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Top Colleges in Pennsylvania

Written by Gabriel Jimenez-Ekman

Gabriel Jimenez-Ekman is a content editor and writer at Scholarships360. He has managed communications and written content for a diverse array of organizations, including a farmer’s market, a concert venue, a student farm, an environmental NGO, and a PR agency. Gabriel graduated from Kenyon College with a degree in sociology.

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Updated: December 6th, 2023

Pennsylvania has long been a popular destination for higher education, drawing in over half a million college students each year. With esteemed institutions like the University of Pennsylvania and Carnegie Mellon University, it’s no wonder students flock to the state for top-tier education. Discover your perfect fit in the Keystone State by exploring the list below.

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58 colleges
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Top College Top College
Top College Top College: Affordability

University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA • Private, Non-Profit, City, Need-Blind

Philadelphia, PA

Private, Non-Profit, City, Need-Blind

6% acceptance rate
10,644 undergraduate students
96% graduation rate
$14,851 average per year after aid
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Top College Top College
Top College Top College: Affordability

Swarthmore College

Swarthmore, PA • Private, Non-Profit, Suburb, Need-Blind

Swarthmore, PA

Private, Non-Profit, Suburb, Need-Blind

8% acceptance rate
1,643 undergraduate students
94% graduation rate
$20,780 average per year after aid
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Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PA • Private, Non-Profit, City

Pittsburgh, PA

Private, Non-Profit, City

14% acceptance rate
6,880 undergraduate students
93% graduation rate
$37,846 average per year after aid
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Top College Top College

Lehigh University

Bethlehem, PA • Private, Non-Profit, City

Bethlehem, PA

Private, Non-Profit, City

46% acceptance rate
5,446 undergraduate students
87% graduation rate
$32,698 average per year after aid
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Villanova University

Villanova, PA • Private, Non-Profit, Suburb

Villanova, PA

Private, Non-Profit, Suburb

25% acceptance rate
7,000 undergraduate students
91% graduation rate
$34,784 average per year after aid
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Top College Top College
Top College Top College: Affordability

Dickinson College

Carlisle, PA • Private, Non-Profit, City

Carlisle, PA

Private, Non-Profit, City

48% acceptance rate
2,138 undergraduate students
82% graduation rate
$15,554 average per year after aid
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Haverford College

Haverford, PA • Private, Non-Profit, Suburb

Haverford, PA

Private, Non-Profit, Suburb

13% acceptance rate
1,472 undergraduate students
90% graduation rate
$29,138 average per year after aid
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Drexel University

Philadelphia, PA • Private, Non-Profit, City

Philadelphia, PA

Private, Non-Profit, City

83% acceptance rate
14,308 undergraduate students
78% graduation rate
$23,167 average per year after aid
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University of the Sciences

Philadelphia, PA • Private, Non-Profit, City

Philadelphia, PA

Private, Non-Profit, City

61% acceptance rate
1,311 undergraduate students
77% graduation rate
$34,773 average per year after aid
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Franklin and Marshall College

Lancaster, PA • Private, Non-Profit, City

Lancaster, PA

Private, Non-Profit, City

38% acceptance rate
2,137 undergraduate students
83% graduation rate
$30,182 average per year after aid
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Lafayette College

Easton, PA • Private, Non-Profit, Suburb

Easton, PA

Private, Non-Profit, Suburb

41% acceptance rate
2,719 undergraduate students
88% graduation rate
$41,937 average per year after aid
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Gettysburg College

Gettysburg, PA • Private, Non-Profit, City

Gettysburg, PA

Private, Non-Profit, City

56% acceptance rate
2,399 undergraduate students
82% graduation rate
$26,853 average per year after aid
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Bucknell University

Lewisburg, PA • Private, Non-Profit, Town

Lewisburg, PA

Private, Non-Profit, Town

35% acceptance rate
3,714 undergraduate students
88% graduation rate
$39,403 average per year after aid
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Muhlenberg College

Allentown, PA • Private, Non-Profit, City

Allentown, PA

Private, Non-Profit, City

68% acceptance rate
2,052 undergraduate students
82% graduation rate
$26,983 average per year after aid
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Saint Joseph's University

Philadelphia, PA • Private, Non-Profit, City

Philadelphia, PA

Private, Non-Profit, City

83% acceptance rate
4,112 undergraduate students
83% graduation rate
$30,487 average per year after aid
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Top College Top College: Affordability

West Chester University of Pennsylvania

West Chester, PA • Public, Suburb

West Chester, PA

Public, Suburb

89% acceptance rate
14,152 undergraduate students
73% graduation rate
$13,183 average per year after aid
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University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus

Pittsburgh, PA • Public, City

Pittsburgh, PA

Public, City

67% acceptance rate
19,961 undergraduate students
84% graduation rate
$27,926 average per year after aid
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Top College Top College
Top College Top College: Affordability

Thomas Jefferson University

Philadelphia, PA • Private, Non-Profit, City

Philadelphia, PA

Private, Non-Profit, City

78% acceptance rate
3,727 undergraduate students
71% graduation rate
$22,018 average per year after aid
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Washington & Jefferson College

Washington, PA • Private, Non-Profit, Suburb

Washington, PA

Private, Non-Profit, Suburb

84% acceptance rate
1,151 undergraduate students
76% graduation rate
$26,460 average per year after aid
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Temple University

Philadelphia, PA • Public, City

Philadelphia, PA

Public, City

72% acceptance rate
25,596 undergraduate students
75% graduation rate
$23,108 average per year after aid
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About the Data

We sort colleges on our lists according to their Scholarships360 Top Colleges Index Score. This score is calculated using up-to-date information taken directly from the College Scorecard. Additional information is sourced from the colleges themselves, as well as other publicly available information. If you see an error, feel free to contact us.

State Grants in Pennsylvania

Most states offer their own state-wide grants to help residents obtain an affordable education. Here are some of the most prominent state-wide grants in Pennsylvania:

Pennsylvania State Grant Program (PHEAA)

The PHEAA offers funding for Pennsylvania students who are enrolled at least half-time in an institution and program approved by PHEAA. Students must meet certain academic and financial criteria in order to qualify.

PA Targeted Industry Program (PA-TIP)

The TIP program offers need-based funding for Pennsylvania students who are pursuing degrees in one of their designated high-demand career areas. As of 2023, these fields were:

  • Energy
  • Health
  • Advanced Materials and Diversified Manufacturing
  • Agriculture and Food Production

Pennsylvania Tuition Reciprocity Agreements

Pennsylvania is not a member of any tuition reciprocity agreements. That means students in neighboring states will not receive tuition discounts in Pennsylvania, and vice-versa. However, if you live elsewhere, be sure to investigate these agreements to find out if your state participates in one.

Other college lists to explore

Frequently asked questions

What is the hardest Pennsylvania college to get into?

UPenn and the Curtis Institute of Music have the two lowest admission rates in the state of Pennsylvania. These admissions rates may seem intimidating, but don’t let a low number deter you from applying. Remember, your application can always catch an admissions officer’s eye, and everyone should apply to at least a couple of reach schools!

Why should I study in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania is a great place for college due to the cultural and economic opportunities offered by Philadelphia, its proximity to other New England cities, and its proximity to natural attractions. Many parts of Pennsylvania, such as Philly, also offer a lower cost of living than other New England cities like DC, New York, and Boston.

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