Best Research Universities in Pennsylvania 2025

Badge for BEST IN PENNSYLVANIA RESEARCH UNIVERSITIES

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.

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
    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: $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

    $61K

    Acceptance

    11%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    16K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1530/34

    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. #5

    Lehigh University

    Bethlehem , PA

    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: $59,930
    Expenses: $17,955
    Starting Salary: $94,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  4. #6

    Drexel University

    Philadelphia , PA
    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: $58,965
    Expenses: $20,180
    Starting Salary: $78,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  5. #8

    Duquesne University

    Pittsburgh , PA
    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: $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
  6. #9

    Thomas Jefferson University

    Philadelphia , PA
    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: $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
  7. #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: $51,639
    Expenses: $18,314
    Starting Salary: $59,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  8. #12

    Robert Morris University

    Moon Township , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $34K

    Acceptance

    94%

    Graduation

    65%

    Student body

    5K

    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

  9. #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: $41,112
    Expenses: $20,643
    Starting Salary: $58,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  10. #14

    Immaculata University

    Immaculata , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $28K

    Acceptance

    70%

    Graduation

    61%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Immaculata University

    Cost of Degree: $27,750
    Expenses: $18,720
    Starting Salary: $54,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 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
  11. #15

    Gannon University

    Erie , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $37K

    Acceptance

    81%

    Graduation

    70%

    Student body

    5K

    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

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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Find the Best Research Universities in Pennsylvania for Your Area of Interest

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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