University Headquarters (HQ) is an industry-leading, independent educational organization that provides independent college rankings using a proprietary formula to create first class unbiased rankings. The team at University HQ strives to provide accurate and trustworthy rankings that highlights the best programs in Pennsylvania.
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.
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What are the most popular bachelor's degrees offered in Pennsylvania?
If you are a student seeking one of the bachelor's degrees offered in Pennsylvania, you will have a lot to choose from. You can study pretty much any topic you choose without leaving the state. While there are many obscure fields you could pursue and thrive in, there are naturally a few select bachelor's degrees that are more popular. Pennsylvanians tend to be involved in many of the same majors that are popular nationwide, such as Business Administration, Health Sciences, and Psychology, to name three. The Liberal Arts seem more popular in Pennsylvania than other states, and Information Science is less commonly found in a state's top five most popular majors.
Regardless of what the most popular majors are, you should seek out the major that speaks most to you. Whether that happens to be Business, Philosophy, or Nursing, if you seek personal success and achievement over what you think others expect then you will graduate with an education that you can be proud of.
The top degrees in Pennsylvania include:
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* |
Most Popular Degrees and Careers in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has one of the nation's oldest and strongest economies. From the steel mills in Western PA, to the urban innovation of Philadelphia, your graduation will be an entry point to an environment bustling with energy.
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Top Business Administration and Management Careers and Salaries
CAREER NAME | CURRENTLY EMPLOYED | AVERAGE ANNUAL WAGE |
---|---|---|
Cost Estimators | 8,720 | $69,740 |
Sales Managers | 9,180 | $150,210 |
Industrial and Production Managers | 6,880 | $109,690 |
Logistician | 7,400 | $75,920 |
Construction Managers | 11,050 | $106,270 |
- Cost Estimators:
This profession is primarily concerned with forecasting expenses for construction projects. You will be well-served by your accounting classes, as this job can get very detailed. After a few years writing estimates and bringing in projects on-target with your numbers, you might see yourself moving into a construction manager position. - Sales Managers:
To be a leader in the sales world, you must not only know your product backwards and forwards, but you should also know people. After a few years selling products you might move up into management where you can mentor new salespeople, help land large deals, and otherwise ensure that your team brings in the revenue your firm expects. - Industrial Production Managers:
You'll need strong management skills to thrive in an Industrial Production, but you might also benefit from engineering coursework. In fact, there are some MBA programs that offer an engineering component. Regardless, in this field you can join a long, proud tradition of manufacturing in Pennsylvania. - Logistician:
These days Pennsylvania imports and exports so much material that it can be dizzying. This nationwide trend is fueled by a global, interconnected economy. Your job will be to ensure that your firm's goods are shipped out along the most advantageous, efficient routes and transportation modes. - Construction Managers:
Every major construction project is headed up by a manager whose job it is to coordinate all the various work crews, material shipments, budgets, and payrolls. It's a huge job, but after a few years you will soon start erecting skyscrapers, huge apartment complexes, and more. To prepare, study management and accounting during the school year, but spend your summer break on a construction site in skilled trades or learning alongside management. - Accountants:
A business's financial records are kept up to date and accurate by accountants. The job of an accountant involves maintaining records of a company's daily transactions and assembling those records into financial statements, such as the balance sheet, income statement, and statement of cash flow. - Business Administrators
- Business Managers
- Business Professionals
- Economist
- Entrepreneurs
- Financial Analysts
- Hospitality Manager
- Human Resources Manager
- International Business Specialist
- Marketing Managers
- Operations Manager
- Organizational Leader
- Project Manager
- Supply Chain Managers
Top Health Sciences- Registered Nursing Careers and Salaries
CAREER NAME | CURRENTLY EMPLOYED | AVERAGE ANNUAL WAGE |
---|---|---|
Occupational Therapist | 7,680 | $83,120 |
Physical Therapist | 11,800 | $88,450 |
Radiology Technician | 10,150 | $53,860 |
Registered Nurse | 148,040 | $71,410 |
Nurse Practitioner | 7,820 | $101,950 |
- Occupational Therapist:
OTs enjoy careers that are exactly as diverse as they want them to be. You can spend years working with the elderly, for instance, and then transition to stroke victims, mentally ill teens, or any sort of population that is struggling to lead their best life. - Physical Therapist:
This area of rehabilitation is chiefly concerned with getting people moving again. You could work with patients struggling with an artificial limb, accident victims recovering from physical trauma, or newly-incapacitated people who need training to best utilize their wheelchairs. Then again, on some days you might work with people who suffer tendinitis. - Radiology Technician:
Doctors can't always diagnose diseases, or approach injuries without accumulating more data. Sometimes this means sending samples to the lab, other times they need a Radiology Technician to provide internal images of their patients. You'll create MRIs, PT scans, and ordinary X-rays that will help the doctor diagnose and hopefully prevent disease. - Registered Nurse:
One of the most ubiquitous positions in healthcare is the RN. When you graduate with a degree in Nursing and attain your RN credentials, you can specialize in surgical procedures, psychiatry, or the maternity ward. The choice is yours, and you can always take on a new specialty later if you wish to do so. - Nurse Practitioner:
These days, a doctor is able to expand their practice without bringing another Doctor in. Nurse Practitioners can perform many of the same tasks as a doctor but must remain under their doctor's license. As a NP, you will be able to write prescriptions, diagnose illness, and order lab work. Your pay might not equal a doctor's, but your legal and financial responsibility will also be lower. - Healthcare Administrator:
The healthcare field is a rapidly growing industry and there is a high demand for professional administrators. The healthcare administration field includes an array of job duties such as strategic planning, budgeting, regulatory compliance, and organizational development. - Healthcare Manager:
Top Information Science Careers and Salaries
CAREER NAME | CURRENTLY EMPLOYED | AVERAGE ANNUAL WAGE |
---|---|---|
Computer Network Architects | 7,180 | $111,450 |
Software Developer | 28,260 | $96,370 |
Computer Programmer | 7,800 | $87,920 |
Database Manager | 6,010 | $83,690 |
Network Administrator | 11,760 | $80,250 |
- Computer Network Architects:
Wherever there are multiple computers or terminals accessing a network, a Computer Network Architect has been at work. In this profession you will create networks for homes, small offices, or even corporations with intranets spread across the globe. - Software Developer:
With a solid background in computer programming you can begin developing software for consumer or corporate use. You might develop back-end applications for servers, or you might create GUI-driven applications that help consumers organize their time. This field is ever-growing. - Computer Programmer:
You might specialize in one coding language or be a master of several. Depending on your skill level or area of expertise, your week could involve creating the latest hot app or writing custom scripts to help customize existing software packages. - Database Manager:
Every business needs to maintain a database that tracks inventory, client contacts, or marketing data. The healthcare industry needs an even more comprehensive database structure that helps doctors manage patient medical records. - Network Administrator:
Your task will be to manage and maintain a network for your employer. You could offer services on a consultation basis to small businesses or you might be an integral part of a global network that spans multiple continents and a few cloud servers, too. - Computer Scientist
- Database Administrator
- Cyber Security Analyst
- Computer Information Technologist
- Software Engineer
- Web Developer
Top Liberal Arts and Sciences Careers and Salaries
CAREER NAME | CURRENTLY EMPLOYED | AVERAGE ANNUAL WAGE |
---|---|---|
Postsecondary Teachers | 5,110 | $72,160 |
Social Worker | 1,660 | $58,180 |
Marketing | 26,750 | $68,630 |
Event Planner | 3,840 | $48,670 |
Paralegal | 12,620 | $55,490 |
- Postsecondary Teachers:
In this profession, you will find so much satisfaction opening young minds to the wisdom you have to impart. College instructors must work hard, however. It's not easy to teach a few sections of a course and then work on one's next publish-worthy paper or book-length manuscript. - Social Worker:
Few professions are as varied as that of the Social Worker. In this profession, you might work with families in need of public housing, children in trouble, or as a psychotherapist in private practice. Though the work is hard, it is richly rewarding. - Marketing:
In this occupation, you will collect and analyze various data points about your product or industry and then apply your analysis to marketing/advertising campaigns. You might work in an office crunching numbers much of the time, or you could work with focus groups, survey creators, or other parts of the information-gathering chain. - Event Planner:
This occupational category spans those who put together small-scale weddings all the way to organizing major conventions. Your success will depend on your ability to assess vendors, delegate authority, and think on your feet when a last-minute cancellation threatens the whole weekend. As your career builds, you will find a specialty coordinating corporate events, conventions, or even large sporting events such as bicycle races or marathons. - Paralegal:
Your liberal arts background will serve you well as a paralegal. You'll need strong reading and writing skills, on top of the ability to organize unwieldy case files. Your job will be well-appreciated by the attorneys you work with, as they need a strong worker who can help with all aspects of a case. - Preschool Teachers
Top Psychology Careers and Salaries
CAREER NAME | CURRENTLY EMPLOYED | AVERAGE ANNUAL WAGE |
---|---|---|
Psychiatrist | 1,180 | $208,550 |
Psychologist | 460 | $90,320 |
School Counselor | 8,010 | $63,680 |
Counselor | 940 | $57,190 |
Psychology Teacher | 21,000 | $44,300 |
- Psychiatrist:
This profession has undergone many transformations over the years. Currently, you will need an extensive knowledge of the psychiatric pharmacopeia and also be skilled at diagnosing disorders and devising a comprehensive treatment plan. - Psychologist:
This profession is chiefly concerned with providing psychotherapy to patients who are struggling with a variety of problems. Your caseload might include sexual trauma, grieving widowers, and people suffering chronic depression for a variety of reasons. You could work in an inpatient facility or you could have a private practice – and some Psychologists do both. - School Counselor:
Schools often need to provide students with more than academic support. Children are often carrying large burdens from home that include abuse, poverty, and the loss of a loved one. In the high-school years, you might work with students who need help deciding on their next step, whether that be towards college or a career. - Counselors:
With a bachelors or master's degree you can work as a counselor. Some are licensed and others are not. You might even be a member of the clergy. Your practice as a counselor might take the form of any one of a number of specialties. You could counsel people through grief, vocational issues, drug rehabilitation, or family crisis. - Psychology Teacher:
This position is mostly found at the college level, so you'll need a minimum of a master's degree to teach. However, there are some high schools that offer psychology courses to third and fourth-year students. - Addiction Counselor
- Child Counselor
- Forensic Psychologist
- Mental Health Counselor
The top occupations with the highest forecasted growth rate in Pennsylvania
Occupation | Projected Growth |
---|---|
Healthcare Support Occupations | 4% |
Nursing, Psychiatric, and Home Health Aides | 4% |
Occupational and Physical Therapists | 5% |
Advertising, Public Relations, and Sales Managers | 2% |
Real Estate Appraisers | 3% |
Computer and Information Research Scientists | 3% |
Actuaries | 5% |
Software Developers | 5% |
Statisticians | 6% |
Marine Engineers and Naval Architects | 14% |
Top 20 Best Associate Degree Programs in Pennsylvania
Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology
Score: 84.85
- 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
Pennsylvania Institute of Technology
Score: 71.02
- 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 College of Technology
Score: 70.08
- 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: $43,500
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
Butler County Community College
Score: 65.93
- 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: $32,800
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
Manor College
Score: 64.85
- 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
Montgomery County Community College
Score: 64.65
- 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
Bucks County Community College
Score: 64.46
- 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: $34,300
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Harrisburg Area Community College
Score: 64.39
- 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
Community College of Beaver County
Score: 63.68
- 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: $36,400
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Pittsburgh Technical College
Score: 62.43
- 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
Lehigh Carbon Community College
Score: 59.94
- 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: $36,500
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
Luzerne County Community College
Score: 59.72
- 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: $35,900
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
Pennsylvania Highlands Community College
Score: 59.33
- 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: $27,200
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
Westmoreland County Community College
Score: 58.7
- 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: $31,400
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Harcum College
Score: 57.99
- 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: $36,300
- Student-to-faculty: 4:1
Reading Area Community College
Score: 57.96
- 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: $32,800
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
Northampton Community College
Score: 57.71
- 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
Community College of Philadelphia
Score: 57.02
- 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: $33,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Community College of Allegheny County
Score: 56.5
- 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
Lackawanna College
Score: 55.11
- 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: $31,000
- Student-to-faculty: 21:1
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Top 25 Best Bachelor's Programs in Pennsylvania
Carnegie Mellon University
Score: 86.64
- 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
University of Pennsylvania
Score: 86.04
- 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
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
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
Lehigh University
Score: 78.9
- 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
Villanova University
Score: 77.98
- 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
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
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh
Score: 74.45
- 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
The Pennsylvania State University
Score: 73.28
- 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
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
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
Bucknell University
Score: 72.4
- 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
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
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
Thomas Jefferson University
Score: 69.95
- 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
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
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
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
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
Saint Francis University
Score: 67.75
- 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
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
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
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
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
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
Top 25 Best Master's Programs in Pennsylvania
Carnegie Mellon University
Score: 86.64
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $48,496
- Out-of-State: $48,496
- 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
University of Pennsylvania
Score: 86.04
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $41,544
- Out-of-State: $41,544
- 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
Lehigh University
Score: 78.9
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $27,810
- Out-of-State: $27,810
- 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
Villanova University
Score: 77.98
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $21,261
- Out-of-State: $21,261
- 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
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh
Score: 74.45
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $25,834
- Out-of-State: $43,804
- 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
The Pennsylvania State University
Score: 73.28
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $24,956
- Out-of-State: $43,266
- 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
Holy Family University
Score: 73.14
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $13,817
- Out-of-State: $13,817
- 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
Bucknell University
Score: 72.4
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $28,280
- Out-of-State: $28,280
- 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
Thomas Jefferson University
Score: 69.95
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $23,202
- Out-of-State: $23,202
- 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
Temple University
Score: 68.78
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $21,042
- Out-of-State: $27,555
- 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
Gannon University
Score: 67.97
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $21,420
- Out-of-State: $21,420
- 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
Saint Francis University
Score: 67.75
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $21,290
- Out-of-State: $21,290
- 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
Seton Hill University
Score: 67.58
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $16,488
- Out-of-State: $16,488
- 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
Messiah University
Score: 66.95
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $13,590
- Out-of-State: $13,590
- 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
La Salle University
Score: 66.62
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $27,200
- Out-of-State: $27,200
- 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
Saint Vincent College
Score: 66.58
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $13,896
- Out-of-State: $13,896
- 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
King's College
Score: 66.48
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $48,336
- Out-of-State: $48,336
- 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
Saint Joseph's University
Score: 66.43
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $19,786
- Out-of-State: $19,786
- 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
Waynesburg University
Score: 66.14
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $16,920
- Out-of-State: $16,920
- 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
Susquehanna University
Score: 66.07
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $56,600
- Out-of-State: $56,600
- 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
Drexel University
Score: 65.99
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $36,234
- Out-of-State: $36,234
- 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
Marywood University
Score: 65.99
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,200
- Out-of-State: $10,200
- 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
Harrisburg University of Science and Technology
Score: 65.74
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $14,940
- Out-of-State: $14,940
- 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
Geneva College
Score: 65.7
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,582
- Out-of-State: $12,582
- 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
Elizabethtown College
Score: 65.67
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $36,166
- Out-of-State: $36,166
- 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
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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College Cost Analysis - Pennsylvania vs National
Average Pennsylvania 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
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.
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
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
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
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."