-of-place. The professors are extremely understanding and are willing to work with you if you ever need assistance. Unfortunately, I couldn't say the same for the online classes. I took summer classes this year and it was very difficult. The professors were not easy to contact and the workload was hard to manage. However, despite these challenges, the students in my classes were very helpful. We had the same issues most of the time and we worked through them together. Overall, I would recommend enrolling here because I had mostly positive experiences and I learned a lot of valuable information. I also pay a fraction of the price that I would at a four-year school.... Read 625 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $7,093

• SAT range —

• Wilmington, DE•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  261 reviews

Alum: I attended Delaware Technical Community College for my associates degree in nursing and then for my bachelor's degree in nursing. The associates degree was a very challenging, especially for a working adult. I continued with the bachelor's degree because it was less expensive than the other schools in the area. The instructors seemed like they wanted you to succeed and they gave us thought provoking material. There was group projects, but not too many and I didn't have to write a lot of research papers. It was a good experience.... Read 261 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $6,925

• SAT range —