Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024

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Liberal arts colleges are a great option for students seeking a well-rounded education in an intimate campus setting. The best liberal arts colleges in Pennsylvania offer a diverse selection of degree programs with opportunities for a highly individualized educational experience.

10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Pennsylvania

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  1. Swarthmore College
  2. Haverford College
  3. Bryn Mawr College
  4. Dickinson College
  5. Bucknell University
  6. Lafayette College
  7. Washington & Jefferson College
  8. Franklin & Marshall College
  9. Gettysburg College
  10. La Salle University
  1. Swarthmore College
  2. Bryn Mawr College
  3. Haverford College
  4. Lincoln University
  5. Lafayette College
  6. Bucknell University
  7. Dickinson College
  8. Allegheny College
  9. Washington & Jefferson College
  10. Gettysburg College
  1. Chestnut Hill College 98%
  2. La Salle University 94%
  3. University of Pittsburgh at Bradford 94%
  4. Carlow University 93%
  5. Saint Joseph's University 89%
  6. West Chester University 88%
  7. Washington & Jefferson College 88%
  8. Albright College 85%
  9. Neumann University 85%
  10. University of Scranton 84%
  1. West Chester University 20 to 1
  2. Slippery Rock University 19 to 1
  3. Eastern University 15 to 1
  4. Elizabethtown College 13 to 1
  5. Grove City College 13 to 1
  6. Neumann University 13 to 1
  7. Lincoln University 13 to 1
  8. University of Pittsburgh at Bradford 13 to 1
  9. University of Scranton 12 to 1
  10. La Salle University 12 to 1
  1. Franklin & Marshall College $65,844
  2. Haverford College $63,628
  3. Gettysburg College $61,760
  4. Bucknell University $61,746
  5. Dickinson College $61,351
  6. Lafayette College $59,368
  7. Bryn Mawr College $59,330
  8. Swarthmore College $59,328
  9. Muhlenberg College $58,205
  10. Ursinus College $58,016
  1. Bryn Mawr College $50,730
  2. Elizabethtown College $35,020
  3. Arcadia University $27,457
  4. Bucknell University $26,960
  5. La Salle University $26,400
  6. DeSales University $21,120
  7. Carlow University $21,054
  8. Muhlenberg College $19,200
  9. Saint Joseph's University $18,504
  10. Chestnut Hill College $17,040
  1. Neumann University
  2. Carlow University
  3. Albright College
  4. Lycoming College
  5. Juniata College
  6. University of Pittsburgh at Bradford
  7. DeSales University
  8. Arcadia University
  9. PennWest California
  10. Slippery Rock University
  1. Slippery Rock University, Pennsylvania
  2. PennWest California
  3. Slippery Rock University
  4. Neumann University
  5. Lycoming College
  6. Albright College
  7. University of Pittsburgh at Bradford
  8. Arcadia University
  9. Carlow University
  10. Juniata College
  1. Swarthmore College 7%
  2. Haverford College 14%
  3. Bryn Mawr College 31%
  4. Bucknell University 33%
  5. Lafayette College 34%
  6. Dickinson College 35%
  7. Franklin & Marshall College 36%
  8. Gettysburg College 56%
  9. Eastern University 63%
  10. Muhlenberg College 66%
  1. Allegheny College 8 to 1
  2. Muhlenberg College 8 to 1
  3. Swarthmore College 8 to 1
  4. Haverford College 8 to 1
  5. Bryn Mawr College 8 to 1
  6. Dickinson College 9 to 1
  7. Bucknell University 9 to 1
  8. Franklin & Marshall College 9 to 1
  9. Albright College 9 to 1
  10. Juniata College 10 to 1
  1. Slippery Rock University $7,716
  2. West Chester University $7,716
  3. Lincoln University $8,476
  4. University of Pittsburgh at Bradford $13,660
  5. Grove City College $19,990
  6. Albright College $28,230
  7. Carlow University $33,500
  8. La Salle University $33,890
  9. Elizabethtown College $35,670
  10. Neumann University $35,700
  1. Albright College $1,480
  2. Gettysburg College $2,250
  3. Dickinson College $3,750
  4. Grove City College $8,550
  5. Slippery Rock University $9,288
  6. West Chester University $9,288
  7. Lincoln University $10,106
  8. Neumann University $10,260
  9. University of Scranton $11,580
  10. Juniata College $13,950

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's Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities badge
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A liberal arts college is a school that puts a premium on undergraduate studies and offers a broad range of subjects for students to study. A college of liberal arts typically provides smaller class sizes, more direct engagement with professors, and, most importantly, the opportunity to sample a wide range of subject areas on the way to a bachelor’s degree. We’ve identified 80 liberal arts universities in Pennsylvania. To be ranked among the 30 best liberal arts colleges in Pennsylvania, schools must fully accredited institutions.

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Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Pennsylvania 2023

  1. #1

    Swarthmore College

    Swarthmore , PA
    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: $59,328
    Expenses: $20,686
    Starting Salary: $70,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  2. #2

    Haverford College

    Haverford , PA
    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: $63,348
    Expenses: $21,120
    Starting Salary: $75,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  3. #3

    Bryn Mawr College

    Bryn Mawr , PA
    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: $59,330
    Expenses: $20,050
    Starting Salary: $61,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  4. #4

    Dickinson College

    Carlisle , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $61K

    Acceptance

    35%

    Graduation

    84%

    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
  5. #6

    Lafayette College

    Easton , PA

    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: $58,618
    Expenses: $19,486
    Starting Salary: $80,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  6. 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: $50,192
    Expenses: $15,724
    Starting Salary: $60,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  7. 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: $65,844
    Expenses: $17,510
    Starting Salary: $69,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  8. #9

    Gettysburg College

    Gettysburg , PA

    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: $61,760
    Expenses: $17,140
    Starting Salary: $66,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  9. #10

    La Salle University

    Philadelphia , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $34K

    Acceptance

    94%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    6K

    Career Outlook for degree at La Salle University

    Cost of Degree: $33,890
    Expenses: $16,550
    Starting Salary: $61,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  10. #12

    Lincoln University, Pennsylvania

    Lincoln University , PA

    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: $11,910
    Expenses: $15,448
    Starting Salary: $36,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  11. #13

    University of Scranton

    Scranton , PA

    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: $50,312
    Expenses: $19,662
    Starting Salary: $62,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  12. #15

    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: $35,700
    Expenses: $14,792
    Starting Salary: $55,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  13. #16

    West Chester University

    West Chester , PA

    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: $10,527
    Expenses: $17,948
    Starting Salary: $51,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  14. #17

    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: $58,016
    Expenses: $17,946
    Starting Salary: $61,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  15. #18

    Eastern University

    Saint Davids , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $36K

    Acceptance

    63%

    Graduation

    59%

    Student body

    6K

    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

  16. #19

    Chestnut Hill College

    Philadelphia , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $39K

    Acceptance

    98%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Chestnut Hill College

    Cost of Degree: $39,410
    Expenses: $18,474
    Starting Salary: $46,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  17. #20

    Muhlenberg College

    Allentown , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $58K

    Acceptance

    66%

    Graduation

    83%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1300/31

    Career Outlook for degree at Muhlenberg College

    Cost of Degree: $58,005
    Expenses: $16,690
    Starting Salary: $65,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  18. #21

    Allegheny College

    Meadville , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $54K

    Acceptance

    70%

    Graduation

    68%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1243/26

    Career Outlook for degree at Allegheny College

    Cost of Degree: $53,610
    Expenses: $17,296
    Starting Salary: $56,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  19. Career Outlook for degree at Slippery Rock University, Pennsylvania

    Cost of Degree: $10,507
    Expenses: $14,778
    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

  20. #24

    Arcadia University

    Glenside , PA

    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: $47,130
    Expenses: $16,320
    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

  21. #25

    DeSales University

    Center Valley , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $43K

    Acceptance

    77%

    Graduation

    68%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1190/26

    Career Outlook for degree at DeSales University

    Cost of Degree: $42,600
    Expenses: $18,674
    Starting Salary: $54,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is DeSales University known for?

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

  22. Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    94%

    Graduation

    42%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1088/24

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Pittsburgh at Bradford

    Cost of Degree: $14,620
    Expenses: $15,390
    Starting Salary: $61,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Pittsburgh at Bradford known for?

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

    University of Pittsburgh at Bradford’s Online Degrees

    BS in Nursing
    Degree Concentrations
    • Nursing Informatics
    • Clinical Nurse Leader
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  23. #27

    Juniata College

    Huntingdon , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $54K

    Acceptance

    76%

    Graduation

    71%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1230/28

    Career Outlook for degree at Juniata College

    Cost of Degree: $54,336
    Starting Salary: $56,800
    What is Juniata College known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

  24. #28

    Lycoming College

    Williamsport , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $45K

    Acceptance

    75%

    Graduation

    64%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1145/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Lycoming College

    Cost of Degree: $45,274
    Expenses: $17,457
    Starting Salary: $49,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Lycoming College known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

  25. #29

    Albright College

    Reading , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $28K

    Acceptance

    85%

    Graduation

    48%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Albright College

    Cost of Degree: $28,230
    Expenses: $18,540
    Starting Salary: $51,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Albright College’s Online Degrees

    BS in Applied Psychology
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  26. #30

    Carlow University

    Pittsburgh , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $34K

    Acceptance

    93%

    Graduation

    56%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Carlow University

    Cost of Degree: $33,500
    Expenses: $16,496
    Starting Salary: $44,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Carlow University known for?

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

  27. #31

    Neumann University

    Aston , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $36K

    Acceptance

    85%

    Graduation

    54%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Neumann University

    Cost of Degree: $35,700
    Expenses: $20,970
    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:

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Find the Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Pennsylvania for Your 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.

  1. Swarthmore College
  2. Bryn Mawr College
  3. Haverford College
  4. Westminster College, Pennsylvania
  5. Bucknell University
  6. Dickinson College
  7. Franklin & Marshall College
  8. Saint Francis University
  9. Elizabethtown College
  10. Lafayette College
  11. Allegheny College
  12. Washington & Jefferson College
  13. Ursinus College
  14. Susquehanna University
  15. Gettysburg College
  16. University of Scranton
  17. La Salle University
  18. Grove City College
  19. Arcadia University
  20. Eastern University
  21. Saint Joseph's University
  22. Point Park University
  23. Muhlenberg College
  24. Lycoming College
  25. Albright College

Check out our directory of liberal arts colleges throughout the U.S. for a look at the top liberal arts schools in every state.

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