Best
Colleges in Lancaster in 2027

Business Administration

Studying business administration in Lancaster, PA, typically combines coursework in accounting, marketing, management, economics, business law, and entrepreneurship. Students also build communication, data-analysis, and decision-making skills through projects or internships. Lancaster Bible College offers a business administration bachelor's degree, while HACC's Lancaster campus provides business programs, including associate-level study. Graduates may pursue roles such as business analyst, marketing coordinator, sales representative, human resources assistant, or operations supervisor in local companies, nonprofits, healthcare organizations, and government.

Psychology

Studying psychology in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, combines classroom learning with opportunities to explore human behavior, development, and mental health. Typical courses include introductory psychology, statistics, research methods, social psychology, cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, and abnormal psychology. Graduates may pursue roles in case management, human resources, behavioral support, community services, or research, while clinical practice generally requires graduate training. Popular local options include Franklin & Marshall College and Lancaster Bible College, both offering psychology study opportunities locally.

Computer Science

Studying computer science in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, builds skills in programming, algorithms, databases, software engineering, and cybersecurity. Coursework includes mathematics, data structures, operating systems, and web development, with projects that develop problem-solving and teamwork. Franklin & Marshall College offers a computer science major, while Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology provides computer-software-focused study. Graduates pursue careers as software developers, systems analysts, cybersecurity specialists, data analysts, or IT support professionals, working in technology, healthcare, finance, education, or government.

Counseling

Studying a counseling program in Lancaster, PA prepares you to support people through mental health, relationship, and life challenges. Typical coursework includes counseling theories, human development, ethics, assessment, group counseling, multicultural practice, and supervised clinical experience. Lancaster Bible College offers counseling study, while nearby Millersville University provides counselor education. Graduates commonly pursue roles as mental health counselors, school counselors, substance use counselors, case managers, or community support specialists, often requiring licensure and supervised practice hours.

Nursing

Studying a nursing program in Lancaster, PA combines classroom learning with clinical practice in hospitals and community settings. Typical courses include anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, health assessment, medical-surgical nursing, pediatrics, maternal-newborn care, and mental health nursing. Graduates may work as registered nurses, patient care coordinators, school nurses, or public health nurses, depending on credentials and experience. Local options include Saint Joseph's University's Lancaster campus, formerly Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences, and HACC's Lancaster campus.

Best Colleges in Lancaster, PA Ranking Summary & Conclusions

• The median total cost of studying is 30,250, compared with 55,161.6 at schools in the top 10%, so prospective students should weigh cost against their priorities when comparing colleges.
• Financial aid is received by an average of 100% of students across the schools, compared with 59% at schools in the top 10%. The average acceptance rate is 59%.
• Schools receive an average of 2,795.6 applicants, while schools in the top 10% average 6,621.4 applicants. The median number of applicants is 812 men and 455 women.
• The average SAT score is 1,110 and the average ACT score is 23. The average number of enrolled students is 1,524; average enrolled men number 204 and average enrolled women number 133.4.
• The average graduation rate is 72%, compared with 78.8% at schools in the top 10%. Median graduation rates are 71% for men and 68% 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, compare total cost and financial aid alongside admissions measures, academic offerings, enrollment, and graduation rates. Consider which factors best fit your circumstances rather than relying on a single statistic, and note the differences between overall averages and figures for schools in the top 10%.

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

Lancaster's reported average total cost of studying is $34,372.20. This is the best available estimate of typical student costs, but it should not be read as the full price of an entire degree: the data do not specify a time period or program length.

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

These figures may not be directly additive, so check each school's current cost information before setting your budget. Students can compare Franklin & Marshall College, Millersville University, Lancaster Bible College, and Pennsylvania College of Art & Design. Consider your major, commuting options, housing, and financial aid when weighing these local choices. Scholarships or living at home could make studying in Lancaster more manageable. Ask admissions offices for a personalized estimate, since program choices, housing arrangements, and aid packages can substantially change what you pay out of pocket.

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

Most full-time students in Lancaster, PA, earn a bachelor's degree in four years; associate degrees take two years, while part-time study can extend either timeline. At Franklin & Marshall College, nearby Millersville University, Lancaster Bible College, and Pennsylvania College of Art & Design, your pace depends on your program, course availability, and whether you study full time.

The average graduation rate is 72.0%, rising to 78.8% among the top 10% of schools. Rates average 77.0% for men and 71.0% for women; completion varies, and these figures aren't guarantees for a particular campus. To finish sooner, consider summer classes, a heavier course load if manageable, prior-learning credits, or transfer credits accepted by your school. Some Lancaster-area programs offer accelerated or online study, but availability and requirements vary. Ask an adviser to map prerequisites and confirm which credits count before enrolling. This planning can make progress feel achievable without sacrificing a good fit.

Salary

Graduates in Lancaster, PA can use a median alumni salary of $46,934 as a general earnings benchmark. The median for graduates of schools in the top 10% is $57,407.40, though your own salary will depend on your field, experience, and the employer you choose.

If you're considering local options such as Millersville University, Franklin & Marshall College, or Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology, compare programs with the careers you're aiming for. Lancaster's mix of employers and nearby opportunities can give you several paths to put your degree to work.

• General alumni salary benchmark: $46,934
• Median for graduates of top 10% schools: $57,407.40

People also ask

How many colleges are in Lancaster?

There isn't one definitive count: it depends on whether you mean Lancaster city, Lancaster County, or campuses just outside the city. Several colleges and higher-education campuses serve the area, including Franklin & Marshall College, Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology, and Lancaster Bible College. Checking the location and type of each institution gives the clearest count.

What is the main college in Lancaster?

Lancaster has no officially designated "main" college, but Franklin & Marshall College is one of its best-known institutions. This residential liberal arts college is in the city and offers a traditional campus experience, with academic programs, student organizations, and easy access to downtown. It's a strong place to start exploring Lancaster's college scene.

Where do college students go in Lancaster?

Students often spend time downtown, where cafés, restaurants, shops, and the historic Central Market make it easy to meet friends between classes or on weekends. Depending on their interests, they may also catch a show at the Fulton Theatre, visit local galleries, or enjoy outdoor spaces such as Long's Park. The city offers a welcoming mix of campus and community life.

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

Saint Joseph's University - Lancaster offers a university setting for students seeking a degree in Lancaster, PA. With 1,439 enrolled students, it provides a comparatively small campus community. Its 69% graduation rate and 41% acceptance rate may help applicants assess fit and outcomes. Total study cost is $32,055, while median alumni salary is $63,129. Prospective students can weigh affordability, selectivity, and career earnings while exploring the university's programs and campus life in the Lancaster area as they plan their next step.

Franklin and Marshall College gives degree-seekers in Lancaster, PA, a college option with a relatively selective admissions profile. Its 1,778 enrolled students suggest a close-knit setting, while the 84% graduation rate is the highest among these five schools. Acceptance is 28%, and total study cost is $70,566. Median alumni salary reaches $46,934. Students can compare the cost and completion record as they consider a liberal arts college experience and the opportunities of studying near Lancaster's local communities and cultural life.

Lancaster Bible College offers students pursuing a degree in Lancaster, PA, a faith-centered college environment. It enrolls 2,519 students, the largest population among the five schools listed. Its 67% graduation rate and 56% acceptance rate provide useful measures for applicants comparing access and completion. The total cost of study is $29,990, and median alumni salary is $41,788. Prospective students may explore how its Bible college identity aligns with their academic goals, while considering campus life and career plans in Lancaster.

Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology is a career-oriented option for students seeking technical education in Lancaster, PA. With 1,470 enrolled students, it offers a college community. The school reports a 71% graduation rate and a 71% acceptance rate, making its admissions profile accessible compared with some options here. Total study cost is $9,000, the lowest among the five, and median alumni salary is $48,825. Students can consider its technology-focused identity alongside affordability and practical preparation for employment after college.

Pennsylvania College of Art and Design offers a specialized path for degree-seekers in Lancaster, PA. Its enrollment of 414 is the smallest among these five institutions, creating a small campus community for artists. The college reports a 69% graduation rate and a 99% acceptance rate. Total study cost is $30,250, and median alumni salary is $25,629. Applicants can explore its art-and-design focus and evaluate whether its programs, cost, and outcomes suit their ambitions and plans for a career in the arts.