Esperanza College, founded in 2000, is a fully accredited, Associate's degree awarding branch campus of Eastern University. Esperanza College was created in response to the vision of Reverend Luis Cortés Jr., President of Esperanza. It was his desire to create access to post-secondary education for Hispanic and other minority communities in North Philadelphia, who typically have limited opportunity and resources, and face additional challenges such as language barriers. He believed then and still believes that an investment in education is an investment in the Hispanic community.


Fast Facts
Student Profile
  • Students with children = 53%
  • Hispanic = 75%; Black/African American = 14%; Unknown = 11%
  • First in the family to attend college = 44%

College Model
  • Day and evening classes
  • Small class sizes
  • Convenient location in the community (on the Esperanza Campus in the heart of Northeast Philadelphia’s barrio)
  • Reduced tuition grants
  • Classrooms equipped with state-of-the-art technology

Outcomes Statistics
  • 64% graduation rate, compared to 17% average graduation rate at comparable local community colleges
  • 92.8% of graduates obtain their degree in 2 years
  • 7.2% of graduates obtain their degree in over 2 years

For many men and women in our community, Esperanza College provides the path to a better life. We invite you to visit us at esperanza.eastern.edu. For further information call 215-324-0746.

Read the full narrative of Esperanza College's historic journey, from 2000 to the present. And see more details about how Esperanza College operates its successful educational model.