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, Pennsylvania
  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. PennWest California 97%
  3. Carlow University 92%
  4. West Chester University 89%
  5. Washington & Jefferson College 84%
  6. Neumann University 84%
  7. Saint Joseph's University 83%
  8. Ursinus College 83%
  9. Arcadia University 82%
  10. La Salle University 81%
  1. Slippery Rock University 21 to 1
  2. West Chester University 20 to 1
  3. PennWest California 19 to 1
  4. University of Pittsburgh at Bradford 17 to 1
  5. Neumann University 14 to 1
  6. Lincoln University, Pennsylvania 14 to 1
  7. Grove City College 13 to 1
  8. Juniata College 13 to 1
  9. La Salle University 13 to 1
  10. University of Scranton 12 to 1
  1. Franklin & Marshall College $63,406
  2. Haverford College $61,210
  3. Gettysburg College $59,960
  4. Bucknell University $59,802
  5. Dickinson College $58,733
  6. Lafayette College $57,114
  7. Ursinus College $56,600
  8. Bryn Mawr College $56,320
  9. Swarthmore College $56,056
  10. Muhlenberg College $55,830
  1. Bryn Mawr College $48,328
  2. Elizabethtown College $34,000
  3. Arcadia University $27,311
  4. Bucknell University $26,112
  5. DeSales University $21,120
  6. Carlow University $20,438
  7. Muhlenberg College $19,200
  8. Saint Joseph's University $18,144
  9. Chestnut Hill College $17,400
  10. Neumann University $14,400
  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 8%
  2. Haverford College 18%
  3. Bucknell University 35%
  4. Franklin & Marshall College 38%
  5. Bryn Mawr College 39%
  6. Lafayette College 41%
  7. Dickinson College 48%
  8. Gettysburg College 56%
  9. Muhlenberg College 68%
  10. Eastern University 69%
  1. Swarthmore College 7 to 1
  2. Bryn Mawr College 8 to 1
  3. Dickinson College 8 to 1
  4. Haverford College 8 to 1
  5. Bucknell University 9 to 1
  6. Franklin & Marshall College 9 to 1
  7. Muhlenberg College 9 to 1
  8. Allegheny College 9 to 1
  9. Lafayette College 9 to 1
  10. Carlow University 10 to 1
  1. West Chester University $7,716
  2. Slippery Rock University $7,716
  3. PennWest California $7,716
  4. Lincoln University, Pennsylvania $8,228
  5. University of Pittsburgh at Bradford $13,394
  6. Grove City College $19,310
  7. Albright College $27,678
  8. Carlow University $32,390
  9. La Salle University $33,150
  10. Neumann University $34,460
  1. La Salle University $885
  2. Albright College $1,450
  3. Dickinson College $3,750
  4. Washington & Jefferson College $8,400
  5. Grove City College $8,550
  6. West Chester University $9,288
  7. Slippery Rock University $9,288
  8. PennWest California $9,288
  9. Lincoln University, Pennsylvania $10,106
  10. University of Scranton $11,580

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

    $56K

    Acceptance

    8%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1467/32

    Career Outlook for degree at Swarthmore College

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

    Haverford College

    Haverford , PA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $61K

    Acceptance

    18%

    Graduation

    90%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1440/33

    Career Outlook for degree at Haverford College

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

    Bryn Mawr College

    Bryn Mawr , PA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $56K

    Acceptance

    39%

    Graduation

    87%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Bryn Mawr College

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

    Dickinson College

    Carlisle , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $59K

    Acceptance

    48%

    Graduation

    82%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Dickinson College

    Cost of Degree: $61,326
    Expenses: $19,190
    Starting Salary: $64,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  5. #6

    Lafayette College

    Easton , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $57K

    Acceptance

    41%

    Graduation

    88%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1345/30

    Career Outlook for degree at Lafayette College

    Cost of Degree: $58,618
    Expenses: $19,486
    Starting Salary: $80,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  6. Tuition + fees

    $50K

    Acceptance

    84%

    Graduation

    76%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Washington & Jefferson College

    Cost of Degree: $50,192
    Expenses: $15,724
    Starting Salary: $60,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  7. Tuition + fees

    $63K

    Acceptance

    38%

    Graduation

    83%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Franklin & Marshall College

    Cost of Degree: $65,844
    Expenses: $17,510
    Starting Salary: $69,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  8. #9

    Gettysburg College

    Gettysburg , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    56%

    Graduation

    82%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Gettysburg College

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

    La Salle University

    Philadelphia , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $33K

    Acceptance

    81%

    Graduation

    58%

    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. #11

    Saint Joseph's University

    Philadelphia , PA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $48K

    Acceptance

    83%

    Graduation

    83%

    Student body

    8K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1195/26

    Career Outlook for degree at Saint Joseph's University

    Cost of Degree: $49,610
    Expenses: $17,656
    Starting Salary: $65,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  11. #12

    Lincoln University, Pennsylvania

    Lincoln University , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    80%

    Graduation

    49%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    944/16

    Career Outlook for degree at Lincoln University, Pennsylvania

    Cost of Degree: $11,910
    Expenses: $15,448
    Starting Salary: $36,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  12. #13

    University of Scranton

    Scranton , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $48K

    Acceptance

    80%

    Graduation

    79%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1190/25

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Scranton

    Cost of Degree: $50,312
    Expenses: $19,662
    Starting Salary: $62,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  13. #15

    Elizabethtown College

    Elizabethtown , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $35K

    Acceptance

    79%

    Graduation

    75%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1180/23

    Career Outlook for degree at Elizabethtown College

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

    West Chester University

    West Chester , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    89%

    Graduation

    73%

    Student body

    20K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1095/23

    Career Outlook for degree at West Chester University

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

    Ursinus College

    Collegeville , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $57K

    Acceptance

    83%

    Graduation

    72%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1240/27

    Career Outlook for degree at Ursinus College

    Cost of Degree: $58,016
    Expenses: $17,946
    Starting Salary: $61,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  16. #18

    Eastern University

    Saint Davids , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $36K

    Acceptance

    69%

    Graduation

    60%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1100/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Eastern University

    Cost of Degree: $36,464
    Expenses: $18,068
    Starting Salary: $48,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Eastern University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

  17. #19

    Chestnut Hill College

    Philadelphia , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $39K

    Acceptance

    98%

    Graduation

    63%

    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
  18. #20

    Muhlenberg College

    Allentown , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $56K

    Acceptance

    68%

    Graduation

    82%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1260/28

    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
  19. #21

    Allegheny College

    Meadville , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $53K

    Acceptance

    75%

    Graduation

    75%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1245/27

    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
  20. Other Rankings

    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

  21. #23

    PennWest California

    California , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    97%

    Graduation

    48%

    Student body

    9K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1020/20

    What is PennWest California known for?

    PennWest California’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  22. #24

    Arcadia University

    Glenside , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $46K

    Acceptance

    82%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1130/24

    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

  23. #25

    DeSales University

    Center Valley , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $41K

    Acceptance

    78%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1125/25

    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:

  24. Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    73%

    Graduation

    36%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1047/21

    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
  25. #27

    Juniata College

    Huntingdon , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $51K

    Acceptance

    74%

    Graduation

    76%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Juniata College

    Cost of Degree: $54,336
    Starting Salary: $56,800
  26. #28

    Lycoming College

    Williamsport , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $44K

    Acceptance

    75%

    Graduation

    67%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1110/23

    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

  27. #29

    Albright College

    Reading , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $28K

    Acceptance

    76%

    Graduation

    47%

    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
  28. #30

    Carlow University

    Pittsburgh , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $32K

    Acceptance

    92%

    Graduation

    52%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1060/21

    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:

  29. #31

    Neumann University

    Aston , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $34K

    Acceptance

    84%

    Graduation

    49%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    990/18

    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 2022 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2021. That’s because we took a fundamentally different apporach. For 2021 we utilized our Concentrated Influence algorithm, designed to take away the size advantage larger schools have when we rank their faculty and alumni’s academic influence. Concentrated influence highlights smaller schools that are proportionally as successful as larger universities at cultivating influential alumni and faculty.

  1. Swarthmore College
  2. 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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