Best Colleges in Pennsylvania 2025

Badge for BEST IN PENNSYLVANIA COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES

Here are the best colleges and universities in Pennsylvania based on the academic achievements of faculty and alumni associated with the schools. Our list will help you find the right kind of school for you.

Key Takeaways

  • The best colleges in Pennsylvania offer state-of-the-art facilities and robust research programs, providing students with the chance to collaborate with faculty on innovative projects in fields ranging from healthcare to environmental science.
  • Many institutions in our ranking are situated on historic campuses with deep ties to Pennsylvania’s legacy, offering a unique blend of tradition and modern education in inspiring settings.
  • The best colleges in Pennsylvania emphasize interdisciplinary learning, allowing students to combine majors and minors across fields such as technology, arts, and business, tailoring their education to diverse career paths.

2025 Ranking Update

Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or lost ground for the 2025 school year.

In 2025, the top ten schools in our ranking of the best colleges in Pennsylvania saw a fair amount of movement. Bryn Mawr College gained the most ranking positions as the college is undertaking significant improvements to enhance its campus and student experience. Renovations to the Park Science Complex, now in Phase 2, are set to continue through September 2025, improving facilities for STEM education. The Rhoads Hall South Terrace is undergoing reconstruction, with completion anticipated in spring 2025, while interior updates to Wyndham Hall are expected to be finalized by December 2024.

Additionally, the college has appointed a full-time sustainability coordinator to lead its environmental efforts, including launching the Bryn Mawr Sustainability Fellows program in summer 2025. These initiatives reflect Bryn Mawr’s commitment to advancing its facilities, promoting sustainability, and supporting a vibrant academic community.

Related: Differences between research universities and teaching colleges

We’ve identified 97 colleges and universities in Pennsylvania that meet our criteria. This list of the top 30 colleges in Pennsylvania below focuses on schools that offer bachelor’s degrees. The ranking features fully accredited public and private colleges and universities in Pennsylvania.

Best Colleges and Universities in Pennsylvania

  1. #1

    University of Pennsylvania

    Philadelphia , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $63K

    Acceptance

    7%

    Graduation

    96%

    Student body

    33K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1535/34

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Pennsylvania

    Cost of Degree: $66,104
    Expenses: $22,924
    Starting Salary: $131,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  2. Tuition + fees

    $61K

    Acceptance

    11%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    16K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1530/34

    Career Outlook for degree at Carnegie Mellon University

    Cost of Degree: $63,274
    Expenses: $19,868
    Starting Salary: $103,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  3. #3

    University of Pittsburgh

    Pittsburgh , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $21K

    Acceptance

    49%

    Graduation

    84%

    Student body

    36K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1375/31

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Pittsburgh

    Cost of Degree: $21,524
    Expenses: $16,922
    Starting Salary: $61,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  4. #4

    Swarthmore College

    Swarthmore , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $59K

    Acceptance

    7%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1500/33

    Career Outlook for degree at Swarthmore College

    Cost of Degree: $62,412
    Expenses: $21,691
    Starting Salary: $70,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  5. #5

    Temple University

    Philadelphia , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $21K

    Acceptance

    80%

    Graduation

    78%

    Student body

    38K

    Career Outlook for degree at Temple University

    Cost of Degree: $21,991
    Expenses: $22,674
    Starting Salary: $59,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  6. #6

    Bryn Mawr College

    Bryn Mawr , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $59K

    Acceptance

    31%

    Graduation

    83%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1387/31

    Career Outlook for degree at Bryn Mawr College

    Cost of Degree: $62,560
    Expenses: $20,690
    Starting Salary: $61,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  7. #7

    Lehigh University

    Bethlehem , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    37%

    Graduation

    91%

    Student body

    8K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1415/31

    Career Outlook for degree at Lehigh University

    Cost of Degree: $62,180
    Expenses: $18,970
    Starting Salary: $94,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  8. #8

    Drexel University

    Philadelphia , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $59K

    Acceptance

    80%

    Graduation

    78%

    Student body

    26K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1330/29

    Career Outlook for degree at Drexel University

    Cost of Degree: $60,663
    Expenses: $20,750
    Starting Salary: $78,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  9. #9

    Haverford College

    Haverford , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $64K

    Acceptance

    14%

    Graduation

    91%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1485/34

    Career Outlook for degree at Haverford College

    Cost of Degree: $68,020
    Expenses: $22,082
    Starting Salary: $75,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  10. #10

    Villanova University

    Villanova , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    23%

    Graduation

    91%

    Student body

    12K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1439/33

    Career Outlook for degree at Villanova University

    Cost of Degree: $64,701
    Expenses: $20,296
    Starting Salary: $87,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  11. #11

    Duquesne University

    Pittsburgh , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $45K

    Acceptance

    87%

    Graduation

    78%

    Student body

    9K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1245/28

    Career Outlook for degree at Duquesne University

    Cost of Degree: $47,146
    Expenses: $21,018
    Starting Salary: $68,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Duquesne University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Computer Systems Technology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Organizational Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  12. #12

    Thomas Jefferson University

    Philadelphia , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $44K

    Acceptance

    89%

    Graduation

    68%

    Student body

    10K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1240/29

    Career Outlook for degree at Thomas Jefferson University

    Cost of Degree: $45,533
    Expenses: $22,874
    Starting Salary: $99,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Thomas Jefferson University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 180
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminal Justice
    Degree Concentrations
    • Computer Forensics
    • Crime and Criminal Behavior
    • Criminal Justice Administration
    • Homeland Security and Emergency Management
    • Probation and Parole
    • Required Credits: 180
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Business Administration
    Degree Concentrations
    • Accounting
    • Acquisition and Contract Management
    • Entrepreneurship
    • Finance
    • Health Services Administration
    • Human Resource Management
    • Hospitality and Tourism Management
    • Joe Gibbs Performance Management
    • Management
    • Marketing
    • Project Management
    • Retail Management
    • Social Media Marketing
    • Required Credits: 180
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BAS in Management
    • Required Credits: 180
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  13. #13

    Lafayette College

    Easton , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $59K

    Acceptance

    34%

    Graduation

    89%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1405/31

    Career Outlook for degree at Lafayette College

    Cost of Degree: $61,824
    Expenses: $20,790
    Starting Salary: $80,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  14. #14

    Bucknell University

    Lewisburg , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    33%

    Graduation

    87%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1390/31

    Career Outlook for degree at Bucknell University

    Cost of Degree: $64,772
    Expenses: $19,018
    Starting Salary: $82,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  15. #15

    Dickinson College

    Carlisle , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $61K

    Acceptance

    35%

    Graduation

    84%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Dickinson College

    Cost of Degree: $63,450
    Expenses: $19,752
    Starting Salary: $64,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  16. #16

    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: $12,512
    Expenses: $15,993
    Starting Salary: $36,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  17. #17

    Gettysburg College

    Gettysburg , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    56%

    Graduation

    82%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1395/30

    Career Outlook for degree at Gettysburg College

    Cost of Degree: $64,230
    Expenses: $17,730
    Starting Salary: $66,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  18. #18

    Saint Joseph's University

    Philadelphia , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $50K

    Acceptance

    89%

    Graduation

    82%

    Student body

    10K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1240/28

    Career Outlook for degree at Saint Joseph's University

    Cost of Degree: $51,340
    Expenses: $18,260
    Starting Salary: $65,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  19. #19

    La Salle University

    Philadelphia , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $34K

    Acceptance

    94%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    6K

    Career Outlook for degree at La Salle University

    Cost of Degree: $35,570
    Expenses: $17,590
    Starting Salary: $61,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  20. Tuition + fees

    $66K

    Acceptance

    36%

    Graduation

    86%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1375/31

    Career Outlook for degree at Franklin & Marshall College

    Cost of Degree: $68,380
    Expenses: $17,638
    Starting Salary: $69,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  21. Tuition + fees

    $50K

    Acceptance

    88%

    Graduation

    74%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1130/23

    Career Outlook for degree at Washington & Jefferson College

    Cost of Degree: $28,185
    Expenses: $16,110
    Starting Salary: $60,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  22. #22

    Widener University

    Chester , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $52K

    Acceptance

    88%

    Graduation

    68%

    Student body

    7K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1197/25

    Career Outlook for degree at Widener University

    Cost of Degree: $53,638
    Expenses: $18,828
    Starting Salary: $59,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  23. #24

    University of Scranton

    Scranton , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $50K

    Acceptance

    84%

    Graduation

    80%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1235/28

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Scranton

    Cost of Degree: $52,034
    Expenses: $20,090
    Starting Salary: $62,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  24. Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    92%

    Graduation

    52%

    Student body

    10K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1045/20

    Career Outlook for degree at Indiana University of Pennsylvania

    Cost of Degree: $11,380
    Expenses: $15,982
    Starting Salary: $44,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  25. #26

    Elizabethtown College

    Elizabethtown , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $36K

    Acceptance

    81%

    Graduation

    76%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1175/27

    Career Outlook for degree at Elizabethtown College

    Cost of Degree: $36,842
    Expenses: $15,104
    Starting Salary: $55,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  26. #27

    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: $10,686
    Expenses: $18,414
    Starting Salary: $51,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  27. #28

    Ursinus College

    Collegeville , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $58K

    Acceptance

    82%

    Graduation

    73%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1280/30

    Career Outlook for degree at Ursinus College

    Cost of Degree: $59,196
    Expenses: $18,386
    Starting Salary: $61,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  28. #29

    Eastern University

    Saint Davids , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $36K

    Acceptance

    63%

    Graduation

    59%

    Student body

    6K

    Career Outlook for degree at Eastern University

    Cost of Degree: $37,420
    Expenses: $18,930
    Starting Salary: $48,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 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

  29. #30

    Gannon University

    Erie , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $37K

    Acceptance

    81%

    Graduation

    70%

    Student body

    5K

    Career Outlook for degree at Gannon University

    Cost of Degree: $37,951
    Expenses: $19,684
    Starting Salary: $55,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 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

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Find the Best Colleges in Pennsylvania for Area of Interest

2021 Ranking Archive

Many of our 2024 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2023. That’s because we took a fundamentally different approach. For 2024 we utilized our Concentrated Influence algorithm, designed to take away the size advantage larger schools have when we rank their faculty and alumni’s academic influence. Concentrated influence highlights smaller schools that are proportionally as successful as larger universities at cultivating influential alumni and faculty.

  1. Swarthmore College
  2. Carnegie Mellon University
  3. University of Pennsylvania
  4. Bryn Mawr College
  5. Haverford College
  6. University of Pittsburgh
  7. Westminster College, Pennsylvania
  8. Lehigh University
  9. Bucknell University
  10. Wilkes University
  11. Dickinson College
  12. Drexel University
  13. Franklin & Marshall College
  14. Pennsylvania State University
  15. Saint Francis University
  16. Elizabethtown College
  17. Villanova University
  18. Lafayette College
  19. Thomas Jefferson University
  20. Temple University
  21. Allegheny College
  22. Washington & Jefferson College
  23. Ursinus College
  24. Susquehanna University
  25. Gettysburg College
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