The East Coast is full of great schools, and Pennsylvania is no exception. Some of the best colleges and universities in Pennsylvania are also at the top of most national lists. University of Pennsylvania, for instance, is home to a top business school and tops most national lists. The state is packed with great public schools, as well.

Penn State is home to eighteen different colleges that offer a comprehensive list of graduate and undergraduate degrees. You can study Agricultural Sciences, Nursing, Technology, or Law, among many others. While Penn State's home campus in University Park educates a running population of about 40,000 students, other schools in the Penn State University system are a bit smaller. Slippery Rock University, for example, has a campus population of around 8,000 and still manages to offer a comprehensive slate of degree programs. SRU offers students a foundation in Arts, Communications, Business programs, and Wellness/Fitness, among many more.

pennsylvania state image

How Much Can You Make by Earning a Degree in Pennsylvania?


You're making a smart choice that could significantly boost your earning potential. Pennsylvania boasts several top-ranking institutions known for their high Salary Scores, indicating strong post-graduation earnings.

On average, bachelor's degree holders earn $1,493 weekly, compared to $899 for those with only a high school diploma. This substantial difference adds up over time, potentially resulting in hundreds of thousands of dollars more earned throughout your career. Plus, degree holders typically enjoy lower unemployment rates, offering greater job security.

If you're aiming even higher, advanced degrees in Pennsylvania can lead to even more impressive salaries. Professionals with doctorates or other advanced degrees can earn over $108,000 annually, a substantial increase from bachelor's degree salaries. With these figures in mind, investing in your education in Pennsylvania could be a wise financial decision for your future.

Education Level & National Average Median Compensation

NO FORMAL EDUCATION HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA ASSOCIATE DEGREE BACHELOR’S DEGREE MASTER’S DEGREE DOCTORAL DEGREE
$36,816* $46,748* $55,016* $77,636* $90,324* $109,668*

Featured Online Programs

Top 20 Best Associate Degree Programs in Pennsylvania


1

Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology

Score: 71.19

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $9,050
    • Out-of-State:$9,050
  • Net Price: $8,844
  • Acceptance Rate: 91%
  • Retention Rate: 85%
  • Graduation Rate: 56%
  • Total Enrollment: 1,312
  • Undergrad Students: 1,312
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $40,200
  • Student-to-faculty: 16:1
  • Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology
2
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $17,940
    • Out-of-State:$25,680
  • Net Price: $23,030
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 77%
  • Graduation Rate: 49%
  • Total Enrollment: 4,241
  • Undergrad Students: 4,234
  • Graduate Students: 7
  • Grads Salary: $69,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 14:1
  • Pennsylvania College of Technology
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
3

Harcum College

Score: 61.71

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $29,900
    • Out-of-State:$29,900
  • Net Price: $23,435
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 51%
  • Graduation Rate: 34%
  • Total Enrollment: 910
  • Undergrad Students: 910
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $64,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 4:1
  • Harcum College
4
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $9,221
    • Out-of-State:$13,421
  • Net Price: $7,061
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 71%
  • Graduation Rate: 25%
  • Total Enrollment: 6,162
  • Undergrad Students: 6,162
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $45,500
  • Student-to-faculty: 13:1
  • Bucks County Community College
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
5

Pennsylvania Institute of Technology

Score: 58.79

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $14,445
    • Out-of-State:$14,445
  • Net Price: $17,354
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 40%
  • Graduation Rate: 74%
  • Total Enrollment: 651
  • Undergrad Students: 651
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $36,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 15:1
  • Pennsylvania Institute of Technology
6

Butler County Community College

Score: 58.26

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $8,700
    • Out-of-State:$11,700
  • Net Price: $5,328
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 65%
  • Graduation Rate: 31%
  • Total Enrollment: 2,496
  • Undergrad Students: 2,496
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $38,800
  • Student-to-faculty: 12:1
  • Butler County Community College
7

Lackawanna College

Score: 56.17

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $17,950
    • Out-of-State:$17,950
  • Net Price: $18,144
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 67%
  • Graduation Rate: 38%
  • Total Enrollment: 1,868
  • Undergrad Students: 1,868
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $51,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 21:1
  • Lackawanna College
8

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College

Score: 54.27

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $9,360
    • Out-of-State:$13,080
  • Net Price: $6,548
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 55%
  • Graduation Rate: 38%
  • Total Enrollment: 2,270
  • Undergrad Students: 2,270
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $34,400
  • Student-to-faculty: 18:1
  • Pennsylvania Highlands Community College
9

Community College of Beaver County

Score: 53.86

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $13,680
    • Out-of-State:$19,890
  • Net Price: $5,916
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 60%
  • Graduation Rate: 21%
  • Total Enrollment: 1,720
  • Undergrad Students: 1,720
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $40,800
  • Student-to-faculty: 16:1
  • Community College of Beaver County
10

Manor College

Score: 52.89

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $19,964
    • Out-of-State:$19,964
  • Net Price: $17,540
  • Acceptance Rate: 93%
  • Retention Rate: 61%
  • Graduation Rate: 36%
  • Total Enrollment: 583
  • Undergrad Students: 583
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $35,200
  • Student-to-faculty: 11:1
  • Manor College
11

Montgomery County Community College

Score: 51.94

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $11,250
    • Out-of-State:$16,230
  • Net Price: $7,621
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 65%
  • Graduation Rate: 23%
  • Total Enrollment: 8,596
  • Undergrad Students: 8,596
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $37,400
  • Student-to-faculty: 16:1
  • Montgomery County Community College
12

Westmoreland County Community College

Score: 51.62

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $10,224
    • Out-of-State:$14,424
  • Net Price: $6,243
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 67%
  • Graduation Rate: 19%
  • Total Enrollment: 4,171
  • Undergrad Students: 4,171
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $37,600
  • Student-to-faculty: 17:1
  • Westmoreland County Community College
13

Pittsburgh Technical College

Score: 50.23

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $18,980
    • Out-of-State:$18,980
  • Net Price: $26,419
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 75%
  • Graduation Rate: 54%
  • Total Enrollment: 1,066
  • Undergrad Students: 1,066
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $35,900
  • Student-to-faculty: 13:1
  • Pittsburgh Technical College
14
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $8,918
    • Out-of-State:$11,400
  • Net Price: $9,991
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 53%
  • Graduation Rate: 16%
  • Total Enrollment: 12,576
  • Undergrad Students: 12,576
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $42,100
  • Student-to-faculty: 13:1
  • Harrisburg Area Community College
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
15

Lehigh Carbon Community College

Score: 49.62

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $9,210
    • Out-of-State:$13,205
  • Net Price: $10,559
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 63%
  • Graduation Rate: 21%
  • Total Enrollment: 6,242
  • Undergrad Students: 6,242
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $40,100
  • Student-to-faculty: 19:1
  • Lehigh Carbon Community College
16

Reading Area Community College

Score: 49.36

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $10,890
    • Out-of-State:$12,030
  • Net Price: $9,882
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 71%
  • Graduation Rate: 21%
  • Total Enrollment: 4,533
  • Undergrad Students: 4,533
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $37,200
  • Student-to-faculty: 19:1
  • Reading Area Community College
17

Community College of Philadelphia

Score: 48.76

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $8,688
    • Out-of-State:$12,440
  • Net Price: $9,584
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 59%
  • Graduation Rate: 16%
  • Total Enrollment: 11,636
  • Undergrad Students: 11,636
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $38,100
  • Student-to-faculty: 13:1
  • Community College of Philadelphia
18

Luzerne County Community College

Score: 47.93

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $11,130
    • Out-of-State:$15,810
  • Net Price: $9,816
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 60%
  • Graduation Rate: 18%
  • Total Enrollment: 4,220
  • Undergrad Students: 4,220
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $36,600
  • Student-to-faculty: 15:1
  • Luzerne County Community College
19

Northampton Community College

Score: 46.16

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $10,980
    • Out-of-State:$14,730
  • Net Price: $10,457
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 63%
  • Graduation Rate: 21%
  • Total Enrollment: 8,484
  • Undergrad Students: 8,484
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $34,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 19:1
  • Northampton Community College
20

Community College of Allegheny County

Score: 45.8

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $8,803
    • Out-of-State:$12,583
  • Net Price: $8,139
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 59%
  • Graduation Rate: 19%
  • Total Enrollment: 10,467
  • Undergrad Students: 10,467
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $31,500
  • Student-to-faculty: 17:1
  • Community College of Allegheny County

Top 25 Best Bachelor's Programs in Pennsylvania


1
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $63,829
    • Out-of-State:$63,829
  • Net Price: $33,499
  • Acceptance Rate: 11%
  • Retention Rate: 97%
  • Graduation Rate: 92%
  • Total Enrollment: 16,002
  • Undergrad Students: 7,059
  • Graduate Students: 8,943
  • Grads Salary: $108,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 5:1
  • Carnegie Mellon University
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
2
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $66,104
    • Out-of-State:$66,104
  • Net Price: $26,123
  • Acceptance Rate: 7%
  • Retention Rate: 98%
  • Graduation Rate: 96%
  • Total Enrollment: 28,201
  • Undergrad Students: 11,250
  • Graduate Students: 16,951
  • Grads Salary: $94,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 8:1
  • University of Pennsylvania
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
3

Swarthmore College

Score: 82.81

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $62,412
    • Out-of-State:$62,412
  • Net Price: $20,715
  • Acceptance Rate: 7%
  • Retention Rate: 96%
  • Graduation Rate: 94%
  • Total Enrollment: 1,625
  • Undergrad Students: 1,625
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $80,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 8:1
  • Swarthmore College
4

Haverford College

Score: 79.54

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $68,300
    • Out-of-State:$68,300
  • Net Price: $23,476
  • Acceptance Rate: 14%
  • Retention Rate: 96%
  • Graduation Rate: 91%
  • Total Enrollment: 1,421
  • Undergrad Students: 1,421
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $78,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 8:1
  • Haverford College
5
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $62,180
    • Out-of-State:$62,180
  • Net Price: $30,453
  • Acceptance Rate: 37%
  • Retention Rate: 91%
  • Graduation Rate: 91%
  • Total Enrollment: 7,394
  • Undergrad Students: 5,624
  • Graduate Students: 1,770
  • Grads Salary: $91,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 10:1
  • Lehigh University
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
6
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $64,701
    • Out-of-State:$64,701
  • Net Price: $34,837
  • Acceptance Rate: 23%
  • Retention Rate: 96%
  • Graduation Rate: 91%
  • Total Enrollment: 10,383
  • Undergrad Students: 6,989
  • Graduate Students: 3,394
  • Grads Salary: $91,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 10:1
  • Villanova University
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
7

Franklin and Marshall College

Score: 74.56

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $68,380
    • Out-of-State:$68,380
  • Net Price: $31,135
  • Acceptance Rate: 36%
  • Retention Rate: 88%
  • Graduation Rate: 86%
  • Total Enrollment: 1,990
  • Undergrad Students: 1,990
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $84,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 9:1
  • Franklin and Marshall College
8
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $21,524
    • Out-of-State:$39,890
  • Net Price: $24,286
  • Acceptance Rate: 49%
  • Retention Rate: 93%
  • Graduation Rate: 84%
  • Total Enrollment: 33,767
  • Undergrad Students: 24,420
  • Graduate Students: 9,347
  • Grads Salary: $78,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 13:1
  • University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
9
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $20,234
    • Out-of-State:$40,188
  • Net Price: $26,747
  • Acceptance Rate: 55%
  • Retention Rate: 91%
  • Graduation Rate: 83%
  • Total Enrollment: 50,028
  • Undergrad Students: 41,745
  • Graduate Students: 8,283
  • Grads Salary: $81,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 15:1
  • The Pennsylvania State University
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
10

Lafayette College

Score: 73.26

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $62,574
    • Out-of-State:$62,574
  • Net Price: $37,186
  • Acceptance Rate: 34%
  • Retention Rate: 90%
  • Graduation Rate: 89%
  • Total Enrollment: 2,729
  • Undergrad Students: 2,729
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $86,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 10:1
  • Lafayette College
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
11

Holy Family University

Score: 73.14

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $33,968
    • Out-of-State:$33,968
  • Net Price: $12,379
  • Acceptance Rate: 77%
  • Retention Rate: 79%
  • Graduation Rate: 59%
  • Total Enrollment: 2,912
  • Undergrad Students: 2,155
  • Graduate Students: 757
  • Grads Salary: $84,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 13:1
  • Holy Family University
12
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $64,772
    • Out-of-State:$64,772
  • Net Price: $39,965
  • Acceptance Rate: 33%
  • Retention Rate: 91%
  • Graduation Rate: 87%
  • Total Enrollment: 3,787
  • Undergrad Students: 3,747
  • Graduate Students: 40
  • Grads Salary: $88,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 9:1
  • Bucknell University
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
13

Bryn Athyn College of the New Church

Score: 72.37

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $27,804
    • Out-of-State:$27,804
  • Net Price: $21,305
  • Acceptance Rate: 80%
  • Retention Rate: 78%
  • Graduation Rate: 50%
  • Total Enrollment: 285
  • Undergrad Students: 272
  • Graduate Students: 13
  • Grads Salary: $99,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 8:1
  • Bryn Athyn College of the New Church
14

Grove City College

Score: 70.87

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $20,890
    • Out-of-State:$20,890
  • Net Price: $23,538
  • Acceptance Rate: 71%
  • Retention Rate: 88%
  • Graduation Rate: 81%
  • Total Enrollment: 2,316
  • Undergrad Students: 2,289
  • Graduate Students: 27
  • Grads Salary: $74,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 13:1
  • Grove City College
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
15
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $45,683
    • Out-of-State:$45,683
  • Net Price: $28,110
  • Acceptance Rate: 89%
  • Retention Rate: 82%
  • Graduation Rate: 68%
  • Total Enrollment: 8,286
  • Undergrad Students: 3,771
  • Graduate Students: 4,515
  • Grads Salary: $91,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 13:1
  • Thomas Jefferson University
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
16

Dickinson College

Score: 69.14

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $63,475
    • Out-of-State:$63,475
  • Net Price: $37,610
  • Acceptance Rate: 35%
  • Retention Rate: 89%
  • Graduation Rate: 84%
  • Total Enrollment: 2,137
  • Undergrad Students: 2,125
  • Graduate Students: 12
  • Grads Salary: $79,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 9:1
  • Dickinson College
17

Muhlenberg College

Score: 69.12

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $60,240
    • Out-of-State:$60,240
  • Net Price: $32,926
  • Acceptance Rate: 66%
  • Retention Rate: 91%
  • Graduation Rate: 83%
  • Total Enrollment: 1,959
  • Undergrad Students: 1,945
  • Graduate Students: 14
  • Grads Salary: $77,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 8:1
  • Muhlenberg College
18

Temple University

Score: 68.78

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $22,082
    • Out-of-State:$37,462
  • Net Price: $23,935
  • Acceptance Rate: 80%
  • Retention Rate: 84%
  • Graduation Rate: 78%
  • Total Enrollment: 33,196
  • Undergrad Students: 24,106
  • Graduate Students: 9,090
  • Grads Salary: $73,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 12:1
  • Temple University
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
19

Gannon University

Score: 67.97

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $37,951
    • Out-of-State:$37,951
  • Net Price: $22,200
  • Acceptance Rate: 81%
  • Retention Rate: 79%
  • Graduation Rate: 70%
  • Total Enrollment: 4,665
  • Undergrad Students: 3,091
  • Graduate Students: 1,574
  • Grads Salary: $76,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 13:1
  • Gannon University
20
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $41,720
    • Out-of-State:$41,720
  • Net Price: $27,459
  • Acceptance Rate: 73%
  • Retention Rate: 85%
  • Graduation Rate: 72%
  • Total Enrollment: 2,857
  • Undergrad Students: 2,461
  • Graduate Students: 396
  • Grads Salary: $79,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 15:1
  • Saint Francis University
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
21

Gettysburg College

Score: 67.71

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $64,230
    • Out-of-State:$64,230
  • Net Price: $33,882
  • Acceptance Rate: 56%
  • Retention Rate: 89%
  • Graduation Rate: 82%
  • Total Enrollment: 2,854
  • Undergrad Students: 2,241
  • Graduate Students: 613
  • Grads Salary: $75,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 10:1
  • Gettysburg College
22

Seton Hill University

Score: 67.58

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $41,414
    • Out-of-State:$41,414
  • Net Price: $24,576
  • Acceptance Rate: 78%
  • Retention Rate: 80%
  • Graduation Rate: 72%
  • Total Enrollment: 1,988
  • Undergrad Students: 1,627
  • Graduate Students: 361
  • Grads Salary: $76,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 13:1
  • Seton Hill University
23

Lycoming College

Score: 67.54

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $47,675
    • Out-of-State:$47,675
  • Net Price: $19,697
  • Acceptance Rate: 75%
  • Retention Rate: 72%
  • Graduation Rate: 64%
  • Total Enrollment: 1,059
  • Undergrad Students: 1,059
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $76,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 11:1
  • Lycoming College
24

Ursinus College

Score: 67.51

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $59,196
    • Out-of-State:$59,196
  • Net Price: $33,546
  • Acceptance Rate: 82%
  • Retention Rate: 82%
  • Graduation Rate: 73%
  • Total Enrollment: 1,527
  • Undergrad Students: 1,527
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $86,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 10:1
  • Ursinus College
25

Allegheny College-Meadville

Score: 67.24

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $54,960
    • Out-of-State:$54,960
  • Net Price: $26,719
  • Acceptance Rate: 70%
  • Retention Rate: 79%
  • Graduation Rate: 68%
  • Total Enrollment: 1,353
  • Undergrad Students: 1,353
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $78,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 8:1
  • Allegheny College-Meadville

Top 25 Best Master's Programs in Pennsylvania


1
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $63,829
    • Out-of-State:$63,829
  • Net Price: $33,499
  • Acceptance Rate: 11%
  • Retention Rate: 97%
  • Graduation Rate: 92%
  • Total Enrollment: 16,002
  • Undergrad Students: 7,059
  • Graduate Students: 8,943
  • Grads Salary: $108,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 5:1
  • Carnegie Mellon University
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
2
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $66,104
    • Out-of-State:$66,104
  • Net Price: $26,123
  • Acceptance Rate: 7%
  • Retention Rate: 98%
  • Graduation Rate: 96%
  • Total Enrollment: 28,201
  • Undergrad Students: 11,250
  • Graduate Students: 16,951
  • Grads Salary: $94,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 8:1
  • University of Pennsylvania
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
3
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $62,180
    • Out-of-State:$62,180
  • Net Price: $30,453
  • Acceptance Rate: 37%
  • Retention Rate: 91%
  • Graduation Rate: 91%
  • Total Enrollment: 7,394
  • Undergrad Students: 5,624
  • Graduate Students: 1,770
  • Grads Salary: $91,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 10:1
  • Lehigh University
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
4
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $64,701
    • Out-of-State:$64,701
  • Net Price: $34,837
  • Acceptance Rate: 23%
  • Retention Rate: 96%
  • Graduation Rate: 91%
  • Total Enrollment: 10,383
  • Undergrad Students: 6,989
  • Graduate Students: 3,394
  • Grads Salary: $91,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 10:1
  • Villanova University
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
5
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $21,524
    • Out-of-State:$39,890
  • Net Price: $24,286
  • Acceptance Rate: 49%
  • Retention Rate: 93%
  • Graduation Rate: 84%
  • Total Enrollment: 33,767
  • Undergrad Students: 24,420
  • Graduate Students: 9,347
  • Grads Salary: $78,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 13:1
  • University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
6
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $20,234
    • Out-of-State:$40,188
  • Net Price: $26,747
  • Acceptance Rate: 55%
  • Retention Rate: 91%
  • Graduation Rate: 83%
  • Total Enrollment: 50,028
  • Undergrad Students: 41,745
  • Graduate Students: 8,283
  • Grads Salary: $81,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 15:1
  • The Pennsylvania State University
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
7

Holy Family University

Score: 73.14

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $33,968
    • Out-of-State:$33,968
  • Net Price: $12,379
  • Acceptance Rate: 77%
  • Retention Rate: 79%
  • Graduation Rate: 59%
  • Total Enrollment: 2,912
  • Undergrad Students: 2,155
  • Graduate Students: 757
  • Grads Salary: $84,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 13:1
  • Holy Family University
8
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $64,772
    • Out-of-State:$64,772
  • Net Price: $39,965
  • Acceptance Rate: 33%
  • Retention Rate: 91%
  • Graduation Rate: 87%
  • Total Enrollment: 3,787
  • Undergrad Students: 3,747
  • Graduate Students: 40
  • Grads Salary: $88,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 9:1
  • Bucknell University
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
9
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $45,683
    • Out-of-State:$45,683
  • Net Price: $28,110
  • Acceptance Rate: 89%
  • Retention Rate: 82%
  • Graduation Rate: 68%
  • Total Enrollment: 8,286
  • Undergrad Students: 3,771
  • Graduate Students: 4,515
  • Grads Salary: $91,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 13:1
  • Thomas Jefferson University
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
10

Temple University

Score: 68.78

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $22,082
    • Out-of-State:$37,462
  • Net Price: $23,935
  • Acceptance Rate: 80%
  • Retention Rate: 84%
  • Graduation Rate: 78%
  • Total Enrollment: 33,196
  • Undergrad Students: 24,106
  • Graduate Students: 9,090
  • Grads Salary: $73,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 12:1
  • Temple University
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
11

Gannon University

Score: 67.97

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $37,951
    • Out-of-State:$37,951
  • Net Price: $22,200
  • Acceptance Rate: 81%
  • Retention Rate: 79%
  • Graduation Rate: 70%
  • Total Enrollment: 4,665
  • Undergrad Students: 3,091
  • Graduate Students: 1,574
  • Grads Salary: $76,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 13:1
  • Gannon University
12
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $41,720
    • Out-of-State:$41,720
  • Net Price: $27,459
  • Acceptance Rate: 73%
  • Retention Rate: 85%
  • Graduation Rate: 72%
  • Total Enrollment: 2,857
  • Undergrad Students: 2,461
  • Graduate Students: 396
  • Grads Salary: $79,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 15:1
  • Saint Francis University
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
13

Seton Hill University

Score: 67.58

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $41,414
    • Out-of-State:$41,414
  • Net Price: $24,576
  • Acceptance Rate: 78%
  • Retention Rate: 80%
  • Graduation Rate: 72%
  • Total Enrollment: 1,988
  • Undergrad Students: 1,627
  • Graduate Students: 361
  • Grads Salary: $76,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 13:1
  • Seton Hill University
14

Messiah University

Score: 66.95

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $40,640
    • Out-of-State:$40,640
  • Net Price: $24,120
  • Acceptance Rate: 79%
  • Retention Rate: 86%
  • Graduation Rate: 78%
  • Total Enrollment: 3,231
  • Undergrad Students: 2,495
  • Graduate Students: 736
  • Grads Salary: $68,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 13:1
  • Messiah University
15
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $35,570
    • Out-of-State:$35,570
  • Net Price: $17,552
  • Acceptance Rate: 94%
  • Retention Rate: 69%
  • Graduation Rate: 62%
  • Total Enrollment: 4,049
  • Undergrad Students: 2,773
  • Graduate Students: 1,276
  • Grads Salary: $76,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 12:1
  • La Salle University
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
16

Saint Vincent College

Score: 66.58

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $41,100
    • Out-of-State:$41,100
  • Net Price: $23,121
  • Acceptance Rate: 73%
  • Retention Rate: 84%
  • Graduation Rate: 76%
  • Total Enrollment: 1,536
  • Undergrad Students: 1,359
  • Graduate Students: 177
  • Grads Salary: $66,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 11:1
  • Saint Vincent College
17

King's College

Score: 66.48

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $42,600
    • Out-of-State:$42,600
  • Net Price: $25,869
  • Acceptance Rate: 96%
  • Retention Rate: 78%
  • Graduation Rate: 58%
  • Total Enrollment: 1,993
  • Undergrad Students: 1,671
  • Graduate Students: 322
  • Grads Salary: $87,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 11:1
  • King's College
18
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $51,340
    • Out-of-State:$51,340
  • Net Price: $33,777
  • Acceptance Rate: 89%
  • Retention Rate: 86%
  • Graduation Rate: 82%
  • Total Enrollment: 7,861
  • Undergrad Students: 5,071
  • Graduate Students: 2,790
  • Grads Salary: $77,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 10:1
  • Saint Joseph's University
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
19
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $29,460
    • Out-of-State:$29,460
  • Net Price: $22,281
  • Acceptance Rate: 76%
  • Retention Rate: 72%
  • Graduation Rate: 60%
  • Total Enrollment: 1,366
  • Undergrad Students: 1,116
  • Graduate Students: 250
  • Grads Salary: $79,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 12:1
  • Waynesburg University
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
20
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $57,400
    • Out-of-State:$57,400
  • Net Price: $28,605
  • Acceptance Rate: 77%
  • Retention Rate: 85%
  • Graduation Rate: 76%
  • Total Enrollment: 2,231
  • Undergrad Students: 2,224
  • Graduate Students: 7
  • Grads Salary: $73,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 13:1
  • Susquehanna University
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
21

Drexel University

Score: 65.99

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $60,663
    • Out-of-State:$60,663
  • Net Price: $39,267
  • Acceptance Rate: 80%
  • Retention Rate: 87%
  • Graduation Rate: 78%
  • Total Enrollment: 22,344
  • Undergrad Students: 14,021
  • Graduate Students: 8,323
  • Grads Salary: $84,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 9:1
  • Drexel University
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
22

Marywood University

Score: 65.99

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $39,570
    • Out-of-State:$39,570
  • Net Price: $22,504
  • Acceptance Rate: 81%
  • Retention Rate: 83%
  • Graduation Rate: 76%
  • Total Enrollment: 2,729
  • Undergrad Students: 1,857
  • Graduate Students: 872
  • Grads Salary: $65,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 11:1
  • Marywood University
23

Harrisburg University of Science and Technology

Score: 65.74

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $23,900
    • Out-of-State:$23,900
  • Net Price: $10,022
  • Acceptance Rate: 84%
  • Retention Rate: 79%
  • Graduation Rate: 32%
  • Total Enrollment: 3,082
  • Undergrad Students: 649
  • Graduate Students: 2,433
  • Grads Salary: $82,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 16:1
  • Harrisburg University of Science and Technology
24

Geneva College

Score: 65.7

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $33,610
    • Out-of-State:$33,610
  • Net Price: $20,999
  • Acceptance Rate: 79%
  • Retention Rate: 75%
  • Graduation Rate: 69%
  • Total Enrollment: 1,232
  • Undergrad Students: 1,123
  • Graduate Students: 109
  • Grads Salary: $69,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 11:1
  • Geneva College
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
25
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $36,842
    • Out-of-State:$36,842
  • Net Price: $26,723
  • Acceptance Rate: 81%
  • Retention Rate: 85%
  • Graduation Rate: 76%
  • Total Enrollment: 2,021
  • Undergrad Students: 1,737
  • Graduate Students: 284
  • Grads Salary: $70,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 13:1
  • Elizabethtown College
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
Read More about MBA's in Pennsylvania

Cost of Pennsylvania College Education & Salaries


Education is not free, at least not yet. In the meantime, we need to analyze our financial situation to ensure that college costs are covered, contained, or at least manageable. After all, the news is full of stories detailing how people struggle with student loans. While loans are essentially inevitable in our current climate, there are ways to reduce how much we borrow and how we repay the loans.

To cover costs, you can try a few routes. Your college might have a work-study program that allow you to work on campus as a way to offset some of your financial burden. Many students don't get much out of their jobs, but they can sometimes lead to real careers. For instance, you might land a job helping in the business office, which could inform your work in accounting, or you could work in the library, a job that some have used to springboard a career as a librarian.

You could also seek out employers that offer tuition reimbursement. These programs are most often offered to first-time college students in a degree program. If you are currently working, see if your employer offers a program like this.

Other cost-containment efforts can include: attending an in-state public university, taking core courses at a community college, and applying for private grants and scholarships. In Pennsylvania, there is a great diversity in the State University system, and you should be able to study anything you want. Plus, if you go out-of-state, you might spend upwards of three times your in-state tuition.

Finally, if you do end up taking on a large debt load, consider loan deferral programs. President Obama enacted a program that lets you work off your loan debt by working for a non-profit or government organization. While your paychecks might be a bit smaller than those of your peers, you'll be gaining experience without paying off bank interest and/or fees.

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Tuition Cost Analysis - In-state vs. National


Average Tuition & Fees at 4 Year Public Schools

In-State Tuition - $14,812

National Average – $9,580

Out-of-State Tuition – $28,527

National Average – $27,437

Percentage of Students Receiving Financial Aid

Pennsylvania tracks well against national Financial Aid averages. The state is less than 3% shy of the national average for federal grant receipts and less than five-hundred dollars over the average aid received. If you are seeking financial aid to help pay for college, Pennsylvania is a great place to be. However, after you complete your FAFSA, look for private grants and scholarships to find extra, interest-free assistance.

Financial Aid Pennsylvania Nationally
Received Federal Grants 35% 37.7%
Average $ per Recipient $11,398 $10,927

* Institutional aid represents grant and scholarship funds directly awarded by a postsecondary institution.
* Financial aid data represents 4-year public and private nonprofit schools only.

Scholarships for Pennsylvania College Students


A scholarship or grant can make a huge difference in your college financial plan. While some scholarships offer to cover your entire educational bill, others only cover a small percentage. Nevertheless, it's always worthwhile to apply to even the smallest scholarships. Though they may only cover a portion of your book bill, for instance, you can put the award on your resume forever. Further, if you do a massive canvassing for those small scholarships, you might win enough to make a real difference.

PCS_logo

PCS

Penn College Scholarships

https://www.pct.edu/admissions/financial-aid/scholarships
Amount: Varies
Deadline: March 1
Students at the Pennsylvania College of Technology can apply once per year to be considered for approximately 250 scholarships. Each year submit your Penn College Scholarship Application to be automatically considered for all of the awards. Some of these scholarships renew each year and if you win one year then you'll have first dibs on the next year's award. All you need to do is maintain a 2.5 GPA and apply in a timely fashion.

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AAUW

American Association of University Women

https://harrisburg-pa.aauw.net/scholarships/
Amount: $1,000- $2,500 (4 Awards)
Deadline: October 31
The AAUW sponsors a series of scholarships that are available to women college students. To qualify for most of them you must be attending college, with between 15-60 credits already under your belt. Most are general scholarships that don't require any specific major or career aspirations. However, there is a STEM scholarship (Ronald D. and Kathleen A. Krausse STEM Scholarship) that requires a cumulative GPA of 3.25. Further, applicants must be attending a Pennsylvania college or university, be a resident of Dauphin or Cumberland County, and prove academic achievement plus financial need. Note that the Krausse and Beverly J. Smith Memorial Scholarship are also open to residents of Perry County.

NFB_logo

NFB

National Federation of the Blind – Scholarship Program

https://nfb.org/programs/scholarship-program
Amount: $3,000-$12,000
Deadline: March 31
Blind scholars from all 50 states and Puerto Rico are invited to apply for the NFB scholarship program. They offer up to 30 merit-based scholarships. If you qualify as a finalist, you will then attend the national convention in July, where the winners are selected. This is a very prestigious scholarship and recipients have gone on to stellar careers in computer science, engineering, and law. Even being a finalist is a huge achievement that you should put on your resume.

HSF_logo

HSF

Hispanic Scholarship Fund

https://www.hsf.net/scholarship
Amount: $500-$5,000
Deadline: February 15
The HSF provides awards to students at every level. Whether you're a high school senior headed to a four-year institution, a current undergraduate of any year, a community college student headed to a University, or a graduate student poised for greatness, you can apply to this scholarship fund. To qualify, high school students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0, college and graduate students should have a minimum GPA of 2.5. While all majors are encouraged to apply, special emphasis is given to students working in STEM fields.

JBF_logo

JBF

James Beard Foundation

https://www.jamesbeard.org/scholarships
Amount: $20,000
Deadline: Sign up for updates and deadlines
If you are attending, or plan to attend culinary school, the James Beard Foundation has monies to help you foot the bill. There are three general awards:

  • Friends of James Beard: Helps with tuition and even post-school expenses.
  • James Beard School Scholarships: Covers tuition costs. Some scholarships are renewable.
  • Grants: If you are a working chef but wish to visit farms, fisheries, wineries, or other food producing areas or companies, you can win an award that makes this possible.

Sign up on the James Beard website to receive information on upcoming application deadlines and more.

ASEC

Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest

https://www.aynrand.org/students/essay-contests#atlasshrugged-1
Amount: $25,000 (1st Place - 1); $2,500 (2nd Place - 3); $500 (3rd Place - 5); $100 (Finalists - 50)
Deadline: Varies
This essay contest asks that you read and analyze Ayn Rand's novel, Atlas Shrugged. The Ayn Rand Institute offers three topics to choose from. They will ask you to delve rather deep into the novel, so be sure to read it carefully and engage in discussions with others who are fans. For extra background you can read Rand's essays, "Faith and Force" and "Of Living Death."

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