Most
Affordable Colleges in Lancaster in 2027

Business Administration

Studying business administration in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, builds skills in management, finance, marketing, and decision-making. Typical courses include accounting, economics, business law, organizational behavior, human resources, statistics, and entrepreneurship. Students may also practice communication, teamwork, and strategic planning. Lancaster options include Lancaster Bible College and HACC's Lancaster Campus, which offer business-administration-related study. Graduates commonly pursue roles such as marketing coordinator, human resources assistant, sales representative, operations supervisor, office manager, or financial services associate across local organizations.

Psychology

Studying psychology in Lancaster, PA, offers coursework in developmental, social, cognitive, and abnormal psychology, alongside research methods and statistics. Students examine behavior, mental processes, and evidence-based approaches to well-being. Franklin & Marshall College and Lancaster Bible College are options. Graduates with a bachelor's degree may pursue roles such as behavioral health technician, case manager, human resources assistant, or research assistant. Clinical psychologist positions generally require graduate education, supervised experience, and licensure, depending on state requirements.

Computer Science

Studying computer science in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, combines programming practice with mathematical and analytical foundations. Typical coursework includes programming, data structures, algorithms, databases, software engineering, computer systems, and cybersecurity. Franklin & Marshall College offers a computer science major, and HACC's Lancaster campus provides computing study options. Graduates commonly pursue roles as software developers, systems analysts, web developers, database administrators, or cybersecurity analysts. Projects, internships, and teamwork help students build skills and prepare for today's technology careers.

Counseling

Studying counseling in Lancaster, PA can combine psychology, human development, ethics, assessment, counseling techniques, and supervised fieldwork. Typical coursework includes individual and group counseling, family systems, crisis intervention, multicultural practice, and research methods. Graduates may pursue roles such as case manager, substance use counselor, school counselor, or behavioral health counselor, depending on credentials and licensure. Lancaster Bible College offers counseling-focused study in the city, while nearby Millersville University offers counseling-related graduate study and psychology preparation.

Nursing

Studying nursing in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, leads to associate or bachelor's degrees at institutions such as Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences and Harrisburg Area Community College's Lancaster campus. Typical coursework includes anatomy, microbiology, pharmacology, nursing fundamentals, ethics, and supervised clinical practice. Programs build skills in patient assessment, medication administration, and care planning. Graduates become registered nurses, working in hospitals, clinics, long-term-care facilities, or community health settings, with roles and advancement shaped by their education and licensure.

Best Colleges in Lancaster, PA Ranking Summary & Conclusions

• The median total cost of studying is $30,250, compared with $55,161.60 at schools in the top 10% - a difference of $24,911.60.
• Financial aid is reported for an average of 100% of students overall, compared with 59% at top-10% schools.
• The average acceptance rate is 59%. Schools receive an average of 2,795.6 applicants, while top-10% schools average 6,621.4 applicants. The median number of applicants is 812 men and 455 women.
• Average test scores are 1,110 on the SAT and 23 on the ACT.
• The average number of enrolled students is 1,524, including averages of 204 men and 133.4 women.
• The average graduation rate is 72%, compared with 78.8% for top-10% schools. Median graduation rates are 71% for men and 68% for women.
• Four institutions offer associate's degrees, four offer bachelor's degrees, two offer master's degrees, and one offers a doctor's degree.
• Five schools are coeducational; the counts for schools for men and schools for women are both 0.
• When choosing a college, compare total cost with financial aid availability, and weigh those factors alongside acceptance rates, enrollment, degree offerings, test-score averages, and graduation rates. The figures show that top-10% schools have higher median costs and lower average financial-aid availability, but higher average graduation rates and more applicants, so consider which trade-offs best fit your priorities.

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

The average reported total cost of studying in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, is $34,372.20. Think of this as a yearly planning benchmark, not the full price of completing a degree; your actual bill depends on the college, program, aid, and whether you live on campus. Lancaster students may compare options such as Franklin & Marshall College, Millersville University, Lancaster Bible College, and Pennsylvania College of Art & Design.

• Average tuition and fees: $35,838.40.
• Average room and board: $14,142.50.
• Average books and supplies: $1,140.

These figures do not reconcile: tuition and fees alone exceed the reported total. Use the total as a broad reference, then verify your chosen college's current cost of attendance and financial-aid offer. Grants, scholarships, commuting, or sharing housing may lower what you pay. Checking costs early can make budgeting feel manageable and help you choose a Lancaster-area program that fits your ambitions and your own preferred way of learning.

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

In Lancaster, PA, plan about four years for a traditional bachelor's degree and roughly two years for an associate degree. Students at local options such as Franklin & Marshall College, Millersville University, Lancaster Bible College, or Pennsylvania College of Art & Design may finish sooner or later depending on their program, course availability, and schedule.

Many students complete bachelor's degrees within four years, but changing majors, working while enrolled, or needing prerequisite courses can extend the timeline. Planning helps. To move faster, ask an adviser about transferring eligible credits, Advanced Placement or dual-enrollment credit, summer classes, and accelerated or online courses; confirm these count toward your requirements. Graduation figures offer useful context: the average graduation rate is 72.0%, while schools in the top 10% average 78.8%. Rates are 77.0% for men and 71.0% for women, showing outcomes vary; these figures describe graduation, not a guaranteed timeline.

Salary

After graduating from college in Lancaster, PA, you can expect a median alumni salary of about $46,934. For graduates of schools in the top 10%, the median is approximately $57,407 - a promising benchmark as you consider your next step.

Lancaster-area students can explore colleges such as Franklin & Marshall College, Millersville University, and Lancaster Bible College. Your individual earnings will depend on factors such as your field of study, experience, and career path, but these figures offer a useful starting point for planning.

People also ask

How much does it cost to go to college in Lancaster?

There isn't one set price: your cost depends on the school, program, residency status, and number of credits. Public and community-college options, such as HACC's Lancaster Campus, typically cost less in tuition than private colleges. Budget separately for fees, books, housing, and transportation, and check each school's current cost-of-attendance estimate before applying.

What college in Lancaster has the lowest tuition?

For many Lancaster County students, HACC's Lancaster Campus is a strong low-tuition option, especially when county-resident rates apply. Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology may also be worth comparing for career-focused programs. The lowest-cost choice depends on your residency, program, and fees, so compare current per-credit tuition and financial-aid offers before deciding.

Top 5 Colleges in the Most Affordable Colleges Ranking in Lancaster, PA Ranking in 2026-2027

Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology offers a career-focused education in Lancaster, PA, with hands-on technical programs suited to students seeking practical skills. Its enrollment is 1,470, graduation rate 71%, and acceptance rate 71%. Reported total study cost is $9,000, while median alumni salary is $48,825. For a local student, Lancaster provides access to city services and a college-town setting; compare program options and living costs when planning your degree and career path before making your final enrollment decision and budget.

Saint Joseph's University in Lancaster, PA, gives students a local route into a university education with a campus connected to the Saint Joseph's community. Enrollment is 1,439; its graduation rate is 69% and acceptance rate is 41%. The reported total cost of studying is $32,055, and median alumni salary is $63,129. Lancaster residents can study near home while exploring academic and career goals. Consider how the campus's programs, commute, and costs fit your degree plans and personal circumstances before enrolling here.

Lancaster Bible College is a Christian college in Lancaster, PA, offering students a faith-centered setting for pursuing undergraduate study. Its enrollment is 2,519, graduation rate 67%, and acceptance rate 56%. The reported total cost of studying is $29,990, and median alumni salary is $41,788. For students living nearby, studying in Lancaster can make connections and surroundings part of college life. Review degree programs, housing or commuting needs, and total expenses to decide whether this campus supports your future goals.

Pennsylvania College of Art and Design is an art and design college located in Lancaster, PA, making the city a convenient setting for students interested in creative study. It enrolls 414 students, with a 69% graduation rate and 99% acceptance rate. The reported total cost of studying is $30,250, and median alumni salary is $25,629. A student should explore its degree offerings, studio learning opportunities, and portfolio expectations, while weighing Lancaster living costs and how creative careers align with plans.

Franklin and Marshall College is a selective liberal arts college in Lancaster, PA, known for undergraduate study across an academic community. It enrolls 1,778 students, with an 84% graduation rate and 28% acceptance rate. The reported total cost of studying is $70,566, while median alumni salary is $46,934. Lancaster offers students a nearby city setting during college, but the listed cost is higher than those of several other schools here. Compare financial aid, program fit, and living expenses before choosing.