Best Public Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024

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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 2024

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  1. University of Pittsburgh
  2. Temple University
  3. Indiana University of Pennsylvania
  4. Lincoln University, Pennsylvania
  5. West Chester University
  6. Slippery Rock University
  7. Slippery Rock University, Pennsylvania
  8. PennWest California
  9. University of Pittsburgh at Bradford
  10. Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania
  1. University of Pittsburgh
  2. Temple University
  3. Lincoln University, Pennsylvania
  4. Indiana University of Pennsylvania
  5. West Chester University
  6. Cheyney University of Pennsylvania
  7. Pennsylvania College of Technology
  8. University of Pittsburgh at Bradford
  9. Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania
  10. Millersville University of Pennsylvania
  1. University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg 98%
  2. University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown 97%
  3. Kutztown University of Pennsylvania 96%
  4. East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania 94%
  5. University of Pittsburgh at Bradford 94%
  6. Millersville University of Pennsylvania 92%
  7. Indiana University of Pennsylvania 92%
  8. West Chester University 88%
  9. Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania 88%
  10. Lincoln University, Pennsylvania 81%
  1. Indiana University of Pennsylvania 21 to 1
  2. West Chester University 20 to 1
  3. East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania 20 to 1
  4. Kutztown University of Pennsylvania 20 to 1
  5. Slippery Rock University 19 to 1
  6. Millersville University of Pennsylvania 18 to 1
  7. Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania 17 to 1
  8. University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg 16 to 1
  9. Cheyney University of Pennsylvania 15 to 1
  10. University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown 15 to 1
  1. Temple University $20,173
  2. University of Pittsburgh $19,760
  3. Pennsylvania College of Technology $15,450
  4. University of Pittsburgh at Bradford $13,660
  5. University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg $13,660
  6. University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown $13,660
  7. Millersville University of Pennsylvania $9,570
  8. Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania $9,570
  9. Lincoln University, Pennsylvania $8,476
  10. West Chester University $7,716
  1. University of Pittsburgh $24,962
  2. Temple University $20,531
  3. Pennsylvania College of Technology $15,450
  4. Lincoln University, Pennsylvania $10,106
  5. East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania $10,062
  6. West Chester University $9,288
  7. Kutztown University of Pennsylvania $9,288
  8. Indiana University of Pennsylvania $9,288
  9. Slippery Rock University $9,288
  10. Millersville University of Pennsylvania $9,288
  1. Mansfield University of Pennsylvania
  2. University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg
  3. Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania
  4. PennWest Clarion
  5. East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania
  6. Pennsylvania College of Technology
  7. Cheyney University of Pennsylvania
  8. Millersville University of Pennsylvania
  9. Kutztown University of Pennsylvania
  10. PennWest Edinboro
  1. Slippery Rock University, Pennsylvania
  2. PennWest Clarion
  3. PennWest Edinboro
  4. PennWest California
  5. Slippery Rock University
  6. Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania
  7. Mansfield University of Pennsylvania
  8. University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg
  9. Kutztown University of Pennsylvania
  10. East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania
  1. University of Pittsburgh 49%
  2. Slippery Rock University 74%
  3. Temple University 80%
  4. Lincoln University, Pennsylvania 81%
  5. Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania 88%
  6. West Chester University 88%
  7. Indiana University of Pennsylvania 92%
  8. Millersville University of Pennsylvania 92%
  9. University of Pittsburgh at Bradford 94%
  10. East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania 94%
  1. Temple University 12 to 1
  2. University of Pittsburgh 13 to 1
  3. Lincoln University, Pennsylvania 13 to 1
  4. University of Pittsburgh at Bradford 13 to 1
  5. Pennsylvania College of Technology 14 to 1
  6. Cheyney University of Pennsylvania 15 to 1
  7. University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown 15 to 1
  8. University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg 16 to 1
  9. Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania 17 to 1
  10. Millersville University of Pennsylvania 18 to 1
  1. West Chester University $7,716
  2. East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania $7,716
  3. Kutztown University of Pennsylvania $7,716
  4. Indiana University of Pennsylvania $7,716
  5. Cheyney University of Pennsylvania $7,716
  6. Slippery Rock University $7,716
  7. Lincoln University, Pennsylvania $8,476
  8. Millersville University of Pennsylvania $9,570
  9. Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania $9,570
  10. University of Pittsburgh at Bradford $13,660
  1. West Chester University $9,288
  2. Kutztown University of Pennsylvania $9,288
  3. Indiana University of Pennsylvania $9,288
  4. Slippery Rock University $9,288
  5. Millersville University of Pennsylvania $9,288
  6. Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania $9,288
  7. East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania $10,062
  8. Lincoln University, Pennsylvania $10,106
  9. Pennsylvania College of Technology $15,450
  10. Temple University $20,531

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.

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
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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
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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.

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Best Public Colleges in Pennsylvania 2023

  1. #4

    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
  2. #5

    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
  3. 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

  4. 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
  5. Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    88%

    Graduation

    50%

    Student body

    6K

    Career Outlook for degree at Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania

    Cost of Degree: $13,394
    Expenses: $16,120
    Starting Salary: $48,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania known for?

    Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania’s Online Degrees

    BA in Behavioral Health
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Healthcare Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business Administration
    Degree Concentrations
    • Areas of Specialization: Human Resources (online or on-campus)
    • Marketing (online or on-campus)
    • Entrepreneurial Studies (on-campus only)
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  6. Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    97%

    Graduation

    48%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1120/23

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown

    Cost of Degree: $14,646
    Expenses: $16,538
    Starting Salary: $61,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

  7. #12

    PennWest Edinboro

    Edinboro , PA

    PennWest Edinboro’s Online Degrees

    BS in Applied Technical Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  8. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    96%

    Graduation

    56%

    Student body

    9K

    Career Outlook for degree at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania

    Cost of Degree: $11,122
    Expenses: $17,646
    Starting Salary: $43,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Kutztown University of Pennsylvania known for?

    Kutztown University of Pennsylvania’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Kutztown University of Pennsylvania’s Online Degrees

    BS in Human Development and Family Science
    Degree Concentrations
    • Tracks: Family Specialist Track
    • Infant/Toddler Mental Health Track
    • Child Life Track
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    BA in General Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Communications Media
    Degree Concentrations
    • Media Marketing Track
    • Media Production Track
    • Media Studies Track
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    BA in Criminology
    Degree Concentrations
    • Areas: Criminal Justice System
    • Critical Issues in Criminology
    • Diversity Issues in Criminology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
  9. Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    92%

    Graduation

    57%

    Student body

    8K

    Career Outlook for degree at Millersville University of Pennsylvania

    Cost of Degree: $12,262
    Expenses: $17,100
    Starting Salary: $46,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Millersville University of Pennsylvania’s Online Degrees

    BA in Art History
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Sociology
    Degree Concentrations
    • General Sociology
    • Applied Health Care Concentrations
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  10. Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Graduation

    15%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Cheyney University of Pennsylvania

    Cost of Degree: $10,904
    Expenses: $14,344
    Starting Salary: $31,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Cheyney University of Pennsylvania known for?

    Cheyney University of Pennsylvania’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  11. Tuition + fees

    $18K

    Graduation

    49%

    Student body

    5K

    Career Outlook for degree at Pennsylvania College of Technology

    Cost of Degree: $17,940
    Expenses: $17,147
    Starting Salary: $46,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Pennsylvania College of Technology known for?

    Pennsylvania College of Technology’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Pennsylvania College of Technology’s Online Degrees

    BS in Applied Health Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Applied Management
    • Required Credits: 121
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Automotive Technology Management
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 122
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Dental Hygiene
    • Required Credits: 122
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 121
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Emergency Management & Homeland Security
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  12. Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    94%

    Graduation

    46%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1050/21

    Career Outlook for degree at East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania

    Cost of Degree: $10,687
    Expenses: $15,100
    Starting Salary: $47,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania known for?

    East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  13. #18

    PennWest Clarion

    Clarion , PA
    What is PennWest Clarion known for?

    Most Influential Alumni

  14. What is Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania known for?
  15. Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    98%

    Graduation

    39%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1162/25

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg

    Cost of Degree: $14,630
    Expenses: $16,878
    Starting Salary: $61,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg known for?

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

  16. What is Mansfield University of Pennsylvania known for?

    Most Influential Alumni

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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.

  1. University of Pittsburgh
  2. Pennsylvania State University
  3. Temple University
  4. Indiana University of Pennsylvania
  5. Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania
  6. PennWest California
  7. Penn State Harrisburg
  8. Slippery Rock University, Pennsylvania
  9. PennWest Clarion
  10. West Chester University
  11. Millersville University of Pennsylvania
  12. Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania
  13. Penn State Altoona
  14. Penn State Lehigh Valley
  15. Kutztown University of Pennsylvania
  16. Penn State Berks
  17. Penn State York
  18. Penn State New Kensington
  19. Penn State Hazleton

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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