Best Public Colleges in Pennsylvania 2023

Best Public Colleges in Pennsylvania 2023

By James Barham

Published: Mar 23, 2021
Updated: May 22, 2023

Public colleges and universities account for almost 75 percent of all undergraduate students in the U.S. The best public colleges in Pennsylvania provide broad access to reputable degree programs, affordable tuition, and sprawling educational communities.

Top 10 PA State Colleges 2022

University of Pittsburgh

69%

Temple University

61%

Lincoln University, Pennsylvania

42%

Indiana University of Pennsylvania

34%

West Chester University

31%

Cheyney University of Pennsylvania

25%

Slippery Rock University

25%

Pennsylvania College of Technology

25%

University of Pittsburgh at Bradford

24%

Millersville University of Pennsylvania

24%

PennWest Clarion

99%

PennWest California

97%

Kutztown University of Pennsylvania

97%

Millersville University of Pennsylvania

96%

Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania

95%

Indiana University of Pennsylvania

94%

Mansfield University of Pennsylvania

94%

Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania

93%

East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania

93%

PennWest Edinboro

92%

East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania

22 to 1

Slippery Rock University

21 to 1

Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania

20 to 1

West Chester University

20 to 1

Kutztown University of Pennsylvania

19 to 1

Millersville University of Pennsylvania

19 to 1

PennWest California

19 to 1

Indiana University of Pennsylvania

18 to 1

Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania

18 to 1

PennWest Clarion

17 to 1

University of Pittsburgh

$19,092

Temple University

$16,488

Pennsylvania College of Technology

$15,120

University of Pittsburgh at Bradford

$13,394

University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg

$13,394

University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown

$13,394

Indiana University of Pennsylvania

$9,570

Millersville University of Pennsylvania

$9,570

Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania

$9,570

East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania

$8,288

University of Pittsburgh

$24,118

Temple University

$17,388

Pennsylvania College of Technology

$15,120

Lincoln University, Pennsylvania

$10,106

East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania

$10,062

Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania

$9,288

West Chester University

$9,288

Kutztown University of Pennsylvania

$9,288

Indiana University of Pennsylvania

$9,288

PennWest Edinboro

$9,288

PennWest Edinboro

13%

PennWest Clarion

13%

PennWest California

14%

Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania

18%

University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg

19%

Mansfield University of Pennsylvania

20%

Kutztown University of Pennsylvania

22%

East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania

22%

University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown

23%

Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania

23%

University of Pittsburgh

67%

Temple University

72%

University of Pittsburgh at Bradford

73%

Slippery Rock University

79%

Lincoln University, Pennsylvania

80%

West Chester University

89%

Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania

90%

University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg

91%

University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown

92%

PennWest Edinboro

92%

Temple University

13 to 1

University of Pittsburgh

14 to 1

Lincoln University, Pennsylvania

14 to 1

Pennsylvania College of Technology

14 to 1

Cheyney University of Pennsylvania

15 to 1

PennWest Edinboro

15 to 1

Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania

15 to 1

University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg

16 to 1

PennWest Clarion

17 to 1

Mansfield University of Pennsylvania

17 to 1

Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania

$7,716

West Chester University

$7,716

Kutztown University of Pennsylvania

$7,716

Cheyney University of Pennsylvania

$7,716

PennWest Edinboro

$7,716

Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania

$7,716

Slippery Rock University

$7,716

PennWest Clarion

$7,716

Mansfield University of Pennsylvania

$7,716

PennWest California

$7,716

Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania

$9,288

West Chester University

$9,288

Kutztown University of Pennsylvania

$9,288

Indiana University of Pennsylvania

$9,288

PennWest Edinboro

$9,288

Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania

$9,288

Slippery Rock University

$9,288

Millersville University of Pennsylvania

$9,288

PennWest Clarion

$9,288

Mansfield University of Pennsylvania

$9,288

Key Takeaways

Pennsylvania has 101 colleges and universities, including two-year and four-year institutions. These institutions receive state and federal funding.
The most expensive public college in Pennsylvania is the University of Pittsburgh, with an average tuition fee of $20,000, while the least expensive colleges are West Chester University and Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania, with an average tuition fee of $10,000.
Public colleges, because of their wide range of academic programs, diverse student bodies, and prestigious research opportunities, have a higher student-to-faculty ratio than private colleges.

Table of Contents

Pennsylvania’s Top-notch Public Colleges

Pennsylvania, often called the Quaker State or Keystone State, ranks fifth in terms of population size in the US, with a population of 12.9 million. The state is the ninth most densely populated in the union based on its size, which positions it as the thirty-third largest in the country. Due to its size, it’s evident that the state has plenty of colleges and universities to cater to students’ educational goals.

There are more than 500 Pennsylvania colleges and universities. In truth, Pennsylvania’s state university system compares favorably with the greatest public universities in the country. The state is bursting with excellent educational possibilities, with dozens of top-tier public colleges from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh and University Park to Reading that offer exciting campus life and a diverse student body. But is everyone suitable to obtain a degree in the Mid-Atlantic state?

About The Public Colleges in Pennsylvania

Public colleges and universities in Pennsylvania provide students with a wide range of reasonably-priced academic programs and top-notch research facilities for prospective undergraduate and graduate students. Public schools offer world-class facilities, including the University of Pennsylvania system, Pennsylvania State University, Temple University, Bloomsburg University, Millersville University, and Lincoln University.

Due to the lack of regional reciprocity agreements between Pennsylvania and other states, tuition for nonresident students may be doubled or even more in public and private schools. According to recent data, in-state undergraduate students pay an average of $8,026, while out-of-state students pay $16,576. Additionally, unlike other states, such as New York, Pennsylvania doesn’t allow out-of-state students to pay in-state tuition even after 12 months of living there.

Aside from tuition, higher learning institutions in Pennsylvania charge other fees, such as on-campus events, distance learning, technology services, and more. The net price for these fees usually goes as low as $800 to $2,000.

Pennsylvania is one of the top cities to study business administration and management, psychology, engineering, health sciences, registered nursing, information science, and computer science.

Admission to public schools is competitive. Most Pennsylvania colleges require incoming first-year students to submit standardized test scores. The SAT range for Pennsylvania colleges is SAT 1200-1350.

Students looking for test-optional admissions should consider enrolling at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, Temple University. Colleges and universities not included on the list but have test-optional admissions are Thomas Jefferson University, Lafayette College, Dickinson College, Haverford College, and Bryn Mawr, among others.

Cost of Living in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania’s cost of living is reasonable, especially considering the high price of living in major cities like Los Angeles, New York City, and Miami.

Pennsylvania has a 1% cheaper cost of living than the rest of the US. While utilities are 8% more expensive than the national average, housing is 9% less expensive. Compared to the rest of the country, the cost of groceries is about 1% greater than it is for clothing and other needs like food.

Compared to the national average, Pennsylvania healthcare costs for procedures like dental cleanings and doctor checkups are 3% lower. At the same time, extra expenses like entertainment and grooming services have increased by 1%.

In high-end areas, such as State College, West Chester, and Doyle, you can expect to pay a great deal more, particularly for rent and buying a home, than in areas that aren’t as luxurious, such as Greenville, Edgewood, Brentwood.

Pros and Cons of Studying and Living in Pennsylvania

If you’re considering relocating to Pennsylvania, you should examine the advantages and disadvantages to make sure it’s a choice you can live with. Pennsylvania may seem like the ideal place for a change of scenery for some people, but the disadvantages might be too great for them to consider relocating there.

Pros:

Full of history and culture
High level of education
Scholarships
Easy access to other parts of the country
Diverse living styles

Cons:

Cost of living
Limited work opportunities
Competitive atmosphere
Rough winters
Subpar infrastructure
Extra taxes

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 Public Colleges Badge — Download Badge

This list is composed entirely of public colleges and universities that offer bachelor’s degrees. We’ve identified 21 public universities in Pennsylvania. To be included in our list of the best PA state colleges, schools must receive direct funding from the state, be fully accredited, and offer a broad range of bachelor’s degrees.

How do we determine Pennsylvania's best public colleges and universities?

The people affiliated with a school are ultimately what make it great! If you are serious about finding the best colleges and universities for a bachelor’s degree, you should be asking where the most influential professors are teaching and whether their graduates are themselves advancing the school’s reputation for academic excellence in their fields of study.

Most ranking sites rely on an opaque combination of reputation surveys and arbitrary performance metrics. Concentrated Influence provides a ranking that is freer from bias, insulated from manipulation, and reflective of real-world educational outcomes.

To rank the influence of schools, we first determine the influence of scholars and professionals based on the number of citations and publications they have had over the past 10 years. In addition to publications and citations, we consider the web links to and from these sources, and the page views of those sources. We then match the influential people to their alma maters and institutions of employment, so that their influence is attributed to those schools. Our machine-learning Influence Ranking algorithm produces a numerical score of academic achievements, merits, and citations across Wikipedia, wikidata, Crossref, Semantic Scholar and an ever-growing body of data. If you are interested in exploring how and why we rank by influence, explore our methodology in more depth.

Best Public Colleges in Pennsylvania 2022

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Pennsylvania’s Best Public College in 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.

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

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