Best Grad Schools in Pennsylvania 2024

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Graduate school may be a critical step in your higher education, whether you are interested in expanding your knowledge, learning a specialization, or earning advanced credentials required by your profession. The best graduate schools in Pennsylvania offer advanced degrees, such as master’s and doctoral degrees, as well as opportunities for independent research, mentorships, and professional networking.

10 Best Grad Schools in Pennsylvania

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  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. Bryn Mawr College
  9. Duquesne University
  10. Thomas Jefferson University
  1. University of Pennsylvania
  2. Carnegie Mellon University
  3. University of Pittsburgh
  4. Temple University
  5. Bryn Mawr College
  6. Lehigh University
  7. Drexel University
  8. Villanova University
  9. Thomas Jefferson University
  10. Duquesne University
  1. Wilkes University 94%
  2. Robert Morris University 94%
  3. Indiana University of Pennsylvania 92%
  4. Saint Joseph's University 89%
  5. Thomas Jefferson University 89%
  6. West Chester University 88%
  7. Widener University 88%
  8. Duquesne University 87%
  9. Neumann University 85%
  10. University of Scranton 84%
  1. Indiana University of Pennsylvania 21 to 1
  2. West Chester University 20 to 1
  3. Slippery Rock University 19 to 1
  4. Eastern University 15 to 1
  5. Gannon University 13 to 1
  6. Neumann University 13 to 1
  7. Wilkes University 13 to 1
  8. Holy Family University 13 to 1
  9. University of Pittsburgh 13 to 1
  10. Thomas Jefferson University 13 to 1
  1. University of Pennsylvania $63,452
  2. Villanova University $61,618
  3. Carnegie Mellon University $61,344
  4. Lehigh University $59,930
  5. Bryn Mawr College $59,330
  6. Drexel University $58,965
  7. Widener University $51,639
  8. University of Scranton $50,312
  9. Saint Joseph's University $49,610
  10. Arcadia University $47,130
  1. Bryn Mawr College $50,730
  2. Carnegie Mellon University $47,629
  3. University of Pennsylvania $39,838
  4. Drexel University $36,234
  5. Arcadia University $27,457
  6. Lehigh University $27,000
  7. Widener University $25,850
  8. Duquesne University $25,578
  9. University of Pittsburgh $24,962
  10. Wilkes University $24,000
  1. Point Park University
  2. Holy Family University
  3. Neumann University
  4. Immaculata University
  5. Wilkes University
  6. Robert Morris University
  7. Arcadia University
  8. Slippery Rock University
  9. Slippery Rock University, Pennsylvania
  10. Eastern University
  1. Slippery Rock University, Pennsylvania
  2. Slippery Rock University
  3. Neumann University
  4. Holy Family University
  5. Immaculata University
  6. Gannon University
  7. Arcadia University
  8. Wilkes University
  9. Point Park University
  10. Eastern University
  1. University of Pennsylvania 7%
  2. Carnegie Mellon University 11%
  3. Villanova University 23%
  4. Bryn Mawr College 31%
  5. Lehigh University 37%
  6. University of Pittsburgh 49%
  7. Eastern University 63%
  8. Immaculata University 70%
  9. Slippery Rock University 74%
  10. Holy Family University 77%
  1. Carnegie Mellon University 5 to 1
  2. University of Pennsylvania 8 to 1
  3. Bryn Mawr College 8 to 1
  4. Drexel University 9 to 1
  5. Lehigh University 10 to 1
  6. Immaculata University 10 to 1
  7. Villanova University 10 to 1
  8. Saint Joseph's University 10 to 1
  9. Point Park University 11 to 1
  10. Widener University 11 to 1
  1. West Chester University $7,716
  2. Indiana University of Pennsylvania $7,716
  3. Slippery Rock University $7,716
  4. University of Pittsburgh $19,760
  5. Temple University $20,173
  6. Immaculata University $27,750
  7. Holy Family University $32,558
  8. Robert Morris University $33,767
  9. Neumann University $35,700
  10. Eastern University $36,464
  1. West Chester University $9,288
  2. Indiana University of Pennsylvania $9,288
  3. Slippery Rock University $9,288
  4. Neumann University $10,260
  5. University of Scranton $11,580
  6. Holy Family University $11,811
  7. Immaculata University $12,780
  8. Point Park University $13,662
  9. Eastern University $14,058
  10. Saint Joseph's University $18,504

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 Grad Schools Badge
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There are 34 doctorate-granting graduate schools in Pennsylvania. Our ranking of the best graduate schools in the Pennsylvania is composed of both private and public schools. To be included, schools must be fully accredited non-profit institutions, and must offer doctoral degrees and a broad array of graduate degrees.

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Best Grad Schools in Pennsylvania 2023

  1. #1

    University of Pennsylvania

    Philadelphia , PA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $63K

    Acceptance

    7%

    Graduation

    96%

    Student body

    33K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1535/34

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Pennsylvania

    Cost of Degree: $63,452
    Expenses: $22,286
    Starting Salary: $131,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  2. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $61K

    Acceptance

    11%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    16K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1530/34

    Career Outlook for degree at Carnegie Mellon University

    Cost of Degree: $60,854
    Expenses: $18,886
    Starting Salary: $103,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  3. #5

    Lehigh University

    Bethlehem , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    37%

    Graduation

    91%

    Student body

    8K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1415/31

    Career Outlook for degree at Lehigh University

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

    Drexel University

    Philadelphia , PA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $59K

    Acceptance

    80%

    Graduation

    78%

    Student body

    26K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1330/29

    Career Outlook for degree at Drexel University

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

    Bryn Mawr College

    Bryn Mawr , PA
    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: $59,330
    Expenses: $20,050
    Starting Salary: $61,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  6. #9

    Duquesne University

    Pittsburgh , PA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $45K

    Acceptance

    87%

    Graduation

    78%

    Student body

    9K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1245/28

    Career Outlook for degree at Duquesne University

    Cost of Degree: $45,376
    Expenses: $18,344
    Starting Salary: $68,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  7. #10

    Thomas Jefferson University

    Philadelphia , PA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $44K

    Acceptance

    89%

    Graduation

    68%

    Student body

    10K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1240/29

    Career Outlook for degree at Thomas Jefferson University

    Cost of Degree: $44,200
    Expenses: $21,469
    Starting Salary: $99,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  8. #11

    Gannon University

    Erie , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $37K

    Acceptance

    81%

    Graduation

    70%

    Student body

    5K

    Career Outlook for degree at Gannon University

    Cost of Degree: $36,706
    Expenses: $19,398
    Starting Salary: $55,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Gannon University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

  9. #13

    Widener University

    Chester , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $52K

    Acceptance

    88%

    Graduation

    68%

    Student body

    7K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1197/25

    Career Outlook for degree at Widener University

    Cost of Degree: $51,639
    Expenses: $18,314
    Starting Salary: $59,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  10. #14

    Saint Joseph's University

    Philadelphia , PA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $50K

    Acceptance

    89%

    Graduation

    82%

    Student body

    10K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1240/28

    Career Outlook for degree at Saint Joseph's University

    Cost of Degree: $49,610
    Expenses: $17,656
    Starting Salary: $65,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  11. #15

    University of Scranton

    Scranton , PA

    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: $50,312
    Expenses: $19,662
    Starting Salary: $62,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  12. #16

    West Chester University

    West Chester , PA

    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: $10,527
    Expenses: $17,948
    Starting Salary: $51,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  13. #17

    Eastern University

    Saint Davids , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $36K

    Acceptance

    63%

    Graduation

    59%

    Student body

    6K

    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

  14. Other Rankings

    Career Outlook for degree at Slippery Rock University, Pennsylvania

    Cost of Degree: $10,507
    Expenses: $14,778
    Starting Salary: $44,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Slippery Rock University, Pennsylvania known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

  15. #19

    Arcadia University

    Glenside , PA

    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: $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

  16. #20

    Robert Morris University

    Moon Township , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $34K

    Acceptance

    94%

    Graduation

    65%

    Student body

    5K

    Career Outlook for degree at Robert Morris University

    Cost of Degree: $33,767
    Expenses: $19,024
    Starting Salary: $53,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Robert Morris University known for?

    Robert Morris University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  17. #21

    Wilkes University

    Wilkes-Barre , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $41K

    Acceptance

    94%

    Graduation

    59%

    Student body

    7K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1160/23

    Career Outlook for degree at Wilkes University

    Cost of Degree: $41,112
    Expenses: $20,643
    Starting Salary: $58,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  18. #22

    Immaculata University

    Immaculata , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $28K

    Acceptance

    70%

    Graduation

    61%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Immaculata University

    Cost of Degree: $27,750
    Expenses: $18,720
    Starting Salary: $54,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Immaculata University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

  19. #23

    Neumann University

    Aston , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $36K

    Acceptance

    85%

    Graduation

    54%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Neumann University

    Cost of Degree: $35,700
    Expenses: $20,970
    Starting Salary: $47,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Neumann University known for?

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

  20. #24

    Holy Family University

    Philadelphia , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $33K

    Acceptance

    77%

    Graduation

    59%

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for degree at Holy Family University

    Cost of Degree: $32,558
    Expenses: $16,616
    Starting Salary: $54,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Holy Family University known for?

    Holy Family University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

  21. #25

    Point Park University

    Pittsburgh , PA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $37K

    Acceptance

    82%

    Graduation

    59%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1137/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Point Park University

    Cost of Degree: $36,620
    Expenses: $15,740
    Starting Salary: $42,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Point Park University known for?

    Point Park University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

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Pennsylvania’s Best Grad School for Your Area of Interest

Resources for Prospective Grad Students

Whether you’re just getting started on your college search, you’re looking for survival tips on your way to a bachelor’s degree, or you’re preparing for the transition into grad school, we’ve got guides, how to’s and tons of other valuable resources to keep you moving forward in your educational journey.

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. University of Pennsylvania
  2. Carnegie Mellon University
  3. University of Pittsburgh
  4. Pennsylvania State University
  5. Temple University
  6. Drexel University
  7. Bryn Mawr College
  8. Lehigh University
  9. Villanova University
  10. Wilkes University
  11. Thomas Jefferson University
  12. Duquesne University
  13. Indiana University of Pennsylvania
  14. Widener University
  15. University of Scranton
  16. Saint Joseph's University
  17. Point Park University
  18. Arcadia University
  19. West Chester University
  20. Eastern University
  21. Slippery Rock University, Pennsylvania
  22. Penn State Harrisburg
  23. Gannon University
  24. Robert Morris University
  25. Lancaster Bible College
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