Best
Private Colleges in Lancaster in 2027

Business Administration

Studying business administration in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, blends business skills with opportunities to connect with the region's employers. Typical coursework includes accounting, economics, marketing, management, business law, finance, and entrepreneurship. Graduates pursue roles such as administrative coordinator, marketing associate, sales representative, human resources assistant, operations supervisor, or small-business owner. Options include Lancaster Bible College, which offers business administration studies, and Harrisburg Area Community College's Lancaster campus, where students can pursue business-focused associate-level education and transfer pathways.

Psychology

Studying psychology in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, explores how people think, feel, develop, and interact. Typical coursework includes introductory psychology, statistics, research methods, developmental psychology, social psychology, abnormal psychology, and counseling. Popular local options include Franklin & Marshall College and Lancaster Bible College, both offering psychology study. Graduates may pursue roles such as case manager, behavioral health technician, human services specialist, market research assistant, or community support worker. Clinical practice generally requires advanced graduate education and licensure.

Computer Science

Studying computer science in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, combines programming fundamentals with problem-solving and projects. Typical courses include algorithms, data structures, software engineering, databases, operating systems, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. Franklin & Marshall College offers a computer science major, while HACC's Lancaster campus provides additional computing study. Graduates commonly pursue careers as software developers, systems analysts, data analysts, cybersecurity specialists, or IT consultants across technology, healthcare, finance, government, and other sectors. Coursework builds communication and teamwork skills.

Counseling

Studying counseling in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, typically combines psychology, human development, counseling theories, ethics, assessment, and supervised fieldwork. Lancaster Bible College offers counseling-focused undergraduate and graduate study, including clinical mental health counseling. Nearby Millersville University also provides psychology and human-services pathways. Graduates may pursue roles as substance-use counselors, case managers, school counseling support staff, behavioral health technicians, or community-service coordinators; independent clinical practice generally requires a qualifying graduate degree, supervised experience, and state licensure. Offerings vary.

Nursing

Studying nursing in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, combines classroom learning with hands-on clinical experience in healthcare settings. Typical courses include anatomy and physiology, nursing fundamentals, pharmacology, adult health, pediatrics, mental health, and community nursing. Students develop assessment, communication, and patient-care skills through supervised rotations. Lancaster-area options include Saint Joseph's University Lancaster and Lancaster Bible College. Depending on degree and licensure, graduates work as registered nurses in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, home health, or community health programs.

Best Colleges in Lancaster, PA Ranking Summary & Conclusions

• The median total cost of studying is 31,152.5, compared with 59,012.7 at schools in the top 10%.
• An average of 100.0% of students receive financial aid, compared with 56.0% at top-10% schools.
• The average acceptance rate is 56.0%. Schools receive an average of 3,130.5 applicants, while top-10% schools receive an average of 7,436.3. The median numbers of male and female applicants are 459.0 and 687.5, respectively.
• The average SAT score is 1,110.0, and the average ACT score is 23.0.
• The average number of enrolled students is 1,537.5. Average enrollment is 104.75 men and 149.5 women.
• The average graduation rate is 72.25%, compared with 79.5% at top-10% schools. The median graduation rates are 76.0% for men and 69.5% for women.
• Three institutions offer associate's degrees, four offer bachelor's degrees, three offer master's degrees, and one offers a doctor's degree.
• There are four coeducational schools, no schools for men, and no schools for women.
• When choosing a college, compare costs and financial aid alongside admissions figures, test scores, enrollment, and graduation rates. Consider the degree options and school settings available, and weigh the overall graduation rate against the rates reported for men and women when deciding which factors matter most to you.

How much does studying at a college in Lancaster, PA cost?

Based on the supplied figures, the average reported total cost of studying in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, is $40,715.25. Use this as a planning benchmark, not a guaranteed bill: your actual expenses will vary with your college, program, housing, and financial aid.

• Average tuition and fees: $42,535.50.
• Average room and board: $15,175.33.
• Average books and supplies: $1,140.

These are separate averages, so don't add them together; notably, the tuition-and-fees figure is higher than the reported total-cost average. Ask each school for its current cost breakdown and what aid may lower your out-of-pocket amount. In Lancaster, you could compare options such as Franklin & Marshall College, Lancaster Bible College, and Pennsylvania College of Art & Design, keeping your intended degree and living arrangements in mind. If you're excited to study close to home, exploring local programs can make it easier to weigh campus life against commuting or staying with family. Scholarships, grants, and transfer credits may also make your path more affordable. Getting personalized estimates from a few colleges is a practical first step toward finding a Lancaster-area degree that fits both your goals and budget.

How long does it take to finish college in Lancaster, PA?

In Lancaster, PA, most full-time students need about four years to complete a bachelor's degree; an associate degree generally takes two years. At Franklin & Marshall College or Lancaster Bible College, your timeline depends on program requirements, course availability, and whether you study full time. Local options such as Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology may offer career-focused credentials with different completion schedules.

The reported graduation averages offer a helpful sense of degree completion: the average graduation rate is 72.25%, while the average among the top 10% of schools is 79.5%. The averages are 78.5% for men and 72.5% for women. To finish sooner and feel encouraged by steady progress, explore options at your chosen Lancaster-area college. Ask early.

• Bring in AP, dual-enrollment, or previously earned college credits, if accepted.
• Take summer courses or heavier course loads to complete requirements earlier.
• Ask about accelerated programs, credit-by-exam, and transfer pathways before enrolling.

Salary

Graduates of colleges and universities in Lancaster, PA, earn a median alumni salary of about $44,361. For graduates of schools in the top 10%, the median is approximately $58,271. These figures offer a useful benchmark, though your earnings can vary with your field, experience, and role.

Whether you study at Franklin & Marshall College, Millersville University, Lancaster Bible College, or Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology, Lancaster's range of liberal arts, professional, and technical programs can help you pursue different career paths. The higher median among top-performing schools is an encouraging sign of the earning potential a degree may offer.

People also ask

What is the prettiest university in Lancaster?

Beauty is subjective, but Franklin & Marshall College is a strong contender for Lancaster's prettiest campus. Its leafy grounds and mix of historic and contemporary buildings create a welcoming collegiate feel, while its location puts students close to downtown Lancaster. If you're choosing where to study, visiting in person is a lovely way to see whether the setting feels right for you.

What is the most selective college in Lancaster?

Franklin & Marshall College is generally considered one of the most selective colleges in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Admission can be competitive, though acceptance rates and applicant pools change from year to year. For a prospective student, that selectivity means it's worth preparing a thoughtful application and also exploring other local colleges that may suit your academic goals and preferred campus experience.

Top 5 Colleges in the Best Private Colleges Ranking in Lancaster, PA Ranking in 2026-2027

Saint Joseph's University - Lancaster enrolls 1,439 students, with a 69% graduation rate and 41% acceptance rate. Its total study cost is $32,055, while median alumni salary is $63,129. The university gives Lancaster, PA students a based option for pursuing a degree while remaining connected to the region. Its alumni earnings may interest career-minded applicants, and its acceptance rate offers an admissions benchmark. Compare program availability, campus services, and costs before deciding whether this Lancaster choice fits your goals.

Franklin and Marshall College enrolls 1,778 students in Lancaster, PA, reporting an 84% graduation rate and 28% acceptance rate. Its total cost of study is $70,566, and median alumni salary is $46,934. As a liberal arts college, it can suit students seeking broad academic exploration alongside degree work. The high graduation figure stands out, while the cost merits careful comparison with financial aid. Local applicants can explore studying close to home and evaluate whether its academic setting matches their plans.

Lancaster Bible College enrolls 2,519 students and reports a 67% graduation rate, 56% acceptance rate, $29,990 total study cost, and $41,788 median alumni salary. Based in Lancaster, PA, it offers local students an option for pursuing a degree in a faith-centered college environment. Its comparatively lower listed cost may appeal to budget-conscious applicants, though individual expenses and aid vary. Prospective students should review available programs, campus resources, and how the college's educational approach aligns with their academic and personal priorities.

Pennsylvania College of Art and Design has 414 enrolled students, a 69% graduation rate, and a 99% acceptance rate. Its total study cost is $30,250, and median alumni salary is $25,629. This Lancaster, PA college offers a setting for students interested in art and design education. Its open admissions profile may be encouraging, but applicants should weigh the alumni earnings and cost against personal career goals. Review programs, portfolio expectations, and financial aid before choosing a degree close to home.

Lancaster Theological Seminary is a Lancaster, PA institution focused on theological education, making it a local option for students pursuing ministry-related or advanced religious studies. The supplied data lists no figures for enrollment, graduation rate, acceptance rate, total study cost, or median alumni salary, so numerical comparisons with the other colleges are not possible. Prospective students should contact the seminary for current program details, admissions requirements, tuition, financial aid, and career outcomes before determining whether its degrees fit their goals.