Fall/Spring application (PDF).
Summer Session application (PDF).
“Whenever I tell people that I found an apartment in five days, they're always astonished. But that's the kind of stuff that the Philadelphia Center does. The Philadelphia Center taught me to embrace city living.”
Marne Litfin, Oberlin College
Fall 2005
University of Pennsylvania Weight and Eating Disorders, Research Intern
Budgeting
The Philadelphia Center’s tuition is based on that of Hope College, our managing institution, and is $12,600 per semester for the 2010-11 year. Contact us for additional tuition information. We also encourage you to visit your campus financial aid officer.
Philadelphia is one of the most affordable cities on the East Coast. Many students find they actually spend less on rent and groceries than they would on room and board on their home campuses. However, because we strongly encourage you to get out and explore the city, and the East Coast, you may find that your entertainment costs are higher than they would have been on campus. One of the great things about The Philadelphia Center’s program is that we allow you the freedom and flexibility to prioritize your spending, and you have the opportunity to make your budget work for you. As you can see from student responses below, a semester in Philadelphia can be as affordable as you want it to be!
Based on Fall 2009 and Spring 2009 student surveys:
| Monthly Costs | Average | Range |
|---|---|---|
| Rent | $460 | $290-600 |
| Utilities | 100 | 0-150 |
| Furniture Rental/Purchase | 70 | 0-125 |
| Transportation | 70 | 0-125 |
| Groceries | 160 | 60-400 |
| Dining Out | 160 | 50-400 |
| Entertainment | 200 | 50-500 |
| Miscellaneous | 100 | 0-200 |
| Total Average Monthly Expenses | $1,300 | |
| Average Expenses x 4 months | $5,200* | |
*This amount does not include the $600 book/activity fee, which includes the cost for temporary lodging during orientation week. The cost of transportation to and from Philadelphia is also not included in this amount.
Please note: Nearly all realtors will require at least first and last month’s rent and a security deposit upon lease signing. This deposit is usually equal to one month’s rent divided by the number of roommates. The figures above do not reflect security deposit, nor do they include utility or telephone deposits, all of which are refunded at the end of the semester - provided no damage or additional charges have been incurred.