Best Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024
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
- University of Pennsylvania
- Carnegie Mellon University
- University of Pittsburgh
- Temple University
- Swarthmore College
- Lehigh University
- Drexel University
- Haverford College
- Villanova University
- Bryn Mawr College
- University of Pennsylvania
- Carnegie Mellon University
- University of Pittsburgh
- Swarthmore College
- Temple University
- Bryn Mawr College
- Haverford College
- Lehigh University
- Drexel University
- Lincoln University
- La Salle University 94%
- Indiana University of Pennsylvania 92%
- Saint Joseph's University 89%
- Thomas Jefferson University 89%
- West Chester University 88%
- Washington & Jefferson College 88%
- Widener University 88%
- Duquesne University 87%
- University of Scranton 84%
- Ursinus College 82%
- Indiana University of Pennsylvania 21 to 1
- West Chester University 20 to 1
- Eastern University 15 to 1
- Elizabethtown College 13 to 1
- Gannon University 13 to 1
- Grove City College 13 to 1
- University of Pittsburgh 13 to 1
- Lincoln University 13 to 1
- Thomas Jefferson University 13 to 1
- Temple University 12 to 1
- Franklin & Marshall College $65,844
- Haverford College $63,628
- University of Pennsylvania $63,452
- Gettysburg College $61,760
- Bucknell University $61,746
- Villanova University $61,618
- Dickinson College $61,351
- Carnegie Mellon University $61,344
- Lehigh University $59,930
- Lafayette College $59,368
- Bryn Mawr College $50,730
- Carnegie Mellon University $47,629
- University of Pennsylvania $39,838
- Drexel University $36,234
- Elizabethtown College $35,020
- Lehigh University $27,000
- Bucknell University $26,960
- La Salle University $26,400
- Widener University $25,850
- Duquesne University $25,578
- Eastern University
- Ursinus College
- West Chester University
- Elizabethtown College
- Grove City College
- University of Scranton
- Lincoln University
- Saint Joseph's University
- Widener University
- La Salle University
- Gannon University
- Eastern University
- Elizabethtown College
- West Chester University
- Indiana University of Pennsylvania
- University of Scranton
- La Salle University
- Franklin & Marshall College
- Grove City College
- Ursinus College
- Swarthmore College 7%
- University of Pennsylvania 7%
- Carnegie Mellon University 11%
- Haverford College 14%
- Villanova University 23%
- Bryn Mawr College 31%
- Bucknell University 33%
- Lafayette College 34%
- Dickinson College 35%
- Franklin & Marshall College 36%
- Carnegie Mellon University 5 to 1
- University of Pennsylvania 8 to 1
- Swarthmore College 8 to 1
- Haverford College 8 to 1
- Bryn Mawr College 8 to 1
- Drexel University 9 to 1
- Dickinson College 9 to 1
- Bucknell University 9 to 1
- Franklin & Marshall College 9 to 1
- Lehigh University 10 to 1
- Indiana University of Pennsylvania $7,716
- West Chester University $7,716
- Lincoln University $8,476
- University of Pittsburgh $19,760
- Grove City College $19,990
- Temple University $20,173
- La Salle University $33,890
- Elizabethtown College $35,670
- Eastern University $36,464
- Gannon University $36,706
- Gettysburg College $2,250
- Dickinson College $3,750
- Grove City College $8,550
- Indiana University of Pennsylvania $9,288
- West Chester University $9,288
- Lincoln University $10,106
- University of Scranton $11,580
- Eastern University $14,058
- Saint Joseph's University $18,504
- Temple University $20,531
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?
- 15 Research Universities
- 80 Liberal Arts Colleges & Universities
- 34 Graduate Schools
- 21 Public Colleges & Universities
- 76 Private Colleges & Universities
- 44 Christian Colleges & Universities
- 78 Small Colleges & Universities (fewer than 5,000 students)
- 27 Affordable Colleges (below $20,000/year)
- 20 Community Colleges
- Best Online Colleges
Pennsylvania’s Best Overall
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 2023
- #5 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online #10 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #10 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #10 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
Other Rankings
- #12 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
- #12 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025
- #12 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
- #18 Best Universities in the World 2025
- #1 Best Grad Schools in Pennsylvania 2025
- #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #1 Best Research Universities in Pennsylvania 2025
- #1 Best Private Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024
- #1 Best Research Universities for Business Degrees
- #1 Best Research Universities for Social Work Degrees
- #2 Best Research Universities for Communications Degrees
- #4 Best Research Universities for Nursing Degrees
- #5 Best Colleges and Universities for Psychology Degrees 2025
- #7 Best Research Universities for Anthropology Degrees
- #8 Best Research Universities for History Degrees
- #8 Best Research Universities for Engineering Degrees
- #9 Best Research Universities for Sociology Degrees
- #9 Best Research Universities for Chemistry Degrees
- #10 Best Research Universities for Political Science Degrees
- #11 Best Research Universities for English Degrees
- #11 Best Research Universities for Religious Studies Degrees
- #11 Best Research Universities for Physics Degrees
- #11 Best Research Universities for Biology Degrees 2025
- #12 Best Research Universities for Philosophy Degrees 2025
- #12 Best Research Universities for Economics Degrees 2025
- #12 Best Research Universities for Psychology Degrees 2025
- #12 Best Research Universities for Computer Science Degrees
- #12 Best Research Universities for Math Degrees
- #15 Best Research Universities for Earth Sciences Degrees
- #1 Top 50 Best No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
- #1 Most Affordable Online Criminology Doctorate Programs (PhDs) 2025
- #2 Best Online PhD of Computer Science Degree Programs (Doctorates) 2025
- #3 Guide to Free Online Courses for MBA Students in 2024
- #3 Fastest Accelerated Online Computer Science Doctorates (PhDs)
- #3 Most Affordable Online Computer Science PhDs (Doctorates) 2024
- #7 Top 15 Most Affordable Online Social Work PhDs (Doctorates)
- #6 Top 20 Best Business Schools for MBAs Ranked for Students
- #9 The Best Traditional MBA Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
- #10 Best Schools in the World for Earning an MBA Degree Ranked for 2024
- #10 The Fastest Traditional MBA Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
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: $63,452Expenses: $22,286Starting Salary: $131,600Cost Recoup Time: 12 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 #15 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #16 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #16 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025
Other Rankings
- #19 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025
- #22 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
- #22 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
- #2 Best Grad Schools in Pennsylvania 2025
- #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #2 Best Research Universities in Pennsylvania 2025
- #2 Best Private Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024
- #5 Best Research Universities for Computer Science Degrees
- #10 Best Research Universities for Education Degrees
- #12 Best Research Universities for Business Degrees
- #12 Best Research Universities for Engineering Degrees
- #18 Best Research Universities for Math Degrees
- #19 Best Research Universities for Economics Degrees 2025
- #19 Best Research Universities for Psychology Degrees 2025
- #19 Best Research Universities for Communications Degrees
- #22 Best Research Universities for Chemistry Degrees
- #24 Best Research Universities for Political Science Degrees
- #24 Best Research Universities for Physics Degrees
- #20 The Best Traditional MBA Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
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: $60,854Expenses: $18,886Starting Salary: $103,000Cost Recoup Time: 14 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
- #11 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #12 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025 #12 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #1 Best Public Colleges in Pennsylvania 2025
Other Rankings
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: $21,080Expenses: $15,948Starting Salary: $61,200Cost Recoup Time: 12 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
- #9 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Pennsylvania 2025 #2 Best Public Colleges in Pennsylvania 2025 #4 Best Grad Schools in Pennsylvania 2025
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$21K
Acceptance
80%
Graduation
78%
Student body
38K
Career Outlook for degree at Temple University
Cost of Degree: $21,097Expenses: $21,675Starting Salary: $59,000Cost Recoup Time: 13 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
- #4 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #6 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #1 Best Small Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024
Other Rankings
- #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #3 Best Private Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024
- #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Engineering Degrees 2025
- #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Psychology Degrees
- #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Education Degrees
- #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earth Sciences Degrees 2025
- #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for History Degrees
- #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Sociology Degrees 2025
- #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Economics Degree
- #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Chemistry Degrees 2025
- #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Physics Degrees
- #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Political Science Degrees 2025
- #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Anthropology Degrees
- #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Computer Science Degrees 2025
- #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for English Degrees 2025
- #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Philosophy Degrees 2025
- #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Math Degrees
- #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for a Biology Degree
- #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Religious Studies Degrees
- #7 Best Colleges and Universities for Political Science Degrees
- #9 Best Colleges and Universities for Psychology Degrees 2025
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: $59,328Expenses: $20,686Starting Salary: $70,000Cost Recoup Time: 17 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
- #4 Best Private Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024 #5 Best Research Universities in Pennsylvania 2025 #6 Best Grad Schools in Pennsylvania 2025 #13 Best Online MBA Degree Programs for 2024 with No GMAT Required
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: $59,930Expenses: $17,955Starting Salary: $94,100Cost Recoup Time: 14 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
- #6 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #5 Best Private Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024 #6 Best Research Universities in Pennsylvania 2025
Other Rankings
- #7 Best Grad Schools in Pennsylvania 2025
- #10 Best Research Universities for Criminal Justice Degrees
- #25 Best Research Universities for Nursing Degrees
- #25 Best Research Universities for Education Degrees
- #1 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Psychology Programs
- #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Pennsylvania 2025
- #2 Best Online MBA Programs in Pennsylvania
- #2 Best Online Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024
- #4 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Master's of Nursing Programs 2025
- #4 Best Online Master's Programs in Pennsylvania 2025
- #5 Best Online Degree Completion Programs for Returning Students
- #20 Top 50 Best No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
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: $58,965Expenses: $20,180Starting Salary: $78,000Cost Recoup Time: 16 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
- #17 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #19 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #2 Best Small Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024
Other Rankings
- #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #6 Best Private Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024
- #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earth Sciences Degrees 2025
- #12 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Physics Degrees
- #12 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Math Degrees
- #13 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Sociology Degrees 2025
- #13 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Economics Degree
- #13 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Chemistry Degrees 2025
- #13 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Computer Science Degrees 2025
- #13 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Philosophy Degrees 2025
- #13 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for a Biology Degree
- #14 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Political Science Degrees 2025
- #14 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Religious Studies Degrees
- #15 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Anthropology Degrees
- #16 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for English Degrees 2025
- #21 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for History Degrees
- #24 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Psychology Degrees
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: $63,348Expenses: $21,120Starting Salary: $75,100Cost Recoup Time: 17 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
- #18 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #1 Best Christian Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024 #7 Best Research Universities in Pennsylvania 2025 #7 Best Private Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024
Other Rankings
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: $61,618Expenses: $19,487Starting Salary: $87,600Cost Recoup Time: 15 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
- #9 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #15 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #3 Best Small Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024 #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024
Other Rankings
- #5 Best Grad Schools in Pennsylvania 2025
- #8 Best Private Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024
- #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Philosophy Degrees 2025
- #11 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Chemistry Degrees 2025
- #11 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for a Biology Degree
- #12 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Anthropology Degrees
- #12 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for English Degrees 2025
- #23 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Psychology Degrees
- #24 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for History Degrees
- #2 Top 7 Best Online Social Work PhDs (DSW Programs) 2024
- #3 Best Online Master's Programs in Pennsylvania 2025
- #17 Best Online Master's in Social Work MSW
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: $59,330Expenses: $20,050Starting Salary: $61,000Cost Recoup Time: 19 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
- #6 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees 2025 #6 The Best Catholic Colleges and Universities Ranked for 2024 #2 Best Christian Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024 #8 Best Research Universities in Pennsylvania 2025
Other Rankings
- #9 Best Grad Schools in Pennsylvania 2025
- #9 Best Private Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024
- #2 Best Online Master’s in Forensics Degree Programs
- #4 Best Online MBA Programs in Pennsylvania
- #4 Best Online Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024
- #6 Best Online Master's Programs in Pennsylvania 2025
- #6 Best Online Master’s in Educational Administration
- #8 Best Online Bachelor's in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs
- #10 Top 18 Most Affordable No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs
- #11 Best Online Master’s in Health Informatics 2025
- #12 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Master's Degrees
- #16 Top 20 Best Online Accredited Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2025
- #17 Best Research Universities with Online Doctorates (PhDs) 2025
- #20 Best Online Doctorate in Education Degree Programs Ranked for Students
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: $45,376Expenses: $18,344Starting Salary: $68,200Cost Recoup Time: 15 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
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Organizational Leadership
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #9 Best Research Universities in Pennsylvania 2025 #10 Best Grad Schools in Pennsylvania 2025 #10 Best Private Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024 #1 Best Online Master’s in Forensics Degree Programs
Other Rankings
- #2 Best Online Associate in Accounting
- #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Delaware
- #2 Best Online MBA in Operations Management Ranked for Students in 2024
- #2 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Accounting Programs
- #2 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Healthcare Administration
- #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Pennsylvania 2025
- #3 Best Online Master’s in Forensics Degree Programs
- #4 Best Online Associate in Marketing
- #4 Best Online Bachelor's in Network Administration Degree Programs for 2024
- #5 Best Online MBA in Human Resources Ranked for Students in 2024
- #5 Best Online MBA Programs in Pennsylvania
- #5 Best Online Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024
- #6 Best Online Associate in Information Technology
- #6 Best Online Bachelor’s of Data Science and Analytics Degree Programs for 2024
- #7 Best Online Master's in Project Management 2025
- #7 Best Online Bachelor’s of Data Science and Analytics Degree Programs for 2024
- #7 Best Online Master's Programs in Pennsylvania 2025
- #10 Best Online Bachelor's in Accounting 2025
- #10 Best Online MBA in Entrepreneurship Ranked for Students in 2024
- #11 Best Online Associate in Business Administration
- #12 Best Online Bachelor's in Hospitality and Tourism Degree Programs for 2024
- #13 Best Online Bachelor's of Finance Degree Programs for 2024
- #16 Best Online Master's in Organizational Leadership
- #20 Fastest Online Associate Degrees Ranked for 2024
- #21 Best Online Bachelor’s in Marketing and Advertising Degree Programs for 2024
- #21 Best Online MBAs in Finance
- #21 Best Online Bachelor’s in Information Technology Degree Programs for 2024
- #23 Best Online Master’s in Human Resources
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: $44,200Expenses: $21,469Starting Salary: $99,300Cost Recoup Time: 12 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
- 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
Tuition + fees
$61K
Acceptance
35%
Graduation
84%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Dickinson College
Cost of Degree: $61,326Expenses: $19,190Starting Salary: $64,100Cost Recoup Time: 18 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 2024 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024 #13 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Education Degrees #16 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Engineering Degrees 2025
Other Rankings
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: $61,746Expenses: $18,424Starting Salary: $82,400Cost Recoup Time: 16 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 2025 #3 Best Christian Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024 #6 Best Small Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024 #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024
Other Rankings
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: $58,618Expenses: $19,486Starting Salary: $80,500Cost Recoup Time: 16 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
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: $50,192Expenses: $15,724Starting Salary: $60,100Cost Recoup Time: 17 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
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: $65,844Expenses: $17,510Starting Salary: $69,200Cost Recoup Time: 18 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
- #9 Best Small Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024 #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024 #22 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Education Degrees
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: $61,760Expenses: $17,140Starting Salary: $66,300Cost Recoup Time: 18 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
Tuition + fees
$37K
Acceptance
81%
Graduation
70%
Student body
5K
Career Outlook for degree at Gannon University
Cost of Degree: $36,706Expenses: $19,398Starting Salary: $55,100Cost Recoup Time: 16 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
- #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Pennsylvania 2025 #4 Best Public Colleges in Pennsylvania 2025 #6 Best Online Doctorate in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs #13 20 Fastest Accelerated Online English Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
Other Rankings
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: $11,320Expenses: $15,722Starting Salary: $44,200Cost Recoup Time: 12 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
- #7 Best Christian Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024 #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024 #19 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Communications Degrees 2025 #21 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Criminal Justice Degrees
Tuition + fees
$34K
Acceptance
94%
Graduation
62%
Student body
6K
Career Outlook for degree at La Salle University
Cost of Degree: $33,890Expenses: $16,550Starting Salary: $61,100Cost Recoup Time: 14 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
$52K
Acceptance
88%
Graduation
68%
Student body
7K
Median SAT/ACT
1197/25
Career Outlook for degree at Widener University
Cost of Degree: $51,639Expenses: $18,314Starting Salary: $59,100Cost Recoup Time: 18 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
- #20 50 Best Christian Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities 2025 #18 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Communications Degrees 2025 #21 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Business Degrees in 2025 #3 Best Online Associate Degrees in Pennsylvania 2024
Other Rankings
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: $49,610Expenses: $17,656Starting Salary: $65,900Cost Recoup Time: 16 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:
- Chemistry
- History
- Business
- Mathematics
- Medical
- Religious Studies
- Computer Science
- Education
- Communications
- Philosophy
Most Influential Alumni
- #14 Most Influential HBCUs in the US Ranked for 2024 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Pennsylvania 2025 #3 Best Public Colleges in Pennsylvania 2025
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: $11,910Expenses: $15,448Starting Salary: $36,200Cost Recoup Time: 14 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 Christian Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024 #9 10 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Accounting Programs 2025 #6 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Finance Degree Programs 2024
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: $50,312Expenses: $19,662Starting Salary: $62,300Cost Recoup Time: 17 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
- #5 Best Christian Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024 #9 Best Online MBA Programs in Pennsylvania #11 Best Online Master's Programs in Pennsylvania 2025
Tuition + fees
$20K
Acceptance
71%
Graduation
81%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1245/28
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
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: $35,700Expenses: $14,792Starting Salary: $55,000Cost Recoup Time: 15 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
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: $10,527Expenses: $17,948Starting Salary: $51,200Cost Recoup Time: 11 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
$58K
Acceptance
82%
Graduation
73%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1280/30
Career Outlook for degree at Ursinus College
Cost of Degree: $58,016Expenses: $17,946Starting Salary: $61,800Cost Recoup Time: 18 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
- #22 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2024 #10 Best Christian Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024 #12 Top 16 Most Affordable Online Counseling PhDs (Doctorates) #16 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Counseling Degree Programs 2024
Tuition + fees
$36K
Acceptance
63%
Graduation
59%
Student body
6K
Career Outlook for degree at Eastern University
Cost of Degree: $36,464Expenses: $18,068Starting Salary: $48,100Cost Recoup Time: 17 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
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