Best Grad Schools in Pennsylvania 2026

Badge for BEST IN PENNSYLVANIA GRADUATE SCHOOLS
By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Jenn Finley
Updated:

Key Takeaways

  • Thirty-four schools in Pennsylvania meet our criteria for the best grad schools in the state.
  • Earning a master’s or doctorate degree from one of the state’s best grad schools will qualify graduates to work in one of Pennsylvania’s top industries.
  • It is important to choose a grad school in Pennsylvania that offers opportunities for independent research, mentorships, and professional networking.

10 Best Grad Schools in Pennsylvania in 2026

  1. University of Pennsylvania
  2. Carnegie Mellon University
  3. University of Pittsburgh
  4. Temple University
  5. Bryn Mawr College
  6. Lehigh University
  7. Drexel University
  8. Villanova University
  9. Duquesne University
  10. Thomas Jefferson University

There are 34 doctorate-granting graduate schools in Pennsylvania. Our ranking of the best graduate schools in the Pennsylvania is composed of both private and public schools. To be included, schools must be fully accredited non-profit institutions, and must offer doctoral degrees and a broad array of graduate degrees.

Best Grad Schools in Pennsylvania

  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

    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

    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
  3. #3

    University of Pittsburgh

    Pittsburgh , PA
    #12 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #12 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025 #1 Best Public Colleges in Pennsylvania 2025 #3 Best Colleges in Pennsylvania 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $21K

    Acceptance

    49%

    Graduation

    84%

    Student body

    36K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1375/31

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Pittsburgh

    Cost of Degree: $21,524
    Expenses: $16,922
    Starting Salary: $61,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Pittsburgh known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  5. #4

    Temple University

    Philadelphia , PA
    #9 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers 2026 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Pennsylvania 2025 #2 Best Public Colleges in Pennsylvania 2025 #4 Best Research Universities in Pennsylvania 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $21K

    Acceptance

    80%

    Graduation

    78%

    Student body

    38K

    Career Outlook for degree at Temple University

    Cost of Degree: $21,991
    Expenses: $22,674
    Starting Salary: $59,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Temple University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  6. #5

    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

    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
  7. #6

    Lehigh University

    Bethlehem , PA
    #5 Best Private Colleges in Pennsylvania 2026 #5 Best Research Universities in Pennsylvania 2025 #7 Best Colleges in Pennsylvania 2026 #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 #6 Best Research Universities in Pennsylvania 2025 #7 Best Private Colleges in Pennsylvania 2026

    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

    Villanova University

    Villanova , PA
    #18 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #1 Best Christian Colleges in Pennsylvania 2026 #7 Best Research Universities in Pennsylvania 2025 #8 Best Private Colleges in Pennsylvania 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    23%

    Graduation

    91%

    Student body

    12K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1439/33

    Career Outlook for degree at Villanova University

    Cost of Degree: $64,701
    Expenses: $20,296
    Starting Salary: $87,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Villanova University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  11. #9

    Duquesne University

    Pittsburgh , PA
    #6 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees 2026 #6 The Best Catholic Colleges and Universities Ranked for 2024 #2 Best Christian Colleges in Pennsylvania 2026 #8 Best Research Universities in Pennsylvania 2025

    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

    Compare school
  12. #10

    Thomas Jefferson University

    Philadelphia , PA
    #9 Best Research Universities in Pennsylvania 2025 #10 Best Private Colleges in Pennsylvania 2026 #1 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Accounting Programs 2025 #1 Best Online Master’s in Forensics Degree Programs 2025

    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

    Compare school
  13. #11

    Saint Joseph's University

    Philadelphia , PA
    #20 50 Best Christian Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities 2025 #6 Best Christian Colleges in Pennsylvania 2026 #17 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Communications Degrees 2026 #18 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Business Degrees in 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $50K

    Acceptance

    89%

    Graduation

    82%

    Student body

    10K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1240/28

    Career Outlook for degree at Saint Joseph's University

    Cost of Degree: $51,340
    Expenses: $18,260
    Starting Salary: $65,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Saint Joseph's University known for?

    Saint Joseph's University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  14. #12

    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
  15. #13

    University of Scranton

    Scranton , PA
    #8 Best Christian Colleges in Pennsylvania 2026 #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
  17. #14

    Indiana University of Pennsylvania

    Indiana , PA
    #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Pennsylvania 2025 #4 Best Public Colleges in Pennsylvania 2025 #4 Best Online Doctorate in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs 2026 #13 20 Fastest Accelerated Online English Doctorates (PhDs) 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    92%

    Graduation

    52%

    Student body

    10K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1045/20

    Career Outlook for degree at Indiana University of Pennsylvania

    Cost of Degree: $11,380
    Expenses: $15,982
    Starting Salary: $44,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Indiana University of Pennsylvania known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  18. #15

    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
  19. #16

    Point Park University

    Pittsburgh , PA
    #14 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2025 #8 Best Online MBA Programs in Pennsylvania #14 Best Online Bachelor's in Computer Science Degree Programs 2026 #14 Best Online Bachelor’s in Public Administration Degree Programs for 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $37K

    Acceptance

    82%

    Graduation

    59%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1137/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Point Park University

    Cost of Degree: $38,160
    Expenses: $16,020
    Starting Salary: $42,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Point Park University known for?

    Point Park University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  20. #17

    Eastern University

    Saint Davids , PA
    #23 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2026 #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
  21. #18

    Robert Morris University

    Moon Township , PA
    #4 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Pennsylvania 2025 #8 Best Online Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024 #15 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $34K

    Acceptance

    94%

    Graduation

    65%

    Student body

    5K

    Career Outlook for degree at Robert Morris University

    Cost of Degree: $34,740
    Expenses: $18,334
    Starting Salary: $53,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Robert Morris University known for?

    Robert Morris University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  23. #19

    Wilkes University

    Wilkes-Barre , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $41K

    Acceptance

    94%

    Graduation

    59%

    Student body

    7K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1160/23

    Career Outlook for degree at Wilkes University

    Cost of Degree: $42,286
    Expenses: $19,599
    Starting Salary: $58,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Wilkes University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  24. #20

    Arcadia University

    Glenside , PA
    #5 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Psychology Programs

    Tuition + fees

    $47K

    Acceptance

    78%

    Graduation

    64%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1204/26

    Career Outlook for degree at Arcadia University

    Cost of Degree: $48,290
    Expenses: $18,850
    Starting Salary: $48,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Arcadia University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  25. #21

    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
  26. #22

    Immaculata University

    Immaculata , PA
    #4 Best Online Associate Degrees in Pennsylvania 2024 #5 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Pennsylvania 2025 #11 Best Online Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024 #21 Best Online Master's Programs in Pennsylvania 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $28K

    Acceptance

    70%

    Graduation

    61%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Immaculata University

    Cost of Degree: $28,550
    Expenses: $17,154
    Starting Salary: $54,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Immaculata University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  27. #23

    Holy Family University

    Philadelphia , PA
    #11 Best Online MBA Programs in Pennsylvania #12 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity #13 Best Online Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024 #22 Best Online Master's Programs in Pennsylvania 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $33K

    Acceptance

    77%

    Graduation

    59%

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for degree at Holy Family University

    Cost of Degree: $33,968
    Expenses: $16,956
    Starting Salary: $54,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Holy Family University known for?

    Holy Family University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Compare school
  29. #24

    Neumann University

    Aston , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $36K

    Acceptance

    85%

    Graduation

    54%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Neumann University

    Cost of Degree: $37,300
    Expenses: $19,880
    Starting Salary: $47,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Neumann University known for?

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

    Compare school
  30. #25

    Slippery Rock University, Pennsylvania

    #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Pennsylvania 2025 #7 Best Online Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024 #8 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Pennsylvania 2025

    Career Outlook for degree at Slippery Rock University, Pennsylvania

    Cost of Degree: $10,507
    Expenses: $15,528
    Starting Salary: $44,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Slippery Rock University, Pennsylvania known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
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Resources for Prospective Grad Students

Whether you’re just getting started on your college search, you’re looking for survival tips on your way to a bachelor’s degree, or you’re preparing for the transition into grad school, we’ve got guides, how to’s and tons of other valuable resources to keep you moving forward in your educational journey.

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