Best Colleges in Pennsylvania
Humid summers and cold winters are typical in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The Keystone State, where the Declaration of Independence and Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, were drafted, is also known for the Carnegie Museums, National Aviary, and for creating the first zoo in the nation. There are a variety of colleges in Pennsylvania, including Bible colleges, private baccalaureate institutions, for-profit schools, doctoral colleges, and the Commonwealth System of Higher Education, which includes more than 30 colleges and universities. Pennsylvania is also home to several specialized institutions and a Talmudical college. The oldest institution in the state is the University of Pennsylvania, which also debuted the country’s first medical college in 1874. Chemical manufacturing, coal mining, and food products are key areas of Pennsylvania’s economy, while other major industries include broadcasting and telecommunication, as well as administrative and support services. The Philadelphia Museum of Art, Hersheypark, and the Liberty Bell are prime attractions.
How Were the Top Schools in Pennsylvania Chosen?
Cappex determines “Best Colleges” based on publicly-available information from the US Department of Education. Several factors include, but are not limited to, data about admitted students’ academic calibers, students’ expected career outcomes after graduation, and colleges’ investments toward making their institution accessible to all students.
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Founded in 1740 by Benjamin Franklin, the University of Pennsylvania is a private Ivy League institution in Philadelphia. UPenn hosts 12 schools conferring undergraduate degrees in over 90 academic fields of study. Additionally, UPenn’s Gothic-style...
I think it's the perfect school for me.
” – Katherine from Murrieta, CA
Swarthmore College is a private liberal arts institution in Pennsylvania that was founded in 1864. The college was founded by the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) and its "most selective" admissions process is also need-blind. The 425-acre...
Swarthmore is one of the toughest colleges in the country, but it pays off. Aside from major intro classes like Psch 1 and Bio 1&2, class sizes are very small. Professors are brilliant and AVAILABLE--unlike profs at huge research universities, they...
” – Some Swattie
Haverford College is a 4-year liberal arts college in the Philadelphia metro area. Founded in 1833 as a Quaker school, Haverford now grants bachelor’s degrees in 29 academic majors and all degrees culminate in a senior thesis research project. With a...
Haverford is a fantastic academic environment. In my experience, professors really care about their subject and their students. Overall, they are incredibly approachable and always interested in helping you learn and eager to discuss issues that are...
” – female from MN
Carnegie Mellon University stands among the world's most renowned educational institutions, and we tap into our diverse community and world-leading digital technologies across business, engineering, the sciences, the humanities and the arts to chart...
The amount of things you learn throughout your classes is amazing to me. Just this past 2 weeks, I've learned so many things about programming that it has made a noticeable change in how I approach problems.
” – Mathew from Jensen Beach, FL
Founded by a local industrialist and philanthropist, Lehigh University is a 4-year private school in eastern Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley. Lehigh is home to colleges of Business, Engineering, Arts & Sciences, Health, and Education granting...
Even though I'm taking mostly prerequisite classes right now, they are more advanced than anything I'd taken in high school and the teaching styles of the professors are conducive to learning. The learning that occurs on campus isn't limited to...
” – Stacy from Hope Valley, RI
Lafayette College is based in Easton, PA, and is considered a “Hidden Ivy.” This private college leads all other liberal arts colleges in the US with the most Goldwater Scholarship recipients. Lafayette is ranked on several lists by The Princeton...
The professors take a genuine interest in their students and are more than willing to offer their time and assistance.
Lafayette offers a broad variety of programs to help prepare you for the future. Personal meetings with counselors help you to...
Founded in 1787 thanks to a donation from Benjamin Franklin, Franklin & Marshall College is a 4-year liberal arts college in southeast Pennsylvania. Franklin & Marshall grants undergraduate degrees in 60 academic fields of study. For students who...
Franklin & Marshall is about the liberal arts experience. You are not there to become a doctor, or a lawyer or a business professional; you are there to learn, to create, and to explore. This school emphasizes that this is the ONE CHANCE in your life...
” – Ashley from Burlington, VT
Founded in 1842 by the friars of the Order of Saint Augustine, Villanova University is a 4-year research institution in the Philadelphia area and the oldest Catholic school in Pennsylvania. Villanova is home to six colleges and schools conferring...
The class experiences are definitely rewarding if you put the time and effort into the course material. Those who stay reasonably caught up with assigned readings and homework will get a lot out of the courses and will find they learn much more than...
” – David from Williamstown, NJ
Bucknell University is a highly selective, private liberal arts college located in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. As one of the nation's preeminent liberal arts universities and Division I schools, Bucknell offers a world-class learning experience where...
As a small private school, Bucknell pays attention to their students. I have never had a hard time talking or staying after with professors. They truly care that you learn the material and know your name. Taking on average five courses a semester...
” – Margaret from Islip, NY
With a campus adjacent to the battlefield where President Abraham Lincoln made his famous Gettysburg address, Gettysburg College is a liberal arts college in southern Pennsylvania. Featuring a curriculum focused on four key elements of a liberal arts...
Gettysburg is almost like a dream. I feel more at home here than I do anywhere else and being on campus makes me smile. I feel really lucky to get to attend this school and am really going to miss it when I graduate.
” – Kaytie from MA
Founded in 1885, Bryn Mawr College is a women’s liberal arts institution in the greater Philadelphia area and part of the Seven Sisters. Bryn Mawr offers undergraduate degrees in 37 majors and was the first women’s college to confer a PhD...
The campus is absolutely beautiful. The academics are rigorous.
” – Mary from plano, TX
Founded in 1848, Muhlenberg is a selective, private, four-year liberal arts college located in the beautiful Lehigh Valley of eastern Pennsylvania. With over 1900 students, 39 majors, 36 minors and an 9:1 student to faculty ratio, students experience...
The professors truly care about your progress and the liberal arts philosophy really allows you to challenge yourself in a variety of academic areas.
” – Samantha from Voorhees, NJ
Pennsylvania State University, Penn State, is a land-, sea-, and space-grant university with a main campus in University Park. This public research institution was founded in 1855 and is one of the largest universities in the US by student body. Its...
Penn State is a first class University. Professors are both well informed and intriguing. Even the biggest lecture classes can seem like an engaging one on one meeting. The class listings also are very various and allow for much customization in...
” – Eric from Winburne, PA
Allegheny College is a 4-year liberal arts college in northwest Pennsylvania dedicated to providing students an education across a variety of subjects. Allegheny grants bachelor’s degrees in 31 areas of study and all students are required to take at...
If you weren't a hand-raiser before coming to Allegheny, it just might turn you into one. Class discussions never fail to be compelling, and even lecture classes are stimulating and never too large to exclude anyone. There is admittedly a heavy...
” – Roma from Morristown, NJ
Chartered in 1783, Dickinson College is a liberal arts college in southeast Pennsylvania and the first college founded after the American Revolution. Dickinson grants bachelor’s degrees in over 45 academic fields of study and all majors include the...
Dickinson is a top-quality liberal arts institution that works to provide each student with as many opportunities as they possibly can. Academically, Dickinson is top of the line, and despite its size, it boasts huge number of wonderful opportunities...
” – Morgan from Schuylkill Haven, PA
Founded in 1876, Juniata College is a 4-year liberal arts college in central Pennsylvania affiliated with the Church of the Brethren. Instead of conventional majors, Juniata features Programs of Emphasis which challenge students to develop their own...
I'm looking to major in Biology, and this looks like a great place to go for it. The program is very diverse, and surprisingly varied for a school of its size. I haven't gotten to sit in on classes (I've been accepted, and they're at the top of my...
” – Megan from New Market, MD
Founded in 1787 as the Pittsburgh academy, the University of Pittsburgh is a 4-year state-related research institution. Pitt is composed of 16 colleges and universities granting undergraduate degrees in numerous academic majors and minors. The Pitt...
The professors are great, but in order to take advantage of all they have to offer, you have to GO to class!! Also, create a relationship with them - it may come in handy for research or internship opportunities.
” – Lauren from Harrison City, PA
Built for a future that has yet to be defined, Jefferson is crossing disciplines to bring unrivaled innovation and discovery to higher education. Through boundary-breaking collaboration, research and hands-on, experiential learning, we equip...
This school is very well developed. You learn alot of information needed for your major. Many opportunities are offered. Have excellent internship programs to help you have an idea of what to expect after graduation. Many clubs and organizations...
” – Adji from Philadelphia, PA
Founded in 1846, Saint Vincent College is a private institution operated by Benedictine monks. The college combines Catholic and Benedictine tradition with a liberal arts and sciences curriculum. Rated as having “selective” admissions, the college is...
I chose to come to St. Vincent because I knew that I wanted to major in the sciences. They have a new state of the art science center and the teachers here really know what they are talking about.
” – Sara from Scottdale, PA
With campus overlooking Perkiomen Creek, Ursinus College is a 4-year liberal arts college in the Philadelphia metro area. Ursinus grants bachelor’s degrees in 60 academic areas of study and all first year students are enrolled in the college’s...
The professors are always there for students anytime the student needs help. It is important to the university that the students truly understand the material, instead of just squeezing by. All of the professors have a wide range of knowledge and...
” – Stephanie
With a campus overlooking its eponymous river, Susquehanna University is a 4-year institution in central Pennsylvania featuring a liberal arts curriculum and pre-professional studies. Susquehanna is home to schools of Business and Arts & Sciences...
The faculty at SU is wonderful. Everyone wants you to succeed. If going to class and taking notes aren't enough, professors are more than willing to take time out of their schedules to sit down with you to discuss the material until you truly...
” – Megan from Wilkes-Barre, PA
Founded in 1851 by the Society of Jesus, Saint Joseph’s University is a Jesuit Catholic school in Philadelphia. SJU is home to colleges and schools of Arts & Sciences, Business, and Health Studies offering bachelor’s degrees with a core curriculum...
Ultimately the learning is all up to the individual so it depends on the students dedication that they have. The teachers are very intelligent and they are willing to help with any problem. There are many different options for the student if he or...
” – Tina from Scranton, PA
Founded by missionaries of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit, Duquesne University is a 4-year Catholic institution in Pittsburgh and the only Spiritan university in the country. Duquesne is home to nine schools of study emphasizing the liberal arts...
The teachers here so far are high-quality. They care about whether or not you learn what they are teaching you, and they are always willing to answer your questions and meet with you if you are having difficulties. Each has a different teaching style...
” – Kathryn from Bridgeport, WV
Temple University, founded in 1884, is a public, four-year high research university located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Home to more than 37,000 students, Temple offers more than 600 academic programs in 17 schools and colleges, on several...
Whether it is a boring topic or not the faculty at Temple University makes sure that you learn the information in a fun or interesting manner.
” – Brooke from Philadelphia, PA
Originally founded in 1888 as St. Thomas College, the University of Scranton is a Catholic and Jesuit school in eastern Pennsylvania. Scranton is home to colleges of Arts & Sciences, Management, and Professional Studies conferring undergraduate...
The classes can be challenging at times, but are very worth while and you will learn plenty. The science classes tend to be quite challenging but aren't too bad. The philosophy classes are quite interesting and make you think quite a lot about things...
” – Shrut from Dalton, PA
Washington & Jefferson College was founded as three log cabin schools in 1781. It is a private liberal arts college that provides a curriculum focused on preparing students to go on to professional and graduate schools. The school offers a large...
Without sounding too trite, I’m learning more and more everyday from being here at Washington and Jefferson. The professors are willing to stop and answer questions and are there to teach you, unlike other institutions. I wanted a college that would...
” – Abrianne from Harrisburg, PA
Affiliated with the Church of the Brethren, Elizabethtown College is a private institution in south central Pennsylvania. Elizabethtown confers degrees in 56 academic fields of study and offers 100 minors and concentrations. With a focus on...
The campus is absolutely gorgeous. It's great spending time after a theatre class just laying out on the Dell sunbathing and catching up with friends. Everyone here is extremely friendly and helpful; you'll never feel alone.
” – BethMessiah College is a private liberal arts and sciences institution based in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. It was founded by the Brethren in Christ Church and has a “more selective” admissions process. Students are required to sign a Community Covenant...
Mostly my classes have been small enough to be able to get to know the teacher, yet large enough to have a discussion that has representatives from many different worldviews. Even the lecture classes have been small, especially considering what...
” – Messiah Student, Health and Exercise Science Major
Founded in 1812, Lycoming College is a private, liberal arts institution established in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. In order to graduate, each student is required to fulfill an Enhanced Academic Experience, which can consist of a cooperative program...
The faculty at Lycoming College really want you to learn and to succeed in class. They are all open to questions and are willing to do whatever it takes to help you.
” – Jonath from Mifflinburg, PA
Founded in 1742, Moravian University is the nation's sixth oldest college and offers students a private education they will not find anywhere else: personal attention and preparation for life with a record of success longer than our nation’s history...
This school absolutely pushes you to your limits and beyond, but not in an entirely over-stressed manner. Students here have teachers who are both mentors and friends. The professors here make sure that students learn all the material that is needed...
” – Student from Allentown, PAAffiliated with the Presbyterian church, Westminster College is 4-year liberal arts college located in western Pennsylvania. Westminster is home to 41 bachelor’s degree-granting programs as well as 10 pre-professional fields of study. In addition to...
At Westminster College, there is a 12:1 student/faculty ratio. This provides students with the opportunity to have one on one time with the professors. The professors are always in their offices waiting to give academic advice, proofread a paper...
” – Rebecca from New Castle, PA
Named for a prominent 19th century philanthropist, Drexel University is a 4-year private research university in Philadelphia. Drexel offers bachelor’s degrees in over 80 academic majors with an emphasis on experiential learning. Additionally, the...
I have just finished my first year at Drexel and I already feel like I am learning a lot. The classes are challenging, but the professors are extremely helpful. For example, I took AP Calculus at my high school and did okay, but I didn't feel I was...
” – Megan from Lester, PA
Misericordia University is a liberal arts institution based in Dallas, Pennsylvania. Misericordia is affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church and has a “selective” admissions process. The school offers a Guaranteed Career Placement Program which...
The Student/Faculty ratio is very good, if you like to have smaller classes. The Professors are always willing to help you inside as well as outside the classrooms or labs.
” – Alexandra from Prospect, CT
Founded in 1856, Albright College is a 4-year liberal arts college in eastern Pennsylvania and the oldest institution of higher learning in its home county. Albright confers bachelor’s degrees in over 45 academic majors and also features an...
All of the professors are extremely helpful and they really want you to succeed which is great. Many of the tests have reviews beforehand that tell you exactly what is on each test and most of the time there are no tricks when the actual test comes...
” – Meghan from Bowmansville, PA
Uniquely focused on the sciences and healthcare, University of the Sciences has educated proven leaders, professionals, and practitioners for 200 years. We offer over 30 programs, bachelor's through doctoral degrees, on campus and online, in health...
Attending my first year at this college, I expected hardcore science classes and programs and that is just what I got. Though the programs are challenging, they're not impossible to pass. Attendance and studying are a must for each and every single...
” – Davina from Plainfield, NJ
Founded in 1847, Saint Francis University is a Catholic liberal arts institution in western Pennsylvania and is the oldest Franciscan Catholic university in the United States. Saint Francis confers undergraduate degrees in 50+ academic fields of...
Saint Francis University has been great in transitioning me from living at home, to living away from family members. The environment is very welcoming and all of the faculty and staff are more than willing to help any student in need. Saint Francis...
” – Jordan from Pittsburgh, PAGeneva College is a Christ-centered institution founded on the traditions of the Reformed Christian faith with a “selective” admissions process. The liberal arts college is based in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, and operates a second campus in...
The professors are all so nice and caring. They are very easy to get to know personally, thanks to small class size.
” – Current StudentLebanon Valley College is a private school based in Annville, Pennsylvania, affiliated with the United Methodist Church. The school offers multiple accelerated undergrad/master’s programs that allow students to earn dual degrees in 4-6 years. LVS...
Lebanon Valley excels in all of its programs! As I am currently planning on majoring in Physical Therapy, I will continue onto the next phase of graduate study in only 3 years! This school cuts off one entire year of schooling, condenses it, but...
” – Jennifer from Taneytown, MD
Founded in 1853, Arcadia University is a 4-year private institution in the Philadelphia metro area. The Arcadia campus hosts six colleges and schools conferring undergraduate degrees, including the College of Global Studies which oversees study...
I have learned so much since being at Arcadia, not just facts I need to know for my major but I have been able to learn a lot about myself and other important things. My knowledge has expanded so much thanks to the help of my professors.
” – Theodora from Warren, NJ
Originally founded in 1821 as a Quaker boarding school, Widener University is a 4-year private institution in the Philadelphia metro area. Widener confers undergraduate degrees in over 60 academic majors and minors. In addition, many of Widener’s...
Widener University is a wonderful University Filled with wonderful and caring faculty. I am so excited to be apart of Widener's pride and I encourage anyone who is interested in enrolling to go ahead and take that extra step to apply. The programs...
” – Maya from Philadelphia, PA
King's College is a 4-year institution located in Wilkes-Barres, Pennsylvania. King's provides a liberal arts and sciences education across 41 undergraduate and 8 graduate programs, as well as 27 athletic teams to cheer on. High school students can...
King's gives you a very well-rounded education. The professors are always available for help or advice.
” – Lee Ann from Reading, PA
Eastern University is a nationally-recognized Christian university enrolling approximately 5,700 students in a wide array of undergraduate, graduate, professional, and seminary programs. The university’s main campus is located in St. Davids, PA, with...
Eastern has really taught me a lot not just academically, but also spiritually and personally. One of the biggest lessons I've learned is just how connected everything is. I've learned things in TaeKwon-Do that applied to Psychology that then applied...
” – Angelique
DeSales University is a private institution affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church. The school provides a liberal arts curriculum with a focus in the Catholic tradition. It is home to dance studios, TV and film studios, simulation laboratories...
The faculty make sure to deliver personal one-on-one attention to each student. It's a guarantee that one of the first professional contacts you have out in the field will be one of your teachers, and DeSales only uses full time teachers in the...
” – Lawrence from Sellersville, PA
Founded by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Erie, Gannon University is a 4-year Catholic liberal arts college in northwest Pennsylvania and one of 11 Diocesan universities in the United States. Gannon grants bachelor’s degrees in 64 academic fields of...
The professors at Gannon are great. They will work with you and around your schedules to make sure that you are up to par and where you need to be. I find it great that there are certain classes that everyone has to take and they are often very...
” – Elizabeth from Mc Donald, PA
The University of Pittsburgh-Bradford is a 4-year public school in northern Pennsylvania and a regional campus of the University of Pittsburgh system. Pitt-Bradford offers undergraduate degrees in 43 academic majors. In addition to classroom...
The education is good and the teachers are very friendly and helpful!
” – Laramie from Lucinda, PA
Cedar Crest College is an all-female, private liberal arts college based in Allentown, Pennsylvania. It is an independent college, but historically associated with the United Church of Christ. The school hosts an annual Media Literacy Week headed by...
The classes here are very engaging. Professors know how to make class interesting while you receive a great education. The professors here always have plenty of office hours in case you may need assistance in learning the course material. There are...
” – Jessica from Dover, DEHoly Family University is a private, Christ-centered institution established in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with a satellite facility operating in Newtown which houses the college’s graduate programs. The main campus offers over 60 undergraduate...
Holy Family University provides an excellent environment that promotes academic excellence. The administration truly puts the best interest of the students first. The balance of education and religion are key to the success of the university.
” – Kelly from Philadelphia, PA
Founded by the Brothers of the Christian Schools, La Salle University is a Catholic school in Philadelphia. La Salle is home to schools of Arts & Sciences, Business, and Nursing conferring undergraduate degrees and all academic programs feature a...
This school is great for learning because of the class sizes. All classes are small to the point where the professor will know your name, and you can sometimes even gain a close relationship with the professors. Because you can get to know your...
” – Shaquanna from Tobyhanna, PALancaster Bible College is a private, Christ-centered institution established in southern Pennsylvania, with four additional campus locations throughout the country. LBC offers over 40 undergraduate majors and minors, eight accelerated programs, and...
The professors are all very knowledgeable and qualified. Especially the Music professors. I grew by leaps and bounds my first year. Worship during chapel is so great. You will really grow in your faith.
” – Charger
At York College of Pennsylvania, we believe that a life of passion and purpose is built by learning and experiencing every day. At York College, our approach to education is practical and experiential, focusing on real-world experiences that allow...
so far i have only taken core classes but they were very useful to my major. The college will not put you in classes you don't need.
” – Hilary from West Deptford, NJ