Can you attend an online college in Pennsylvania without living in Pennsylvania?

You can attend an online university in Pennsylvania while living out of state, often without any travel or campus requirements. However, some online programs require students to visit campus for certain classes or orientations. You may also be required to complete an internship at a Pennsylvania location. Finally, many online colleges in Pennsylvania charge higher tuition rates for out-of-state students.

What is the easiest Pennsylvania online college to get into?

Many online colleges in Pennsylvania have flexible admission requirements. According to the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard, the Pennsylvania College of Technology and Cheyney University of Pennsylvania are the only online colleges in the state with open admission policies and 100% acceptance rates.

What is the cheapest online college in Pennsylvania?

The cost of your education depends on several factors, including the school type and your location. Some of the lowest-cost online colleges in Pennsylvania include Cheyney University of Pennsylvania (CU) and Pennsylvania Western University (PennWest Global Online). Both PennWest Global Online and CU charge an annual tuition of around $15,000 for out-of-state learners, which allows you to save money if you fast-track your degree.

How many online colleges are in Pennsylvania?

According to NCES, there are 40 public and 112 private nonprofit colleges in Pennsylvania as of 2021-2022. The majority of these schools offer at least some online programs, and over 40% of the state's student body takes online classes.

Best Online Colleges in Pennsylvania of 2025

If you live in Pennsylvania, you’re lucky to have many great options for college. Discover which schools in the state are best.

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Updated January 22, 2025

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Pennsylvania is home to over 180 degree-granting colleges and universities. You’ll have plenty of quality choices if you choose to pursue a degree in the Keystone State.

The University of Pennsylvania, Temple University, and Villanova University top our list for the best online colleges in Pennsylvania. These esteemed institutions offer quality online programs that give you flexibility while you jump-start your future.

Whether you want to advance in your current career or transition to a new industry in Pennsylvania, read our list of the best online colleges of 2025 to find the right fit.

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In this Article

Best Online Colleges in Pennsylvania of 2025

University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA4 yearCampus + Online

$56,212

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$56,212

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

Acceptance Rate

14%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$39,838

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$39,838

Retention Rate

98%

Students Enrolled

23,790

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$56,212

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$56,212

University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$56,212

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$56,212

Acceptance Rate

Online Enrollment

14%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$39,838

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$39,838

Retention Rate

98%

Students Enrolled

23,790

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Temple University

Philadelphia, PA4 yearCampus + Online

$21,014

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$36,379

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

83%

Acceptance Rate

49%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$20,531

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$26,672

Retention Rate

84%

Students Enrolled

30,205

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$21,014

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$36,379

Temple University

Philadelphia, PA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$21,014

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$36,379

Acceptance Rate

83%

Online Enrollment

49%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$20,531

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$26,672

Retention Rate

84%

Students Enrolled

30,205

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Villanova University

Villanova, PA4 yearCampus + Online

$60,768

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$60,768

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

23%

Acceptance Rate

23%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$21,207

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$21,207

Retention Rate

96%

Students Enrolled

10,383

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$60,768

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$60,768

Villanova University

Villanova, PA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$60,768

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$60,768

Acceptance Rate

23%

Online Enrollment

23%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$21,207

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$21,207

Retention Rate

96%

Students Enrolled

10,383

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Thomas Jefferson University

Philadelphia, PA4 yearCampus + Online

$43,100

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$43,100

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

86%

Acceptance Rate

53%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$22,509

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$22,509

Retention Rate

82%

Students Enrolled

8,315

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$43,100

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$43,100

Thomas Jefferson University

Philadelphia, PA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$43,100

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$43,100

Acceptance Rate

86%

Online Enrollment

53%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$22,509

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$22,509

Retention Rate

82%

Students Enrolled

8,315

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Drexel University

Philadelphia, PA4 yearCampus + Online

$56,595

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$56,595

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

78%

Acceptance Rate

42%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$36,234

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$36,234

Retention Rate

90%

Students Enrolled

21,573

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$56,595

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$56,595

Drexel University

Philadelphia, PA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$56,595

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$56,595

Acceptance Rate

78%

Online Enrollment

42%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$36,234

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$36,234

Retention Rate

90%

Students Enrolled

21,573

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania

Slippery Rock, PA4 yearCampus + Online

$7,716

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$11,574

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

75%

Acceptance Rate

47%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$9,288

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$13,932

Retention Rate

81%

Students Enrolled

8,362

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,716

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$11,574

Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania

Slippery Rock, PA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,716

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$11,574

Acceptance Rate

75%

Online Enrollment

47%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$9,288

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$13,932

Retention Rate

81%

Students Enrolled

8,362

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

DeSales University

Center Valley, PA4 yearCampus + Online

$41,100

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$41,100

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

79%

Acceptance Rate

44%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$21,120

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$21,120

Retention Rate

81%

Students Enrolled

2,929

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$41,100

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$41,100

DeSales University

Center Valley, PA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$41,100

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$41,100

Acceptance Rate

79%

Online Enrollment

44%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$21,120

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$21,120

Retention Rate

81%

Students Enrolled

2,929

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Robert Morris University

Moon Township, PA4 yearCampus + Online

$32,390

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$32,390

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

94%

Acceptance Rate

60%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Retention Rate

82%

Students Enrolled

3,431

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$32,390

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$32,390

Robert Morris University

Moon Township, PA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$32,390

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$32,390

Acceptance Rate

94%

Online Enrollment

60%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Retention Rate

82%

Students Enrolled

3,431

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Misericordia University

Dallas, PA4 yearCampus + Online

$34,952

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$34,952

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

75%

Acceptance Rate

50%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$36,438

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$36,438

Retention Rate

80%

Students Enrolled

2,107

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$34,952

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$34,952

Misericordia University

Dallas, PA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$34,952

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$34,952

Acceptance Rate

75%

Online Enrollment

50%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$36,438

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$36,438

Retention Rate

80%

Students Enrolled

2,107

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

#10

Immaculata University

Immaculata, PA4 yearCampus + Online

$26,900

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$26,900

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

79%

Acceptance Rate

56%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$12,780

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$12,780

Retention Rate

80%

Students Enrolled

2,426

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$26,900

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$26,900

Immaculata University

Immaculata, PA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$26,900

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$26,900

Acceptance Rate

79%

Online Enrollment

56%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$12,780

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$12,780

Retention Rate

80%

Students Enrolled

2,426

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Why You Should Get a Degree in Pennsylvania

Offers academic excellence: Pennsylvania hosts many top-ranked universities, including Ivy League University of Pennsylvania, Lehigh University, and Carnegie Mellon.
Discover a range of options: Pennsylvania has diverse educational institutions — from liberal arts colleges to research universities.
Increase your income: A worker with a bachelor’s degree typically earns about $1.2 million more in a lifetime than a worker with just a high school diploma.
Face lower unemployment rates: With a bachelor’s degree, you may see lower unemployment rates than those without one.

Benefits of Getting a Degree Online

Student perception of the potential return on investment (ROI) of online learning continues to be strong — 93% of online students and program graduates say their online degree has or will have a positive ROI, according to findings from BestColleges’ 2024 Online Education Trends Report surveys.
97% of prospective online students, currently enrolled online students, and online program graduates would recommend online education to others.
81% of online student respondents and program graduates say that the online learning environment is better than or equal to on-campus learning.
Most online program graduates (73%) say their programs prepared them for employment after graduation, and 31% say they were extremely well prepared.

How Much Does Online College Cost in Pennsylvania?

The cost of tuition in Pennsylvania varies based on different factors, including the type of school (whether public or private) and whether you’re an in-state or out-of-state student.

In-state students at public colleges in Pennsylvania paid an average tuition of $16,217, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Out-of-state students at public colleges typically paid an average of $31,844 in tuition and fees, while those at private schools paid $47,222.

These rates are averages from the 2022-2023 academic year. Your actual tuition rate will depend on the exact school you attend and the year of your attendance. Also, online college is often more affordable than a traditional on-campus education.

Financial aid, which includes grants and scholarships, can offset the cost of tuition. To get access to financial aid, start by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year you’re in school.

Average Tuition & Fees (2022-23)

Public, In-State

$16,217

Public, Out-of-State

$31,844

Private

$47,222

Source: NCES

Find Financial Aid for Your Degree

Your Guide to the FAFSA

Your Guide to College Loans

Scholarships for Online College Students

Scholarships for Adults and Nontraditional Students

Accreditation for Online Colleges in Pennsylvania

Why should you look for college accreditation before you apply to college? Accreditation ensures the school you’re applying to is legitimate and will provide a high-quality education.

Accreditation also impacts your ability to get financial aid and transfer credits you’ve earned at previous institutions.

Legitimate accrediting agencies have been recognized by the Department of Education and/or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

The Pennsylvania Department of Education and the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) accredit colleges and universities in Pennsylvania.

10 Fast-Growing Jobs in Pennsylvania

10 Fast-Growing Jobs in Pennsylvania
Job	Job Growth 2020-2030	Average Annual Wage 2022
Statisticians	37.3%	$89,540
Physician Assistants	33.5%	$110,140
Medical and Health Services Managers	33.2%	$120,910
Nurse Practitioners	32.7%	$120,550
Information Security Analysts	32.5%	$100,370
Software Developers and QA Analysts	27.9%	N/A
Speech-Language Pathologists	26.8%	$85,600
Operations Research Analysts	26%	$79,260
Actuaries	25%	$122,910
Interpreters and Translators	22.7%	$55,170

Source: Center for Workforce Information Analysis

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Colleges in Pennsylvania

No, Pennsylvania’s online colleges are not free. However, the state does feature many affordable schools and programs. Online students can also qualify for the same financial aid opportunities as on-campus students, reducing study costs considerably.

For example, the PA State Grant alone may cover up to 50% of your costs.

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Best Community Colleges in Pennsylvania

Community colleges in Pennsylvania prepare graduates to launch their careers in the local workforce. Earn an affordable, accelerated degree in Pennsylvania.