Best Private Colleges in Pennsylvania 2025

Badge for BEST IN PENNSYLVANIA PRIVATE COLLEGES
By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Chloe Dembski
Updated:

Private colleges, unlike large public institutions, can be a great option for students wanting a more intimate campus experience, more personal attention from excellent professors, and more immediate access to support services. Here is our list of the best private colleges in Pennsylvania.

Key Takeaways

  • The best private colleges in Pennsylvania emphasize a well-rounded liberal arts education while offering specialized programs in fields like healthcare, business, and technology, preparing students for both broad intellectual development and specific career paths.
  • Many of the best private colleges in Pennsylvania are housed in historic campuses with beautiful, architecturally significant buildings, creating a unique and inspiring environment for learning.
  • With low student-to-faculty ratios, the best private colleges in Pennsylvania prioritize individualized learning, fostering close relationships between students and professors to enhance academic and personal growth.

10 Best Private Colleges in Pennsylvania in 2025

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

2025 Ranking Update

Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or lost ground for the 2025 school year.

In 2025, the top ten schools in our ranking of the best private colleges in Pennsylvania saw a fair amount of change. Bryn Mawr College gained the most ranking positions is making significant improvements, focusing on both campus infrastructure and technological advancements. Phase 2 of the renovations to the Park Science Complex is set to continue through September 2025, enhancing the science facilities.

Additionally, the Rhoads Hall South Terrace reconstruction project will be completed by spring 2025, further improving student spaces. The interior improvements to Wyndham Hall are expected to be finished by December 2024, creating a more modern and functional environment. Furthermore, the college is implementing the Next-Generation Enterprise Data & Systems project, a multi-year initiative to migrate key data systems to Workday, with a planned go-live date in January 2026.

This list is composed entirely of private colleges and universities that offer bachelor’s degrees. We’ve identified 76 private universities in Pennsylvania. To be included in the list below of the 30 best private universities in Pennsylvania, schools must be fully accredited, private, non-profit institution, and must offer a broad range of bachelor’s degrees.

Best Private Colleges 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

    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

    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
  4. #4

    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
  6. #5

    Lehigh University

    Bethlehem , PA
    #5 Best Research Universities in Pennsylvania 2025 #6 Best Grad Schools in Pennsylvania 2025 #7 Best Colleges 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
  7. #6

    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 Grad Schools in Pennsylvania 2025

    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
  8. #7

    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

    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
  9. #8

    Villanova University

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

    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
  10. #9

    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

    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
  12. #10

    Thomas Jefferson University

    Philadelphia , PA
    #9 Best Research Universities in Pennsylvania 2025 #10 Best Grad Schools in Pennsylvania 2025 #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

    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
  13. #11

    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

    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
  14. #12

    Bucknell University

    Lewisburg , PA
    #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

    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: $64,772
    Expenses: $19,018
    Starting Salary: $82,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Bucknell University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    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
  16. #14

    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
  18. #15

    Saint Joseph's University

    Philadelphia , PA
    #20 50 Best Christian Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities 2025 #4 Best Christian Colleges in Pennsylvania 2025 #18 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Communications Degrees 2025 #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
  19. #16

    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
  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

    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
  22. #19

    Muhlenberg College

    Allentown , PA
    #6 Best Christian Colleges in Pennsylvania 2025 #10 Best Online Master's Programs in Pennsylvania 2025

    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: $60,240
    Expenses: $17,605
    Starting Salary: $65,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Muhlenberg College known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  24. #20

    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
  26. #22

    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
  27. #23

    Allegheny College

    Meadville , PA
    #9 Best Christian Colleges in Pennsylvania 2025

    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: $54,960
    Expenses: $17,296
    Starting Salary: $56,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Allegheny College known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  28. #24

    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
  30. #25

    Chestnut Hill College

    Philadelphia , PA
    #10 Best Christian Colleges in Pennsylvania 2025 #14 Best Online Master's Programs in Pennsylvania 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $39K

    Acceptance

    98%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Chestnut Hill College

    Cost of Degree: $39,410
    Expenses: $19,444
    Starting Salary: $46,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Chestnut Hill College known for?

    Chestnut Hill College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  31. #26

    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
  32. #27

    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
  33. #28

    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
  34. #29

    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
  36. #30

    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
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Pennsylvania’s Best Private Colleges in Your Area Interest

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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. Westminster College, Pennsylvania
  7. Lehigh University
  8. Bucknell University
  9. Wilkes University
  10. Dickinson College
  11. Drexel University
  12. Franklin & Marshall College
  13. Saint Francis University
  14. Elizabethtown College
  15. Villanova University
  16. Lafayette College
  17. Thomas Jefferson University
  18. Allegheny College
  19. Washington & Jefferson College
  20. Ursinus College
  21. Susquehanna University
  22. Gettysburg College
  23. University of Scranton
  24. Duquesne University
  25. La Salle University

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

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