Most
Affordable Colleges in Scranton in 2027

Business Administration

Studying business administration in Scranton, Pennsylvania, combines foundational business knowledge with practical skills. Typical coursework includes accounting, marketing, management, finance, economics, business law, and data analysis. Students may pursue the degree at the University of Scranton, Marywood University, or Lackawanna College, all located in the city. Graduates commonly work as management trainees, human resources specialists, marketing coordinators, sales representatives, financial analysts, or operations supervisors. Internships with regional employers can help students build experience before graduation.

Psychology

Studying psychology in Scranton, Pennsylvania, offers grounding in human behavior, mental processes, and research. Typical courses include developmental, social, cognitive, abnormal, and biological psychology, statistics, and research methods. Popular local options include the University of Scranton and Marywood University, both offering psychology study. Graduates may pursue roles in human services, case management, community outreach, and behavioral health support, or continue to graduate training for counseling and clinical care, depending on degree level and credentials held.

Computer Science

Studying computer science in Scranton, Pennsylvania, offers access to programs at the University of Scranton and Marywood University. Both schools provide coursework in programming, algorithms, data structures, software engineering, databases, computer systems, and cybersecurity. Students build projects, practice problem-solving, and learn collaborative development. Graduates may pursue roles such as software developer, systems analyst, web developer, database administrator, or cybersecurity analyst. Internships and projects can help students apply classroom concepts and prepare for employment.

Counseling

Studying a counseling program in Scranton, PA, can prepare you to support individuals, families, and communities through mental-health and life challenges. Typical coursework includes counseling theories, human development, assessment, ethics, group counseling, multicultural practice, and supervised fieldwork. Graduates may pursue roles such as mental health counselor, school counselor, substance-use counselor, case manager, or family services specialist, depending on their degree and licensure. Scranton institutions offering counseling-related study include Marywood University and the University of Scranton.

Nursing

Studying nursing in Scranton, Pennsylvania, combines classroom learning, simulation, and clinical placements in healthcare settings. Typical courses include anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, health assessment, medical-surgical nursing, maternal-child care, mental health, and community health. Scranton-area options include the University of Scranton, Marywood University, and Lackawanna College, with program availability varying by degree level. Graduates may work as registered nurses, practical nurses, or nursing assistants, depending on credentials, in hospitals, clinics, long-term care, and community health.

Best Colleges in Scranton, PA Ranking Summary & Conclusions

• The median total cost of studying is $18,175, compared with $46,349 at schools in the top 10%, a difference of $28,174.
• Financial aid reaches an average of 100% of students overall, versus 85% at top-10% schools.
• The average acceptance rate is 85%. Schools receive an average of 3,586.75 applicants, while top-10% schools average 8,037 applicants. The median number of male applicants is 1,027.5, compared with 1,301 female applicants.
• Average test scores are 1,155 on the SAT and 24 on the ACT.
• The average number of enrolled students is 2,047.6. Average enrollment figures are 199 men and 260.67 women.
• The average graduation rate is 68.8%, compared with 92% at top-10% schools. Median graduation rates are 65% for men and 57% for women.
• Five institutions offer associate's degrees, four offer bachelor's degrees, three offer master's degrees, and two offer doctor's degrees.
• There are four coeducational schools, zero schools for men, and zero schools for women.
• When choosing a college, compare total costs and financial aid alongside acceptance rates, test-score averages, enrollment, graduation outcomes, and available degree levels. In particular, consider how the overall figures differ from those for top-10% schools and weigh the graduation-rate figures for men and women against your own priorities.

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

For a student in Scranton, PA, the reported average total cost of studying is $25,138.83. This is the clearest available answer to what a degree may cost, but it should not be treated as a confirmed full-program price: degree costs vary by college, program, and time to graduation. The supplied averages list tuition and fees at $27,351.50, room and board at $13,010.50, and books and supplies at $1,064.50. These figures do not reconcile with the stated total, so check each college's cost estimate before budgeting.

You can compare options such as the University of Scranton, Marywood University, and Lackawanna College, then request an estimate from each school's financial-aid office. Ask whether the quoted amount is per academic year, whether housing is included, and what grants or scholarships could lower your out-of-pocket cost. A side-by-side budget can make choosing a Scranton education feel more manageable and help you plan confidently.

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

In Scranton, PA, plan on about four years for a full-time bachelor's degree and roughly two years for an associate degree. A traditional bachelor's program at the University of Scranton or Marywood University follows that four-year timeline, while Lackawanna College offers associate and bachelor's pathways. Completion can take longer if you attend part time, change majors, or need courses not offered every term.

The average graduation rate across the schools is 68.8%, while the average for the top 10% is 92.0%, offering a useful sign that many students finish but outcomes vary by institution. The reported averages are 67.6% for men and 49.5% for women.

To graduate sooner, transfer eligible credits, use AP or prior-learning credit, take summer classes, or choose an accelerated track. Ask advisers at Scranton-area colleges how credits apply and plan required courses early; this practical step can save time and make your goal feel within reach.

Salary

After graduating from college in Scranton, PA, a useful benchmark is a median alumni salary of $47,764 a year. Graduates of schools in the top 10% have a higher median of $71,643.80, showing the earning potential a strong school and career path may offer.

If you're weighing options such as the University of Scranton, Marywood University, Lackawanna College, or Penn State Scranton, remember that earnings vary by degree, occupation, and experience. Your major and the opportunities you pursue while studying can make a real difference, and it's encouraging to know that many Scranton-area graduates go on to build rewarding careers.

People also ask

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

For undergraduate tuition and fees, expect a broad range: roughly $16,000 a year at Lackawanna College, about $40,000 at Marywood University, and around $50,000 or more at the University of Scranton. These are approximate figures; rates change by academic year. Housing, meals, books, and transportation add to the total, while financial aid can reduce what you pay.

What college in Scranton has the lowest tuition?

Among colleges located in Scranton, Lackawanna College generally has the lowest published undergraduate tuition and fees, at roughly $16,000 per year. Your actual cost may be lower if you receive grants or scholarships, and program fees can differ. If you're comparing nearby options too, check Penn State Scranton's current in-state rate, as it is in Dunmore, just outside Scranton.

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

Yeshivath Beth Moshe is a small religious college in Scranton, offering a close-knit setting for students seeking Jewish learning alongside higher education. Its 37 enrolled students suggest an intimate campus community. The reported graduation and acceptance rates are both 100%, while total study cost is $10,400. Alumni salary information is unavailable, so compare academic offerings and aid before deciding. For a student in Scranton, studying locally may reduce relocation needs and make it possible to remain connected to family and community.

Johnson College is a career-focused technical college in Scranton, suited to students seeking practical, workforce-oriented education. It enrolls 678 students, reports a 55% graduation rate and a 98% acceptance rate, and lists total study costs of $18,900. Median alumni salary is $40,789, offering one outcome measure, though earnings vary by program and individual circumstances. For Scranton residents, its local setting can make technical training convenient while allowing students to build professional connections in the area and remain close to home.

Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine is a medical school based in Scranton, appealing to students pursuing physician training and healthcare careers. Enrollment, graduation, and acceptance figures are not available in the supplied data, so prospective applicants should consult the school for admissions details. Listed total study cost is $11,385, and median alumni salary is $85,957. These figures provide a starting comparison, not a guarantee of individual expenses or earnings. Studying in Scranton may help local students stay near support networks.

Lackawanna College is a private college in Scranton offering career-oriented programs and a city-campus experience. It enrolls 2,211 students, with a reported 37% graduation rate; an acceptance rate is not available in the supplied figures. Total study cost is $17,450, and median alumni salary is $38,985. Students should compare program requirements, financial aid, and career outcomes before enrolling. For someone living in Scranton, attending locally can limit travel and relocation demands while keeping classes and community life close to home.

Marywood University is a private Catholic university in Scranton, with a broad campus community and programs across multiple fields. It enrolls 2,693 students, reports a 72% graduation rate and a 61% acceptance rate, and lists total study cost at $39,490. Median alumni salary is $47,764. Those figures can help frame comparisons, but actual costs depend on aid and personal choices. For Scranton students, Marywood offers a local university option, allowing them to pursue a degree without leaving the surrounding area.