Best Small Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024

Badge for BEST IN PENNSYLVANIA SMALL COLLEGES
By Dr. James Barham
Published:
Updated:

Small colleges in Pennsylvania are a great option for students interested in a more intimate campus experience, more personal attention from excellent professors, and more immediate access to support services. Whether the focus is on the technical or on the liberal arts, small colleges give you the chance to pursue a well-rounded education while working closely with classmates and professors in a dynamic community atmosphere.

10 Best Small Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024

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  1. Swarthmore College
  2. Haverford College
  3. Bryn Mawr College
  4. Dickinson College
  5. Bucknell University
  6. Lafayette College
  7. Washington & Jefferson College
  8. Franklin & Marshall College
  9. Gettysburg College
  10. Gannon University
  1. Swarthmore College
  2. Bryn Mawr College
  3. Haverford College
  4. Lincoln University
  5. Lafayette College
  6. Bucknell University
  7. Dickinson College
  8. Allegheny College
  9. Washington & Jefferson College
  10. Gettysburg College
  1. Chestnut Hill College 98%
  2. Wilkes University 94%
  3. La Salle University 94%
  4. University of Pittsburgh at Bradford 94%
  5. Robert Morris University 94%
  6. Washington & Jefferson College 88%
  7. Widener University 88%
  8. Albright College 85%
  9. University of Scranton 84%
  10. Ursinus College 82%
  1. Eastern University 15 to 1
  2. Elizabethtown College 13 to 1
  3. Wilkes University 13 to 1
  4. Robert Morris University 13 to 1
  5. Gannon University 13 to 1
  6. Grove City College 13 to 1
  7. Lincoln University 13 to 1
  8. University of Pittsburgh at Bradford 13 to 1
  9. University of Scranton 12 to 1
  10. La Salle University 12 to 1
  1. Franklin & Marshall College $65,844
  2. Haverford College $63,628
  3. Gettysburg College $61,760
  4. Bucknell University $61,746
  5. Dickinson College $61,351
  6. Lafayette College $59,368
  7. Bryn Mawr College $59,330
  8. Swarthmore College $59,328
  9. Muhlenberg College $58,205
  10. Ursinus College $58,016
  1. Bryn Mawr College $50,730
  2. Elizabethtown College $35,020
  3. Arcadia University $27,457
  4. Bucknell University $26,960
  5. La Salle University $26,400
  6. Widener University $25,850
  7. Wilkes University $24,000
  8. DeSales University $21,120
  9. Gannon University $20,610
  10. Chatham University $19,458
  1. Albright College
  2. Lycoming College
  3. Juniata College
  4. Wilkes University
  5. University of Pittsburgh at Bradford
  6. Chatham University
  7. DeSales University
  8. Robert Morris University
  9. Arcadia University
  10. Allegheny College
  1. Lycoming College
  2. Albright College
  3. University of Pittsburgh at Bradford
  4. Gannon University
  5. Arcadia University
  6. Wilkes University
  7. Juniata College
  8. DeSales University
  9. Eastern University
  10. Robert Morris University
  1. Swarthmore College 7%
  2. Haverford College 14%
  3. Bryn Mawr College 31%
  4. Bucknell University 33%
  5. Lafayette College 34%
  6. Dickinson College 35%
  7. Franklin & Marshall College 36%
  8. Gettysburg College 56%
  9. Eastern University 63%
  10. Chatham University 66%
  1. Allegheny College 8 to 1
  2. Muhlenberg College 8 to 1
  3. Swarthmore College 8 to 1
  4. Haverford College 8 to 1
  5. Bryn Mawr College 8 to 1
  6. Dickinson College 9 to 1
  7. Bucknell University 9 to 1
  8. Franklin & Marshall College 9 to 1
  9. Albright College 9 to 1
  10. Juniata College 10 to 1
  1. Lincoln University $8,476
  2. University of Pittsburgh at Bradford $13,660
  3. Grove City College $19,990
  4. Albright College $28,230
  5. Robert Morris University $33,767
  6. La Salle University $33,890
  7. Elizabethtown College $35,670
  8. Eastern University $36,464
  9. Gannon University $36,706
  10. Chestnut Hill College $39,410
  1. Albright College $1,480
  2. Gettysburg College $2,250
  3. Dickinson College $3,750
  4. Grove City College $8,550
  5. Lincoln University $10,106
  6. University of Scranton $11,580
  7. Juniata College $13,950
  8. Eastern University $14,058
  9. Chestnut Hill College $17,040
  10. Muhlenberg College $19,200

Key Takeaways

  • Look beyond the large universities in Pennsylvania and consider the merits of a small college in the Keystone State. The strong sense of community combined with personalized attention from the faculty and staff members and excellent access to support services are among its benefits.
  • Many of the best small colleges featured here have notable roles in the formation of higher education in the United States. Washington & Jefferson College is the oldest liberal arts school, while Bryn Mawr College is part of the prestigious Seven Sisters colleges.
  • Pennsylvania is an excellent place to pursue higher education, too. Historical landmarks and attractions abound, thus, attracting history buffs. There are rich and diverse employment opportunities, too, thanks to the presence of Fortune 500 companies. Many of the country’s largest industries are also located here, from broadcast and telecommunications to agriculture and food manufacturing.

Pennsylvania’s Pride: Top-rated Small Colleges

 

Did you know that one of the outstanding small colleges in Pennsylvania on our list is only 41 years younger than the University of Pennsylvania, the Keystone State’s oldest institution of higher education? Established in 1781, Washington & Jefferson College started as three colleges in log cabins that became two competing colleges—Washington College and Jefferson College. By 1865, the two colleges merged to become W&J College.

Dickinson College (1783) is the second-oldest in our list of Pennsylvania’s best small colleges in Pennsylvania, followed by Franklin & Marshall College (1787), Lycoming College (1812) Allegheny College (1815), and Lafayette College (1826). Indeed, Pennsylvania has a solid history of higher education that continues to strengthen its society, economy, and culture!

Bryn Mawr College, ranked #3 on our list, is also notable for being part of the so-called Seven Sisters colleges, a group of highly selective liberal arts colleges known for being historically women’s colleges.

Love for Liberal Arts Education

With the exception of Gannon University, the top 10 best small colleges in Pennsylvania are private liberal arts colleges. This is a strong indication that Pennsylvania places immeasurable value on liberal arts in higher education!

What makes for a liberal arts college in the first place? Liberal arts colleges emphasize the study of liberal arts and sciences in their undergraduate programs. Their programs of study encourage students to develop broad general knowledge and skills, particularly in terms of general intellectual abilities.

These are typically four-year undergraduate institutions with a wide range of bachelor’s degree programs in liberal arts. But many also offer graduate programs at the master’s and doctoral degree levels.

Students may choose a particular major or discipline but gain a comprehensive exposure to a wide range of subjects. These can include social and natural sciences, arts and humanities, and mathematics, but can also include subjects not traditionally taught under a liberal arts curriculum.

Examples include computer science, business administration, and accounting, even engineering. Swarthmore College and Bucknell University, for example, have undergraduate engineering programs.

While vocational, technical, and professional programs of study emphasize the development of technical skills (i.e., skills specific to the profession or occupation), the emphasis in liberal arts is on transferable skills. Students acquire soft skills like communication, critical thinking, and collaboration skills, as well as problem-solving skills, which are vital to life, citizenship, and work.

Most of the best small colleges in Pennsylvania are also private institutions; the exceptions are Lincoln University and University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, both of which are state-related institutions. Note that private colleges in Pennsylvania aren’t directly funded by the state and federal governments, meaning these colleges have greater reliance on diverse revenue sources. These include tuition and fees, donations, and endowments.

For this reason, many prospective students turn away from private liberal arts schools due to the higher cost of education compared with public institutions. However most of the best small colleges in Pennsylvania offer generous merit and need-based scholarships in addition to federal aid.

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania also offers several scholarship programs for its college students, many of which are available to students in private small colleges, too. Examples include:

Pennsylvania also has loan forgiveness programs available for students pursuing degrees in high-demand professions that are, at their core, award-for-service programs. Explore the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program and the Federal Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program.

Reasons to Love Studying in Pennsylvania

If you’re into liberal arts and its study, you will find that Pennsylvania is the perfect place to satisfy your curiosity and even make new discoveries!

Known as the Keystone State for its pivotal role in US history, Pennsylvania appeals to history buffs with its abundance of historic landmarks and attractions. The Independence National Historical Park, Gettysburg National Military Park, and Carnegie Museum of Natural History are a few examples.

Let’s not forget that Pennsylvania is also a hub for higher education with many of the world’s best universities located here! The University of Pennsylvania, an Ivy League university, and the University of Pittsburgh are a few examples—and, of course, the best small colleges featured here.

The cost of living in Pennsylvania is also affordable! At 1% lower than the national average, the Quaker State is a student-friendly place, indeed.

And the employment opportunities abound for graduates, too! Pennsylvania is home to several Fortune 500 corporations like H.J. Heinz, GE Transportation, and Walmart.

Among its largest industries are the coal, steel, and railroad industries; the agriculture industry particularly in mushrooms, apples, Christmas trees, milk and chickens, grapes and wines; and broadcasting and telecommunications.

Known as the Snack Food Capital of World, job opportunities are also present in its 2,300+ food manufacturing companies. There’s even a thriving casino gambling industry!

Indeed, now is the best time to consider enrolling in one of the best small colleges in Pennsylvania! You will not only get a well-rounded education in liberal arts and in other fields, but you can put your skills to good use

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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

Pennsylvania's Best Small Colleges and Universities Badge
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The following list of the best small colleges and universities in Pennsylvania is composed mainly of four-year undergraduate schools (though a handful also offer graduate programs). We’ve identified 78 small colleges in Pennsylvania. The list below of the 30 best small colleges in Pennsylvania. To be included schools must fully accredited, and must have student body populations below 5,000 students.

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Best Small Colleges in Pennsylvania 2023

  1. #1

    Swarthmore College

    Swarthmore , PA
    #4 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #4 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024 #3 Best Private Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $59K

    Acceptance

    7%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1500/33

    Career Outlook for degree at Swarthmore College

    Cost of Degree: $62,412
    Expenses: $21,691
    Starting Salary: $70,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Swarthmore College known for?

    Swarthmore College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  2. #2

    Haverford College

    Haverford , PA
    #19 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #20 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024 #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $64K

    Acceptance

    14%

    Graduation

    91%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1485/34

    Career Outlook for degree at Haverford College

    Cost of Degree: $68,020
    Expenses: $22,082
    Starting Salary: $75,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Haverford College known for?

    Haverford College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  3. #3

    Bryn Mawr College

    Bryn Mawr , PA
    #14 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #15 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024 #5 Best Grad Schools in Pennsylvania 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $59K

    Acceptance

    31%

    Graduation

    83%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1387/31

    Career Outlook for degree at Bryn Mawr College

    Cost of Degree: $62,560
    Expenses: $20,690
    Starting Salary: $61,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Bryn Mawr College known for?

    Bryn Mawr College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  4. #4

    Dickinson College

    Carlisle , PA
    #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $61K

    Acceptance

    35%

    Graduation

    84%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Dickinson College

    Cost of Degree: $63,450
    Expenses: $19,752
    Starting Salary: $64,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Dickinson College known for?

    Dickinson College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  7. #6

    Lafayette College

    Easton , PA
    #3 50 Best Christian Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities 2025 #3 Best Christian Colleges in Pennsylvania 2025 #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024 #14 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Engineering Degrees 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $59K

    Acceptance

    34%

    Graduation

    89%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1405/31

    Career Outlook for degree at Lafayette College

    Cost of Degree: $61,824
    Expenses: $20,790
    Starting Salary: $80,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Lafayette College known for?

    Lafayette College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  8. #7

    Washington & Jefferson College

    Washington , PA
    #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $50K

    Acceptance

    88%

    Graduation

    74%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1130/23

    Career Outlook for degree at Washington & Jefferson College

    Cost of Degree: $28,185
    Expenses: $16,110
    Starting Salary: $60,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Washington & Jefferson College known for?

    Washington & Jefferson College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  9. #8

    Franklin & Marshall College

    Lancaster , PA
    #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $66K

    Acceptance

    36%

    Graduation

    86%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1375/31

    Career Outlook for degree at Franklin & Marshall College

    Cost of Degree: $68,380
    Expenses: $17,638
    Starting Salary: $69,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Franklin & Marshall College known for?

    Franklin & Marshall College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  10. #9

    Gettysburg College

    Gettysburg , PA
    #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024 #22 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Education Degrees

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    56%

    Graduation

    82%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1395/30

    Career Outlook for degree at Gettysburg College

    Cost of Degree: $64,230
    Expenses: $17,730
    Starting Salary: $66,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Gettysburg College known for?

    Gettysburg College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  11. #10

    Gannon University

    Erie , PA

    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
  13. #11

    La Salle University

    Philadelphia , PA
    #5 Best Christian Colleges in Pennsylvania 2025 #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024 #11 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Criminal Justice Degrees #19 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Communications Degrees 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $34K

    Acceptance

    94%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    6K

    Career Outlook for degree at La Salle University

    Cost of Degree: $35,570
    Expenses: $17,590
    Starting Salary: $61,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is La Salle University known for?

    La Salle University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  14. #12

    Widener University

    Chester , PA
    #10 Best Research Universities in Pennsylvania 2025

    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
  15. #13

    Lincoln University, Pennsylvania

    Lincoln University , PA
    #14 Most Influential HBCUs in the US Ranked for 2024 #3 Best Public Colleges in Pennsylvania 2025 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Pennsylvania 2025

    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: $12,512
    Expenses: $15,993
    Starting Salary: $36,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Lincoln University, Pennsylvania known for?

    Lincoln University, Pennsylvania’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  16. #14

    University of Scranton

    Scranton , PA
    #8 Best Christian Colleges in Pennsylvania 2025 #9 10 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Accounting Programs 2025 #6 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Finance Degree Programs 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $50K

    Acceptance

    84%

    Graduation

    80%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1235/28

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Scranton

    Cost of Degree: $52,034
    Expenses: $20,090
    Starting Salary: $62,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Scranton known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  19. #16

    Elizabethtown College

    Elizabethtown , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $36K

    Acceptance

    81%

    Graduation

    76%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1175/27

    Career Outlook for degree at Elizabethtown College

    Cost of Degree: $36,842
    Expenses: $15,104
    Starting Salary: $55,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Elizabethtown College known for?

    Elizabethtown College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  20. #17

    Ursinus College

    Collegeville , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $58K

    Acceptance

    82%

    Graduation

    73%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1280/30

    Career Outlook for degree at Ursinus College

    Cost of Degree: $59,196
    Expenses: $18,386
    Starting Salary: $61,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Ursinus College known for?

    Ursinus College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  21. #18

    Eastern University

    Saint Davids , PA
    #22 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2024 #12 Top 16 Most Affordable Online Counseling PhDs (Doctorates) #16 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Counseling Degree Programs 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $36K

    Acceptance

    63%

    Graduation

    59%

    Student body

    6K

    Career Outlook for degree at Eastern University

    Cost of Degree: $37,420
    Expenses: $18,930
    Starting Salary: $48,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Eastern University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  22. #19

    Chestnut Hill College

    Philadelphia , PA
    #10 Best Christian Colleges in Pennsylvania 2025 #14 Best Online Master's Programs in Pennsylvania 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $39K

    Acceptance

    98%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Chestnut Hill College

    Cost of Degree: $39,410
    Expenses: $19,444
    Starting Salary: $46,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Chestnut Hill College known for?

    Chestnut Hill College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  23. #20

    Muhlenberg College

    Allentown , PA
    #6 Best Christian Colleges in Pennsylvania 2025 #10 Best Online Master's Programs in Pennsylvania 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $58K

    Acceptance

    66%

    Graduation

    83%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1300/31

    Career Outlook for degree at Muhlenberg College

    Cost of Degree: $60,240
    Expenses: $17,605
    Starting Salary: $65,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Muhlenberg College known for?

    Muhlenberg College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  25. #21

    Allegheny College

    Meadville , PA
    #9 Best Christian Colleges in Pennsylvania 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $54K

    Acceptance

    70%

    Graduation

    68%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1243/26

    Career Outlook for degree at Allegheny College

    Cost of Degree: $54,960
    Expenses: $17,296
    Starting Salary: $56,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Allegheny College known for?

    Allegheny College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  26. #22

    Arcadia University

    Glenside , PA
    #5 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Psychology Programs

    Tuition + fees

    $47K

    Acceptance

    78%

    Graduation

    64%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1204/26

    Career Outlook for degree at Arcadia University

    Cost of Degree: $48,290
    Expenses: $18,850
    Starting Salary: $48,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Arcadia University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  27. #23

    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
  28. #24

    DeSales University

    Center Valley , PA
    #5 Best Online Bachelor's of Theology Degree Programs in 2025 #5 10 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Finance Degree Programs 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $43K

    Acceptance

    77%

    Graduation

    68%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1190/26

    Career Outlook for degree at DeSales University

    Cost of Degree: $44,800
    Expenses: $20,116
    Starting Salary: $54,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is DeSales University known for?

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

    Compare school
  29. #25

    Chatham University

    Pittsburgh , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $42K

    Acceptance

    66%

    Graduation

    68%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1165/25

    Career Outlook for degree at Chatham University

    Cost of Degree: $43,810
    Expenses: $17,824
    Starting Salary: $43,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 20 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Chatham University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  31. #26

    University of Pittsburgh at Bradford

    Bradford , PA
    #7 Most Affordable Colleges in Pennsylvania 2025 #8 Best Public Colleges in Pennsylvania 2025

    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: $16,380
    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
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  32. #27

    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
  33. #28

    Juniata College

    Huntingdon , PA
    #15 Best Online Master's Programs in Pennsylvania 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $54K

    Acceptance

    76%

    Graduation

    71%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1230/28

    Career Outlook for degree at Juniata College

    Cost of Degree: $56,402
    Starting Salary: $56,800
    What is Juniata College known for?

    Juniata College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  34. #29

    Lycoming College

    Williamsport , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $45K

    Acceptance

    75%

    Graduation

    64%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1145/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Lycoming College

    Cost of Degree: $47,450
    Expenses: $18,082
    Starting Salary: $49,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Lycoming College known for?

    Lycoming College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  35. #30

    Albright College

    Reading , PA
    #10 Best Online Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024 #17 Best Online Master's Programs in Pennsylvania 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $28K

    Acceptance

    85%

    Graduation

    48%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Albright College

    Cost of Degree: $28,794
    Expenses: $17,628
    Starting Salary: $51,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Albright College known for?

    Albright College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Albright College’s Online Degrees

    BS in Applied Psychology
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
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Pennsylvania’s Best Small College in Your Area of Interest

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2021 Ranking Archive

Many of our 2024 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2023. That’s because we took a fundamentally different approach. For 2024 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. Swarthmore College
  2. Bryn Mawr College
  3. Haverford College
  4. Westminster College, Pennsylvania
  5. Bucknell University
  6. Wilkes University
  7. Dickinson College
  8. Franklin & Marshall College
  9. Saint Francis University
  10. Elizabethtown College
  11. Lafayette College
  12. Allegheny College
  13. Washington & Jefferson College
  14. Ursinus College
  15. Susquehanna University
  16. Gettysburg College
  17. University of Scranton
  18. Grove City College
  19. Arcadia University
  20. Eastern University
  21. Muhlenberg College
  22. Misericordia University
  23. Lycoming College
  24. Juniata College
  25. Gannon University

Many states have great small colleges. If you’re interested in looking into what other states have to offer, check out the best small colleges in Delaware and New York.

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