Gratz College

What Gratz College does

Gratz College is a private, nonprofit institution of higher education founded in 1895 in the Philadelphia suburbs (Elkins Park / Jenkintown, PA; additional Bala Cynwyd campus acquired in 2024) that delivers fully online graduate and continuing-education programs. It is the oldest independent Jewish college in North America and operates the only online Ph.D. and M.A. in Antisemitism Studies in the United States, the world's only/largest online Ph.D. in Holocaust and Genocide Studies, and a doctoral program in Jewish Education / Educational Leadership, alongside master's degrees in Education, Nonprofit Management, Interfaith Leadership, Teaching Practice, Special Education, Human Rights, Jewish Professional Studies, and Jewish Studies, plus graduate certificates, dual-enrollment college-credit-for-teens programming, and the Cohen Adult Jewish Learning continuing-education program. The college is regionally accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (since 1967), FERPA- and Title IX-compliant, and serves 487 students drawn from 43 U.S. states and 13 countries, with 78% enrolled part-time and an 88% retention rate against a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio.

The technology stack is conventional for a digitally delivered institution: Canvas Learning Management System for course delivery, Finalsite for the public website, and the internally developed Grayzel Digital Platform for stewardship of major archival collections tied to figures such as Elie Wiesel and Rebecca Gratz, layered on top of the long-standing Holocaust Oral History Archive (established 1979). Operations are organized through centralized functional offices — Office of the President, Office of the Dean, IT, Marketing and Design, Institutional Advancement, Financial Aid, Registrar — plus research and outreach units including the Center for Holocaust Studies and Human Rights and the peer-reviewed Journal of Contemporary Antisemitism.

Gratz operates a tuition-driven, direct-to-consumer enrollment model with rolling admissions, six annual term starts, 8-week asynchronous courses, and personal admissions-counselor support. Tuition is uniform for in-state and out-of-state students and is tiered by program: doctoral programs at $941/credit (with $1,000/semester dissertation research fees after year three in Ed.D. and year five in Ph.D.), Master's in Education at $479/credit, all other Master's and certificate tracks at $719/credit, undergraduate courses at $600/credit, and auditor rates between $432 and $645 per course. Revenue is supplemented by federal aid (FAFSA school code 004058, Direct Loans up to $20,500/year), endowed scholarships (37% of students receive institutional aid, totaling $603,200 in the latest reported year), and the Midcareer Fellowship offering 25–45% tuition scholarships for working Jewish professionals. The institution is supported by the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, the historic Hyman Gratz Trust, and a Board of Governors governance model with no equity holders.

Name

Gratz College

Legal name

Gratz College

Website

https://gratz.edu

Company type

Private

Founded year

1895

Operating status

Operating

Short description

Gratz College is a 129-year-old private nonprofit institution in suburban Philadelphia that delivers accredited online graduate degrees and certificates — including the world's only Ph.D. in Holocaust and Genocide Studies and the first U.S. Ph.D. in Antisemitism Studies — to ~487 working professionals, educators, and Jewish community leaders across 43 states and 13 countries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Higher Education (Online Graduate and Doctoral Programs)

NAICS

Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (611310), Educational Services (611), Educational Support Services (611710)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Jewish Theological Seminaries & Rabbinical Colleges (EDAHAKAH)

akta.pro secondary industry

University/College Continuing Education (Extension) Programs (EDAAAEAA)

Keywords

• Online graduate education
• Holocaust studies programs
• Antisemitism studies degrees
• Jewish studies degrees
• Doctoral graduate certificates

Headquarters

HQ city

Elkins Park

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Tuition - Doctoral Programs: Per-credit tuition for doctoral programs (Ed.D. and Ph.D.) at $941 per credit, with dissertation research fees of $1000/semester after program completion.
2. Tuition - Master's Programs: Graduate tuition with Education programs (M.Ed., M.S.T., M.S.SpEd) at $479/credit and all other Master's programs at $719/credit.
3. Tuition - Certificate Programs: Graduate Education certificates at $479/credit; all other certificate programs at $719/credit.
4. Non-Matriculated and Continuing Education: Graduate education courses at $479/credit, other graduate courses at $719/credit, undergraduate courses at $600/credit, auditors at $645/course, and alumni auditors at $432/course.
5. Federal Financial Aid: Federal Direct Loans up to $20,500/year for eligible graduate students through FAFSA.
6. Institutional Scholarships and Fellowships: Endowed scholarships and fellowships for students meeting donor-specified criteria, including Midcareer Fellowship providing 25-45% tuition scholarships for Jewish professionals.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Gratz College is an accredited private nonprofit higher education institution that delivers doctoral, master's, and graduate certificate programs entirely online through the Canvas Learning Management System in asynchronous 8-week sessions across six annual term starts. Programs are concentrated in Jewish Studies, Holocaust and Genocide Studies, Antisemitism Studies, Education, Nonprofit Management, Human Rights, Interfaith Leadership, and Special Education, including the world's only Ph.D. in Holocaust and Genocide Studies and the first and only Ph.D. and M.A. in Antisemitism Studies in the United States. The college also operates continuing education (College Credit for Teens and the Cohen Adult Jewish Learning Program), the Center for Holocaust Studies and Human Rights, and the Grayzel Digital Platform for digital scholarship.

Product overview

Gratz College is an educational institution offering a comprehensive portfolio of online degree programs and certificates spanning doctoral, master's, and certificate levels across multiple disciplines. The institution provides Ph.D. programs in Holocaust and Genocide Studies (the only program of its kind in the world), Antisemitism Studies, Jewish Studies, and Education Leadership; master's degrees in Education, Nonprofit Management, Interfaith Leadership, Teaching Practice, Special Education, Jewish Studies, Jewish Professional Studies, Human Rights, Holocaust and Genocide Studies, and Antisemitism Studies; and graduate certificates in various concentrations. Additional offerings include College Credit for Teens/Dual Enrollment programs and the Daniel and Louise Cohen Adult Jewish Learning Program for continuing education. The institution also operates the Center for Holocaust Studies and Human Rights academic center, the Grayzel Digital Platform for digital archival collections, and the Journal of Contemporary Antisemitism. Programs are delivered entirely online through Canvas LMS with asynchronous 8-week courses across 6 terms per year. Founded in 1895, Gratz College is regionally accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Gratz College Academy: Teen programs offering Hebrew, Holocaust education, and Jewish Studies for high school students.

Products and services

• Ph.D. in Holocaust and Genocide Studies The world's only Ph.D. program in Holocaust and Genocide Studies, designed for students with graduate degrees in related disciplines and focusing on research and education about the Holocaust and broader genocide phenomena.
• Ph.D. in Antisemitism Studies Interdisciplinary doctoral degree preparing students for careers in Jewish community organizations, education, advocacy, government relations, and public policy; the first and only program of its kind in the world.
• Ed.D. in Education Leadership Doctoral program for current and aspiring pre-K-12 leaders, higher education administrators, curriculum specialists and executive directors focused on educational leadership and administration.
• Executive Ph.D. in Jewish Studies Doctoral degree designed for students with strong academic backgrounds in Jewish studies who wish to build on that with advanced research to provide intellectual leadership for the contemporary Jewish community.
• M.A. in Holocaust and Genocide Studies Graduate degree for educators, museum staff, military instructors, and others interested in Holocaust and Genocide research, education, advocacy and prevention.
• M.A. in Antisemitism Studies 36-credit online degree building foundational knowledge of antisemitism with concentration options in Research, Teaching, or Advocacy; the first of its kind in the United States.
• M.A. in Jewish Studies Comprehensive graduate degree in Jewish studies leveraging the institution's strengths in nonprofit leadership, education, and antisemitism studies.
• Master of Education (M.Ed.) Graduate degree for teachers seeking to increase earnings and earn promotions with courses applicable directly to classroom practice; features the most affordable tuition in the region.
• M.S. in Nonprofit Management 33-credit practitioner-oriented program emphasizing managerial development, leadership skills, and ethical/social principles for nonprofit sector professionals.
• M.S. in Special Education Graduate program focusing on growth and academic success of students with diverse learning needs, addressing assessment, intervention, and inclusive teaching strategies.
• M.S. in Teaching Practice 10-course (30 credit) program promoting advanced exploration of classroom teaching with focus on education and society concepts and classroom leadership practice.
• M.A. in Interfaith Leadership Graduate degree focusing on leadership skills for interfaith engagement and community building across religious boundaries.
• M.A. in Jewish Professional Studies Graduate degree for professionals seeking advanced knowledge in Jewish studies for career advancement in Jewish communal organizations.
• M.A. in Human Rights Graduate degree focusing on human rights studies, advocacy, and policy in the context of genocide prevention and social justice.
• Graduate Certificate in Holocaust and Genocide Studies Graduate certificate providing foundational knowledge in Holocaust and Genocide Studies, obtainable by completing four courses in the program.
• Graduate Certificate in Antisemitism Studies Graduate certificate in antisemitism studies obtainable by completing any four courses in the Antisemitism Studies program.
• Master's Plus Certificate Certificate enabling teachers to earn professional education credits (+15, +30 and +60) while staying current with the latest educational trends and practices.
• Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management 12-credit graduate certificate providing essential training on current trends in community management and practical aspects of nonprofit organization management.
• Graduate Certificate in Jewish Communal Service Certificate offered in partnership with University of Pennsylvania's School of Social Policy and Practice for students earning MSW at UPenn.
• Graduate Certificate in Hebrew Instruction Graduate certificate for teaching Hebrew language at various educational levels.
• College Credit for Teens / Dual Enrollment Undergraduate-level college credit programs for high school students including dual enrollment partnerships with schools and supplemental education programs.
• Daniel and Louise Cohen Adult Jewish Learning Program Adult Jewish learning program providing Jewish Studies courses, conversational Hebrew and Yiddish language classes, professional development for attorneys, and community programming.
• Journal of Contemporary Antisemitism Peer-reviewed academic journal where Gratz graduate students work as key members of the editorial team, providing insight into editorial and peer-review processes.
• Grayzel Digital Platform Digital platform for stewarding major digital collections related to figures such as Elie Wiesel and Rebecca Gratz, supporting archival preservation and digital scholarship.

Quantifiable outcome

• 88% Student Retention Rate
• +3 more outcomes

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• St. Joseph's College of MaineminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to provide Christian students with a Jewish perspective on Jewish-Christian relations through Graduate Certificate in Jewish-Christian Studies. Pluralistic outlook allows all points of view without restricting by specific religious teachings.
• University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy and Practice (SP2)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint program where select courses at each institution fulfill elective degree requirements at the other. Students can earn both MSW at UPenn and Certificate in Jewish Communal Service through Gratz. Fieldwork includes internships in Jewish nonprofit/clinical settings.
• Academic Engagement NetworkcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerInstitutional partner for Antisemitism Studies program, supporting academic engagement and advocacy efforts.
• Anti-Defamation League (ADL)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInstitutional partner for Antisemitism Studies program. Gratz has developed a campus climate survey instrument in partnership with ADL aimed at helping campus stakeholders assess Jewish student experiences.
• Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish HistorycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for antisemitism studies programming including lecture series. The Weitzman Antisemitism Pedagogy Advisory Committee involves Gratz students in evaluating and implementing middle and high school antisemitism curriculum.
• AEPicoreGTM or Marketing PartnerInstitutional partner for Antisemitism Studies program, supporting fraternity-based engagement.
• Alums for Campus FairnesscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerInstitutional partner supporting campus-focused antisemitism education initiatives.
• JCC AssociationcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerInstitutional partner supporting Jewish Community Center professionals in antisemitism education.
• StandWithUscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerInstitutional partner for antisemitism studies and education initiatives.
• PassagescoreGTM or Marketing PartnerInstitutional partner supporting antisemitism education programs.
• Abington School DistrictminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCurrent partner for college credit for teens programs, providing dual enrollment and college-level courses for high school students.
• NCSYminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartner organization providing Jewish youth programming, working with Gratz for college credit offerings.
• Congregation Beth OrminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSynagogue partner for college credit for teens programs.
• New Hope-Solebury School DistrictminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSchool district partner for dual enrollment and college credit programs.
• Kosloff Torah AcademyminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorJewish day school partner for college credit offerings.
• JLI TeensminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorJewish Learning Initiative for Teens partner for educational programming.
• Ramah IsraelminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorJewish summer camp partner providing educational programming with Gratz credit options.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• American Jewish University (AJU): Los Angeles-based Jewish institution offering graduate degrees in education, nonprofit management, and Jewish studies. Directly comparable in size, mission, and program mix to Gratz's education and nonprofit leadership offerings.
• Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership: Chicago-based graduate school offering master's and doctoral programs in Jewish studies, education, and nonprofit leadership with a strong online delivery model. Direct competitor for online Jewish professional graduate students.
• Jewish Theological Seminary (JTS): The flagship Conservative Jewish rabbinical and academic seminary in New York, offering graduate degrees in Jewish Studies, education, and communal leadership. JTS is the most direct analogue to Gratz as a Jewish graduate education institution and competes for the same faculty, donor, and student pools.
• Hebrew Union College (HUC): Reform movement rabbinical seminary with campuses in Cincinnati, New York, Los Angeles, and Jerusalem, offering graduate degrees in Jewish Studies, education, and communal service. Closely comparable to Gratz in mission, credential mix, and target student population.
• Hebrew Theological College (HTC): Skokie-based Jewish seminary offering graduate programs in Jewish education and studies. Comparable in scale and mission; Gratz President Zev Eleff previously served as HTC's chief academic officer, underscoring the close peer relationship.

Broad incumbents

• Brandeis University: Major secular research university with a nationally prominent program in Near Eastern and Judaic Studies, as well as the Cohen Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies. A broader incumbent competing for Jewish-studies graduate students and faculty.
• Yeshiva University: Large Modern Orthodox university offering undergraduate, graduate, and rabbinical programs across Jewish studies, education, and professional fields. Substantially larger than Gratz and competes for Jewish professional and educator students at scale.
• Touro College: Large Jewish-affiliated nonprofit university system offering graduate degrees across education, business, health sciences, and Jewish studies. Eleff previously served as vice provost at Touro College Illinois; competes for online Jewish and education graduate students.

Emerging players

• Western Governors University: Large accredited nonprofit online university offering competency-based graduate degrees in education, leadership, and nonprofit management. Represents the scaled online delivery model that Gratz competes against in M.Ed. and education leadership categories.

Regional players

• University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy and Practice (SP2): Penn's graduate school of social work with which Gratz has a formal joint-program partnership for the Certificate in Jewish Communal Service. Comparable in regional geography and overlapping education/nonprofit curriculum.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCM0NSQ7UKGc5etgauZZBmhQ
• Facebookfacebook.com/246559032074871
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/gratz-college
• Xx.com/gratzalumni

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Gratz College