Best
Value Colleges in Lancaster in 2027

Business Administration

Studying business administration in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, develops skills in management, finance, marketing, accounting, economics, and business communication. Students may explore entrepreneurship, human resources, operations, and data analysis through electives. Lancaster Bible College offers business administration programs, while HACC's Lancaster campus provides business-related study options. Graduates pursue roles such as marketing coordinator, sales representative, human resources assistant, accounting clerk, operations coordinator, or management trainee, with experience supporting advancement into supervisory and managerial positions in many industries.

Psychology

Studying psychology in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, combines coursework in human development, cognition, research methods, statistics, social psychology, and abnormal psychology. Students learn to assess behavior, interpret evidence, and understand mental health across the lifespan. Franklin & Marshall College and Lancaster Bible College offer psychology-related study in the area. Graduates commonly pursue roles in case management, human services, behavioral support, or research assistance, while clinical counseling careers typically require graduate education, supervised experience, and relevant licensure requirements.

Computer Science

Studying a computer science program in Lancaster, PA can combine programming, theory, and hands-on projects. Typical courses include algorithms, data structures, software engineering, databases, operating systems, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. Students build problem-solving skills while preparing for careers as software developers, systems analysts, data scientists, web developers, or IT specialists. Popular options include Franklin & Marshall College and Lancaster Bible College, where students can pursue computer science studies. Compare courses and campus opportunities before applying.

Counseling

Studying counseling in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, can prepare students to support individuals, families, and communities. Typical coursework includes counseling theories, ethics, human development, group counseling, assessment, multicultural practice, and crisis intervention. Lancaster Bible College offers counseling-related programs, while nearby Millersville University provides related behavioral-health study. Graduates may pursue roles such as mental health counselor, school counselor, substance-use counselor, case manager, or behavioral-health specialist; licensure for independent practice typically requires graduate education, supervised experience, and state approval.

Nursing

Studying nursing in Lancaster, PA offers routes from practical nursing certificates to associate and bachelor's degrees. Coursework commonly includes anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, health assessment, nursing fundamentals, and clinical practice. Options include Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences and Harrisburg Area Community College's Lancaster Campus. Graduates may work as registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, or nursing assistants in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and community health settings, depending on their credential and licensure.

Best Colleges in Lancaster, PA Ranking Summary & Conclusions

• The median total cost of studying is $30,250.0, compared with $55,161.6 at schools in the top 10%, a difference of $24,911.6.
• An average of 100.0% of students receive financial aid across the schools, compared with 59.0% at schools in the top 10%.
• The average acceptance rate is 59.0%. Schools receive an average of 2,795.6 applicants, while those in the top 10% average 6,621.4 applicants. The median applicant counts are 812.0 men and 455.0 women.
• Average test scores are 1,110.0 on the SAT and 23.0 on the ACT.
• The average number of enrolled students is 1,524.0. The averages reported for enrolled men and women are 204.0 and 133.4, respectively.
• The average graduation rate is 72.0%, compared with 78.8% at schools in the top 10%. Median graduation rates are 71.0% for men and 68.0% for women.
• Four institutions offer associate's degrees, four offer bachelor's degrees, three offer master's degrees, and one offers a doctor's degree.
• There are five coeducational schools, zero schools for men, and zero schools for women.
• When choosing a college, prospective students should weigh total cost alongside financial aid, compare acceptance rates and applicant volume, and consider test scores, enrollment, graduation outcomes, and available degree levels. The reported figures show that top-10% schools have higher median costs and graduation rates, but a lower average share of students receiving financial aid, so students should consider which factors best match their needs.

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

The average reported total cost of studying in Lancaster, PA, is $34,372.20. For a local student comparing degree options, that figure offers a helpful starting point, though actual expenses vary by college, program, housing choice, and financial aid. Lancaster has appealing options, including Franklin & Marshall College, Millersville University, Lancaster Bible College, and Pennsylvania College of Art & Design.

Other reported average costs include:

• Tuition and fees: $35,838.40
• Room and board: $14,142.50
• Books and supplies: $1,140

These figures are separate averages, so don't add them together as though they describe one student's budget. Before choosing a school, ask for its current cost-of-attendance estimate and compare scholarships, grants, commuting, and meal-plan options. Studying close to home may make campus visits and local travel convenient. With a little planning, you can compare Lancaster schools, find a program that fits your goals, and feel more confident about making this exciting investment in your future.

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

In Lancaster, PA, a bachelor's degree typically takes four years of full-time study; an associate's degree usually takes two. Your timeline depends on your major, course load, transfer credits, and whether you study part time. Local options include Franklin & Marshall College and Lancaster Bible College, while Millersville University is a choice. Programs such as nursing, engineering, or licensing tracks may require additional time or clinical placements.

To finish sooner, you could bring in AP or dual-enrollment credits, transfer eligible coursework, take summer classes, or choose an accelerated schedule where available. Meet an adviser early to confirm which credits count toward your degree; a heavier course load can help, but should be manageable. Graduation figures offer context: the average graduation rate is 72.0%, compared with 78.8% at schools in the top 10%. The average is 77.0% for men and 71.0% for women. These rates show many students complete, though outcomes vary.

Salary

Graduates of colleges and universities in Lancaster, PA, earn a median alumni salary of about $46,934. For graduates of schools in the top 10%, the median is about $57,407. These figures offer a useful sense of potential earnings, though your salary can vary based on your field, degree, experience, and employer.

If you're considering Franklin & Marshall College, Millersville University, Lancaster Bible College, or Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology, compare programs with the careers you're interested in. Lancaster's range of colleges can help you pursue different paths, and choosing a field that fits your strengths can make the move from graduation to a rewarding career feel more achievable.

People also ask

How many universities are there in Lancaster?

If you mean Lancaster city, there are three prominent four-year colleges: Franklin & Marshall College, Lancaster Bible College, and Pennsylvania College of Art & Design. They are colleges rather than universities by name. The number changes if you include nearby communities or campuses of larger institutions, so it helps to define "Lancaster" by city or county.

What is the largest university in Lancaster?

By student enrollment, Millersville University is the largest university in the Lancaster area. It is in Millersville, just outside Lancaster city, rather than within the city itself. For a student living in Lancaster, its nearby location offers access to a larger university environment while keeping the city's restaurants, arts, and community close at hand.

How many universities are there in Lancaster?

For Lancaster city itself, a useful count is three major four-year colleges, not three institutions formally called universities. If you're comparing options, check each school's location and campus type: nearby Millersville University and other institutions in Lancaster County broaden the choices beyond the city limits.

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

Saint Joseph's University - Lancaster enrolls 1,439 students and reports a 69% graduation rate and 41% acceptance rate. Its Lancaster campus is a local option for students seeking a university environment, with Saint Joseph's offering programs connected to professional and health-related fields. The total study cost is listed as $32,055, while median alumni salary is $63,129. For a Lancaster, PA student, staying nearby may simplify commuting and let you compare campus-based study with living at home while maintaining local connections and routines.

Franklin and Marshall College enrolls 1,778 students, with an 84% graduation rate and 28% acceptance rate. The college is a residential liberal arts institution in Lancaster, offering students a traditional campus experience and broad academic choices. Its listed total cost is $70,566, the highest among these five schools, while median alumni salary is $46,934. For local applicants, consider how living costs, financial aid, and commuting arrangements affect affordability before choosing this well-established Lancaster college for undergraduate study and campus life.

Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology has 1,470 enrolled students, a 71% graduation rate, and a 71% acceptance rate. This public technical college in Lancaster emphasizes hands-on, career-focused education, making it a practical choice for students who want applied training close to home. The listed total study cost is $9,000, the lowest in this group; median alumni salary is $48,825. Lancaster, PA residents can explore nearby programs and consider whether its technical focus aligns with their intended occupation and career plans.

Lancaster Bible College enrolls 2,519 students and reports a 67% graduation rate and 56% acceptance rate. Located in Lancaster, it is a faith-based college offering undergraduate education shaped by a Christian perspective. Its listed total cost is $29,990, and median alumni salary is $41,788. For students in Lancaster, PA, proximity can make campus visits and local study convenient; compare available majors, costs, and personal fit to decide whether its religious and academic environment suits your degree goals and future plans.

Pennsylvania College of Art and Design is a small, specialized institution in Lancaster, with 414 students and a 69% graduation rate. Its 99% acceptance rate suggests broad access, while its programs center on visual arts, design, and creative practice. The listed total study cost is $30,250, and median alumni salary is $25,629. For a Lancaster, PA student pursuing an art-focused degree, its local setting can support convenient studio attendance; compare curriculum, facilities, and career outcomes before enrolling in your field.