Gratz College

Gratz College has a long history of educational service to the Philadelphia area.Founded in 1895, Gratz is the oldest independent and pluralistic college for Jewish studies in North America. From its inception Gratz holds the distinction of being the first institution of advanced Jewish learning to accept women on par with men.

Addressing evolving needs, Gratz College grew to offer training programs for educators and communal professionals in the Jewish and secular communities. Over the last 20 years, the College has expanded its offerings to include a broad array of credentials and programs, including a PhD and EdD, masters’ level programs, BA completion programs, and graduate and undergraduate certificates. An early adopter of online education, Gratz offers blended and fully online degrees and has enrolled students from 36 states and 6 countries. Gratz is a private non-profit institution with a Carnegie Classification as a Master’s – Large Programs level and first received accreditation from the Middle States Commission for Higher Education (MSCHE) in 1967.

Gratz College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, recognized by the Ministry of Education and Culture of the State of Israel, and is a partner of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia. The institution is guided with transparency by its Board of Governors.

Gratz College bears the name of a storied Jewish family, whose rich history is interwoven with that of Philadelphia and, indeed, the entire United States. The significance of the Gratz name extends beyond the college walls, back to the time of the American Revolution. The Gratz family history is one of patriotism, economic success, philanthropy and support for Jewish education.

Gratz College provides a pluralistic education and engages students in active study for professional growth and personal enrichment. Gratz offers graduate and undergraduate degree and certificate programs, as well as learning opportunities for adults and teens. Through productive partnerships, the College also seeks to maintain and expand its institutional and academic relationships in Philadelphia, North America and worldwide.

Many of Gratz’s programs reflect the College’s historic focus on Jewish studies and education. With a broad commitment to the intellectual and professional growth of diverse constituencies, the College creates access for students everywhere to become leaders in their professions and communities.

Gratz College is internationally recognized as a leader in developing effective educators, professionals, leaders and scholars, both within and beyond the Jewish community; inspiring life-long learners; and helping to build informed and strong communities through education grounded in Jewish values.

Gratz College serves the entire educational community offering online graduate and undergraduate degree and certificate programs, as well as learning opportunities for adults and teens. At Gratz College, explore a number of diverse degree and certificate options and choose the program that challenges, inspires, and excites you.

Gratz College provides you with a unique learning experience tailored to your needs and interests. Enjoy a customized curriculum, flexible learning options, and a supportive, engaged community of learners.

With a focus on innovation and flexibility, Gratz College offers degrees and certificate programs online. Earn your degree with courses that will stimulate your thinking, advance your career, and support your values. Summer Institute invites you to experience accelerated courses on campus and in the classroom.

Gratz College has been preparing students to become leaders in their professions and communities for over a century. Gratz employs renowned faculty from around the world to engage students in rigorous, thought-provoking study.

Paying for your college education is not easy. Gratz College wants to help put your educational goals within reach.Earning a graduate degree at Gratz College is a worthwhile investment that will benefit you for many years to come. Graduate study at Gratz is made affordable through the use of federal and private grants, scholarships, fellowships and loans.

According to the College Board’s Trends in Student Pricing, the typical earner with a graduate degree earns over twice as much as a high school graduate. Over a lifetime, the gap in earnings between those with a high school diploma and those with a BA or higher exceeds $1 million.

The Federal Stafford Loan Program, Mid-Career Fellowship, Samuel P. Mandell Fellowship, Gratz College Endowed Scholarships and Veterans Tuition Awards are just a few examples of funding opportunities for graduate study.

The Gratz College Scholars Program is for adults in the community who are not seeking credit but enjoy learning in an intellectual atmosphere with instructors who are highly regarded experts in their fields. Ongoing 4, 8, and 12 week courses are offered each semester in a variety of Jewish Studies topics and in Hebrew and Yiddish language. In addition, the Gratz College Scholars Program sponsors Distinguished Scholar Lectures, Yiddish theater trips, film and comedy presentations, and other special events.

The Gratz College Scholars Program is for adults in the community who enjoy learning in an intellectual atmosphere with instructors who are highly regarded experts in their fields. Ongoing courses are offered each semester in a variety of subjects and topics as well as Hebrew and Yiddish language. The Scholars Program also sponsors Distinguished Lecture Series, Yiddish programs, Israeli films and other special events.