The Community College of Philadelphia (CCP), established in 1964, is the only public two-year college in the city of Philadelphia.

It adopts an Open Admission Policy, allowing anyone with a high school diploma or equivalent (such as a GED) to enroll.

This accessibility makes CCP a popular first step into higher education in Philadelphia, as well as a venue for lifelong learning and vocational retraining.

CCP's main campus is located at 1700 Spring Garden Street, north of Center City, and it also operates several Regional Learning Centers.

https://www.ccp.edu

The student enrollment exceeds 60,000 when combining credit and non-credit courses, making it one of the largest educational institutions in the Philadelphia area.

Students from various age groups and backgrounds are enrolled, ranging from recent high school graduates to working adults, parents balancing childcare, and seniors seeking new learning opportunities.

CCP offers over 70 Associate's Degree programs and more than 30 Certificate programs, covering a wide array of fields including business administration, computer information technology, nursing, medical records, psychology, social work, education, arts, music, English, and mathematics. Notably, the Nursing Program and Medical Assistant course are popular due to their high employment rates. Vocational training is also emphasized, helping students gain job qualifications in a short time.

One of CCP's greatest advantages is its affordable tuition. For Philadelphia residents, tuition is significantly lower than that of four-year universities, allowing for a college education without financial strain. Additionally, many students receive financial support through federal aid (FAFSA), state scholarships, and CCP's own scholarships. Philadelphia also offers a Free College Philadelphia program for low-income students, allowing eligible residents to take credit courses at CCP for free.

CCP serves as an excellent stepping stone for transferring to four-year universities. Many students transfer to the Pennsylvania State System, Temple University, Drexel University, and other four-year institutions after completing two years at CCP.

In this case, students can complete foundational courses at a lower cost at CCP and then focus on their major coursework during the remaining two years at a four-year university, significantly reducing overall educational expenses. Articulation Agreements between CCP and several four-year colleges facilitate a relatively smooth transfer process.

In the Korean community, CCP is utilized in various ways. Newly arrived Koreans may enroll to improve their English skills and acquire vocational training, Korean parents may continue their education part-time while raising children, or working professionals may take evening classes to transition to new careers.

International students are also accepted, and some enroll at CCP after arriving in the U.S. on student visas. The English as a Second Language (ESL) program is well-established, allowing students to improve their English skills while taking credit courses concurrently.