Best
Value Colleges in Pennsylvania in 2027

Business Administration

Studying business administration in Pennsylvania combines core subjects such as accounting, economics, marketing, finance, management, business law, and analytics with practical projects and internships. Students can explore programs at the University of Pennsylvania, Penn State, Temple University, Drexel University, and the University of Pittsburgh. Graduates commonly pursue roles as business analysts, marketing coordinators, human resources specialists, operations managers, sales representatives, or financial analysts. Coursework develops communication, leadership, problem-solving, and decision-making skills useful across industries statewide.

Psychology

Studying psychology in Pennsylvania offers coursework in research methods, statistics, developmental psychology, cognitive processes, social behavior, and abnormal psychology. Students may explore counseling, neuroscience, and clinical practice through electives or internships. Popular options include the University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania State University, Temple University, Drexel University, and the University of Pittsburgh. Bachelor's-degree graduates often pursue roles in human resources, case management, research assistance, or behavioral support; advanced degrees can lead to licensed counseling or clinical work.

Computer Science

Studying a computer science program in Pennsylvania provides foundations in programming, algorithms, data structures, software engineering, databases, operating systems, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. Students often gain practical experience through projects, internships, and research. Popular choices include the University of Pennsylvania, Carnegie Mellon University, Penn State, Temple University, Drexel University, and the University of Pittsburgh. Graduates commonly pursue software developer, systems analyst, data scientist, cybersecurity analyst, web developer, or IT consultant roles across diverse Pennsylvania industries.

Counseling

Studying a counseling program in Pennsylvania can prepare students to support people across schools, communities, and clinical settings. Coursework typically covers counseling theories, human development, ethics, assessment, multicultural practice, group counseling, and supervised fieldwork. Graduates may pursue roles as school counselors, mental health counselors, career counselors, substance-use counselors, or case managers, depending on degree and licensure. Pennsylvania schools include Penn State, Temple University, Pittsburgh, West Chester University, and Shippensburg University, offering counseling or counselor-education programs.

Nursing

Studying a nursing program in Pennsylvania combines classroom learning with supervised clinical practice in hospitals and community settings. Courses typically include anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, fundamentals of nursing, health assessment, mental health, and maternal-child care. Graduates may work as registered nurses in hospitals, clinics, schools, long-term care facilities, or public health agencies. Popular Pennsylvania colleges offering nursing degrees include the University of Pennsylvania, Penn State, Temple University, the University of Pittsburgh, and Villanova University.

Best Colleges in Pennsylvania Ranking Summary & Conclusions

• The median total cost of studying is 27,481.5, compared with 60,073.8 at schools in the top 10%, making the top group substantially more costly by this measure.
• Financial aid is reported for an average of 100.0% of students overall, compared with 75.1% at schools in the top 10%.
• The average acceptance rate is 75.1%. Schools receive an average of 6,436.38 applicants, while schools in the top 10% average 10,325.8 applicants.
• The median number of applicants is 1,280.5 men and 1,567.5 women.
• Average test scores are 1,180.87 on the SAT and 26.04 on the ACT.
• The average number of enrolled students is 3,802.99; the average numbers of enrolled men and women are 306.26 and 366.25, respectively.
• The average graduation rate is 58.59%, compared with 84.3% at schools in the top 10%. Median graduation rates are 56.0% for men and 64.0% for women.
• There are 90 institutions offering associate's degrees, 125 offering bachelor's degrees, 125 offering master's degrees, and 46 offering doctor's degrees.
• There are 127 coeducational schools, 0 schools for men, and 0 schools for women.
• When choosing a college, compare total cost with financial aid availability, and weigh those factors alongside acceptance rates, applicant competition, test-score averages, and graduation outcomes. In particular, the higher median cost and graduation rate reported for top-10% schools may be relevant, but students should consider how each institution's costs and outcomes fit their own circumstances.

How much does studying at a college in Pennsylvania cost?

Pennsylvania's average total cost of studying is $32,590.04, a helpful benchmark when planning for a degree. Your bill will vary by college, program, housing, and financial aid.

• Tuition and fees: $32,524.59
• Room and board: $15,024.30
• Books and supplies: $1,241.66

This figure is a useful snapshot, not a guaranteed bill or a stated multi-year degree price; compare each school's current cost-of-attendance and net-price estimates. At Penn State, Temple University, and the University of Pittsburgh, costs can differ by campus and student circumstances. Ask about grants, scholarships, and housing or commuting choices: these can make your plan more affordable and help you feel confident about the next step. The listed tuition-and-fees average is $32,524.59, while room and board averages $15,024.30 and books and supplies $1,241.66. Because averages may describe different student groups or accounting measures, do not add them to the total without checking the college's methodology before setting your personal budget.

How long does it take to finish college in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, a bachelor's degree usually takes four years of full-time study; an associate degree, about two. Changing majors, part-time enrollment, or work can extend the timeline. At Penn State, Temple, Pitt, and Drexel, your pace depends on program requirements, course availability, and credits transferred.

Graduation figures offer a useful, though not guaranteed, picture of completion: the average graduation rate is 58.59%, compared with 84.3% among the top 10% of schools. The average is 55.86% for men and 60.34% for women. These rates show that finishing on schedule can take planning, but they don't predict your individual outcome. Early planning can keep your degree progress on track.

To finish sooner, ask admissions and an academic adviser about:

• Transfer credit from community college, prior coursework, or approved placement exams.
• Summer or winter courses and heavier course loads, if manageable.
• Accelerated degree tracks, internships that count toward requirements, or combined bachelor's/master's pathways.

Salary

Graduates of colleges and universities in Pennsylvania earn a median alumni salary of about $48,872. For graduates of schools in the top 10%, the median is about $63,011 - a promising benchmark if you're considering studying in the state.

Your actual earnings can vary depending on your degree, career path, experience, and location. Pennsylvania offers a wide range of options, from Penn State and the University of Pittsburgh to Temple University and Drexel University, so you can explore programs that fit your goals and interests.

• Median alumni salary: about $48,872
• Median alumni salary for graduates of top 10% schools: about $63,011

People also ask

What college in Pennsylvania has the lowest tuition?

There isn't one Pennsylvania college that is always the least expensive: tuition depends on whether you're a Pennsylvania resident, where you live, your program, and the academic year. Community colleges are generally among the lower-cost options, especially for local students. Compare tuition and mandatory fees for your specific residency and program before choosing.

What are Tier 1 schools in Pennsylvania?

"Tier 1" has no single official definition. If you mean universities classified as R1 for very high research activity, Pennsylvania institutions include Carnegie Mellon University, Drexel University, Lehigh University, Penn State, Temple University, Thomas Jefferson University, the University of Pennsylvania, and the University of Pittsburgh. R1 describes research activity, not a ranking of teaching quality or student experience.

Top 5 Colleges in the Best Value Colleges Ranking in Pennsylvania Ranking in 2026-2027

Located in Philadelphia, the University of Pennsylvania offers a prominent urban setting for students studying in Pennsylvania. Its 24,183 enrolled students have access to a large campus community and the opportunities of a major city. The university reports a 97% graduation rate and a 5% acceptance rate, reflecting strong outcomes and selective admission. Total study cost is $60,920, while median alumni salary is $89,558. For a prospective student, Penn combines an academically demanding environment with broad professional connections and research.

Carnegie Mellon University, based in Pittsburgh, is known for its technology, arts, and research-oriented academic environment. Its 16,582 students study in one of Pennsylvania's major urban centers, with access to cultural and career opportunities. The university's graduation rate is 94%, and its acceptance rate is 12%. Total study cost reaches $64,596; median alumni salary is $88,761. For students weighing cost against outcomes, these figures suggest a demanding education paired with strong post-graduation earning potential and a lively city campus experience.

Lehigh University in Bethlehem offers students a Pennsylvania college-town setting near the Lehigh Valley's urban centers. With 7,909 enrolled students, it provides a smaller community than the state's largest universities while maintaining a broad campus experience. Its graduation rate is 88%, and its acceptance rate is 26%. The total study cost is $63,930, and median alumni salary is $76,245. Students considering Lehigh can compare its close-knit environment, regional access, and reported alumni earnings when planning their degree in Pennsylvania today.

Haverford College is a small liberal arts college on Philadelphia's Main Line, offering a quieter Pennsylvania setting with city access nearby. Its enrollment of 1,420 supports a compact student community. Haverford reports a 90% graduation rate and a 12% acceptance rate. The total cost of studying is $69,884, while median alumni salary is $48,057. Prospective students can weigh the college's intimate scale and proximity to Philadelphia against its higher cost and the career outcomes represented by the salary figure.

King's College in Wilkes-Barre is a Pennsylvania college with a smaller student body and a comparatively accessible admissions profile. It enrolls 1,953 students, reports a 60% graduation rate, and has a 93% acceptance rate. Total study cost is $42,000, the lowest among these five schools, while median alumni salary is $48,112. For students seeking a degree in Pennsylvania, King's offers a smaller-campus option and a lower listed cost, though its graduation rate is lower than at the other four schools.