Most Affordable Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024

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Here are the most affordable colleges and universities in Pennsylvania. Our list will help you find the right kind of school for you, at a price you can afford.

10 Most Affordable Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024

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  1. Temple University
  2. Indiana University of Pennsylvania
  3. Lincoln University, Pennsylvania
  4. West Chester University
  5. Slippery Rock University
  6. Slippery Rock University, Pennsylvania
  7. PennWest California
  8. University of Pittsburgh at Bradford
  9. Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania
  10. Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania
  1. Temple University
  2. Lincoln University, Pennsylvania
  3. Indiana University of Pennsylvania
  4. West Chester University
  5. Cheyney University of Pennsylvania
  6. University of Pittsburgh at Bradford
  7. Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania
  8. Millersville University of Pennsylvania
  9. University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown
  10. Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania
  1. University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg 98%
  2. University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown 97%
  3. Kutztown University of Pennsylvania 96%
  4. East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania 94%
  5. University of Pittsburgh at Bradford 94%
  6. Millersville University of Pennsylvania 92%
  7. Indiana University of Pennsylvania 92%
  8. West Chester University 88%
  9. Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania 88%
  10. Lincoln University, Pennsylvania 81%
  1. Lackawanna College 21 to 1
  2. Indiana University of Pennsylvania 21 to 1
  3. West Chester University 20 to 1
  4. East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania 20 to 1
  5. Kutztown University of Pennsylvania 20 to 1
  6. Slippery Rock University 19 to 1
  7. Millersville University of Pennsylvania 18 to 1
  8. Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania 17 to 1
  9. University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg 16 to 1
  10. Cheyney University of Pennsylvania 15 to 1
  1. Temple University $20,173
  2. Keystone College $17,450
  3. Lackawanna College $17,340
  4. Pittsburgh Technical College $16,974
  5. Peirce College $15,060
  6. University of Pittsburgh at Bradford $13,660
  7. University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg $13,660
  8. University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown $13,660
  9. Millersville University of Pennsylvania $9,570
  10. Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania $9,570
  1. Temple University $20,531
  2. Keystone College $15,600
  3. Peirce College $13,896
  4. Lincoln University, Pennsylvania $10,106
  5. East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania $10,062
  6. West Chester University $9,288
  7. Kutztown University of Pennsylvania $9,288
  8. Indiana University of Pennsylvania $9,288
  9. Slippery Rock University $9,288
  10. Millersville University of Pennsylvania $9,288
  1. Mansfield University of Pennsylvania
  2. Peirce College
  3. University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg
  4. Pittsburgh Technical College
  5. Keystone College
  6. Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania
  7. PennWest Clarion
  8. Lackawanna College
  9. East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania
  10. Cheyney University of Pennsylvania
  1. Slippery Rock University, Pennsylvania
  2. PennWest Clarion
  3. PennWest Edinboro
  4. Pittsburgh Technical College
  5. PennWest California
  6. Slippery Rock University
  7. Keystone College
  8. Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania
  9. Lackawanna College
  10. Peirce College
  1. Slippery Rock University 74%
  2. Temple University 80%
  3. Keystone College 81%
  4. Lincoln University, Pennsylvania 81%
  5. Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania 88%
  6. West Chester University 88%
  7. Indiana University of Pennsylvania 92%
  8. Millersville University of Pennsylvania 92%
  9. University of Pittsburgh at Bradford 94%
  10. East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania 94%
  1. Peirce College 9 to 1
  2. Temple University 12 to 1
  3. Lincoln University, Pennsylvania 13 to 1
  4. University of Pittsburgh at Bradford 13 to 1
  5. Pittsburgh Technical College 13 to 1
  6. Keystone College 14 to 1
  7. Cheyney University of Pennsylvania 15 to 1
  8. University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown 15 to 1
  9. University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg 16 to 1
  10. Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania 17 to 1
  1. West Chester University $7,716
  2. East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania $7,716
  3. Kutztown University of Pennsylvania $7,716
  4. Indiana University of Pennsylvania $7,716
  5. Cheyney University of Pennsylvania $7,716
  6. Slippery Rock University $7,716
  7. Lincoln University, Pennsylvania $8,476
  8. Millersville University of Pennsylvania $9,570
  9. Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania $9,570
  10. University of Pittsburgh at Bradford $13,660
  1. West Chester University $9,288
  2. Kutztown University of Pennsylvania $9,288
  3. Indiana University of Pennsylvania $9,288
  4. Slippery Rock University $9,288
  5. Millersville University of Pennsylvania $9,288
  6. Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania $9,288
  7. East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania $10,062
  8. Lincoln University, Pennsylvania $10,106
  9. Peirce College $13,896
  10. Keystone College $15,600

Key Takeaways

  • The most affordable colleges in Pennsylvania are the public colleges and universities within Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education and the Commonwealth System of Higher Education.
  • College-bound students must consider the total cost of education even in the most affordable colleges in the state of Pennsylvania. Setting realistic expectations regarding costs, from tuition and other fees to room and board, is vital in completing your higher education without overwhelming student debt.
  • Look into the financial aid options offered by any small liberal arts college you’re planning on attending. The typical financial aid package won’t cover the total cost of education, but can result in significant reductions in the cost of higher education.

Colleges and Universities in Pennsylvania

Prospective students hoping to earn an associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree have over 100 higher learning institutions to choose from. The largest public university is Pennsylvania State University, or Penn State, with a tuition of $18,000, and a student population of over 95,000 across its campuses. As a private institution, the University of Pennsylvania, or simply Penn, is known for its medical, nursing, social work, and business fields. Tuition is $56,000, and the school boasts a 95% graduation rate.

Find college admissions consultants in your state.

Students can also attend one of the more than 60 religiously affiliated schools, such as Villanova University or Lafayette College, each with a tuition of about $53,000. Some of the most affordable colleges in the state include the Curtis Institute of Music and the Talmudical Yeshiva of Philadelphia, with tuitions set at $3,000 and $9,000, respectively. Though the average tuition for college in Pennsylvania comes in above the national average, those who practice medicine in underserved areas may qualify for up to $100,000 in loan forgiveness through the Pennsylvania Primary Care Loan Repayment Program.

As the nation’s second state, Pennsylvania’s history runs deep. It’s here where Betsy Ross made the first American flag and where the Declaration of Independence was signed. The Keystone State is also home to some culinary delights, including whoopie pies, soft pretzels, and the famous Philly cheesesteak. Students looking to earn their degree in Pennsylvania will undoubtedly enjoy what the state has to offer.

Check out the state’s top programs and learn more about earning your degree in Pennsylvania.


What are Pennsylvania’s Colleges & Universities?

Pennsylvania’s Best Overall

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Pennsylvania and Its Affordable Colleges

Did you know that one of the country’s oldest universities is in Pennsylvania? A private Ivy League school, the University of Pennsylvania, was founded in 1740. But if you’re looking for the state’s most affordable colleges, know first that the average tuition is $63,452 or higher than the $41,568 national average.

College-bound students who want to enjoy the benefits of higher education without crippling student debt can look into colleges and universities in the Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) and the Commonwealth System of Higher Education. Both of these systems not only offer affordable tuition and other fees but also have a wide range of financial aid options.

Furthermore, the colleges and universities offer undergraduate and graduate degree programs that prepare students for successful careers and productive lives. Many also have job training programs that prepare students for competitive industries like health science, business administration, and criminal justice.

Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education

Founded on July 1, 1983, the Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) is the state agency responsible for overseeing state-owned universities.

As a group, these universities are the largest providers of higher education in Pennsylvania with more than 90,000 students in their degree programs alone. Students and alumni contribute to the socio-economic progress of their local communities, the commonwealth, and the country.

Every member university in the PASSHE is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusivity in higher education. Affordable cost of college education is among the universities’ primary means of enabling students to achieve personal and professional advancement.

The PASSHE is also committed to ideal student to faculty ratio in their member schools, which allows students a higher rate of success in their studies.

You can also check out our ranking of the most affordable colleges and universities in the United States.

The 10 state-owned universities within PASSHE are:

Note that starting in the 2022-2023 academic year, consolidations were made between several universities. Pennsylvania Western University is composed of the former Clarion University, California University, and Edinboro University. Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania consists of the former Mansfield University, Bloomsburg University, and Lock Haven University.

Nearly 80% of students enrolled in PASSHE universities receive financial aid with the typical financial assistance package consisting of scholarships, loans, and work-study employment. The Board of Governors has also voted for a tuition freeze—the fourth in a row—for the 2022-2023 academic year.

While each university has its in-state and out-of-state tuition structure, housing and board packages, and other mandatory fees, the typical undergraduate tuition and other costs for students are:

  • In-state tuition: $7,716
  • In-state technology fee: $478
  • Out-of-state tuition: $9,660-$19,290
  • Mandatory fees: $2,214-$3,496

Students must also consider on-campus housing and other incidental expenses. Housing plans are between $3,488 and $11,884, while board plans are in the $1,640-$4,924 range.

Commonwealth System of Higher Education

The Commonwealth System of Higher Education designates state-related status on four universities in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, namely:

  • Lincoln University, a public state-related historically black university in Oxford, Pennsylvania
  • Pennsylvania State University, a multi-campus public state-related land-grant research university
  • Temple University, a public state-related research university in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania known for its world-class professional education programs such as law, medicine, and engineering
  • University of Pittsburgh, a public state-related research university in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

The unique public-private hybrid university system allows Pennsylvania residents/students to benefit from tuition discounts, thanks to annual financial appropriations from the state. Note, however, that PASSHE universities still have more affordable tuition than universities in the Commonwealth System of Higher Education.

Pennsylvania's Most Affordable Colleges and Universities Badge
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There are 27 colleges and universities in Pennsylvania with stated tuitions and fees under $20,000/year. The following list of the most affordable colleges and universities in Pennsylvania is composed entirely of schools offering bachelor’s degree programs, have stated tuition and fees near or under the national average of $16,000/year, and are fully accredited colleges.

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Most Affordable Colleges in Pennsylvania 2023

These schools are ranked by academic excellence, and all under $20,000/year.

  1. #3

    Lincoln University, Pennsylvania

    Lincoln University , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    81%

    Graduation

    45%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    940/17

    Career Outlook for degree at Lincoln University, Pennsylvania

    Cost of Degree: $11,910
    Expenses: $15,448
    Starting Salary: $36,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  2. #4

    West Chester University

    West Chester , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    88%

    Graduation

    72%

    Student body

    20K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1170/26

    Career Outlook for degree at West Chester University

    Cost of Degree: $10,527
    Expenses: $17,948
    Starting Salary: $51,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  3. Career Outlook for degree at Slippery Rock University, Pennsylvania

    Cost of Degree: $10,507
    Expenses: $14,778
    Starting Salary: $44,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Slippery Rock University, Pennsylvania known for?

    Slippery Rock University, Pennsylvania’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  4. #6

    PennWest California

    California , PA
    What is PennWest California known for?

    Most Influential Alumni

  5. Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    94%

    Graduation

    42%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1088/24

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Pittsburgh at Bradford

    Cost of Degree: $14,620
    Expenses: $15,390
    Starting Salary: $61,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Pittsburgh at Bradford known for?

    University of Pittsburgh at Bradford’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    University of Pittsburgh at Bradford’s Online Degrees

    BS in Nursing
    Degree Concentrations
    • Nursing Informatics
    • Clinical Nurse Leader
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  6. Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    88%

    Graduation

    50%

    Student body

    6K

    Career Outlook for degree at Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania

    Cost of Degree: $13,394
    Expenses: $16,120
    Starting Salary: $48,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania known for?

    Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania’s Online Degrees

    BA in Behavioral Health
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Healthcare Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business Administration
    Degree Concentrations
    • Areas of Specialization: Human Resources (online or on-campus)
    • Marketing (online or on-campus)
    • Entrepreneurial Studies (on-campus only)
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  7. Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    97%

    Graduation

    48%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1120/23

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown

    Cost of Degree: $14,646
    Expenses: $16,538
    Starting Salary: $61,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown known for?

    University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  8. #11

    PennWest Edinboro

    Edinboro , PA

    PennWest Edinboro’s Online Degrees

    BS in Applied Technical Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  9. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    96%

    Graduation

    56%

    Student body

    9K

    Career Outlook for degree at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania

    Cost of Degree: $11,122
    Expenses: $17,646
    Starting Salary: $43,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Kutztown University of Pennsylvania known for?

    Kutztown University of Pennsylvania’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Kutztown University of Pennsylvania’s Online Degrees

    BS in Human Development and Family Science
    Degree Concentrations
    • Tracks: Family Specialist Track
    • Infant/Toddler Mental Health Track
    • Child Life Track
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    BA in General Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Communications Media
    Degree Concentrations
    • Media Marketing Track
    • Media Production Track
    • Media Studies Track
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    BA in Criminology
    Degree Concentrations
    • Areas: Criminal Justice System
    • Critical Issues in Criminology
    • Diversity Issues in Criminology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
  10. Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    92%

    Graduation

    57%

    Student body

    8K

    Career Outlook for degree at Millersville University of Pennsylvania

    Cost of Degree: $12,262
    Expenses: $17,100
    Starting Salary: $46,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Millersville University of Pennsylvania’s Online Degrees

    BA in Art History
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Sociology
    Degree Concentrations
    • General Sociology
    • Applied Health Care Concentrations
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  11. Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Graduation

    15%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Cheyney University of Pennsylvania

    Cost of Degree: $10,904
    Expenses: $14,344
    Starting Salary: $31,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Cheyney University of Pennsylvania known for?

    Cheyney University of Pennsylvania’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  12. Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    94%

    Graduation

    46%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1050/21

    Career Outlook for degree at East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania

    Cost of Degree: $10,687
    Expenses: $15,100
    Starting Salary: $47,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania known for?

    East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  13. #16

    Lackawanna College

    Scranton , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $17K

    Graduation

    38%

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for degree at Lackawanna College

    Cost of Degree: $17,340
    Expenses: $15,810
    Starting Salary: $36,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Lackawanna College known for?

    Lackawanna College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  14. #17

    PennWest Clarion

    Clarion , PA
    What is PennWest Clarion known for?

    Most Influential Alumni

  15. What is Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania known for?
  16. #19

    Keystone College

    La Plume , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $17K

    Acceptance

    81%

    Graduation

    43%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Keystone College

    Cost of Degree: $17,450
    Expenses: $15,100
    Starting Salary: $36,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Keystone College known for?

    Keystone College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Keystone College’s Online Degrees

    BS in Accounting Principles
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Industrial-Organizational Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  17. Tuition + fees

    $17K

    Graduation

    54%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Pittsburgh Technical College

    Cost of Degree: $16,974
    Expenses: $21,370
    Starting Salary: $37,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Pittsburgh Technical College known for?

    Pittsburgh Technical College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Pittsburgh Technical College’s Online Degrees

    BS in Applied Management
    • Required Credits: 80
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business Administration
    Degree Concentrations
    • Accounting
    • Management
    • Required Credits: 184
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Information Systems and Technology
    • Required Credits: 188
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  18. Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    98%

    Graduation

    39%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1162/25

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg

    Cost of Degree: $14,630
    Expenses: $16,878
    Starting Salary: $61,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg known for?

    University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

  19. #22

    Peirce College

    Philadelphia , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Graduation

    5%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Peirce College

    Cost of Degree: $15,060
    Starting Salary: $50,300
    What is Peirce College known for?

    Peirce College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  20. What is Mansfield University of Pennsylvania known for?

    Most Influential Alumni

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Pennsylvania’s Most Affordable Colleges in Your Area of Interest

2021 Ranking Archive
  1. Grove City College
  2. University of Pittsburgh
  3. Rosemont College
  4. York College of Pennsylvania
  5. University of Valley Forge
  6. Harrisburg University of Science and Technology
  7. Mount Aloysius College
  8. Wilson College
  9. Bryn Athyn College
  10. Lancaster Bible College
  11. Waynesburg University
  12. Albright College
  13. Immaculata University
  14. Geneva College
  15. Cairn University
  16. La Roche University
  17. Holy Family University
  18. Carlow University
  19. Robert Morris University
  20. La Salle University
  21. Cabrini University
  22. Neumann University
  23. Thiel College
  24. Gannon University
  25. Elizabethtown College
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