Best Research Universities in Pennsylvania 2026

Badge for BEST IN PENNSYLVANIA RESEARCH UNIVERSITIES
By Dr. James Barham
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 2026

  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

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 Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2026 #10 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2026 #12 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $71K

    Acceptance

    5%

    Graduation

    97%

    Student body

    33K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1540/35

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Pennsylvania

    Cost of Degree: $66,104
    Expenses: $22,924
    Starting Salary: $121,687
    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 #16 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2026 #16 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2026 #19 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $69K

    Acceptance

    12%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    17K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1535/34

    Career Outlook for degree at Carnegie Mellon University

    Cost of Degree: $63,274
    Expenses: $19,868
    Starting Salary: $125,257
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 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
  3. #3

    University of Pittsburgh

    Pittsburgh , PA
    #10 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2026 #10 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2026 #11 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2026 #25 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $23K

    Acceptance

    58%

    Graduation

    86%

    Student body

    37K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1370/31

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Pittsburgh

    Cost of Degree: $21,524
    Expenses: $16,922
    Starting Salary: $73,113
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Pittsburgh known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  4. #4

    Temple University

    Philadelphia , PA
    #9 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers 2026 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Pennsylvania 2026 #2 Best Public Colleges in Pennsylvania 2026 #4 Best Grad Schools in Pennsylvania 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $24K

    Acceptance

    80%

    Graduation

    73%

    Student body

    33K

    Career Outlook for degree at Temple University

    Cost of Degree: $21,991
    Expenses: $22,674
    Starting Salary: $71,027
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Temple University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  6. #5

    Lehigh University

    Bethlehem , PA
    #5 Best Private Colleges in Pennsylvania 2026 #6 Best Grad Schools in Pennsylvania 2026 #7 Best Colleges in Pennsylvania 2026 #23 Best Online MBA Degree Programs for 2026 with No GMAT Required

    Tuition + fees

    $68K

    Acceptance

    26%

    Graduation

    85%

    Student body

    8K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1435/32

    Career Outlook for degree at Lehigh University

    Cost of Degree: $62,180
    Expenses: $18,970
    Starting Salary: $116,342
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 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 2026 #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2026 #7 Best Private Colleges in Pennsylvania 2026 #7 Best Grad Schools in Pennsylvania 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $64K

    Acceptance

    79%

    Graduation

    78%

    Student body

    25K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1340/29

    Career Outlook for degree at Drexel University

    Cost of Degree: $60,663
    Expenses: $20,750
    Starting Salary: $92,338
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 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
  8. #7

    Villanova University

    Villanova , PA
    #18 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2026 #1 Best Christian Colleges in Pennsylvania 2026 #8 Best Private Colleges in Pennsylvania 2026 #8 Best Grad Schools in Pennsylvania 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $71K

    Acceptance

    27%

    Graduation

    93%

    Student body

    11K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1452/33

    Career Outlook for degree at Villanova University

    Cost of Degree: $64,701
    Expenses: $20,296
    Starting Salary: $115,382
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Villanova University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  9. #8

    Duquesne University

    Pittsburgh , PA
    #3 The Best Catholic Colleges and Universities Ranked for 2026 #6 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees 2026 #24 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2026 #2 Best Christian Colleges in Pennsylvania 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $51K

    Acceptance

    84%

    Graduation

    76%

    Student body

    9K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1260/29

    Career Outlook for degree at Duquesne University

    Cost of Degree: $47,146
    Expenses: $21,018
    Starting Salary: $81,698
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 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
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Organizational Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    Compare school
  10. #9

    Thomas Jefferson University

    Philadelphia , PA
    #10 Best Private Colleges in Pennsylvania 2026 #10 Best Grad Schools in Pennsylvania 2026 #1 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Accounting Programs 2026 #1 Best Online Master’s in Forensics Degree Programs 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $49K

    Acceptance

    81%

    Graduation

    71%

    Student body

    10K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1245/27

    Career Outlook for degree at Thomas Jefferson University

    Cost of Degree: $45,533
    Expenses: $22,874
    Starting Salary: $78,311
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 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
    • Format: Fully 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
    • Format: Fully 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
    • Format: Fully online
    BAS in Management
    • Required Credits: 180
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Information Technology
    Degree Concentrations
    • Cybersecurity
    • Data Analytics
    • Data Management
    • IT Project Management
    • Networking
    • Software Development
    • Required Credits: 180
    • Format: Fully online
    Compare school
  12. #10

    Widener University

    Chester , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $58K

    Acceptance

    71%

    Graduation

    67%

    Student body

    6K

    Career Outlook for degree at Widener University

    Cost of Degree: $53,638
    Expenses: $18,828
    Starting Salary: $76,782
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 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
  13. #11

    Indiana University of Pennsylvania

    Indiana , PA
    #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Pennsylvania 2026 #4 Best Public Colleges in Pennsylvania 2026 #4 Best Online Doctorate in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs 2026 #13 Best Online Master's Programs in Pennsylvania 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    91%

    Graduation

    52%

    Student body

    11K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1075/23

    Career Outlook for degree at Indiana University of Pennsylvania

    Cost of Degree: $11,380
    Expenses: $15,982
    Starting Salary: $57,182
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Indiana University of Pennsylvania known for?

    Indiana University of Pennsylvania’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 2026 #9 Best Online Colleges in Pennsylvania 2026 #16 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $37K

    Acceptance

    90%

    Graduation

    64%

    Student body

    6K

    Career Outlook for degree at Robert Morris University

    Cost of Degree: $34,740
    Expenses: $18,334
    Starting Salary: $69,633
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 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

    $45K

    Acceptance

    91%

    Graduation

    59%

    Student body

    7K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1135/25

    Career Outlook for degree at Wilkes University

    Cost of Degree: $42,286
    Expenses: $19,599
    Starting Salary: $75,038
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 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

    Gannon University

    Erie , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $43K

    Acceptance

    74%

    Graduation

    71%

    Student body

    5K

    Career Outlook for degree at Gannon University

    Cost of Degree: $37,951
    Expenses: $19,684
    Starting Salary: $64,498
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 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
  18. #15

    Immaculata University

    Immaculata , PA
    #5 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Pennsylvania 2026 #5 Best Online Associate Degrees in Pennsylvania 2026 #13 Best Online Colleges in Pennsylvania 2026 #22 Best Online Master's Programs in Pennsylvania 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $30K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    63%

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for degree at Immaculata University

    Cost of Degree: $28,550
    Expenses: $17,154
    Starting Salary: $74,080
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 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
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Health Care Management
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Cybersecurity
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Organizational Behavior
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Human Resources Management
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Emergency Planning and Management
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Business Leadership
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Business Management
    • Completion Time: 2 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Marketing Management
    • Format: Fully online
    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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Find the Best Research Universities in Pennsylvania for Your Area of Interest

Anthropology Biology Business Chemistry Commun­ications Computer Science Criminal Justice Earth Sciences Economics Education Engineering History Law Literature Mathematics Medical Nursing Philosophy Physics Political Science Psychology Religious Studies Social Work Sociology

Pennsylvania hosts a diverse group of research universities—from large, research-intensive public and private institutions to specialized medical and technical centers. This guide highlights the state’s leading research universities for 2026, focusing on the institutions that produce high volumes of scholarship, attract external funding, and sustain broad graduate programs across STEM, health sciences, and the humanities. Rather than a single ranking metric, we emphasize research capacity, doctoral output, and institutional strengths so you can match programs to your goals.

Use the list to compare where research opportunities, graduate mentorship, and lab or clinical resources align with your field. 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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