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?
Appily 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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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 has been empowering women to smash glass ceilings and achieve their educational goals since 1867. Today, the College continues to open the doors to opportunities for its diverse student body, both in the undergraduate women's...
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, DE
Holy 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
The West Chester University of Pennsylvania is a public school in the Philadelphia area and the largest institution in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. WCU is comprised of seven colleges including the College of Arts & Humanities...
The classes are challenging but most of the teachers are pretty cool and make learning fun. Although they don't baby you like most high school teachers so you need to stay on top of your work. Get on the teachers good side by going to class and by...
” – Amanda from Levittown, PA
Chatham University is a liberal arts college based in Pittsburgh, PA. CU offers 60 majors and programs, also providing Integrated Degree Programs to complete a bachelor’s and master’s more quickly. The university is comprised of three campuses, the...
Classes are very nice. I am only taking first year courses at the moment, but everything I am learning is either going to be beneficial to me in the real world, or help me in my career. It is nice because if Chatham doesn't offer the class you want...
” – Anonymous ReviewerPenn State Beaver is a commonwealth campus of Pennsylvania State University in the Pittsburgh region of the state. Penn State Beaver offers seven bachelor’s degree programs entirely on campus as well as the option to begin the first two years of over...
Although Penn State Beaver is a branch campus you still receive the same quality Penn State University education. There are a great variety of courses offered on campus and with fewer students on campus you have smaller class sizes. Even classes not...
” – Ashley from Aliquippa, PA
Be transformed. Be empowered. Be unstoppable.
At Robert Morris University, we see things in you before you see them in yourself. That’s why we give you everything you need to thrive: in-demand programs, professional experiences, a vibrant faculty, a...
RMU has very very nice facilities, especially with their medical engineering programs. Everyone there is willing to help and friendly.
” – Stephanie from West Newton, PA
Founded in 1850, Waynesburg University is a private school situated in the hills of Waynesburg, Pennsylvania. It is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church and prides itself on being a “good value” school with tuition, room, and board priced below...
Great environment to learn...small classes and informative and helpful professors.
” – Maryland student
Wilkes University is a private four-year institution in Wilkes-Barre Pennsylvania offering 45 in-demand majors, including engineering, business, nursing and pharmacy. With a beautiful campus, state-of-the-art facilities, vibrant student life, small...
The classes are small, so better one on one with teachers. Teachers are very personable and helpful. Can get tutors for free or see teachers during office hours for help. Study sessions are also available to review and discuss information for...
” – Samantha from Wilkes Barre, PA
Marywood University is a liberal arts institution affiliated with the Roman Catholic church that’s located in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Marywood University’s 115-acre campus houses three colleges, the College of Arts & Sciences, the College of...
The professors here are amazing. They are friendly and well-versed in the subjects that they teach. When they say you can come to them if you have any problems or need any extra help, they sincerely mean it.
” – Suzanne from Meshoppen, PA
Point Park University has been an anchor in Downtown Pittsburgh for more than 90 years. The University’s official founding date is February 6, 1933 when the Finkelhor family established the Business Training College. In 1960 we transitioned to Point...
As a student enrolled in the Cinema & Digital Arts major I feel as though I have learned a tremendous amount about film making. The four year program is set up in a very structured manner that encompasses full learning potential. Point Park is also...
” – Joseph from Cochranton, PAMercyhurst University is a private Catholic liberal arts institution situated in Erie, Pennsylvania. Mercyhurst offers a liberal arts curriculum and all students must complete a core curriculum that includes 15 classes. Noted programs include data...
The teachers are great and really care about you personally.
” – Molly from Cranberry, PA
The Immaculata University is a Catholic university in Malvern, PA, that was founded by the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. The Christian core values of charism and tradition permeate the more than 60 majors available at Immaculata...
While on my visit to Immaculata, I was able to have an opportnity to talk to one of the Professors about my major. I was told that a classroom could be from 5-11 people tops! Thats' an AMAZING ratio! So if you need extra help or attention, your more...
” – Ebonee from Blackwood, NJ
The University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown is a 4-year public institution in southwest central Pennsylvania and the oldest regional campus in the University of Pittsburgh system. Pitt-Johnstown grants bachelor’s degrees in 45 academic fields of study...
From my first year of experience, all of my professors tried their hardest to help their students understand the material. Many, if not all, of the professors have after class hours for students who need extra help. As long as you do the work...
” – Brooke from Lewistown, PA