Best Small Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024

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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, Pennsylvania
  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 95%
  3. Robert Morris University 94%
  4. Widener University 85%
  5. Washington & Jefferson College 84%
  6. Gannon University 84%
  7. Ursinus College 83%
  8. Arcadia University 82%
  9. La Salle University 81%
  10. University of Scranton 80%
  1. University of Pittsburgh at Bradford 17 to 1
  2. Lincoln University, Pennsylvania 14 to 1
  3. Robert Morris University 14 to 1
  4. Gannon University 13 to 1
  5. Grove City College 13 to 1
  6. Wilkes University 13 to 1
  7. Juniata College 13 to 1
  8. La Salle University 13 to 1
  9. Widener University 13 to 1
  10. University of Scranton 12 to 1
  1. Franklin & Marshall College $63,406
  2. Haverford College $61,210
  3. Gettysburg College $59,960
  4. Bucknell University $59,802
  5. Dickinson College $58,733
  6. Lafayette College $57,114
  7. Ursinus College $56,600
  8. Bryn Mawr College $56,320
  9. Swarthmore College $56,056
  10. Muhlenberg College $55,830
  1. Bryn Mawr College $48,328
  2. Elizabethtown College $34,000
  3. Arcadia University $27,311
  4. Bucknell University $26,112
  5. Widener University $25,100
  6. Wilkes University $24,000
  7. DeSales University $21,120
  8. Gannon University $19,980
  9. Muhlenberg College $19,200
  10. Chatham University $18,882
  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 8%
  2. Haverford College 18%
  3. Bucknell University 35%
  4. Franklin & Marshall College 38%
  5. Bryn Mawr College 39%
  6. Lafayette College 41%
  7. Dickinson College 48%
  8. Gettysburg College 56%
  9. Muhlenberg College 68%
  10. Eastern University 69%
  1. Swarthmore College 7 to 1
  2. Bryn Mawr College 8 to 1
  3. Dickinson College 8 to 1
  4. Haverford College 8 to 1
  5. Bucknell University 9 to 1
  6. Franklin & Marshall College 9 to 1
  7. Muhlenberg College 9 to 1
  8. Allegheny College 9 to 1
  9. Lafayette College 9 to 1
  10. Washington & Jefferson College 10 to 1
  1. Lincoln University, Pennsylvania $8,228
  2. University of Pittsburgh at Bradford $13,394
  3. Grove City College $19,310
  4. Albright College $27,678
  5. Robert Morris University $32,770
  6. La Salle University $33,150
  7. Gannon University $34,526
  8. Elizabethtown College $34,600
  9. Eastern University $35,590
  10. Chestnut Hill College $38,635
  1. La Salle University $885
  2. Albright College $1,450
  3. Dickinson College $3,750
  4. Washington & Jefferson College $8,400
  5. Grove City College $8,550
  6. Lincoln University, Pennsylvania $10,106
  7. University of Scranton $11,580
  8. Eastern University $13,716
  9. Juniata College $13,950
  10. Chestnut Hill College $17,400

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
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $56K

    Acceptance

    8%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1467/32

    Career Outlook for degree at Swarthmore College

    Cost of Degree: $59,328
    Expenses: $20,686
    Starting Salary: $70,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  2. #2

    Haverford College

    Haverford , PA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $61K

    Acceptance

    18%

    Graduation

    90%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1440/33

    Career Outlook for degree at Haverford College

    Cost of Degree: $63,348
    Expenses: $21,120
    Starting Salary: $75,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  3. #3

    Bryn Mawr College

    Bryn Mawr , PA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $56K

    Acceptance

    39%

    Graduation

    87%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Bryn Mawr College

    Cost of Degree: $59,330
    Expenses: $20,050
    Starting Salary: $61,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  4. #4

    Dickinson College

    Carlisle , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $59K

    Acceptance

    48%

    Graduation

    82%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Dickinson College

    Cost of Degree: $61,326
    Expenses: $19,190
    Starting Salary: $64,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  5. #6

    Lafayette College

    Easton , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $57K

    Acceptance

    41%

    Graduation

    88%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1345/30

    Career Outlook for degree at Lafayette College

    Cost of Degree: $58,618
    Expenses: $19,486
    Starting Salary: $80,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  6. Tuition + fees

    $50K

    Acceptance

    84%

    Graduation

    76%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Washington & Jefferson College

    Cost of Degree: $50,192
    Expenses: $15,724
    Starting Salary: $60,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  7. Tuition + fees

    $63K

    Acceptance

    38%

    Graduation

    83%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Franklin & Marshall College

    Cost of Degree: $65,844
    Expenses: $17,510
    Starting Salary: $69,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  8. #9

    Gettysburg College

    Gettysburg , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    56%

    Graduation

    82%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Gettysburg College

    Cost of Degree: $61,760
    Expenses: $17,140
    Starting Salary: $66,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  9. #10

    Gannon University

    Erie , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $35K

    Acceptance

    84%

    Graduation

    64%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1100/23

    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

  10. #12

    Widener University

    Chester , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $50K

    Acceptance

    85%

    Graduation

    68%

    Student body

    7K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1122/23

    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
  11. #13

    Lincoln University, Pennsylvania

    Lincoln University , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    80%

    Graduation

    49%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    944/16

    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
  12. #14

    University of Scranton

    Scranton , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $48K

    Acceptance

    80%

    Graduation

    79%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1190/25

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Scranton

    Cost of Degree: $50,312
    Expenses: $19,662
    Starting Salary: $62,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  13. #16

    Elizabethtown College

    Elizabethtown , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $35K

    Acceptance

    79%

    Graduation

    75%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1180/23

    Career Outlook for degree at Elizabethtown College

    Cost of Degree: $35,700
    Expenses: $14,792
    Starting Salary: $55,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  14. #17

    Ursinus College

    Collegeville , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $57K

    Acceptance

    83%

    Graduation

    72%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1240/27

    Career Outlook for degree at Ursinus College

    Cost of Degree: $58,016
    Expenses: $17,946
    Starting Salary: $61,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  15. #18

    Eastern University

    Saint Davids , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $36K

    Acceptance

    69%

    Graduation

    60%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1100/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Eastern University

    Cost of Degree: $36,464
    Expenses: $18,068
    Starting Salary: $48,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 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

  16. #19

    Chestnut Hill College

    Philadelphia , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $39K

    Acceptance

    98%

    Graduation

    63%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Chestnut Hill College

    Cost of Degree: $39,410
    Expenses: $18,474
    Starting Salary: $46,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  17. #20

    Muhlenberg College

    Allentown , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $56K

    Acceptance

    68%

    Graduation

    82%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1260/28

    Career Outlook for degree at Muhlenberg College

    Cost of Degree: $58,005
    Expenses: $16,690
    Starting Salary: $65,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  18. #21

    Allegheny College

    Meadville , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $53K

    Acceptance

    75%

    Graduation

    75%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1245/27

    Career Outlook for degree at Allegheny College

    Cost of Degree: $53,610
    Expenses: $17,296
    Starting Salary: $56,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  19. #22

    Arcadia University

    Glenside , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $46K

    Acceptance

    82%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1130/24

    Career Outlook for degree at Arcadia University

    Cost of Degree: $47,130
    Expenses: $16,320
    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

  20. #23

    Robert Morris University

    Moon Township , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $33K

    Acceptance

    94%

    Graduation

    65%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1135/26

    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

  21. #24

    DeSales University

    Center Valley , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $41K

    Acceptance

    78%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1125/25

    Career Outlook for degree at DeSales University

    Cost of Degree: $42,600
    Expenses: $18,674
    Starting Salary: $54,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is DeSales University known for?

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

  22. #25

    Chatham University

    Pittsburgh , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $41K

    Acceptance

    73%

    Graduation

    63%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Chatham University

    Cost of Degree: $42,125
    Expenses: $15,719
    Starting Salary: $43,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  23. Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    73%

    Graduation

    36%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1047/21

    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
  24. #27

    Wilkes University

    Wilkes-Barre , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $40K

    Acceptance

    95%

    Graduation

    61%

    Student body

    7K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1135/23

    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
  25. #28

    Juniata College

    Huntingdon , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $51K

    Acceptance

    74%

    Graduation

    76%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Juniata College

    Cost of Degree: $54,336
    Starting Salary: $56,800
  26. #29

    Lycoming College

    Williamsport , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $44K

    Acceptance

    75%

    Graduation

    67%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1110/23

    Career Outlook for degree at Lycoming College

    Cost of Degree: $45,274
    Expenses: $17,457
    Starting Salary: $49,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 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

  27. #30

    Albright College

    Reading , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $28K

    Acceptance

    76%

    Graduation

    47%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Albright College

    Cost of Degree: $28,230
    Expenses: $18,540
    Starting Salary: $51,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    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
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Pennsylvania’s Best Small 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. 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
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