Best Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024

Badge for BEST IN PENNSYLVANIA COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES
By Dr. James Barham
Published:
Updated:

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
  1. La Salle University 94%
  2. Indiana University of Pennsylvania 92%
  3. Saint Joseph's University 89%
  4. Thomas Jefferson University 89%
  5. West Chester University 88%
  6. Washington & Jefferson College 88%
  7. Widener University 88%
  8. Duquesne University 87%
  9. University of Scranton 84%
  10. Ursinus College 82%
  1. Indiana University of Pennsylvania 21 to 1
  2. West Chester University 20 to 1
  3. Eastern University 15 to 1
  4. Elizabethtown College 13 to 1
  5. Gannon University 13 to 1
  6. Grove City College 13 to 1
  7. University of Pittsburgh 13 to 1
  8. Lincoln University 13 to 1
  9. Thomas Jefferson University 13 to 1
  10. Temple University 12 to 1
  1. Franklin & Marshall College $65,844
  2. Haverford College $63,628
  3. University of Pennsylvania $63,452
  4. Gettysburg College $61,760
  5. Bucknell University $61,746
  6. Villanova University $61,618
  7. Dickinson College $61,351
  8. Carnegie Mellon University $61,344
  9. Lehigh University $59,930
  10. Lafayette College $59,368
  1. Bryn Mawr College $50,730
  2. Carnegie Mellon University $47,629
  3. University of Pennsylvania $39,838
  4. Drexel University $36,234
  5. Elizabethtown College $35,020
  6. Lehigh University $27,000
  7. Bucknell University $26,960
  8. La Salle University $26,400
  9. Widener University $25,850
  10. Duquesne University $25,578
  1. Eastern University
  2. Ursinus College
  3. West Chester University
  4. Elizabethtown College
  5. Grove City College
  6. University of Scranton
  7. Lincoln University
  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. Swarthmore College 7%
  2. University of Pennsylvania 7%
  3. Carnegie Mellon University 11%
  4. Haverford College 14%
  5. Villanova University 23%
  6. Bryn Mawr College 31%
  7. Bucknell University 33%
  8. Lafayette College 34%
  9. Dickinson College 35%
  10. Franklin & Marshall College 36%
  1. Carnegie Mellon University 5 to 1
  2. University of Pennsylvania 8 to 1
  3. Swarthmore College 8 to 1
  4. Haverford College 8 to 1
  5. Bryn Mawr College 8 to 1
  6. Drexel University 9 to 1
  7. Dickinson College 9 to 1
  8. Bucknell University 9 to 1
  9. Franklin & Marshall College 9 to 1
  10. Lehigh University 10 to 1
  1. Indiana University of Pennsylvania $7,716
  2. West Chester University $7,716
  3. Lincoln University $8,476
  4. University of Pittsburgh $19,760
  5. Grove City College $19,990
  6. Temple University $20,173
  7. La Salle University $33,890
  8. Elizabethtown College $35,670
  9. Eastern University $36,464
  10. Gannon University $36,706
  1. Gettysburg College $2,250
  2. Dickinson College $3,750
  3. Grove City College $8,550
  4. Indiana University of Pennsylvania $9,288
  5. West Chester University $9,288
  6. Lincoln University $10,106
  7. University of Scranton $11,580
  8. Eastern University $14,058
  9. Saint Joseph's University $18,504
  10. 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?

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
    #5 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online #10 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #10 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #10 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
    Other Rankings

    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
    What is University of Pennsylvania known for?

    University of Pennsylvania’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  2. #2

    Carnegie Mellon University

    Pittsburgh , PA
    #10 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #15 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #16 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #16 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025
    Other Rankings

    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
    What is Carnegie Mellon University known for?

    Carnegie Mellon University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  5. #5

    Swarthmore College

    Swarthmore , PA
    #4 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #4 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #1 Best Small Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024
    Other Rankings

    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
    What is Swarthmore College known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  7. #6

    Lehigh University

    Bethlehem , PA
    #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: $62,180
    Expenses: $18,970
    Starting Salary: $94,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Lehigh University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  8. #7

    Drexel University

    Philadelphia , PA
    #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

    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
    What is Drexel University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  9. #8

    Haverford College

    Haverford , PA
    #19 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #20 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #2 Best Small Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024
    Other Rankings

    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
    What is Haverford College known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  11. #10

    Bryn Mawr College

    Bryn Mawr , PA
    #14 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #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

    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
    What is Bryn Mawr College known for?

    Bryn Mawr College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  13. #11

    Duquesne University

    Pittsburgh , PA
    #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 2025 #8 Best Research Universities in Pennsylvania 2025
    Other Rankings

    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
    What is Duquesne University known for?

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

    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
    Compare school
  14. #12

    Thomas Jefferson University

    Philadelphia , PA
    #9 Best Research Universities in Pennsylvania 2025 #10 Best Grad Schools in Pennsylvania 2025 #10 Best Private Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024 #1 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Accounting Programs 2025
    Other Rankings

    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
    What 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
    Compare school
  15. #13

    Dickinson College

    Carlisle , PA
    #4 Best Small Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024 #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024

    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
    What is Dickinson College known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  17. #15

    Lafayette College

    Easton , PA
    #3 50 Best Christian Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities 2025 #3 Best Christian Colleges in Pennsylvania 2025 #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: $61,824
    Expenses: $20,790
    Starting Salary: $80,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Lafayette College known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  19. #16

    Washington & Jefferson College

    Washington , PA
    #7 Best Small Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024 #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024

    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
    What is Washington & Jefferson College known for?

    Washington & Jefferson College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  20. #17

    Franklin & Marshall College

    Lancaster , PA
    #8 Best Small Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024 #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024

    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
    What is Franklin & Marshall College known for?

    Franklin & Marshall College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  21. #18

    Gettysburg College

    Gettysburg , PA
    #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: $64,230
    Expenses: $17,730
    Starting Salary: $66,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Gettysburg College known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  22. #19

    Gannon University

    Erie , PA
    #10 Best Small Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024

    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

    Compare school
  25. #21

    La Salle University

    Philadelphia , PA
    #5 Best Christian Colleges in Pennsylvania 2025 #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024 #11 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Criminal Justice Degrees #19 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Communications Degrees 2025

    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
    What is La Salle University known for?

    La Salle University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  26. #22

    Widener University

    Chester , PA
    #10 Best Research Universities in Pennsylvania 2025

    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
    What is Widener University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  28. #24

    Lincoln University, Pennsylvania

    Lincoln University , PA
    #14 Most Influential HBCUs in the US Ranked for 2024 #3 Best Public Colleges in Pennsylvania 2025 #3 Most Affordable 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: $12,512
    Expenses: $15,993
    Starting Salary: $36,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Lincoln University, Pennsylvania known for?

    Lincoln University, Pennsylvania’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  29. #25

    University of Scranton

    Scranton , PA
    #8 Best Christian Colleges in Pennsylvania 2025 #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: $52,034
    Expenses: $20,090
    Starting Salary: $62,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Scranton known for?

    University of Scranton’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  32. #27

    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
    What is Elizabethtown College known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  33. #28

    West Chester University

    West Chester , PA
    #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Pennsylvania 2025 #5 Best Public Colleges in Pennsylvania 2025

    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
    What is West Chester University known for?

    West Chester University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  34. #29

    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
    What is Ursinus College known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  35. #30

    Eastern University

    Saint Davids , PA
    #22 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 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: $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

    Compare school
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Find the Best Colleges in Pennsylvania for Area of Interest

Anthropology Biology Business Chemistry Commun­ications Computer Science Criminal Justice Earth Sciences Economics Education Engineering History Law Literature Mathematics Medical Nursing Philosophy Physics Political Science Psychology Religious Studies Social Work Sociology
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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