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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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.
Best Online Colleges in Pennsylvania of 2025
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:
2025- 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
$56,212
$56,212
6%
14%
Why We Chose This School
It probably isn't surprising that University of Pennsylvania, an Ivy League school, is at the top of this list, although some of its benefits might surprise you.
Like all Ivies, Penn has a very high graduation and retention rate, as well as high average earnings for students six years after they initially enroll. But Penn's benefits also extend to very high graduation and completion rates for low- and middle-income students, with a 95% graduation rate amongst Pell Grant recipients.
Penn is known for its elite Wharton School, consistently ranked as one of the globe's top business schools, as well as its Perelman School of Medicine and nursing program.
Pros
- High earnings after graduation
- 97% graduation rate
- Good outcomes for Pell Grant students
Cons
- 6% acceptance rate
- High net price
- Fewer online programs
$39,838
$39,838
98%
23,790
Private
Yes
$56,212
$56,212
Philadelphia, PA4 yearCampus + Online
$56,212
$56,212
6%
14%
$39,838
$39,838
98%
23,790
Private
Yes
Why We Chose This School
It probably isn't surprising that University of Pennsylvania, an Ivy League school, is at the top of this list, although some of its benefits might surprise you.
Like all Ivies, Penn has a very high graduation and retention rate, as well as high average earnings for students six years after they initially enroll. But Penn's benefits also extend to very high graduation and completion rates for low- and middle-income students, with a 95% graduation rate amongst Pell Grant recipients.
Penn is known for its elite Wharton School, consistently ranked as one of the globe's top business schools, as well as its Perelman School of Medicine and nursing program.
Pros
- High earnings after graduation
- 97% graduation rate
- Good outcomes for Pell Grant students
Cons
- 6% acceptance rate
- High net price
- Fewer online programs
Temple University
Philadelphia, PA4 yearCampus + Online
$21,014
$36,379
83%
49%
Why We Chose This School
Temple stands out for its high admissions yield, meaning an overwhelming majority of students who are admitted to the school opt to enroll.
Temple has a broad range of specialties, including business, medicine, pharmacy, law, and public health. The university offers numerous online graduate degrees in areas like public health, pharmacy, social work, and an MBA.
Temple has a higher acceptance rate and lower net price, meaning it's more accessible while still ensuring that most students get their degree.
Pros
- 83% acceptance rate
- 75% graduation rate
- Lower net price
Cons
- Low completion rate for low-income students
- High enrollment
- Low earnings for working students
$20,531
$26,672
84%
30,205
Public
Yes
$21,014
$36,379
Philadelphia, PA4 yearCampus + Online
$21,014
$36,379
83%
49%
$20,531
$26,672
84%
30,205
Public
Yes
Why We Chose This School
Temple stands out for its high admissions yield, meaning an overwhelming majority of students who are admitted to the school opt to enroll.
Temple has a broad range of specialties, including business, medicine, pharmacy, law, and public health. The university offers numerous online graduate degrees in areas like public health, pharmacy, social work, and an MBA.
Temple has a higher acceptance rate and lower net price, meaning it's more accessible while still ensuring that most students get their degree.
Pros
- 83% acceptance rate
- 75% graduation rate
- Lower net price
Cons
- Low completion rate for low-income students
- High enrollment
- Low earnings for working students
Villanova University
Villanova, PA4 yearCampus + Online
$60,768
$60,768
23%
23%
Why We Chose This School
Villanova University's high earnings potential and graduation rate landed it in the third spot on our list.
Villanova is known for its business and nursing programs, but also brings a unique lens to online education. Villanova's College of Professional Studies offers bachelor's completion programs and online options geared toward adult learners who want to work towards their degree without leaving their career.
Villanova also offers a number of online professional education programs and courses in high-demand areas like digital marketing, business analysis, and business intelligence.
Pros
- High earnings potential
- Focus on working adults
- 92% graduation rate
Cons
- $37,946 average net price
- Low admission rate
- Highly competitive
$21,207
$21,207
96%
10,383
Private
Yes
$60,768
$60,768
Villanova, PA4 yearCampus + Online
$60,768
$60,768
23%
23%
$21,207
$21,207
96%
10,383
Private
Yes
Why We Chose This School
Villanova University's high earnings potential and graduation rate landed it in the third spot on our list.
Villanova is known for its business and nursing programs, but also brings a unique lens to online education. Villanova's College of Professional Studies offers bachelor's completion programs and online options geared toward adult learners who want to work towards their degree without leaving their career.
Villanova also offers a number of online professional education programs and courses in high-demand areas like digital marketing, business analysis, and business intelligence.
Pros
- High earnings potential
- Focus on working adults
- 92% graduation rate
Cons
- $37,946 average net price
- Low admission rate
- Highly competitive
Thomas Jefferson University
Philadelphia, PA4 yearCampus + Online
$43,100
$43,100
86%
53%
Why We Chose This School
Thomas Jefferson University has a focus on professional education, and that's reflected in its high retention rate and earnings outcomes for students.
Its Thomas Jefferson University Online program features several degrees across the university's specialty areas, including graduate and undergraduate options in business, health, management, information technology, and leadership.
Jefferson's programs are heavily focused on professions and real-world experience, and the university touts high employment rates for its graduates.
Pros
- 86% admission rate
- Focus on professions
- Good earnings potential
Cons
- Low graduation rate for Pell Grant students
- May need to have a decided career
- Intensive curriculum
$22,509
$22,509
82%
8,315
Private
Yes
$43,100
$43,100
Philadelphia, PA4 yearCampus + Online
$43,100
$43,100
86%
53%
$22,509
$22,509
82%
8,315
Private
Yes
Why We Chose This School
Thomas Jefferson University has a focus on professional education, and that's reflected in its high retention rate and earnings outcomes for students.
Its Thomas Jefferson University Online program features several degrees across the university's specialty areas, including graduate and undergraduate options in business, health, management, information technology, and leadership.
Jefferson's programs are heavily focused on professions and real-world experience, and the university touts high employment rates for its graduates.
Pros
- 86% admission rate
- Focus on professions
- Good earnings potential
Cons
- Low graduation rate for Pell Grant students
- May need to have a decided career
- Intensive curriculum
Drexel University
Philadelphia, PA4 yearCampus + Online
$56,595
$56,595
78%
42%
Why We Chose This School
Drexel University has a heavy focus on technology, and has offerings in a number of high-demand areas like computer science, business management, cybersecurity, and engineering.
Drexel offers dozens of master's degrees, as well as a number of bachelor's degrees. Those aren't entirely limited to tech-heavy fields — Drexel also has online degree programs in liberal arts fields like creative writing, arts, and more.
Those numerous offerings and focus on tech translate to good earnings potential for Drexel graduates.
Pros
- 87% retention rate
- Decent earnings potential
- 50 online master's programs
Cons
- $42,342 net price
- Focused on tech
- Quarter system
$36,234
$36,234
90%
21,573
Private
Yes
$56,595
$56,595
Philadelphia, PA4 yearCampus + Online
$56,595
$56,595
78%
42%
$36,234
$36,234
90%
21,573
Private
Yes
Why We Chose This School
Drexel University has a heavy focus on technology, and has offerings in a number of high-demand areas like computer science, business management, cybersecurity, and engineering.
Drexel offers dozens of master's degrees, as well as a number of bachelor's degrees. Those aren't entirely limited to tech-heavy fields — Drexel also has online degree programs in liberal arts fields like creative writing, arts, and more.
Those numerous offerings and focus on tech translate to good earnings potential for Drexel graduates.
Pros
- 87% retention rate
- Decent earnings potential
- 50 online master's programs
Cons
- $42,342 net price
- Focused on tech
- Quarter system
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
Slippery Rock, PA4 yearCampus + Online
$7,716
$11,574
75%
47%
Why We Chose This School
Slippery Rock University is the first offering on this list outside of the Philadelphia area, but its online offerings compete with the elite Philly schools.
Slippery Rock offers asynchronous learning for its online programs, allowing adult learners to work around their schedules to pursue their degrees. The university's offerings for undergraduate degrees include healthcare administration, leadership studies, management, nursing, marketing, and more.
Slippery Rock is the most affordable school on this list, with an estimated net price of $19,718.
Pros
- Highly affordable
- 68% graduation rate
- 82% retention rate
Cons
- Just five online bachelor's programs
- 56% graduation rate for Pell Grant students
- Lower earnings than other schools
$9,288
$13,932
81%
8,362
Public
Yes
$7,716
$11,574
Slippery Rock, PA4 yearCampus + Online
$7,716
$11,574
75%
47%
$9,288
$13,932
81%
8,362
Public
Yes
Why We Chose This School
Slippery Rock University is the first offering on this list outside of the Philadelphia area, but its online offerings compete with the elite Philly schools.
Slippery Rock offers asynchronous learning for its online programs, allowing adult learners to work around their schedules to pursue their degrees. The university's offerings for undergraduate degrees include healthcare administration, leadership studies, management, nursing, marketing, and more.
Slippery Rock is the most affordable school on this list, with an estimated net price of $19,718.
Pros
- Highly affordable
- 68% graduation rate
- 82% retention rate
Cons
- Just five online bachelor's programs
- 56% graduation rate for Pell Grant students
- Lower earnings than other schools
DeSales University
Center Valley, PA4 yearCampus + Online
$41,100
$41,100
79%
44%
Why We Chose This School
DeSales University offers the most online bachelor's programs on this list, fourteen in total, providing students with numerous options to pursue their degree of choice.
DeSales offers a number of online formats for students, including entirely online, blended, and “low-residency,” which includes intensive residency experiences intermixed with online learning. Both synchronous and asynchronous options are available.
DeSales has both a high admissions and graduate rate, as well as a student retention of over 80%.
Pros
- 71% graduation rate
- Good retention rate
- 91% admissions rate
Cons
- Higher net price than similar schools
- Moderate earnings potential
- Low completion rates for low-income students
$21,120
$21,120
81%
2,929
Private
Yes
$41,100
$41,100
Center Valley, PA4 yearCampus + Online
$41,100
$41,100
79%
44%
$21,120
$21,120
81%
2,929
Private
Yes
Why We Chose This School
DeSales University offers the most online bachelor's programs on this list, fourteen in total, providing students with numerous options to pursue their degree of choice.
DeSales offers a number of online formats for students, including entirely online, blended, and “low-residency,” which includes intensive residency experiences intermixed with online learning. Both synchronous and asynchronous options are available.
DeSales has both a high admissions and graduate rate, as well as a student retention of over 80%.
Pros
- 71% graduation rate
- Good retention rate
- 91% admissions rate
Cons
- Higher net price than similar schools
- Moderate earnings potential
- Low completion rates for low-income students
Robert Morris University
Moon Township, PA4 yearCampus + Online
$32,390
$32,390
94%
60%
Why We Chose This School
Robert Morris University has a high admission rate and highly affordable programs, making it an ideal choice for working adults.
Robert Morris offers programs in fast-growing fields, like artificial intelligence, data analytics, information systems, cybersecurity, and health administration. The university also has online offerings in nursing, leadership, education, and business.
The university aims to give students the same resources as traditional, in-person students — including a dedicated counselor, academic advisor, financial aid counselor, and tech support.
Pros
- Very high admission rate
- High-demand offerings
- Affordable
Cons
- Lower graduation rate than other schools
- Lower earnings potential than other schools on this list
- Few online bachelor's options
N/A
N/A
82%
3,431
Private
Yes
$32,390
$32,390
Moon Township, PA4 yearCampus + Online
$32,390
$32,390
94%
60%
N/A
N/A
82%
3,431
Private
Yes
Why We Chose This School
Robert Morris University has a high admission rate and highly affordable programs, making it an ideal choice for working adults.
Robert Morris offers programs in fast-growing fields, like artificial intelligence, data analytics, information systems, cybersecurity, and health administration. The university also has online offerings in nursing, leadership, education, and business.
The university aims to give students the same resources as traditional, in-person students — including a dedicated counselor, academic advisor, financial aid counselor, and tech support.
Pros
- Very high admission rate
- High-demand offerings
- Affordable
Cons
- Lower graduation rate than other schools
- Lower earnings potential than other schools on this list
- Few online bachelor's options
Misericordia University
Dallas, PA4 yearCampus + Online
$34,952
$34,952
75%
50%
Why We Chose This School
Misericordia University is another institution with a focus on adult learners. Its Center for Adult and Continuing Education, alongside flexibility built into its online programs, can help adult learners break into a new field or advance within their current one.
The university offers highly specialized online bachelor's and master's degrees focused on the healthcare field, including in health care management, and diagnostic medical sonography, surgical technology. Degrees are also available in business, information technology, and social work.
The university's specialized healthcare degrees can offer medical professionals a chance for advancement or help students break into the field.
Pros
- Varied degree types
- 11 online bachelor's programs
- Highly specialized medical degrees
Cons
- High net price
- Low four-year completion rate for Pell Grant students
- Limited master's offerings
$36,438
$36,438
80%
2,107
Private
Yes
$34,952
$34,952
Dallas, PA4 yearCampus + Online
$34,952
$34,952
75%
50%
$36,438
$36,438
80%
2,107
Private
Yes
Why We Chose This School
Misericordia University is another institution with a focus on adult learners. Its Center for Adult and Continuing Education, alongside flexibility built into its online programs, can help adult learners break into a new field or advance within their current one.
The university offers highly specialized online bachelor's and master's degrees focused on the healthcare field, including in health care management, and diagnostic medical sonography, surgical technology. Degrees are also available in business, information technology, and social work.
The university's specialized healthcare degrees can offer medical professionals a chance for advancement or help students break into the field.
Pros
- Varied degree types
- 11 online bachelor's programs
- Highly specialized medical degrees
Cons
- High net price
- Low four-year completion rate for Pell Grant students
- Limited master's offerings
Immaculata University
Immaculata, PA4 yearCampus + Online
$26,900
$26,900
79%
56%
Why We Chose This School
Immaculata University brings a career-oriented approach to online learning.
The university connects its online students with career counselors and academic advisors to help with career search and advancement and also features built-in flexibility to its online degrees for working professionals.
Online degrees are available in a number of formats, including bachelor's, associate, and master's degrees in cybersecurity, business, health care management, human resources, computer information systems, and more.
Pros
- Good earnings potential
- High admission rate
- 100% of students receive financial aid
Cons
- 65% graduation rate
- Low four-year completion rate for low-income students
- 61% graduation rate for Pell Grant students
$12,780
$12,780
80%
2,426
Private
Yes
$26,900
$26,900
Immaculata, PA4 yearCampus + Online
$26,900
$26,900
79%
56%
$12,780
$12,780
80%
2,426
Private
Yes
Why We Chose This School
Immaculata University brings a career-oriented approach to online learning.
The university connects its online students with career counselors and academic advisors to help with career search and advancement and also features built-in flexibility to its online degrees for working professionals.
Online degrees are available in a number of formats, including bachelor's, associate, and master's degrees in cybersecurity, business, health care management, human resources, computer information systems, and more.
Pros
- Good earnings potential
- High admission rate
- 100% of students receive financial aid
Cons
- 65% graduation rate
- Low four-year completion rate for low-income students
- 61% graduation rate for Pell Grant students
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
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
| 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
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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