Best Colleges in Pennsylvania + Full List of Schools
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From its Ivy League university to its top-ranked liberal arts colleges, the Keystone State has something for every student. But what are the best colleges in Pennsylvania?
Whether you’re looking for an affordable public university, a picturesque college town, or a prominent private college, Pennsylvania has it.
Ready to check out which schools made the list? Then, keep reading for our ranking of the best colleges in Pennsylvania.
Best Colleges in Pennsylvania of 2023
How We Rank Schools
To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.
To qualify for our rankings lists, each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution. Each eligible school was then ranked based on a formula measuring:
- Affordability (30%)
- Student outcomes (30%)
- Reputation (20%)
- Diversity and social mobility (20%)
In addition, we only included colleges with graduation rates in the top third of all online colleges.
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA4 yearCampus + Online
$53,166
$53,166
9%
85%
Pennsylvania's only Ivy League university, the University of Pennsylvania dates back to 1740. Today, more than 13,000 undergrads attend UPenn, with around half in the College of Arts and Sciences. Wharton and the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences also enroll around 3,500 undergrads.
Nearly 55,000 students applied to UPenn for the Class of 2026, and only 6% received an admission offer. That makes the private university one of the most selective in the state.
$37,678
$37,678
95%
26,552
Private
Yes
$53,166
$53,166
Philadelphia, PA4 yearCampus + Online
$53,166
$53,166
9%
85%
$37,678
$37,678
95%
26,552
Private
Yes
Pennsylvania's only Ivy League university, the University of Pennsylvania dates back to 1740. Today, more than 13,000 undergrads attend UPenn, with around half in the College of Arts and Sciences. Wharton and the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences also enroll around 3,500 undergrads.
Nearly 55,000 students applied to UPenn for the Class of 2026, and only 6% received an admission offer. That makes the private university one of the most selective in the state.
Swarthmore College
Swarthmore, PA4 yearCampus
$54,256
$54,256
9%
100%
With its tree-filled campus, this liberal arts college feels like an escape from urban life. But top-ranked Swarthmore College is just 11 miles from Philadelphia.
Swarthmore offers more than 40 majors, plus the option to design your own major. And while the private college sets high standards, first-year students enroll in classes pass/fail for their first semester.
At Swarthmore, you'll take a hands-on approach to learning with fieldwork and internship opportunities. You can conduct an undergraduate research project, study abroad, or escape to Parrish Beach — a student lawn hangout that's only missing water.
N/A
N/A
86%
1,437
Private
Yes
$54,256
$54,256
Swarthmore, PA4 yearCampus
$54,256
$54,256
9%
100%
N/A
N/A
86%
1,437
Private
Yes
With its tree-filled campus, this liberal arts college feels like an escape from urban life. But top-ranked Swarthmore College is just 11 miles from Philadelphia.
Swarthmore offers more than 40 majors, plus the option to design your own major. And while the private college sets high standards, first-year students enroll in classes pass/fail for their first semester.
At Swarthmore, you'll take a hands-on approach to learning with fieldwork and internship opportunities. You can conduct an undergraduate research project, study abroad, or escape to Parrish Beach — a student lawn hangout that's only missing water.
Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, PA4 yearCampus + Online
$57,560
$57,560
17%
3%
Founded as a technical school in Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University ranks as one of the best colleges in Pennsylvania. Over 14,500 students attend the private university, which stands out for its research and interdisciplinary programs.
You can study engineering, information science, or computer science at Carnegie Mellon. Or dive into business, the social sciences, or the humanities. The university's experiential learning focus is one reason that top companies like Google, Deloitte, and Pixar recruit at Carnegie Mellon.
$46,441
$46,441
96%
13,519
Private
Yes
$57,560
$57,560
Pittsburgh, PA4 yearCampus + Online
$57,560
$57,560
17%
3%
$46,441
$46,441
96%
13,519
Private
Yes
Founded as a technical school in Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University ranks as one of the best colleges in Pennsylvania. Over 14,500 students attend the private university, which stands out for its research and interdisciplinary programs.
You can study engineering, information science, or computer science at Carnegie Mellon. Or dive into business, the social sciences, or the humanities. The university's experiential learning focus is one reason that top companies like Google, Deloitte, and Pixar recruit at Carnegie Mellon.
Lehigh University
Bethlehem, PA4 yearCampus + Online
$54,790
$54,790
50%
6%
The Lehigh Valley is one of Pennsylvania's most scenic spots. And Lehigh University brings around 7,400 students to the scenic town of Bethlehem. You choose from over 100 majors, including over a dozen interdisciplinary programs. Lehigh encourages innovation and hands-on learning in its programs.
As a private university, Lehigh offers many need-based financial aid programs. The college also reports that the average starting salary for its 2022 graduates reached $75,000.
$27,000
$27,000
91%
7,067
Private
Yes
$54,790
$54,790
Bethlehem, PA4 yearCampus + Online
$54,790
$54,790
50%
6%
$27,000
$27,000
91%
7,067
Private
Yes
The Lehigh Valley is one of Pennsylvania's most scenic spots. And Lehigh University brings around 7,400 students to the scenic town of Bethlehem. You choose from over 100 majors, including over a dozen interdisciplinary programs. Lehigh encourages innovation and hands-on learning in its programs.
As a private university, Lehigh offers many need-based financial aid programs. The college also reports that the average starting salary for its 2022 graduates reached $75,000.
Haverford College
Haverford, PA4 yearCampus
$58,402
$58,402
18%
N/A
Looking for a liberal arts college with quick access to a major city? Haverford College boasts a 200-acre arboretum campus that's a 20-minute train ride to Philadelphia. At Haverford, you choose from over 50 majors and complete a senior thesis. Nearly half of the 1,400 undergrads receive grants to pay for their degrees.
Just how many trees fill the Haverford campus? The private college reports a 6-to-1 tree-to-student ratio.
N/A
N/A
88%
1,307
Private
Yes
$58,402
$58,402
Haverford, PA4 yearCampus
$58,402
$58,402
18%
N/A
N/A
N/A
88%
1,307
Private
Yes
Looking for a liberal arts college with quick access to a major city? Haverford College boasts a 200-acre arboretum campus that's a 20-minute train ride to Philadelphia. At Haverford, you choose from over 50 majors and complete a senior thesis. Nearly half of the 1,400 undergrads receive grants to pay for their degrees.
Just how many trees fill the Haverford campus? The private college reports a 6-to-1 tree-to-student ratio.
Villanova University
Villanova, PA4 yearCampus + Online
$56,730
$56,730
31%
95%
It's the only Augustinian Catholic university in the U.S. Villanova University offers personalized attention with a global perspective. You choose from over 60 majors, with several options for a joint bachelor's and master's degree.
Located 12 miles from Philadelphia, Villanova enrolls 6,700 undergrads. The school's 260-acre campus offers easy access to the city with three campus rail stops. You can qualify for merit-based scholarships and need-based grants at this private university.
$20,619
$20,619
96%
11,032
Private
Yes
$56,730
$56,730
Villanova, PA4 yearCampus + Online
$56,730
$56,730
31%
95%
$20,619
$20,619
96%
11,032
Private
Yes
It's the only Augustinian Catholic university in the U.S. Villanova University offers personalized attention with a global perspective. You choose from over 60 majors, with several options for a joint bachelor's and master's degree.
Located 12 miles from Philadelphia, Villanova enrolls 6,700 undergrads. The school's 260-acre campus offers easy access to the city with three campus rail stops. You can qualify for merit-based scholarships and need-based grants at this private university.
Bryn Mawr College
Bryn Mawr, PA4 yearCampus
$53,180
$53,180
38%
N/A
It's one of the top women's colleges in the country. Bryn Mawr College offers undergraduate programs for women and coed graduate schools. Thanks to its partnerships with Swarthmore, Haverford, and UPenn, Bryn Mawr students can expand their course options.
You benefit from a residential college feel with easy access to Philadelphia. The liberal arts college provides grant-based financial aid to meet 100% of the demonstrated need for undergrads.
$45,240
$45,240
87%
1,634
Private
Yes
$53,180
$53,180
Bryn Mawr, PA4 yearCampus
$53,180
$53,180
38%
N/A
$45,240
$45,240
87%
1,634
Private
Yes
It's one of the top women's colleges in the country. Bryn Mawr College offers undergraduate programs for women and coed graduate schools. Thanks to its partnerships with Swarthmore, Haverford, and UPenn, Bryn Mawr students can expand their course options.
You benefit from a residential college feel with easy access to Philadelphia. The liberal arts college provides grant-based financial aid to meet 100% of the demonstrated need for undergrads.
University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PA4 yearCampus + Online
$18,628
$32,656
64%
23%
This public university has multiple regional campuses in the greater Pittsburgh area. The University of Pittsburgh boasts over 650 degree and certificate programs through its 16 schools and colleges.
And the college offers a high-quality education at an affordable price for Pennsylvania residents. Thanks to the Pitt Pell Plus program, students who qualify for the Federal Pell Grant receive a match from Pitt. Over 5,000 students take advantage of the program, with an average grant award of $4,500.
$23,530
$39,898
93%
32,277
Public
Yes
$18,628
$32,656
Pittsburgh, PA4 yearCampus + Online
$18,628
$32,656
64%
23%
$23,530
$39,898
93%
32,277
Public
Yes
This public university has multiple regional campuses in the greater Pittsburgh area. The University of Pittsburgh boasts over 650 degree and certificate programs through its 16 schools and colleges.
And the college offers a high-quality education at an affordable price for Pennsylvania residents. Thanks to the Pitt Pell Plus program, students who qualify for the Federal Pell Grant receive a match from Pitt. Over 5,000 students take advantage of the program, with an average grant award of $4,500.
Pennsylvania State University
University Park, PA4 yearCampus + Online
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
If you're a sports fan, you've probably heard of this Pennsylvania college. Pennsylvania State University is also the state's largest, with over 100,000 enrolled students when counting those enrolled at regional and online campuses.
You have over 275 majors to choose from at Penn State. Or expand your options with Penn State World Campus, which has more than 175 degrees and certificates. As a distance learner, you can pay a flat tuition rate and you'll also qualify for federal financial aid.
N/A
N/A
N/A
0
Public
Yes
N/A
N/A
University Park, PA4 yearCampus + Online
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0
Public
Yes
If you're a sports fan, you've probably heard of this Pennsylvania college. Pennsylvania State University is also the state's largest, with over 100,000 enrolled students when counting those enrolled at regional and online campuses.
You have over 275 majors to choose from at Penn State. Or expand your options with Penn State World Campus, which has more than 175 degrees and certificates. As a distance learner, you can pay a flat tuition rate and you'll also qualify for federal financial aid.
Temple University
Philadelphia, PA4 yearCampus + Online
$16,080
$28,992
71%
92%
This public university dates back to 1884, when it was founded as a night school. Today, Temple University is the largest college in Philadelphia. The top-ranked school also offers over 500 academic programs at an affordable tuition rate.
The Philadelphia skyline shines from Temple's main campus. Or you can earn a Temple degree online. Over half of Temple students receive merit-based scholarships, and the school awards over $100 million in scholarship annually.
$16,956
$23,346
87%
37,236
Public
Yes
$16,080
$28,992
Philadelphia, PA4 yearCampus + Online
$16,080
$28,992
71%
92%
$16,956
$23,346
87%
37,236
Public
Yes
This public university dates back to 1884, when it was founded as a night school. Today, Temple University is the largest college in Philadelphia. The top-ranked school also offers over 500 academic programs at an affordable tuition rate.
The Philadelphia skyline shines from Temple's main campus. Or you can earn a Temple degree online. Over half of Temple students receive merit-based scholarships, and the school awards over $100 million in scholarship annually.
List of All Colleges in Pennsylvania
We’ve created a complete list of all four-year nonprofit universities in Pennsylvania. You can use the table below to compare data on student population, average net cost, acceptance rate, and number of applicants.
The following school data comes from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Schools with fewer than 500 undergrads were not included in this list.
School | Total Student Enrollment | Avg. Annual Net Price | Acceptance Rate | Number of Applicants |
---|---|---|---|---|
Albright College | 1,498 | $21,496 | 85% | 5,578 |
Allegheny College | 1,353 | $26,719 | 70% | 4,148 |
Alvernia University | 2,484 | $27,091 | 59% | 5,703 |
Arcadia University | 3,026 | $29,692 | 78% | 6,321 |
Bryn Mawr College | 1,742 | $39,072 | 31% | 3,594 |
Bucknell University | 3,787 | $39,965 | 33% | 11,707 |
Cabrini University | 1,613 | $21,981 | 79% | 3,403 |
Cairn University-Langhorne | 1,031 | $25,923 | 81% | 468 |
Carlow University | 2,104 | $17,437 | 93% | 1,124 |
Carnegie Mellon University | 16,002 | $33,499 | 11% | 34,261 |
Cedar Crest College | 1,324 | $23,500 | 84% | 946 |
Chatham University | 2,387 | $28,322 | 66% | 3,514 |
Chestnut Hill College | 1,420 | $25,357 | 98% | 1,543 |
Cheyney University of Pennsylvania | 697 | $11,588 | 100% | N/A |
Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania | 12,074 | $17,412 | 94% | 9,570 |
Delaware Valley University | 2,178 | $29,256 | 95% | 2,299 |
DeSales University | 2,991 | $29,104 | 77% | 3,662 |
Dickinson College | 2,137 | $37,610 | 35% | 8,261 |
Drexel University | 22,344 | $39,267 | 80% | 37,040 |
Duquesne University | 8,107 | $33,919 | 87% | 12,376 |
East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania | 5,143 | $17,278 | 94% | 5,679 |
Eastern University | 5,769 | $26,669 | 63% | 2,994 |
Elizabethtown College | 2,021 | $26,723 | 81% | 2,977 |
Franklin and Marshall College | 1,990 | $31,135 | 36% | 8,923 |
Gannon University | 4,665 | $22,200 | 81% | 6,678 |
Geneva College | 1,232 | $20,999 | 79% | 1,575 |
Gettysburg College | 2,854 | $33,882 | 56% | 5,696 |
Grove City College | 2,316 | $23,538 | 71% | 2,174 |
Gwynedd Mercy University | 2,091 | $28,122 | 58% | 1,063 |
Harrisburg University of Science and Technology | 3,082 | $10,022 | 84% | 1,160 |
Haverford College | 1,421 | $23,476 | 14% | 5,657 |
Holy Family University | 2,912 | $12,379 | 77% | 1,986 |
Immaculata University | 2,361 | $29,188 | 70% | 2,188 |
Indiana University of Pennsylvania | 8,816 | $20,205 | 92% | 8,603 |
Juniata College | 1,212 | $29,926 | 76% | 2,563 |
Keystone College | 1,131 | $15,559 | 81% | 1,572 |
King’s College | 1,993 | $25,869 | 96% | 3,216 |
Kutztown University of Pennsylvania | 7,455 | $20,776 | 96% | 7,248 |
La Roche University | 2,068 | $24,233 | 97% | 3,222 |
La Salle University | 4,049 | $17,552 | 94% | 5,214 |
Lafayette College | 2,729 | $37,186 | 34% | 10,500 |
Lancaster Bible College | 2,066 | $21,415 | 97% | 351 |
Lebanon Valley College | 2,080 | $26,743 | 77% | 3,130 |
Lehigh University | 7,394 | $30,453 | 37% | 15,163 |
Lincoln University | 1,824 | $15,502 | 81% | 6,699 |
Lycoming College | 1,059 | $19,697 | 75% | 3,039 |
Marywood University | 2,729 | $22,504 | 81% | 2,645 |
Mercyhurst University | 2,801 | $24,935 | 81% | 3,625 |
Messiah University | 3,231 | $24,120 | 79% | 2,438 |
Millersville University of Pennsylvania | 6,775 | $21,076 | 92% | 6,506 |
Misericordia University | 2,242 | $27,033 | 89% | 2,196 |
Moravian University | 2,533 | $31,168 | 67% | 3,284 |
Mount Aloysius College | 2,752 | $20,564 | 86% | 1,865 |
Muhlenberg College | 1,959 | $32,926 | 66% | 4,329 |
Neumann University | 2,155 | $28,707 | 85% | 3,501 |
Peirce College | 856 | $9,621 | 100% | N/A |
Penn State (Pennsylvania State University) | 50,028 | $26,747 | 55% | 85,784 |
Penn State Abington | 3,090 | $20,460 | 93% | 6,463 |
Penn State Altoona | 2,577 | $20,621 | 96% | 7,523 |
Penn State Beaver | 522 | $18,113 | 93% | 1,707 |
Penn State Berks | 2,077 | $21,728 | 97% | 5,605 |
Penn State Brandywine | 1,196 | $21,600 | 96% | 2,440 |
Penn State Erie-Behrend College | 3,295 | $21,968 | 95% | 4,363 |
Penn State Harrisburg | 4,572 | $22,096 | 96% | 9,925 |
Penn State Lehigh Valley | 888 | $18,142 | 94% | 1,806 |
Penn State Mont Alto | 670 | $19,838 | 91% | 678 |
Penn State Schuylkill | 623 | $17,252 | 86% | 928 |
Penn State Scranton | 875 | $16,594 | 94% | 2,297 |
Penn State World Campus | 13,979 | $19,551 | 82% | 857 |
Penn State York | 718 | $18,910 | 93% | 2,005 |
Pennsylvania Western University | 12,778 | $18,527 | 94% | 8,463 |
Point Park University | 3,288 | $24,702 | 82% | 6,033 |
Robert Morris University | 3,431 | $23,572 | 94% | 4,684 |
Saint Francis University | 2,857 | $27,459 | 73% | 2,167 |
Saint Joseph’s University | 7,861 | $33,777 | 89% | 9,708 |
Saint Vincent College | 1,536 | $23,121 | 73% | 2,163 |
Seton Hill University | 1,988 | $24,576 | 78% | 2,558 |
Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania | 5,162 | $21,462 | 88% | 6,367 |
Slippery Rock University | 8,221 | $17,873 | 74% | 5,591 |
Susquehanna University | 2,231 | $28,605 | 77% | 6,375 |
Swarthmore College | 1,625 | $20,715 | 7% | 14,707 |
Temple University | 33,196 | $23,935 | 80% | 38,666 |
The University of the Arts | 1,313 | $42,467 | 80% | 1,086 |
Thiel College | 907 | $22,732 | 82% | 1,878 |
Thomas Jefferson University | 8,286 | $28,110 | 89% | 5,723 |
University of Pennsylvania | 28,201 | $26,123 | 7% | 54,588 |
University of Pittsburgh | 33,767 | $24,286 | 49% | 53,072 |
University of Pittsburgh-Bradford | 1,074 | $16,505 | 94% | 5,071 |
University of Pittsburgh-Greensburg | 1,328 | $18,194 | 98% | 3,003 |
University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown | 2,043 | $17,545 | 97% | 3,470 |
University of Scranton | 4,731 | $35,526 | 84% | 9,530 |
University of Valley Forge | 583 | $25,825 | 82% | 370 |
Ursinus College | 1,527 | $33,546 | 82% | 3,237 |
Villanova University | 10,383 | $34,837 | 23% | 23,835 |
Washington & Jefferson College | 1,151 | $25,636 | 88% | 3,414 |
Waynesburg University | 1,366 | $22,281 | 76% | 2,157 |
West Chester University of Pennsylvania | 17,275 | $22,973 | 88% | 14,778 |
Westminster College | 1,211 | $22,645 | 75% | 2,225 |
Widener University | 5,416 | $32,185 | 88% | 5,961 |
Wilkes University | 5,207 | $27,918 | 94% | 4,798 |
Wilson College | 1,360 | $23,923 | 94% | 739 |
York College of Pennsylvania | 3,656 | $20,916 | 96% | 4,529 |
What Is the Cost of College in Pennsylvania?
Institution Type | Average Tuition & Required Fees |
---|---|
Public 4-Year (In-State) | $14,532 |
Public 4-Year (Out-of-State) | $25,697 |
Private 4-Year | $43,926 |
Public 2-Year (In-State) | $5,441 |
Public 2-Year (Out-of-State) | $12,808 |
4 Benefits of Studying in Pennsylvania
Whether you’re interested in colleges in Pennsylvania’s scenic, forested valleys or its bustling cities, here are some of the benefits of studying in the Keystone State.
- Top-Ranked Colleges: PA has some of the best colleges in the country. If you’re looking for an Ivy League experience, check out UPenn. If you want the state’s biggest, most sports-dominant public university, turn to Penn State. And for a liberal arts college experience, there’s Swarthmore, Haverford, Bryn Mawr, and more.
- Financial Aid: The cost of college in Pennsylvania is slightly higher than the national average, according to NCES data. But you can make college affordable by researching schools with lower tuition rates and looking into financial aid opportunities. Many colleges also offer grants and scholarships, like the Pitt Pell Plus Program, which matches Pell Grants.
- Internship Opportunities: Pennsylvania is home to many Fortune 500 companies and smaller businesses. And many of those companies partner with colleges in Pennsylvania to offer internships. Gain hands-on experience by interning at a finance, healthcare, or engineering company.
- History and Culture: Interested in historic sites? Pennsylvania has it covered, from Independence Hall to the Gettysburg battlefield. Cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh are also known for their art, culture and food. When you’re not hitting the books, you’ll benefit from everything Pennsylvania has to offer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Colleges in Pennsylvania
How many colleges are in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania has nearly 300 colleges, universities, and technical schools. Six Pennsylvania colleges boast ranks in the top 100 nationwide. The state offers nearly 100 four-year nonprofit public and private colleges. Pennsylvania also has over a dozen community colleges that charge affordable tuition rates.
What are the best colleges in Pennsylvania?
The best colleges in Pennsylvania include private colleges like UPenn and Carnegie Mellon. Public universities like Pitt and Penn State are also great options for college students. And the Keystone State has many outstanding liberal arts colleges, including Swarthmore, Haverford, and Bryn Mawr.
What is the hardest college to get into in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania has many selective colleges. According to NCES data, both Swarthmore and UPenn reported a 7% admission rate in fall 2022. That means that only 7 in 100 applicants receive an admission offer. Carnegie Mellon is the next hardest to get into, with an 11% acceptance rate.
What’s the most affordable college in PA?
Peirce College boasts the lowest average annual net price of all four-year nonprofit colleges in Pennsylvania, at just $9,621 in fall 2022. Many public colleges and universities in Pennsylvania offer affordable tuition rates as well, including Lincoln University ($15,502 net price) and the University of Pittsburgh-Bradford ($16,505 net price).
Two-year colleges in Pennsylvania are even more affordable, with in-state students paying around $5,440 per year.
What is the biggest college in Pennsylvania?
Penn State is by far the biggest college in Pennsylvania. The public university reports a population of around 88,000 students in fall 2022 across its Pennsylvania campuses, with even more students enrolling in online programs through Penn State World Campus. The main campus in University Park, Pennsylvania, enrolls around 50,000 students.
Other large colleges in Pennsylvania include the University of Pittsburgh, with 33,800 students; Temple University, with 33,200 students; and the University of Pennsylvania, with 28,200 students.
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