Best Colleges in Pennsylvania 2026
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.
10 Best Colleges in Pennsylvania in 2026
Related: Differences between research universities and teaching colleges
We’ve identified 97 colleges and universities in Pennsylvania that meet our criteria. The list below highlights the top 30 institutions that award bachelor’s degrees, emphasizing fully accredited public and private colleges across the state. This ranking is intended to help prospective students and advisors narrow choices based on institutional strengths rather than serve as a definitive answer for every individual.
Rankings reflect a balance of academic quality, student outcomes, faculty resources, institutional selectivity, and educational value. Use the list as a starting point: filter for programs or majors you care about, compare cost and location, and prioritize campus visits or conversations with current students to determine the best match for your goals.
Best Colleges and Universities in Pennsylvania
- #5 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online #10 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2026 #10 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2026 #12 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2026
Tuition + fees
$71K
Acceptance
5%
Graduation
97%
Student body
33K
Median SAT/ACT
1540/35
Career Outlook for degree at University of Pennsylvania
Cost of Degree: $66,104Expenses: $22,924Starting Salary: $121,687Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Pennsylvania known for?
University of Pennsylvania’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #10 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #16 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2026 #16 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2026 #19 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2026
Tuition + fees
$69K
Acceptance
12%
Graduation
94%
Student body
17K
Median SAT/ACT
1535/34
Career Outlook for degree at Carnegie Mellon University
Cost of Degree: $63,274Expenses: $19,868Starting Salary: $125,257Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Carnegie Mellon University known for?
Carnegie Mellon University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Computer Science
- Engineering
- Economics
- Business
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Psychology
- Physics
- Education
- Political Science
Most Influential Alumni
- #10 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2026 #10 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2026 #11 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2026 #25 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2026
Tuition + fees
$23K
Acceptance
58%
Graduation
86%
Student body
37K
Median SAT/ACT
1370/31
Career Outlook for degree at University of Pittsburgh
Cost of Degree: $21,524Expenses: $16,922Starting Salary: $73,113Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Pittsburgh known for?
University of Pittsburgh’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Philosophy
- Medical
- Criminal Justice
- Biology
- Anthropology
- Social Work
- Psychology
- History
- Computer Science
- Education
Most Influential Alumni
- #3 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2026 #4 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #1 Best Small Colleges in Pennsylvania 2026 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Pennsylvania 2026
Tuition + fees
$69K
Acceptance
7%
Graduation
92%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1525/34
Career Outlook for degree at Swarthmore College
Cost of Degree: $62,412Expenses: $21,691Starting Salary: $86,311Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Swarthmore College known for?
Swarthmore College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Economics
- Philosophy
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Political Science
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Computer Science
- Communications
- Literature
Most Influential Alumni
- #9 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers 2026 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Pennsylvania 2026 #2 Best Public Colleges in Pennsylvania 2026 #4 Best Grad Schools in Pennsylvania 2026
Tuition + fees
$24K
Acceptance
80%
Graduation
73%
Student body
33K
Career Outlook for degree at Temple University
Cost of Degree: $21,991Expenses: $22,674Starting Salary: $71,027Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Temple University known for?
Temple University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Sociology
- Social Work
- Medical
- Criminal Justice
- Education
- Religious Studies
- Anthropology
- Philosophy
- Psychology
- Mathematics
Most Influential Alumni
- #14 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2026 #15 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #2 Best Small Colleges in Pennsylvania 2026 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Pennsylvania 2026
Tuition + fees
$69K
Acceptance
29%
Graduation
83%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1395/31
Career Outlook for degree at Bryn Mawr College
Cost of Degree: $62,560Expenses: $20,690Starting Salary: $80,291Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Bryn Mawr College known for?
Bryn Mawr College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Literature
- Anthropology
- Mathematics
- Philosophy
- History
- Sociology
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Social Work
- Political Science
Most Influential Alumni
- #5 Best Private Colleges in Pennsylvania 2026 #5 Best Research Universities in Pennsylvania 2026 #6 Best Grad Schools in Pennsylvania 2026 #23 Best Online MBA Degree Programs for 2026 with No GMAT Required
Tuition + fees
$68K
Acceptance
26%
Graduation
85%
Student body
8K
Median SAT/ACT
1435/32
Career Outlook for degree at Lehigh University
Cost of Degree: $62,180Expenses: $18,970Starting Salary: $116,342Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Lehigh University known for?
Lehigh University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Engineering
- Mathematics
- Philosophy
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Earth Sciences
- Computer Science
- Business
- Economics
- Education
Most Influential Alumni
- #19 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2026 #19 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #3 Best Small Colleges in Pennsylvania 2026 #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Pennsylvania 2026
Tuition + fees
$74K
Acceptance
12%
Graduation
89%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
1505/34
Career Outlook for degree at Haverford College
Cost of Degree: $68,020Expenses: $22,082Starting Salary: $76,397Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Haverford College known for?
Haverford College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Religious Studies
- Mathematics
- Literature
- Physics
- Philosophy
- Chemistry
- Economics
- History
- Psychology
- Political Science
Most Influential Alumni
- #6 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2026 #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2026 #6 Best Research Universities in Pennsylvania 2026 #7 Best Private Colleges in Pennsylvania 2026
Tuition + fees
$64K
Acceptance
79%
Graduation
78%
Student body
25K
Median SAT/ACT
1340/29
Career Outlook for degree at Drexel University
Cost of Degree: $60,663Expenses: $20,750Starting Salary: $92,338Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Drexel University known for?
Drexel University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Nursing
- Engineering
- Computer Science
- Business
- Medical
- Economics
- Education
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Criminal Justice
Most Influential Alumni
- #18 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2026 #1 Best Christian Colleges in Pennsylvania 2026 #7 Best Research Universities in Pennsylvania 2026 #8 Best Private Colleges in Pennsylvania 2026
Tuition + fees
$71K
Acceptance
27%
Graduation
93%
Student body
11K
Median SAT/ACT
1452/33
Career Outlook for degree at Villanova University
Cost of Degree: $64,701Expenses: $20,296Starting Salary: $115,382Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Villanova University known for?
Villanova University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #3 The Best Catholic Colleges and Universities Ranked for 2026 #6 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees 2026 #24 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2026 #2 Best Christian Colleges in Pennsylvania 2026
Tuition + fees
$51K
Acceptance
84%
Graduation
76%
Student body
9K
Median SAT/ACT
1260/29
Career Outlook for degree at Duquesne University
Cost of Degree: $47,146Expenses: $21,018Starting Salary: $81,698Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Duquesne University known for?
Duquesne University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Religious Studies
- Criminal Justice
- Philosophy
- Social Work
- Sociology
- Communications
- Psychology
- Business
- Law
- Nursing
Most Influential Alumni
Duquesne University’s Online Degrees
BS in Computer Systems Technology
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Organizational Leadership
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
- #9 Best Research Universities in Pennsylvania 2026 #10 Best Private Colleges in Pennsylvania 2026 #10 Best Grad Schools in Pennsylvania 2026 #1 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Accounting Programs 2026
Tuition + fees
$49K
Acceptance
81%
Graduation
71%
Student body
10K
Median SAT/ACT
1245/27
Career Outlook for degree at Thomas Jefferson University
Cost of Degree: $45,533Expenses: $22,874Starting Salary: $78,311Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Thomas Jefferson University known for?
Thomas Jefferson University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Thomas Jefferson University’s Online Degrees
BS in Accounting
- Required Credits: 180
- Format: Fully 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
- Format: Fully 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
- Format: Fully online
BAS in Management
- Required Credits: 180
- Format: Fully online
BS in Information Technology
Degree Concentrations
- Cybersecurity
- Data Analytics
- Data Management
- IT Project Management
- Networking
- Software Development
- Required Credits: 180
- Format: Fully online
Tuition + fees
$69K
Acceptance
42%
Graduation
74%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1385/31
Career Outlook for degree at Dickinson College
Cost of Degree: $63,450Expenses: $19,752Starting Salary: $83,426Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Dickinson College known for?
Dickinson College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #5 Best Small Colleges in Pennsylvania 2026 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Pennsylvania 2026 #13 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Education Degrees #15 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Engineering Degrees 2026
Tuition + fees
$71K
Acceptance
29%
Graduation
85%
Student body
4K
Median SAT/ACT
1390/31
Career Outlook for degree at Bucknell University
Cost of Degree: $64,772Expenses: $19,018Starting Salary: $109,954Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Bucknell University known for?
Bucknell University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Literature
- Economics
- Religious Studies
- Chemistry
- Philosophy
- Sociology
- Engineering
- Political Science
- History
- Business
Most Influential Alumni
- #3 50 Best Christian Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities 2026 #3 Best Christian Colleges in Pennsylvania 2026 #6 Best Small Colleges in Pennsylvania 2026 #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Pennsylvania 2026
Tuition + fees
$68K
Acceptance
31%
Graduation
85%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1425/32
Career Outlook for degree at Lafayette College
Cost of Degree: $61,824Expenses: $20,790Starting Salary: $102,336Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Lafayette College known for?
Lafayette College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #14 Most Influential HBCUs in the US Ranked for 2026 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Pennsylvania 2026 #3 Best Public Colleges in Pennsylvania 2026 #7 Best Small Colleges in Pennsylvania 2026
Tuition + fees
$13K
Acceptance
66%
Graduation
45%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Lincoln University, Pennsylvania
Cost of Degree: $12,512Expenses: $15,993Starting Salary: $53,919Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Lincoln University, Pennsylvania known for?
Lincoln University, Pennsylvania’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Political Science
- Education
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Anthropology
- History
- Sociology
- Communications
- Literature
- Philosophy
Most Influential Alumni
- #8 Best Small Colleges in Pennsylvania 2026 #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Pennsylvania 2026 #22 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Education Degrees
Tuition + fees
$69K
Acceptance
39%
Graduation
79%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1365/30
Career Outlook for degree at Gettysburg College
Cost of Degree: $64,230Expenses: $17,730Starting Salary: $80,119Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Gettysburg College known for?
Gettysburg College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #5 Best Christian Colleges in Pennsylvania 2026 #10 Best Small Colleges in Pennsylvania 2026 #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Pennsylvania 2026 #9 Best Online Master's Programs in Pennsylvania 2026
Tuition + fees
$23K
Acceptance
72%
Graduation
81%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1264/27
What is Grove City College known for?
Grove City College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Economics
- Religious Studies
- Social Work
- Philosophy
- Physics
- Political Science
- Mathematics
- Education
- Literature
- Chemistry
Most Influential Alumni
- #18 50 Best Christian Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities 2026 #6 Best Christian Colleges in Pennsylvania 2026 #16 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Business Degrees in 2026 #17 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Communications Degrees 2026
Tuition + fees
$55K
Acceptance
89%
Graduation
81%
Student body
8K
Median SAT/ACT
1260/29
Career Outlook for degree at Saint Joseph's University
Cost of Degree: $51,340Expenses: $18,260Starting Salary: $85,980Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Saint Joseph's University known for?
Saint Joseph's University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$73K
Acceptance
28%
Graduation
79%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1386/31
Career Outlook for degree at Franklin & Marshall College
Cost of Degree: $68,380Expenses: $17,638Starting Salary: $81,484Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Franklin & Marshall College known for?
Franklin & Marshall College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Mathematics
- Literature
- Chemistry
- Political Science
- Economics
- History
- Computer Science
- Psychology
- Physics
- Biology
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$58K
Acceptance
71%
Graduation
67%
Student body
6K
Career Outlook for degree at Widener University
Cost of Degree: $53,638Expenses: $18,828Starting Salary: $76,782Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Widener University known for?
Widener University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #7 Best Christian Colleges in Pennsylvania 2026 #11 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Criminal Justice Degrees #18 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Communications Degrees 2026
Tuition + fees
$40K
Acceptance
97%
Graduation
60%
Student body
5K
Career Outlook for degree at La Salle University
Cost of Degree: $35,570Expenses: $17,590Starting Salary: $71,235Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is La Salle University known for?
La Salle University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Philosophy
- History
- Nursing
- Social Work
- Business
- Communications
- Political Science
- Religious Studies
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$30K
Acceptance
81%
Graduation
66%
Student body
1K
Career Outlook for degree at Washington & Jefferson College
Cost of Degree: $28,185Expenses: $16,110Starting Salary: $75,646Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Washington & Jefferson College known for?
Washington & Jefferson College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #8 Best Christian Colleges in Pennsylvania 2026 #7 10 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Accounting Programs 2026 #5 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Finance Degree Programs 2026
Tuition + fees
$56K
Acceptance
81%
Graduation
82%
Student body
5K
Median SAT/ACT
1239/27
Career Outlook for degree at University of Scranton
Cost of Degree: $52,034Expenses: $20,090Starting Salary: $85,590Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Scranton known for?
University of Scranton’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Religious Studies
- Philosophy
- History
- Literature
- Physics
- Psychology
- Communications
- Criminal Justice
- Political Science
- Sociology
Most Influential Alumni
- #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Pennsylvania 2026 #4 Best Public Colleges in Pennsylvania 2026 #4 Best Online Doctorate in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs 2026 #13 Best Online Master's Programs in Pennsylvania 2026
Tuition + fees
$12K
Acceptance
91%
Graduation
52%
Student body
11K
Median SAT/ACT
1075/23
Career Outlook for degree at Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Cost of Degree: $11,380Expenses: $15,982Starting Salary: $57,182Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Indiana University of Pennsylvania known for?
Indiana University of Pennsylvania’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Criminal Justice
- Education
- Earth Sciences
- Physics
- Communications
- Anthropology
- Economics
- Political Science
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$11K
Acceptance
78%
Graduation
68%
Student body
19K
Median SAT/ACT
1185/26
Career Outlook for degree at West Chester University
Cost of Degree: $10,686Expenses: $18,414Starting Salary: $66,629Cost Recoup Time: 9 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is West Chester University known for?
West Chester University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Communications
- Anthropology
- History
- Education
- Physics
- Biology
- Literature
- Political Science
- Criminal Justice
- Business
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$62K
Acceptance
92%
Graduation
73%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1292/30
Career Outlook for degree at Ursinus College
Cost of Degree: $59,196Expenses: $18,386Starting Salary: $74,571Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Ursinus College known for?
Ursinus College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$39K
Acceptance
78%
Graduation
82%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1207/28
Career Outlook for degree at Elizabethtown College
Cost of Degree: $36,842Expenses: $15,104Starting Salary: $66,572Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Elizabethtown College known for?
Elizabethtown College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Sociology
- Political Science
- Economics
- Religious Studies
- History
- Business
- Biology
- Education
- Chemistry
- Criminal Justice
Most Influential Alumni
- #23 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2026 #12 Top 16 Most Affordable Online Counseling PhDs (Doctorates) #15 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Counseling Degree Programs 2026
Tuition + fees
$40K
Acceptance
91%
Graduation
58%
Student body
10K
Career Outlook for degree at Eastern University
Cost of Degree: $37,420Expenses: $18,930Starting Salary: $54,281Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Eastern University known for?
Eastern University ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Sociology
- Anthropology
- Religious Studies
- Political Science
- Social Work
- Criminal Justice
- History
- Philosophy
- Literature
- Medical
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$43K
Acceptance
74%
Graduation
71%
Student body
5K
Career Outlook for degree at Gannon University
Cost of Degree: $37,951Expenses: $19,684Starting Salary: $64,498Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Gannon University known for?
Gannon University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
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.
- Swarthmore College
- Carnegie Mellon University
- University of Pennsylvania
- Bryn Mawr College
- Haverford College
- University of Pittsburgh
- Westminster College, Pennsylvania
- Lehigh University
- Bucknell University
- Wilkes University
- Dickinson College
- Drexel University
- Franklin & Marshall College
- Pennsylvania State University
- Saint Francis University
- Elizabethtown College
- Villanova University
- Lafayette College
- Thomas Jefferson University
- Temple University
- Allegheny College
- Washington & Jefferson College
- Ursinus College
- Susquehanna University
- Gettysburg College