Best Research Universities in Pennsylvania 2025

Badge for BEST IN PENNSYLVANIA RESEARCH UNIVERSITIES
By Dr. James Barham
Published:
Updated:

Interested in attending a STEM school in Pennsylvania? Our ranking of top research universities for bachelor’s degrees displays schools that will best prepare you for STEM careers.

Key Takeaways

  • Many of the best research universities in Pennsylvania have rich histories.
  • Massachusetts in home to some of the best research universities in the world, including UPenn and Carnegie Mellon University.
  • Going to a well known research university in Pennsylvania can open the door to excellent career opportunities.

10 Best Research Universities in Pennsylvania in 2025

  1. University of Pennsylvania
  2. Carnegie Mellon University
  3. University of Pittsburgh
  4. Temple University
  5. Lehigh University
  6. Drexel University
  7. Villanova University
  8. Duquesne University
  9. Thomas Jefferson University
  10. Widener University
    +2

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 ranking of the top ten Research Universities in Pennsylvania remained incredibly stable, with the exception of Widener University. Widener University was able to make it into the top ten by modernizing campus facilities, particularly with upgrades to science labs and learning spaces to enhance hands-on experiences. The university has also expanded its mental health and wellness services, offering additional resources for student support. New programs focused on experiential learning and career preparation, including more internships and partnerships with local industries, aim to better equip students for post-graduation success. Additionally, Widener has implemented sustainability initiatives, making the campus more eco-friendly and aligning with student interest in environmental responsibility.

Best Research Universities 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
    Other Rankings

    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
    Other Rankings

    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
  6. #5

    Lehigh University

    Bethlehem , PA
    #4 Best Private Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024 #6 Best Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024 #6 Best Grad Schools 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 #5 Best Private Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024 #7 Best Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024
    Other Rankings

    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
  9. #8

    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 #9 Best Grad Schools in Pennsylvania 2025
    Other Rankings

    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
  10. #9

    Thomas Jefferson University

    Philadelphia , PA
    #10 Best Grad Schools in Pennsylvania 2025 #10 Best Private Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024 #1 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Accounting Programs 2025 #1 Best Online Master’s in Forensics Degree Programs 2025
    Other Rankings

    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
  12. #10

    Widener University

    Chester , PA

    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
  14. #12

    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
  15. #13

    Wilkes University

    Wilkes-Barre , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $41K

    Acceptance

    94%

    Graduation

    59%

    Student body

    7K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1160/23

    Career Outlook for degree at Wilkes University

    Cost of Degree: $42,286
    Expenses: $19,599
    Starting Salary: $58,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Wilkes University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  16. #14

    Immaculata University

    Immaculata , PA
    #4 Best Online Associate Degrees in Pennsylvania 2024 #5 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Pennsylvania 2025 #11 Best Online Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024 #21 Best Online Master's Programs in Pennsylvania 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $28K

    Acceptance

    70%

    Graduation

    61%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Immaculata University

    Cost of Degree: $28,550
    Expenses: $17,154
    Starting Salary: $54,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Immaculata University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Immaculata University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Allied Health for Clinical Professionals
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Health Care Management
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Cybersecurity
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Organizational Behavior
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Human Resources Management
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Emergency Planning and Management
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business Leadership
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business Management
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  18. #15

    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

A research university is a great option for students interested in obtaining STEM degrees. Research universities invest heavily in research, which consequently provides meaningful and extensive opportunities for its students and faculty to participate in research. We’ve identified 15 research universities in Pennsylvania. To be included in our ranking, schools must be a fully accredited universities and must must offer doctoral degrees across the range of STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math).

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Check out our directory of research universities throughout the U.S. for a look at the top research institutions in every state.

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