Most Affordable Colleges in Pennsylvania 2025
Key Takeaways
- The most affordable colleges in Pennsylvania are the public colleges and universities within Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education and the Commonwealth System of Higher Education.
- Setting realistic expectations regarding costs, from tuition and other fees to room and board, is vital in completing your higher education in Pennsylvania without overwhelming student debt.
- Look into the financial aid options offered by any small liberal arts college in you’re planning on attending in Pennsylvania, because they can result in significant reductions in the cost of higher education.
10 Most Affordable Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024
- Temple University
- Indiana University of Pennsylvania
- Lincoln University
- West Chester University
- Slippery Rock University
- Slippery Rock University, Pennsylvania
- PennWest California
- University of Pittsburgh at Bradford
- Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania
- Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania
- Temple University
- Lincoln University
- Indiana University of Pennsylvania
- West Chester University
- Cheyney University of Pennsylvania
- University of Pittsburgh at Bradford
- Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania
- Millersville University of Pennsylvania
- University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown
- Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania
- University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg 98%
- University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown 97%
- Kutztown University of Pennsylvania 96%
- East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania 94%
- University of Pittsburgh at Bradford 94%
- Millersville University of Pennsylvania 92%
- Indiana University of Pennsylvania 92%
- West Chester University 88%
- Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania 88%
- Lincoln University 81%
- Indiana University of Pennsylvania 21 to 1
- Lackawanna College 21 to 1
- West Chester University 20 to 1
- East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania 20 to 1
- Kutztown University of Pennsylvania 20 to 1
- Slippery Rock University 19 to 1
- Millersville University of Pennsylvania 18 to 1
- Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania 17 to 1
- University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg 16 to 1
- University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown 15 to 1
- Temple University $20,173
- Keystone College $17,450
- Lackawanna College $17,340
- Pittsburgh Technical College $16,974
- Peirce College $15,060
- University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown $13,660
- University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg $13,660
- University of Pittsburgh at Bradford $13,660
- Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania $9,570
- Millersville University of Pennsylvania $9,570
- Temple University $20,531
- Keystone College $15,600
- Peirce College $13,896
- Lincoln University $10,106
- East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania $10,062
- Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania $9,288
- Millersville University of Pennsylvania $9,288
- Indiana University of Pennsylvania $9,288
- Slippery Rock University $9,288
- West Chester University $9,288
- Mansfield University of Pennsylvania
- Peirce College
- University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg
- Pittsburgh Technical College
- Keystone College
- Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania
- PennWest Clarion
- Lackawanna College
- East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania
- Cheyney University of Pennsylvania
- Slippery Rock University, Pennsylvania
- PennWest Clarion
- PennWest Edinboro
- Pittsburgh Technical College
- PennWest California
- Slippery Rock University
- Keystone College
- Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania
- Lackawanna College
- Peirce College
- Slippery Rock University 74%
- Temple University 80%
- Keystone College 81%
- Lincoln University 81%
- Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania 88%
- West Chester University 88%
- Indiana University of Pennsylvania 92%
- Millersville University of Pennsylvania 92%
- University of Pittsburgh at Bradford 94%
- East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania 94%
- Peirce College 9 to 1
- Temple University 12 to 1
- Lincoln University 13 to 1
- Pittsburgh Technical College 13 to 1
- University of Pittsburgh at Bradford 13 to 1
- Keystone College 14 to 1
- University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown 15 to 1
- Cheyney University of Pennsylvania 15 to 1
- University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg 16 to 1
- Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania 17 to 1
- Indiana University of Pennsylvania $7,716
- Cheyney University of Pennsylvania $7,716
- Slippery Rock University $7,716
- West Chester University $7,716
- East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania $7,716
- Kutztown University of Pennsylvania $7,716
- Lincoln University $8,476
- Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania $9,570
- Millersville University of Pennsylvania $9,570
- University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown $13,660
- Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania $9,288
- Millersville University of Pennsylvania $9,288
- Indiana University of Pennsylvania $9,288
- Slippery Rock University $9,288
- West Chester University $9,288
- Kutztown University of Pennsylvania $9,288
- East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania $10,062
- Lincoln University $10,106
- Peirce College $13,896
- Keystone College $15,600
Pennsylvania and Its Affordable Colleges
Did you know that one of the country’s oldest universities is in Pennsylvania? A private Ivy League school, the University of Pennsylvania, was founded in 1740. But if you’re looking for the state’s most affordable colleges, know first that the average tuition is $63,452 or higher than the $41,568 national average.
College-bound students who want to enjoy the benefits of higher education without crippling student debt can look into colleges and universities in the Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) and the Commonwealth System of Higher Education. Both of these systems not only offer affordable tuition and other fees but also have a wide range of financial aid options.
Furthermore, the colleges and universities offer undergraduate and graduate degree programs that prepare students for successful careers and productive lives. Many also have job training programs that prepare students for competitive industries like health science, business administration, and criminal justice.
Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education
Founded on July 1, 1983, the Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) is the state agency responsible for overseeing state-owned universities.
As a group, these universities are the largest providers of higher education in Pennsylvania with more than 90,000 students in their degree programs alone. Students and alumni contribute to the socio-economic progress of their local communities, the commonwealth, and the country.
Every member university in the PASSHE is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusivity in higher education. Affordable cost of college education is among the universities’ primary means of enabling students to achieve personal and professional advancement.
The PASSHE is also committed to ideal student to faculty ratio in their member schools, which allows students a higher rate of success in their studies.
You can also check out our ranking of the most affordable colleges and universities in the United States.
The 10 state-owned universities within PASSHE are:
- Cheyney University of Pennsylvania
- Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania
- East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania
- Indiana University of Pennsylvania
- Kutztown University of Pennsylvania
- Millersville University of Pennsylvania
- Pennsylvania Western University
- Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania
- Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
- West Chester University of Pennsylvania
Note that starting in the 2022-2023 academic year, consolidations were made between several universities. Pennsylvania Western University is composed of the former Clarion University, California University, and Edinboro University. Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania consists of the former Mansfield University, Bloomsburg University, and Lock Haven University.
Nearly 80% of students enrolled in PASSHE universities receive financial aid with the typical financial assistance package consisting of scholarships, loans, and work-study employment. The Board of Governors has also voted for a tuition freeze—the fourth in a row—for the 2022-2023 academic year.
While each university has its in-state and out-of-state tuition structure, housing and board packages, and other mandatory fees, the typical undergraduate tuition and other costs for students are:
- In-state tuition: $7,716
- In-state technology fee: $478
- Out-of-state tuition: $9,660-$19,290
- Mandatory fees: $2,214-$3,496
Students must also consider on-campus housing and other incidental expenses. Housing plans are between $3,488 and $11,884, while board plans are in the $1,640-$4,924 range.
Commonwealth System of Higher Education
The Commonwealth System of Higher Education designates state-related status on four universities in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, namely:
- Lincoln University, a public state-related historically black university in Oxford, Pennsylvania
- Pennsylvania State University, a multi-campus public state-related land-grant research university
- Temple University, a public state-related research university in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania known for its world-class professional education programs such as law, medicine, and engineering
- University of Pittsburgh, a public state-related research university in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
The unique public-private hybrid university system allows Pennsylvania residents/students to benefit from tuition discounts, thanks to annual financial appropriations from the state. Note, however, that PASSHE universities still have more affordable tuition than universities in the Commonwealth System of Higher Education.
There are 27 colleges and universities in Pennsylvania with stated tuitions and fees under $20,000/year. The following list of the most affordable colleges and universities in Pennsylvania is composed entirely of schools offering bachelor’s degree programs, have stated tuition and fees near or under the national average of $16,000/year, and are fully accredited colleges.
Most Affordable Colleges in Pennsylvania 2025
These schools are ranked by academic excellence, and all under $20,000/year.
- #9 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers 2025 #2 Best Public Colleges in Pennsylvania 2025 #4 Best Grad Schools in Pennsylvania 2025 #4 Best Research Universities in Pennsylvania 2025
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$21K
Acceptance
80%
Graduation
78%
Student body
38K
Career Outlook for degree at Temple University
Cost of Degree: $21,991Expenses: $22,674Starting Salary: $59,000Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Temple University known for?
Temple University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Sociology
- Social Work
- Medical
- Criminal Justice
- Education
- Religious Studies
- Anthropology
- Philosophy
- Psychology
- Mathematics
Most Influential Alumni
- #4 Best Public Colleges in Pennsylvania 2025 #5 Best Online Doctorate in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs 2025 #13 20 Fastest Accelerated Online English Doctorates (PhDs) 2024 #13 Best Online Master's Programs in Pennsylvania 2025
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$11K
Acceptance
92%
Graduation
52%
Student body
10K
Median SAT/ACT
1045/20
Career Outlook for degree at Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Cost of Degree: $11,380Expenses: $15,982Starting Salary: $44,200Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Indiana University of Pennsylvania known for?
Indiana University of Pennsylvania’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Criminal Justice
- Education
- Earth Sciences
- Physics
- Communications
- Anthropology
- Economics
- Political Science
Most Influential Alumni
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: $12,512Expenses: $15,993Starting Salary: $36,200Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Lincoln University, Pennsylvania known for?
Lincoln University, Pennsylvania’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Political Science
- Education
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Anthropology
- History
- Sociology
- Communications
- Literature
- Philosophy
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$11K
Acceptance
88%
Graduation
72%
Student body
20K
Median SAT/ACT
1170/26
Career Outlook for degree at West Chester University
Cost of Degree: $10,686Expenses: $18,414Starting Salary: $51,200Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is West Chester University known for?
West Chester University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Communications
- Anthropology
- History
- Education
- Physics
- Biology
- Literature
- Political Science
- Criminal Justice
- Business
Most Influential Alumni
- #7 Best Online Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024 #8 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Pennsylvania 2025
Career Outlook for degree at Slippery Rock University, Pennsylvania
Cost of Degree: $10,507Expenses: $15,528Starting Salary: $44,800Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Slippery Rock University, Pennsylvania known for?
Slippery Rock University, Pennsylvania’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
What is PennWest California known for?
Most Influential Alumni
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: $14,620Expenses: $16,380Starting Salary: $61,200Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat 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
Tuition + fees
$13K
Acceptance
88%
Graduation
50%
Student body
6K
Career Outlook for degree at Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania
Cost of Degree: $13,394Expenses: $17,534Starting Salary: $48,200Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania known for?
Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Social Work
- Psychology
- Education
- Political Science
- Business
- Communications
- History
- Earth Sciences
- Economics
- Mathematics
Most Influential Alumni
Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania’s Online Degrees
BA in Behavioral Health
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Accounting
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Healthcare Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Business Administration
Degree Concentrations
- Areas of Specialization: Human Resources (online or on-campus)
- Marketing (online or on-campus)
- Entrepreneurial Studies (on-campus only)
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #4 Best Online Master’s in Game Development & Design 2025 #6 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Pennsylvania 2025 #7 Best Online MBA Programs in Pennsylvania
What is Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania known for?
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$15K
Acceptance
97%
Graduation
48%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1120/23
Career Outlook for degree at University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown
Cost of Degree: $14,646Expenses: $17,822Starting Salary: $61,200Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown known for?
University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Education
- History
- Political Science
- Economics
- Mathematics
- Medical
- Earth Sciences
Most Influential Alumni
- #16 Best Online Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024 #20 Best Online Master's in Art Education and Art Administration
What is PennWest Edinboro known for?
Most Influential Alumni
PennWest Edinboro’s Online Degrees
BS in Applied Technical Leadership
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #3 Best Online Master's in Biology #13 Best Online Master's in Art Education and Art Administration #15 Top 15 Most Affordable Online Social Work PhDs (Doctorates) #17 Best Online Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$11K
Acceptance
96%
Graduation
56%
Student body
9K
Career Outlook for degree at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania
Cost of Degree: $11,122Expenses: $18,636Starting Salary: $43,900Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Kutztown University of Pennsylvania known for?
Kutztown University of Pennsylvania’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Social Work
- Psychology
- Literature
- Education
- Computer Science
- Earth Sciences
- Political Science
- Philosophy
- Criminal Justice
- History
Most Influential Alumni
Kutztown University of Pennsylvania’s Online Degrees
BS in Human Development and Family Science
Degree Concentrations
- Tracks: Family Specialist Track
- Infant/Toddler Mental Health Track
- Child Life Track
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: None Reported
BA in General Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Communications Media
Degree Concentrations
- Media Marketing Track
- Media Production Track
- Media Studies Track
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: None Reported
BA in Criminology
Degree Concentrations
- Areas: Criminal Justice System
- Critical Issues in Criminology
- Diversity Issues in Criminology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: None Reported
Tuition + fees
$12K
Acceptance
92%
Graduation
57%
Student body
8K
Career Outlook for degree at Millersville University of Pennsylvania
Cost of Degree: $12,262Expenses: $17,000Starting Salary: $46,000Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Millersville University of Pennsylvania known for?
Millersville University of Pennsylvania’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Physics
- Earth Sciences
- Sociology
- Philosophy
- Education
- History
- Engineering
- Mathematics
- Social Work
- Computer Science
Most Influential Alumni
Millersville University of Pennsylvania’s Online Degrees
BA in Art History
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Sociology
Degree Concentrations
- General Sociology
- Applied Health Care Concentrations
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$11K
Graduation
15%
Student body
<1K
Career Outlook for degree at Cheyney University of Pennsylvania
Cost of Degree: $10,904Expenses: $15,948Starting Salary: $31,600Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Cheyney University of Pennsylvania known for?
Cheyney University of Pennsylvania’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Education
- Mathematics
- Sociology
- Communications
- Chemistry
- Political Science
- Biology
- Psychology
- Literature
- Computer Science
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$11K
Acceptance
94%
Graduation
46%
Student body
6K
Median SAT/ACT
1050/21
Career Outlook for degree at East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania
Cost of Degree: $10,736Expenses: $18,012Starting Salary: $47,200Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania known for?
East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Computer Science
- Education
- Psychology
- Earth Sciences
- Business
- Communications
- Criminal Justice
- Mathematics
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$17K
Graduation
38%
Student body
4K
Career Outlook for degree at Lackawanna College
Cost of Degree: $17,950Expenses: $16,220Starting Salary: $36,400Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Lackawanna College known for?
Lackawanna College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
What is PennWest Clarion known for?
Most Influential Alumni
What is Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania known for?
Tuition + fees
$17K
Acceptance
81%
Graduation
43%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Keystone College
Cost of Degree: $17,850Expenses: $15,500Starting Salary: $36,800Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Keystone College known for?
Keystone College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Earth Sciences
- Education
- Psychology
- Business
- Biology
- Communications
- Criminal Justice
- Computer Science
- Medical
Most Influential Alumni
Keystone College’s Online Degrees
BS in Accounting Principles
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Industrial-Organizational Psychology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Business Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #10 Best Online Associate Degrees in Pennsylvania 2024 #18 Best Online Associate in Web Design #25 Best Online Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024
Tuition + fees
$17K
Graduation
54%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Pittsburgh Technical College
Cost of Degree: $18,980Expenses: $21,828Starting Salary: $37,900Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Pittsburgh Technical College known for?
Pittsburgh Technical College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Pittsburgh Technical College’s Online Degrees
BS in Applied Management
- Required Credits: 80
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Business Administration
Degree Concentrations
- Accounting
- Management
- Required Credits: 184
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Information Systems and Technology
- Required Credits: 188
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$15K
Acceptance
98%
Graduation
39%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
1162/25
Career Outlook for degree at University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg
Cost of Degree: $14,630Expenses: $18,022Starting Salary: $61,200Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg known for?
University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$15K
Graduation
5%
Student body
1K
Career Outlook for degree at Peirce College
Cost of Degree: $15,060Starting Salary: $50,300What is Peirce College known for?
Peirce College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
What is Mansfield University of Pennsylvania known for?
Most Influential Alumni