Best Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024

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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.

10 Best Colleges in Pennsylvania

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  1. University of Pennsylvania
  2. Carnegie Mellon University
  3. University of Pittsburgh
  4. Temple University
  5. Swarthmore College
  6. Lehigh University
  7. Drexel University
  8. Haverford College
  9. Villanova University
  10. Bryn Mawr College
  1. University of Pennsylvania
  2. Carnegie Mellon University
  3. University of Pittsburgh
  4. Swarthmore College
  5. Temple University
  6. Bryn Mawr College
  7. Haverford College
  8. Lehigh University
  9. Drexel University
  10. Lincoln University, Pennsylvania
  1. Indiana University of Pennsylvania 94%
  2. West Chester University 89%
  3. Widener University 85%
  4. Washington & Jefferson College 84%
  5. Duquesne University 84%
  6. Gannon University 84%
  7. Drexel University 83%
  8. Saint Joseph's University 83%
  9. Ursinus College 83%
  10. La Salle University 81%
  1. West Chester University 20 to 1
  2. Indiana University of Pennsylvania 18 to 1
  3. University of Pittsburgh 14 to 1
  4. Lincoln University, Pennsylvania 14 to 1
  5. Gannon University 13 to 1
  6. Grove City College 13 to 1
  7. Temple University 13 to 1
  8. Duquesne University 13 to 1
  9. Thomas Jefferson University 13 to 1
  10. La Salle University 13 to 1
  1. Franklin & Marshall College $63,406
  2. University of Pennsylvania $61,710
  3. Haverford College $61,210
  4. Gettysburg College $59,960
  5. Bucknell University $59,802
  6. Villanova University $59,020
  7. Carnegie Mellon University $58,924
  8. Dickinson College $58,733
  9. Lehigh University $57,470
  10. Drexel University $57,136
  1. Bryn Mawr College $48,328
  2. Carnegie Mellon University $46,441
  3. University of Pennsylvania $38,732
  4. Drexel University $36,234
  5. Elizabethtown College $34,000
  6. Lehigh University $27,000
  7. Bucknell University $26,112
  8. Widener University $25,100
  9. Duquesne University $24,534
  10. University of Pittsburgh $24,118
  1. Eastern University
  2. Ursinus College
  3. West Chester University
  4. Elizabethtown College
  5. Grove City College
  6. University of Scranton
  7. Lincoln University, Pennsylvania
  8. Saint Joseph's University
  9. Widener University
  10. La Salle University
  1. Gannon University
  2. Eastern University
  3. Elizabethtown College
  4. West Chester University
  5. Indiana University of Pennsylvania
  6. University of Scranton
  7. La Salle University
  8. Franklin & Marshall College
  9. Grove City College
  10. Ursinus College
  1. University of Pennsylvania 6%
  2. Swarthmore College 8%
  3. Carnegie Mellon University 14%
  4. Haverford College 18%
  5. Villanova University 25%
  6. Bucknell University 35%
  7. Franklin & Marshall College 38%
  8. Bryn Mawr College 39%
  9. Lafayette College 41%
  10. Lehigh University 46%
  1. Carnegie Mellon University 5 to 1
  2. University of Pennsylvania 6 to 1
  3. Swarthmore College 7 to 1
  4. Bryn Mawr College 8 to 1
  5. Dickinson College 8 to 1
  6. Haverford College 8 to 1
  7. Lehigh University 9 to 1
  8. Bucknell University 9 to 1
  9. Franklin & Marshall College 9 to 1
  10. Lafayette College 9 to 1
  1. West Chester University $7,716
  2. Lincoln University, Pennsylvania $8,228
  3. Indiana University of Pennsylvania $9,570
  4. Temple University $16,488
  5. University of Pittsburgh $19,092
  6. Grove City College $19,310
  7. La Salle University $33,150
  8. Gannon University $34,526
  9. Elizabethtown College $34,600
  10. Eastern University $35,590
  1. La Salle University $885
  2. Dickinson College $3,750
  3. Washington & Jefferson College $8,400
  4. Grove City College $8,550
  5. West Chester University $9,288
  6. Indiana University of Pennsylvania $9,288
  7. Lincoln University, Pennsylvania $10,106
  8. University of Scranton $11,580
  9. Eastern University $13,716
  10. Temple University $17,388

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

Related: Differences between research universities and teaching colleges

Pennsylvania' Best Colleges and Universities Badge
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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.

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Best Colleges and Universities in Pennsylvania 2023

  1. #1

    University of Pennsylvania

    Philadelphia , PA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    6%

    Graduation

    96%

    Student body

    31K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1515/34

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Pennsylvania

    Cost of Degree: $63,452
    Expenses: $22,286
    Starting Salary: $131,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  2. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $59K

    Acceptance

    14%

    Graduation

    93%

    Student body

    15K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1510/34

    Career Outlook for degree at Carnegie Mellon University

    Cost of Degree: $60,854
    Expenses: $18,886
    Starting Salary: $103,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  3. #5

    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
  4. #6

    Lehigh University

    Bethlehem , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $57K

    Acceptance

    46%

    Graduation

    87%

    Student body

    8K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1346/31

    Career Outlook for degree at Lehigh University

    Cost of Degree: $59,930
    Expenses: $17,955
    Starting Salary: $94,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  5. #7

    Drexel University

    Philadelphia , PA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $57K

    Acceptance

    83%

    Graduation

    78%

    Student body

    27K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1280/28

    Career Outlook for degree at Drexel University

    Cost of Degree: $58,965
    Expenses: $20,180
    Starting Salary: $78,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  6. #8

    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
  7. #10

    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
  8. #11

    Duquesne University

    Pittsburgh , PA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $44K

    Acceptance

    84%

    Graduation

    78%

    Student body

    10K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1195/25

    Career Outlook for degree at Duquesne University

    Cost of Degree: $45,376
    Expenses: $18,344
    Starting Salary: $68,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 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
  9. #12

    Thomas Jefferson University

    Philadelphia , PA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $43K

    Acceptance

    78%

    Graduation

    71%

    Student body

    10K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1180/23

    Career Outlook for degree at Thomas Jefferson University

    Cost of Degree: $44,200
    Expenses: $21,469
    Starting Salary: $99,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 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
  10. #13

    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
  11. #15

    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
  12. 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
  13. 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
  14. #18

    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
  15. #19

    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

  16. #22

    Widener University

    Chester , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $50K

    Acceptance

    85%

    Graduation

    68%

    Student body

    7K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1122/23

    Career Outlook for degree at Widener University

    Cost of Degree: $51,639
    Expenses: $18,314
    Starting Salary: $59,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  17. #23

    Saint Joseph's University

    Philadelphia , PA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $48K

    Acceptance

    83%

    Graduation

    83%

    Student body

    8K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1195/26

    Career Outlook for degree at Saint Joseph's University

    Cost of Degree: $49,610
    Expenses: $17,656
    Starting Salary: $65,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  18. #24

    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
  19. #25

    University of Scranton

    Scranton , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $48K

    Acceptance

    80%

    Graduation

    79%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1190/25

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Scranton

    Cost of Degree: $50,312
    Expenses: $19,662
    Starting Salary: $62,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  20. #27

    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
  21. #28

    West Chester University

    West Chester , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    89%

    Graduation

    73%

    Student body

    20K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1095/23

    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
  22. #29

    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
  23. #30

    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

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Find the Best Colleges in Pennsylvania for Area of Interest

2021 Ranking Archive

Many of our 2022 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2021. That’s because we took a fundamentally different apporach. For 2021 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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