Pennsylvania’s Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship

Pennsylvania’s Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship

What are the best colleges and universities in Pennsylvania if you reward schools for making the best use of their limited resources? Academic Stewardship asks how effectively schools manage their financial and human resources to gain the influence that makes them academically excellent. Schools that are exemplary in Academic Stewardship are doing everything in their power to help students and faculty achieve their full potential.

Colleges and universities in Pennsylvania deserve to be recognized when they do more with less. It’s impressive when a large wealthy school can spend money lavishly on expensive buildings and programs. But it’s even more impressive when a small school with limited means is able to train and inspire students that the larger wealthier schools tend to ignore.

The American Association of Colleges and Universities reported in late 2021 that almost 75 percent of higher-education professionals at US colleges and universities felt financial constraints prevented their schools from effectively attracting students. Distracted by the size and amenities of larger schools, prospective students tended especially to be overawed by the big research universities.

Pennsylvania’s smaller colleges, especially its liberal arts colleges, need effective ways of communicating their value to a world that celebrates “bigger is better” and “you need the best.” Unfortunately, most college ranking companies, such as U.S. News & World Report, define “best” in a way that devalues schools with smaller budgets and fewer students even when these schools do remarkable work in advancing their students’ education. By and large, college rankings penalize schools that serve underserved populations.

Inspired by Malcolm Gladwell, who for years now has criticized conventional college rankings for misrepresenting what’s good and valuable in education, we decided to construct a new ranking metric that highlights those schools that do more with less. That metric—called the Academic Stewardship metric—takes away both the size and the wealth advantage of schools, and focuses instead on how well schools use the resources available to them to advance the education of their students.

How We Measure the Academic Stewardship of Pennsylvania’s Colleges and Universities

Pennsylvania's Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship
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As a metric, Academic Stewardship is defined by a precise mathematical formula, which can be found in our Academic Stewardship white paper. Measuring the Academic Stewardship of Pennsylvania’s colleges requires measuring two forms of stewardship: 1) Stewardship of financial resources (using the money they have responsibility without waste) and 2) Stewardship of human resources (doing their best to help students, faculty, and administration to flourish). Together, these two types of stewardship form what we call  Academic Stewardship. If you want to learn more about the factors involved in Academic Stewardship, click the more button below.

  1. Stewardship of financial resources: To determine a school’s stewardship of financial resources, we factored in its undergraduate size, budget, endowments and reserves, as well as tuition and fees. All these data are available from the National Center for Educational Statistics Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. In addition, we factored in a school’s financial responsibility as gauged by the Federal Student Aid Office at the US Department of Education through its financial responsibility composite scores.
  2. Stewardship of human resources: To determine a school’s stewardship of human resources, we used our InfluenceRanking engine to track the influence of the school’s faculty and alumni but also to control for size of the undergraduate student body. We’ve found that measuring a school’s influence based on the contributions of faculty and alumni make in their fields of study but then also controlling for size of the undergraduate population is the single best indicator of academic excellence. We call this Concentrated Influence. Schools that rank highly in Concentrated Influence are schools that, given their available human resources, invest heavily in their students and faculty, and the results are demonstrable.
    • We measure the influence of colleges and universities based on the publications and citations of the schools’ faculty and alumni who are teaching in and working in areas related to their degrees. To do this, we take publicly available databases, such as Semantic Scholar, Crossref, and Wikipedia and use these to measure the influence of academics in their disciplines. Having measured the influence of persons, we then identify the schools that they’re affiliated with, adding up the influence scores of the faculty and alumni to measure the influence of the schools and their disciplinary programs. Finally, we control these influence scores by size of undergraduate student body so that schools do not score high in influence simply because of a size advantage. We lay out these methodological considerations on our methodology page.
  3. Academic Stewardship: Having measured a school’s stewardship of financial and human resources in the two previous points, we now divide the second measure by the first to define the Academic Stewardship metric. This metric spotlights smaller schools, with fewer financial resources and people, that invest wisely and do proportionately better in building influence than large wealthy schools. Many of these smaller, less wealthy schools are incentivized to make better use of their resources but would never get recognized in conventional school rankings, which directly or indirectly put a premium on the wealth of schools.

Academic Stewardship as so defined is connected to keeping tuition and other costs down, but it should not be confused with affordability or frugality. The schools that this metric ranks as exemplary academic stewards tend to be all over the map when it comes to tuition and other costs. At issue is the influence of schools given the financial and human resources they have on hand. If a school is going to charge more for tuition, then that needs to be reflected in the school having proportionately greater influence.

Why Academic Stewardship Matters to Students and Their Families

The benefits of attending a school with strong academic stewardship include:

  • A clear reason for why students are at the school in the first place. Without the distraction of amenities and luxuries, these schools are at once unpretentious but also passionately committed to their educational mission. The schools in this ranking are financially efficient and academically rigorous. By avoiding frills, these schools take the most direct path to accomplishing their mission of educating students.
  • Valuing character over prestige and self-indulgence. A school that’s a good steward of its resources doesn’t instill shame in its students over what they are missing (such as elite cuisine) but rather pride in what they have and making the most of it. These schools exhibit a culture of good stewardship, which tends to build good character in the students that attend these schools.
  • Avoiding the spoiled-student syndrome. It’s easy to think that offering students endless options and opportunities will enrich their time at school in every way. But spoiling people—whether in business, sports, or academics—has the opposite effect, causing people to take their advantages for granted and in the end achieving less than they might otherwise, a point well-documented in Daniel Coyle’s The Talent Code. Schools exhibiting academic stewardship avoid this pitfall.
  • The best schools vs. the schools that help students to be their best. Students at schools demonstrating outstanding academic stewardship aren’t so much concerned about being at the “best” school, whatever that may mean, as about being at a school that helps them to be their best. These schools pay attention to their students, hoping that any glory goes to them rather than to the school. Small schools, and especially liberal arts colleges, help themselves by communicating this advantage to prospective students.
  • Emphasizing development over talent and achievement. Schools like Harvard and Stanford have their pick of academic talent, and their students have a long record of achievement even before they apply to such elite schools. But if a school doesn’t have the resources of a Harvard or Stanford, how does it build a great team of students? In that case, it must focus on student development. Colleges exemplifying academic stewardship emphasize student growth and development, ensuring that the schools are doing everything in their power to help students reach their full potential and thereby become their best selves.
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Pennsylvania’s Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship

  1. #1

    Haverford College

    Haverford , PA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $61K

    Acceptance

    18%

    Graduation

    90%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1440/33

    Career Outlook for degree at Haverford College

    Cost of Degree: $63,348
    Expenses: $21,120
    Starting Salary: $75,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  2. Tuition + fees

    $50K

    Acceptance

    84%

    Graduation

    76%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Washington & Jefferson College

    Cost of Degree: $50,192
    Expenses: $15,724
    Starting Salary: $60,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  3. #3

    Chestnut Hill College

    Philadelphia , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $39K

    Acceptance

    98%

    Graduation

    63%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Chestnut Hill College

    Cost of Degree: $39,410
    Expenses: $18,474
    Starting Salary: $46,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  4. #4

    Bryn Mawr College

    Bryn Mawr , PA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $56K

    Acceptance

    39%

    Graduation

    87%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Bryn Mawr College

    Cost of Degree: $59,330
    Expenses: $20,050
    Starting Salary: $61,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  5. #5

    Lincoln University, Pennsylvania

    Lincoln University , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    80%

    Graduation

    49%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    944/16

    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
  6. #6

    Swarthmore College

    Swarthmore , PA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $56K

    Acceptance

    8%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1467/32

    Career Outlook for degree at Swarthmore College

    Cost of Degree: $59,328
    Expenses: $20,686
    Starting Salary: $70,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  7. #7

    Geneva College

    Beaver Falls , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $30K

    Acceptance

    79%

    Graduation

    71%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Geneva College

    Cost of Degree: $30,990
    Expenses: $13,650
    Starting Salary: $43,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Geneva College known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

  8. #8

    Juniata College

    Huntingdon , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $51K

    Acceptance

    74%

    Graduation

    76%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Juniata College

    Cost of Degree: $54,336
    Starting Salary: $56,800
  9. #9

    Ursinus College

    Collegeville , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $57K

    Acceptance

    83%

    Graduation

    72%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1240/27

    Career Outlook for degree at Ursinus College

    Cost of Degree: $58,016
    Expenses: $17,946
    Starting Salary: $61,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  10. #10

    Eastern University

    Saint Davids , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $36K

    Acceptance

    69%

    Graduation

    60%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1100/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Eastern University

    Cost of Degree: $36,464
    Expenses: $18,068
    Starting Salary: $48,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Eastern University known for?

    Eastern University ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  11. #11

    Immaculata University

    Immaculata , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $28K

    Acceptance

    80%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1080/20

    Career Outlook for degree at Immaculata University

    Cost of Degree: $27,750
    Expenses: $18,720
    Starting Salary: $54,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Immaculata University known for?

    Immaculata University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Immaculata University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Allied Health for Clinical Professionals
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Health Care Management
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Cybersecurity
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Organizational Behavior
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Human Resources Management
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Emergency Planning and Management
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business Leadership
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business Management
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  12. #12

    Elizabethtown College

    Elizabethtown , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $35K

    Acceptance

    79%

    Graduation

    75%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1180/23

    Career Outlook for degree at Elizabethtown College

    Cost of Degree: $35,700
    Expenses: $14,792
    Starting Salary: $55,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  13. #13

    Carlow University

    Pittsburgh , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $32K

    Acceptance

    92%

    Graduation

    52%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1060/21

    Career Outlook for degree at Carlow University

    Cost of Degree: $33,500
    Expenses: $16,496
    Starting Salary: $44,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Carlow University known for?

    Carlow University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

  14. #14

    Dickinson College

    Carlisle , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $59K

    Acceptance

    48%

    Graduation

    82%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Dickinson College

    Cost of Degree: $61,326
    Expenses: $19,190
    Starting Salary: $64,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  15. #15

    Allegheny College

    Meadville , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $53K

    Acceptance

    75%

    Graduation

    75%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1245/27

    Career Outlook for degree at Allegheny College

    Cost of Degree: $53,610
    Expenses: $17,296
    Starting Salary: $56,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  16. #16

    Chatham University

    Pittsburgh , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $41K

    Acceptance

    73%

    Graduation

    63%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Chatham University

    Cost of Degree: $42,125
    Expenses: $15,719
    Starting Salary: $43,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  17. Tuition + fees

    $40K

    Acceptance

    73%

    Graduation

    74%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1115/24

    Career Outlook for degree at Saint Francis University

    Cost of Degree: $40,520
    Expenses: $18,452
    Starting Salary: $57,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  18. Tuition + fees

    $63K

    Acceptance

    38%

    Graduation

    83%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Franklin & Marshall College

    Cost of Degree: $65,844
    Expenses: $17,510
    Starting Salary: $69,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  19. #20

    Lafayette College

    Easton , PA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $57K

    Acceptance

    41%

    Graduation

    88%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1345/30

    Career Outlook for degree at Lafayette College

    Cost of Degree: $58,618
    Expenses: $19,486
    Starting Salary: $80,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  20. #21

    Gannon University

    Erie , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $35K

    Acceptance

    84%

    Graduation

    64%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1100/23

    Career Outlook for degree at Gannon University

    Cost of Degree: $36,706
    Expenses: $19,398
    Starting Salary: $55,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Gannon University known for?

    Gannon University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  21. #22

    Gettysburg College

    Gettysburg , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    56%

    Graduation

    82%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Gettysburg College

    Cost of Degree: $61,760
    Expenses: $17,140
    Starting Salary: $66,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  22. #23

    Arcadia University

    Glenside , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $46K

    Acceptance

    82%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1130/24

    Career Outlook for degree at Arcadia University

    Cost of Degree: $47,130
    Expenses: $16,320
    Starting Salary: $48,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Arcadia University known for?

    Arcadia University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  23. #24

    DeSales University

    Center Valley , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $41K

    Acceptance

    78%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1125/25

    Career Outlook for degree at DeSales University

    Cost of Degree: $42,600
    Expenses: $18,674
    Starting Salary: $54,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is DeSales University known for?

    DeSales University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

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Pennsylvania’s Best Colleges in Your Area of Interest

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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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