Top Colleges in Pennsylvania - Scholarships360
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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: June 6th, 2024

    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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    Top college scholarships for
    Pennsylvania Students

    $18,500 in scholarships available
    Scholarships360 is recommended by
    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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    Top College Top College

    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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    Top College Top College

    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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    Top College Top College

    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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    Top College Top College

    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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    Top College Top College

    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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    Top College Top College

    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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    Top College Top College

    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: 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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