Best HBCUs in Philadelphia, PA
Looking for HBCUs in Philadelphia? Below you'll find 10 local options with their address, phone number, website and opening hours, plus practical advice on choosing the right one.
What they do: Historically Black colleges and universities. Pennsylvania is home to Cheyney University and Lincoln University, two of the oldest HBCUs in the country.
This guide lists 10 HBCUs in and around Philadelphia, spread across 6 ZIP codes. 10 have a phone number you can call directly from this page, 10 link to their own website, 1 is open on weekends. Listings are organized so you can compare them at a glance and contact them directly.
Top 10 HBCUs in Philadelphia
Listings are shown in no paid order: no business can pay to appear or to rank higher on this page.
1 Peirce College
- Address 1608 Walnut St Suite 1900, Philadelphia, PA 19103
- Phone (888) 467-3472
- Website peirce.edu
Opening hours
| Mon | 7 AM-6:05 PM |
|---|---|
| Tue | 7 AM-6:05 PM |
| Wed | 7 AM-6:05 PM |
| Thu | 7 AM-6:05 PM |
| Fri | 7 AM-6:05 PM |
| Sat | 7 AM-6:05 PM |
| Sun | 7 AM-6:05 PM |
2 Moore College of Art & Design
- Address 1916 Race St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
- Phone (215) 965-4000
- Website moore.edu
Opening hours
| Mon | 9 AM-5 PM |
|---|---|
| Tue | 9 AM-5 PM |
| Wed | 9 AM-5 PM |
| Thu | 9 AM-5 PM |
| Fri | 9 AM-5 PM |
| Sat | Closed |
| Sun | Closed |
3 The University of the Arts
- Address 320 S Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19102
- Phone (215) 717-6000
- Website uarts.edu
4 Lincoln University City (Lincoln Plaza)
- Address 3020 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19104
- Phone (215) 590-8233
- Website lincoln.edu
5 Saint Joseph's University - University City Location
- Address 600 S 43rd St, Philadelphia, PA 19104
- Phone (215) 596-8800
- Website sju.edu
6 Girard College
- Address 2101 S College Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19121
- Phone (215) 787-2600
- Website girardcollege.edu
7 La Salle University
- Address 1900 W Olney Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19141
- Phone (215) 951-1000
- Website lasalle.edu
Opening hours
| Mon | 8 AM-5 PM |
|---|---|
| Tue | 8 AM-5 PM |
| Wed | 8 AM-5 PM |
| Thu | 8 AM-5 PM |
| Fri | 8 AM-5 PM |
| Sat | Closed |
| Sun | Closed |
8 Drexel University Thomas R. Kline School of Law
- Address 3320 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19104
- Phone (215) 895-1529
- Website drexel.edu
9 Cheyney University of Pennsylvania
- Address 1837 Township Dr, Cheyney, PA 19319
- Phone (610) 399-2000
- Website cheyney.edu
Opening hours
| Mon | 8 AM-5 PM |
|---|---|
| Tue | 8 AM-5 PM |
| Wed | 8 AM-5 PM |
| Thu | 8 AM-5 PM |
| Fri | 8 AM-5 PM |
| Sat | Closed |
| Sun | Closed |
10 University of Pennsylvania
- Address Philadelphia, PA 19104
- Phone (215) 898-5000
- Website upenn.edu
How to choose HBCUs in Philadelphia
- Check accreditation or state approval. Career schools in Pennsylvania are licensed by the State Board of Private Licensed Schools.
- Ask about class sizes, schedules and whether evening or weekend options exist.
- Get the total cost in writing, including fees, books and supplies.
- Ask about completion and job-placement rates for career programs.
- Visit or sit in on a class before you enroll.
Local tips for Philadelphia
Philadelphia has its own licensing rules that go beyond state law: the city's Department of Licenses and Inspections (L+I) issues contractor licenses, permits and trade licenses, so plumbers, electricians and contractors working in the city need an L+I license on top of any state registration.
SEPTA's subway, trolley and bus network covers most of the city, so check whether a business is near a Market-Frankford or Broad Street Line station if you don't drive. Street parking in Center City is limited and enforced by the Philadelphia Parking Authority.
Philadelphia is in Philadelphia County, and local phone numbers use the 215, 267 and 445 area codes. Popular areas include Center City, Old City, Fishtown, Northern Liberties, South Philly, University City, Manayunk, Chestnut Hill.
Frequently asked questions
Which HBCUs in Philadelphia are open on weekends?
According to their listed hours, these are open on Saturday or Sunday: Peirce College. Hours can change on holidays, so call before you go.
Which areas of Philadelphia do these HBCUs cover?
The HBCUs on this list are located in ZIP codes 19102, 19103, 19104, 19121, 19141, 19319. Many businesses also serve nearby neighborhoods and suburbs, so ask when you call.
How much do classes cost in Philadelphia?
It depends on the program: community classes may cost a few hundred dollars, while certificate and career programs can cost several thousand. Ask about financial aid, payment plans and PA grants.
Is financial aid available?
Many accredited programs qualify for federal aid (FAFSA) and Pennsylvania's PHEAA state grants. Adult education and GED classes are often free.
How do I check that a school is legitimate?
Look it up with the Pennsylvania Department of Education or the State Board of Private Licensed Schools, and check its accreditor on the US Department of Education's database.
More education guides in Philadelphia
Information is collected from public sources and may change. Please confirm hours, prices and availability directly with each business. Business owner? Ask us to update your listing.