Best Online Colleges in Pennsylvania
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Writer & Editor
Reviewer & Writer
Contributing Writer
Writer & Editor
Reviewer & Writer
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Earning a college degree can lead to higher wages and more career options. With 186 two- and degree-granting postsecondary institutions in the Keystone State, Pennsylvania students have many educational options to choose from when pursuing a degree.
Thanks to online learning, students in Pennsylvania can also now study virtually and enjoy more schedule and travel flexibility. The large number of options, however, can make the decision-making process feel overwhelming.
We've broken down what it could cost to attend college in Pennsylvania and the job opportunities your degree can lead to. We also highlight the best online universities in the state to help you find the right fit.
Featured Online Bachelor's Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Online Colleges in Pennsylvania
We use trusted sources like
Peterson's Data
and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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Drexel University
Philadelphia, PA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $956-$994
Out-of-State | $956-$994
Quarter Credits to Graduate: 180
If you like the idea of being in Philadelphia, then consider Drexel University. If you live elsewhere, you can still enroll in one of the school's online undergraduate degree programs, including business, psychology, cybersecurity, education, and communications.
The majority of Drexel graduates (94%) who have secured full-time employment report being satisfied with their jobs. If you or an immediate family member is a Drexel alum, you can get a 15-30% tuition reduction. Also, because Drexel University operates on quarters instead of semesters, you can take more classes in a single term.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
Thomas Jefferson University
Philadelphia, PA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,396
Out-of-State | $1,396
Credits to Graduate: 120
If choosing a major sounds restrictive or you want an education that gives you real-world experience, Thomas Jefferson University might be the ideal place for you. The school's Nexus Learning program allows you to collaborate with students from other disciplines to acquire hands-on learning from industry leaders.
Thomas Jefferson University offers 10 online bachelor of science degree programs, including in business management, health sciences, human resource management, and information technology. Some of these online programs offer hybrid formats for students who still want to participate in traditional classroom environments.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
Temple University
Philadelphia, PA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $499-$693
Out-of-State | $899-$1,154
Credits to Graduate: 123
A top-ranked public research institution, Temple University offers fully online bachelor's degrees in business administration, liberal studies, social work, and virtual media management. Even if you don't enroll in an online program, you can access Temple University's non-credit online courses in English learning and Graduate Record Exam (GRE) preparation to supplement your academic development.
As a Temple graduate, you would be connected with over 360,000 alums who can provide mentorship and professional connections. Almost 150,000 Temple University graduates still live and work in the Philadelphia area.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
Elizabethtown College
Elizabethtown, PA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $425
Out-of-State | $425
Credits to Graduate: 125
If you're an older learner looking for an accelerated online degree that can help you advance your career, give Elizabethtown College a look. By completing a single course every five weeks, you can shorten the time it takes you to earn a BS from one of six online bachelor's programs, including accounting, human services, and professional studies.
Within one year after earning their degrees, 97% of Elizabethtown College graduates are employed or pursuing advanced degrees. Also, 64% of students with accelerated degrees reported experiencing improved job performance.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
Slippery Rock, PA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $322
Out-of-State | $328
Credits to Graduate: 120
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania (SRU) was founded in 1889 and is located about an hour north of Pittsburgh. It's one of 10 institutions of higher education making up the Pennsylvania System of Higher Education.
SRU might be the ideal school for you if you want to transfer from another institution or are a working professional needing a flexible schedule. Here, you can complete your bachelor's degree by enrolling in one many fully online programs, including marketing, accounting, leadership studies.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
Saint Francis University
Loretto, PA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,283
Out-of-State | $1,283
Credits to Graduate: 128
St. Francis University is the oldest Catholic and Franciscan college in the U.S. and promotes principles of faith, discovery, respect, generosity, and joy. The school reports a graduation rate of over 70%, and early-career earnings among graduates typically surpass $62,000.
Students can choose from 11 fully online degrees, including behavioral science, computer systems management, finance, and healthcare management. Also, many other programs offer hybrid curricula. Applicants to online programs must submit official postsecondary or high school transcripts.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
Misericordia University
Dallas, PA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $675
Out-of-State | $675
Credits to Graduate: 120
As a Misericordia University student, you'll be exposed to rigorous class-based learning combined with real-world professional development and leadership. Within one year after graduation, alums earn a median salary of $64,000.
If you work full time, are a nontraditional student, or already have college credits under your belt, one of the accelerated online bachelor's programs may offer an experience that meets your needs. Whether you major in accounting, diagnostic medical sonography, or social work, you'll be able to enroll in new courses six times a year.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
Immaculata University
Immaculata, PA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,563
Out-of-State | $1,563
Credits to Graduate: 126
With a 10-to-1 student-faculty ratio, Immaculata University offers a private education that focuses on faith-based values, student outcomes, and personal growth. The school reports that 94% of alumni of undergraduate programs report being employed or continuing their education.
The fully online programs at Immaculata University are career-focused and allow you to progress through your courses based on your timeline. You can earn your online bachelor's in allied health and healthcare, business, cybersecurity, human resources, and emergency management.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
The Pennsylvania State University
University Park, PA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $820
Out-of-State | $1,651
Credits to Graduate: 120
The Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) offers 41 degrees that are 100% online. Online students can major in one of various disciplines, including business, technology, energy, criminal justice, healthcare or public health, political science, psychology, and many others.
Penn State World Campus is the home of the school's online offerings. As a student, you'll be in good company. You'll advance your education alongside organizational and military leaders, contributing your experiences and knowledge to this educational community.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
DeSales University
Center Valley, PA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $560
Out-of-State | $560
Credits to Graduate: 120
DeSales University is a Catholic institution located in Center Valley, about an hour from Philadelphia and close to other major cities on the East Coast. The school reports a 22-to-1 student-faculty ratio and about 22% of all students are enrolled in online courses.
If you want to get your degree fully online, you can choose from among 15 accelerated programs, including accounting and forensic accounting, financial planning, management of information technology, pharmaceutical marketing, nursing, and theology. You can also enroll in programs with blended formats that include on-campus coursework.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
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.
Ranking Methodology Summary
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.
How Much Does Online College Cost in Pennsylvania?
The cost of online college in Pennsylvania varies depending on the type of school you choose and your residency status.
In-state four-year public schools usually cost the least to attend. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), public schools charged in-state students an average of $14,920 in tuition and required fees in 2021-2022. Out-of-state students paid nearly double, and private school students paid more than three times that amount.
Schools often charge online students in-state rates even if they live outside the state. In this way, virtual learners not only save on transportation and lodging, but also on tuition.
Students can also pursue federal financial aid and support from specific organizations. Pennsylvania residents can make use of state-run financial aid as well, such as the programs from the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA).
Institution Type | Average Tuition and Required Fees |
---|---|
Public Four-Year (In-State) | $14,920 |
Public Four-Year (Out-of-State) | $26,426 |
Private Four-Year | $45,406 |
Public Two-Year (In-State) | $5,549 |
Public Two-Year (Out-of-State) | $12,657 |
10 Fast-Growing Jobs in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania's job market looks bright for professionals with a bachelor's degree. The following table shows that the careers with the highest projected growth rates also earn higher-than-average salaries.
In fact, there are five fields with average annual salaries of over $100,000 and projected job growth rates of over 25% between 2020 and 2030.
You can access the promising fields below by attending one of the many online universities 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 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Colleges in Pennsylvania
Is online college free 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.
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.
Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed February 15th, 2024.