Best Private Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024

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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.

10 Best Private Colleges in Pennsylvania

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  1. University of Pennsylvania
  2. Carnegie Mellon University
  3. Swarthmore College
  4. Lehigh University
  5. Drexel University
  6. Haverford College
  7. Villanova University
  8. Bryn Mawr College
  9. Duquesne University
  10. Thomas Jefferson University
  1. University of Pennsylvania
  2. Carnegie Mellon University
  3. Swarthmore College
  4. Bryn Mawr College
  5. Haverford College
  6. Lehigh University
  7. Drexel University
  8. Villanova University
  9. Thomas Jefferson University
  10. Duquesne University
  1. Chestnut Hill College 98%
  2. Robert Morris University 94%
  3. Widener University 85%
  4. Washington & Jefferson College 84%
  5. Duquesne University 84%
  6. Gannon University 84%
  7. Drexel University 83%
  8. Saint Joseph's University 83%
  9. Ursinus College 83%
  10. Arcadia University 82%
  1. Robert Morris University 14 to 1
  2. Gannon University 13 to 1
  3. Grove City College 13 to 1
  4. Duquesne University 13 to 1
  5. Thomas Jefferson University 13 to 1
  6. La Salle University 13 to 1
  7. Widener University 13 to 1
  8. University of Scranton 12 to 1
  9. Elizabethtown College 12 to 1
  10. Chestnut Hill College 12 to 1
  1. Franklin & Marshall College $63,406
  2. University of Pennsylvania $61,710
  3. Haverford College $61,210
  4. Gettysburg College $59,960
  5. Bucknell University $59,802
  6. Villanova University $59,020
  7. Carnegie Mellon University $58,924
  8. Dickinson College $58,733
  9. Lehigh University $57,470
  10. Drexel University $57,136
  1. Bryn Mawr College $48,328
  2. Carnegie Mellon University $46,441
  3. University of Pennsylvania $38,732
  4. Drexel University $36,234
  5. Elizabethtown College $34,000
  6. Arcadia University $27,311
  7. Lehigh University $27,000
  8. Bucknell University $26,112
  9. Widener University $25,100
  10. Duquesne University $24,534
  1. Robert Morris University
  2. Arcadia University
  3. Allegheny College
  4. Muhlenberg College
  5. Chestnut Hill College
  6. Eastern University
  7. Ursinus College
  8. Elizabethtown College
  9. Grove City College
  10. University of Scranton
  1. Gannon University
  2. Arcadia University
  3. Eastern University
  4. Robert Morris University
  5. Chestnut Hill College
  6. Elizabethtown College
  7. University of Scranton
  8. La Salle University
  9. Muhlenberg College
  10. Franklin & Marshall College
  1. University of Pennsylvania 6%
  2. Swarthmore College 8%
  3. Carnegie Mellon University 14%
  4. Haverford College 18%
  5. Villanova University 25%
  6. Bucknell University 35%
  7. Franklin & Marshall College 38%
  8. Bryn Mawr College 39%
  9. Lafayette College 41%
  10. Lehigh University 46%
  1. Carnegie Mellon University 5 to 1
  2. University of Pennsylvania 6 to 1
  3. Swarthmore College 7 to 1
  4. Bryn Mawr College 8 to 1
  5. Dickinson College 8 to 1
  6. Haverford College 8 to 1
  7. Lehigh University 9 to 1
  8. Bucknell University 9 to 1
  9. Franklin & Marshall College 9 to 1
  10. Muhlenberg College 9 to 1
  1. Grove City College $19,310
  2. Robert Morris University $32,770
  3. La Salle University $33,150
  4. Gannon University $34,526
  5. Elizabethtown College $34,600
  6. Eastern University $35,590
  7. Chestnut Hill College $38,635
  8. Thomas Jefferson University $43,116
  9. Duquesne University $43,526
  10. Arcadia University $46,220
  1. La Salle University $885
  2. Dickinson College $3,750
  3. Washington & Jefferson College $8,400
  4. Grove City College $8,550
  5. University of Scranton $11,580
  6. Eastern University $13,716
  7. Chestnut Hill College $17,400
  8. Saint Joseph's University $18,144
  9. Muhlenberg College $19,200
  10. Gannon University $19,980

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

What is the difference between public and private colleges?

Public and private colleges and universities operate under different business models. Public colleges and universities are owned by the state and receive both state and federal funding to operate. Private colleges and universities are private companies with private funding. If you’re looking at the pros and cons of private vs. public colleges, consider that many public colleges provide diverse course offerings, influential professors, and an excellent return on your investment.

Public colleges are schools that receive most of their funding from tax revenues. As a result, the cost of a bachelor’s degree at a public university is often lower than the equivalent cost at a private college — especially for students attending a public school in their home state. Attending a college in-state is usually the cheapest option. Private universities and colleges can be very competitive with their funding opportunities, so do not simply believe that private colleges are always going to be more expensive. According to National Center for Educational Statistics, the average annual cost (tuition, fees, room and board for full-time students) at a public university was slightly over $20,000. In contrast, private universities cost, on average, nearly $43,000 annually. But in the end, the cost of college comes down to each student’s academic and financial situation.

Pennsylvania's Best Private Colleges and Universities Badge
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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.

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Best Private Colleges in Pennsylvania 2023

  1. #1

    University of Pennsylvania

    Philadelphia , PA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    6%

    Graduation

    96%

    Student body

    31K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1515/34

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Pennsylvania

    Cost of Degree: $63,452
    Expenses: $22,286
    Starting Salary: $131,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  2. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $59K

    Acceptance

    14%

    Graduation

    93%

    Student body

    15K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1510/34

    Career Outlook for degree at Carnegie Mellon University

    Cost of Degree: $60,854
    Expenses: $18,886
    Starting Salary: $103,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  3. #3

    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
  4. #4

    Lehigh University

    Bethlehem , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $57K

    Acceptance

    46%

    Graduation

    87%

    Student body

    8K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1346/31

    Career Outlook for degree at Lehigh University

    Cost of Degree: $59,930
    Expenses: $17,955
    Starting Salary: $94,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  5. #5

    Drexel University

    Philadelphia , PA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $57K

    Acceptance

    83%

    Graduation

    78%

    Student body

    27K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1280/28

    Career Outlook for degree at Drexel University

    Cost of Degree: $58,965
    Expenses: $20,180
    Starting Salary: $78,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  6. #6

    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
  7. #8

    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
  8. #9

    Duquesne University

    Pittsburgh , PA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $44K

    Acceptance

    84%

    Graduation

    78%

    Student body

    10K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1195/25

    Career Outlook for degree at Duquesne University

    Cost of Degree: $45,376
    Expenses: $18,344
    Starting Salary: $68,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    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
  9. #10

    Thomas Jefferson University

    Philadelphia , PA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $43K

    Acceptance

    78%

    Graduation

    71%

    Student body

    10K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1180/23

    Career Outlook for degree at Thomas Jefferson University

    Cost of Degree: $44,200
    Expenses: $21,469
    Starting Salary: $99,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    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
  10. #11

    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
  11. #13

    Lafayette College

    Easton , PA
    Other Rankings

    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
  12. 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
  13. 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
  14. #16

    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
  15. #17

    Gannon University

    Erie , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $35K

    Acceptance

    84%

    Graduation

    64%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1100/23

    Career Outlook for degree at Gannon University

    Cost of Degree: $36,706
    Expenses: $19,398
    Starting Salary: $55,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 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

  16. #19

    Widener University

    Chester , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $50K

    Acceptance

    85%

    Graduation

    68%

    Student body

    7K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1122/23

    Career Outlook for degree at Widener University

    Cost of Degree: $51,639
    Expenses: $18,314
    Starting Salary: $59,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  17. #20

    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
  18. #21

    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
  19. #23

    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
  20. #24

    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
  21. #25

    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

  22. #26

    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
  23. #27

    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
  24. #28

    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
  25. #29

    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

  26. #30

    Robert Morris University

    Moon Township , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $33K

    Acceptance

    94%

    Graduation

    65%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1135/26

    Career Outlook for degree at Robert Morris University

    Cost of Degree: $33,767
    Expenses: $19,024
    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

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Pennsylvania’s Best Private Colleges in Your Area 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. 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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