Harcum College

Bryn Mawr, PA

private nonprofitassociates

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Quick Facts

904

Total Students

$30K

Tuition (In-State)

$30K

Tuition (Out-State)

$25K

Avg Net Price

Associate's Colleges

Classification

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Harcum College

Harcum College: Pioneering associate degrees and empowering diverse students since 1915.

Harcum College stands today as a dynamic institution committed to preparing students for successful careers in vital fields. Serving both traditional and non-traditional learners, Harcum offers a supportive environment where students can pursue Associate degrees in high-demand areas like Allied Health Science, Business, and Human Services. Whether seeking a vibrant residential experience or the flexibility of commuting, Harcum provides practical, career-focused education designed to launch its graduates into the workforce.

The college's rich history dates back to October 1, 1915, when concert pianist Edith Harcum, alongside her husband Octavius, opened the Harcum Post Graduate School. Edith's founding vision was revolutionary for its time: to create a school that nurtured the unique talents of each individual girl, making it an integral part of her education. This commitment to personalized learning and individual growth remains a cornerstone of Harcum's ethos today, evolving from its origins as an all-women's preparatory school to a modern co-educational institution.

Harcum College marked a significant milestone in Pennsylvania's educational landscape. After transitioning fully into a junior college in the late 1920s, it achieved a groundbreaking distinction in 1956, becoming the very first junior college in the Commonwealth granted permission to confer both the Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees. This pioneering spirit continues to drive Harcum's academic programming, ensuring its offerings are relevant and responsive to the needs of students and industries, making it a foundational choice for career-oriented education.

Key Highlights

✦Founded in 1915 with a unique vision to nurture the individual talent of each student.
✦Pioneered junior college education in Pennsylvania, becoming the first to confer Associate of Arts and Science degrees in 1956.
✦Evolved from an all-women's university preparatory school to a fully co-educational institution by 2003.
✦Offers career-focused Associate degrees in high-demand fields such as Allied Health Science, Business, and Human Services.
✦Serves a diverse student body, including traditional and non-traditional learners, with both commuter and residential options.
✦Henry Klein holds the record for the longest-serving board member (over 50 years) at any U.S. university or college.

Timeline

1915

The Harcum Post Graduate School opened by Edith and Octavius Harcum.

1920

Octavius Harcum dies; Edith Harcum assumes the Presidency.

Late 1920s

Harcum eliminated the preparatory school model, fully transitioning into a junior college.

1952

Edith Harcum declared bankruptcy and sold the school's assets to Philip Klein.

1956

Pennsylvania granted Harcum permission to be the first junior college in the Commonwealth to confer Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees.

1970s

Harcum began admitting male students.

2003

Harcum College officially became co-educational.

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