Best
Colleges in Scranton in 2027

Business Administration

Studying business administration in Scranton, Pennsylvania, offers practical preparation for managing organizations and teams. Typical courses include accounting, economics, marketing, finance, business law, management, human resources, and data analysis. Graduates often pursue roles as business analysts, marketing coordinators, human resources specialists, sales representatives, project coordinators, or operations supervisors. Popular local options include the University of Scranton, Marywood University, and Lackawanna College, where students can study business administration locally.

Psychology

Studying psychology in Scranton, PA, offers students opportunities at the University of Scranton and Marywood University. Programs typically cover developmental, social, cognitive, abnormal, and experimental psychology, alongside research methods, statistics, and ethics. Students may explore counseling, neuroscience, and psychological assessment through electives or practical experiences. A bachelor's degree can prepare graduates for roles such as case manager, behavioral health technician, human resources assistant, or research coordinator; advanced clinical or counseling positions generally require graduate study.

Computer Science

Studying computer science in Scranton, Pennsylvania, combines programming fundamentals with problem-solving. Typical courses include algorithms, data structures, software engineering, databases, computer networks, cybersecurity, and mathematics. Students build projects and may gain experience through internships with employers. Graduates commonly pursue roles as software developers, systems analysts, web developers, database administrators, or cybersecurity analysts. The University of Scranton and Marywood University are options offering computer science study, with curricula and pathways students should compare.

Counseling

Studying a counseling program in Scranton, Pennsylvania can prepare you to support people facing emotional, behavioral and life challenges. Typical courses include counseling theories, ethics, human development, assessment, group counseling, multicultural practice and crisis intervention. The University of Scranton and Marywood University are local options offering counseling-related graduate study. Graduates commonly pursue roles as mental health counselors, school counselors, substance use counselors, case managers or community support specialists, depending on degree level and licensing requirements.

Nursing

Studying nursing in Scranton, PA offers pathways from associate to bachelor's degrees, combining classroom learning with clinical practice. Typical courses include anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, pathophysiology, nursing fundamentals, maternal-child health, mental health, and community nursing. Students build assessment, communication, and patient-care skills in supervised placements. Popular options include the University of Scranton and Marywood University. Graduates commonly become registered nurses in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, schools, or public-health settings, with opportunities to specialize.

Best Colleges in Scranton, PA Ranking Summary & Conclusions

• The median total cost of studying is 18,175.0, compared with 46,349.0 at schools in the top 10%.
• Financial aid reaches an average of 100.0% of students overall, versus 85.0% at top-10% schools.
• The average acceptance rate is 85.0%. Schools receive an average of 3,586.75 applicants, compared with 8,037.0 at top-10% schools.
• The median number of male applicants is 1,027.5, while the median number of female applicants is 1,301.0.
• Average test scores are 1,155.0 on the SAT and 24.0 on the ACT.
• Schools have an average of 2,047.6 enrolled students, including an average of 199.0 men and 260.67 women.
• The average graduation rate is 68.8%, compared with 92.0% at top-10% schools. Median graduation rates are 65.0% for men and 57.0% 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 4 coeducational schools, 0 schools for men, and 0 schools for women.
• When choosing a college, compare total cost and financial aid alongside graduation outcomes, program offerings, admissions selectivity, and test-score expectations. Consider how the reported enrollment and applicant figures fit your preferences, and review the differences in graduation rates when assessing student outcomes.

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

For a degree in Scranton, PA, the reported average total cost of studying is $25,138.83. This is a practical benchmark as you compare the University of Scranton, Marywood University, and Lackawanna College, though your own costs will vary by program, housing, and enrollment.

Tuition and fees average $27,351.50, while room and board average $13,010.50 and books and supplies average $1,064.50. These figures are reported averages and do not add up to the stated total, so treat each as a planning reference rather than a guaranteed bill.

For a realistic budget, request a personalized cost of attendance from each school and ask about aid, commuting, and meal options. Local students can feel encouraged: comparing choices early may reveal a campus and price combination that fits your goals. If you live at home or commute, you may be able to reduce housing expenses, while scholarships and grants can lower what you pay.

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

In Scranton, PA, a bachelor's degree typically takes four years of full-time study, while an associate degree usually takes about two. Students at the University of Scranton, Marywood University, or Lackawanna College should check each program's sequence; majors with clinical placements, labs, or tightly scheduled courses may take longer. Part-time enrollment can also extend the timeline, but flexible schedules help balance work and family.

Graduation rates indicate that completion is not automatic: reported averages show 68.8% graduating, compared with 92.0% at schools in the top 10%. Reported averages are 67.6% for men and 49.5% for women. These figures offer useful context.

To finish sooner, ask an adviser about options such as:

• Bringing AP, dual-enrollment, or transferable college credits into your degree plan.
• Taking summer courses or an approved heavier course load to complete requirements sooner.
• Checking whether your program offers accelerated terms or credit for prior learning.

An adviser can map prerequisites early, helping you save time and feel confident progressing.

Salary

After graduating from college in Scranton, PA, you can expect a median alumni salary of about $47,764 a year. For graduates of schools in the top 10%, the median is approximately $71,644 a year. These figures offer a helpful benchmark, though your own earnings can vary by major, experience, and career path.

Scranton students can explore programs at local institutions such as the University of Scranton, Marywood University, and Lackawanna College. Choosing a degree that fits your interests and career goals can help you build toward stronger earning opportunities while staying connected to the Scranton area.

People also ask

How many colleges are in Scranton?

The count depends on what you include. Scranton has four major colleges and universities offering broad undergraduate or career-focused programs: the University of Scranton, Marywood University, Lackawanna College, and Johnson College. Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine is also based in the city, bringing the total to five higher-education institutions if you include specialized medical schools.

What is the main college in Scranton?

The University of Scranton is generally the city's best-known university. It is a Jesuit institution in downtown Scranton, with undergraduate and graduate programs. Its central location makes it easy to connect campus life with the city's restaurants, shops, parks, and cultural attractions - a welcoming mix if you want both a college community and an urban setting.

Where do college students go in Scranton?

For time off campus, students can explore downtown, visit the shops and eateries at Marketplace at Steamtown, or get outdoors at Nay Aug Park and along the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail. Scranton also has attractions such as the Steamtown National Historic Site. The right spot depends on whether you're after food, fresh air, or local history.

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

For a student planning to study in Scranton, Pennsylvania, the University of Scranton offers a university setting with 4,619 enrolled students and an 81% acceptance rate. Its 80% graduation rate is the highest among the larger colleges listed here, while total study cost is $53,208 and median alumni salary is $50,174. The Jesuit university is known for a welcoming campus and broad academic options, making it a choice for students seeking a traditional, comprehensive college experience close to Scranton's amenities.

Johnson College gives prospective students in Scranton, PA a smaller, career-focused college environment, enrolling 678 students. Its 98% acceptance rate offers broad access, while the graduation rate is 55%. The listed total cost of study is $18,900, and median alumni salary is $40,789. Known for technical and applied education, the college can suit students seeking practical training and a close-knit campus rather than a large university. Compare programs and credentials carefully to see how its hands-on approach supports your goals.

Marywood University provides a university experience in Scranton, Pennsylvania, with 2,693 enrolled students and a 61% acceptance rate. Its 72% graduation rate, $39,490 total study cost, and $47,764 median alumni salary offer useful points for comparing options. Marywood is a Catholic liberal arts university with a range of academic fields and a campus-based community. For students who want varied degree choices while remaining in Scranton, it may balance a mid-sized student population with a broad educational setting and local convenience.

Yeshivath Beth Moshe is a small Scranton, PA institution, reporting 37 enrolled students, a 100% graduation rate, and a 100% acceptance rate. Its listed total cost of study is $10,400, the lowest among these five schools; median alumni salary data is unavailable. The school offers a distinctive Jewish religious learning environment, which may appeal to students seeking focused study and a close community. Prospective applicants should ask about degree options, campus life, and how costs apply to their individual program.

Lackawanna College offers students studying in Scranton, Pennsylvania a smaller college setting, with 2,211 enrolled students. Its graduation rate is 37%, and the reported total cost of study is $17,450; acceptance-rate information is unavailable. Median alumni salary is $38,985. The college is known for career-oriented programs and accessible pathways, appealing to students who value practical learning and a campus. Before enrolling, compare specific program outcomes, fees, and support services to determine whether the experience fits your academic and career plans.