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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Founded in 1896, Delaware Valley University is a private institution situated in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. DelVal confers undergraduate degrees in 25 majors focused on Humanities, Natural Sciences, and Business, and all academic programs incorporate...

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The classes offer a good level of work and challenge that makes sure you will not be forgetting any of it soon.

” – Jossette from Erie, PA
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Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona is a public institution and commonwealth campus. It is located in Logan Township, PA. Popular areas of study include electrical and electronics engineering, nursing, and business. Study abroad options...

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Its all about your professors!! So when you schedule your first classes, make sure you go to www.ratemyprofessors.com and look the professor up! Trust me, you'll thank me in the end.

” – Kristen from Altoona, PA
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania

Founded in 1889, Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania is a 4-year public institution in western Pennsylvania and a member of Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education. With campus nestled in the rolling hills of the region, Slippery Rock...

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Upon coming here in the fall of 2009, I never anticipated learning as much as I am now. One nice thing about this school is that all of your courses relate in some way. I found myself learning the same concepts, from different perspectives which...

” – Lindsay from Mc Kees Rocks, PA
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Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College is a public institution located in suburban Erie, PA. PSB is a residential college and has one of the largest campuses in the Penn State System. Mechanical engineering, e-commerce, and...

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Although what you learn depends mostly on you the teachers also have a part in how a student learns. At Penn State the teachers take extra time out of their day to assist you along with most of the other staff. Everyone is willing to help and be...

” – Danielle from Erie, PA
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Originally founded as a women’s college, Seton Hill University is a coeducational Catholic liberal arts college in western Pennsylvania. Seton Hill is home to five schools conferring undergrad degrees in over 80 academic majors. In addition, all...

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The student to teacher ratio is about 16:1. You will have more of an opportunity to have one on one learning experience. Also there are no teaching assistants or student teachers, they are all professionals.

” – Madeline from Hudson, OH
Cairn University-Langhorne

Formerly known as the Philadelphia Bible Institute, Cairn University is a Christian college in eastern Pennsylvania. Cairn is home to six schools conferring undergraduate degrees in over 40 Christ-centered majors. In addition, Cairn offers Christian...

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Not only am I learning more than I ever did at a Charter high school (which is a school that focuses on academics), but I'm learning how to think and how to question.

” – Kelly from Newark, DE
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Neumann University is a private institution sponsored by the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia, created in the Franciscan Tradition. NU offers 10 study abroad destinations, a Child Development Center, and dorms with bathrooms in every suite...

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You will learn a lot by attending this school. A lot of classes in their core curriculum are very diverse so you are exposed to a lot of knowledge in many areas. The teachers don't let you off easy either, they provide you with a lot of information...

” – Tim from Barto, PA
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Pennsylvania State University Harrisburg is a public institution and part of the Penn State system. Its campus is built over the retired Olmstead Air Force Base. Penn State Harrisburg is home to several research centers such as the Center for...

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My classes are varied. And I learn everyday.
I love EVERYTHING about my college!! I felt like I was suppose to come here.

” – Nailah from Upper Marlboro, MD
University of Pittsburgh-Greensburg

The University of Pittsburgh-Greensburg is part of the University of Pittsburgh system and a designated state-related institution by The Commonwealth System of Higher Education. The campus features an Academic Village for students who want to immerse...

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I will be attending UPG in the Fall, and I truly believe this university will be great for me. After all, I'll have the benefits of small class sizes and the University of Pittsburgh diploma.

” – Bethany from New Eagle, PA
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Penn State Mont Alto is a commonwealth campus of Pennsylvania State University offering five bachelor’s and eight associate degrees and certificates. Students at Penn State Mont Alto also have the option to begin over 160 other majors before...

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Not only am I learning educational material from wonderful professors but I am always learning how to live and manage my time on a small campus in the middle of nowhere.

” – Kevin from Washington, DC
Alvernia University

Alvernia University is a private institution based in Reading, Pennsylvania, and is affiliated with the Franciscan Roman Catholic church. It operates satellite campuses in Schuylkill County and Philadelphia. Nursing, substance abuse and addiction...

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I believe that by attending Alvernia University I will learn many things; about my major and about life itself.

” – Mariah from Smyrna, DE
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Curtis Institute of Music is a private, 4-year conservatory established in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. All students attending Curtis receive merit-based, full-tuition scholarships and financial aid packages to allow students to focus on their studies...

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Penn State Berks is a commonwealth campus of the state land-grant university Pennsylvania State University. The 258-acre campus is home to the Perkins Student Center, the Janssen Conference Center, the Herb Society’s garden and numerous residence...

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I am learning everything I always dreamed of! And that is a GREAT education!

” – Damaris from Philadelphia, PA
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Penn State Schuylkill is a commonwealth campus in eastern Pennsylvania and one of the oldest campuses in the Penn State system. Penn State Schuylkill confers bachelor’s degrees in seven areas of study and is also home to four associate degree...

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Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Schuylkill is a wonderful community atmosphere with a beautiful focus on individual attention, research, and academic integrity. All of the professors take the time to get to know students on a personal level...

” – Katelyn from Pottsville, PA
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Located just outside of Allentown, Penn State Lehigh Valley is the oldest commonwealth campus in the Pennsylvania State University system. Penn State Lehigh Valley offers nine bachelor’s degree programs and an honors program as well as the option to...

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Penn State New Kensington is a commonwealth campus in the Penn State University system located in western Pennsylvania. Penn State New Kensington offers 10 bachelor’s degree and five associate degree programs available entirely on campus and students...

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I love Penn State New Kensington, because of the understanding professors, activities, and the small campus life style.
I like the close campus, which saves on gas now.
I love that it's easy to make friends and then you have someone to talk to as...

” – Cristina from New Kensington, PA
Lincoln University
Lincoln University, PA
Lincoln University

Lincoln University is a public, historically black institution established in Oxford, Pennsylvania, with a satellite location in Philadelphia. The 422-acre main campus is home to over 50 buildings built as early as 1899. The college offers nearly 40...

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Lincoln University was not one of my first choices, however, I am glad that I decided to attend. Many of the courses I have taken have professors who are very good with communicating information to the students. I have learned numerous things that...

” – Nicholas from Washington, DC
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Located in the northeast part of the state, Pennsylvania State University in Hazleton offers 10 bachelor’s degree programs and 5 associate degrees on the 125-acre campus overlooking the Conyngham Valley. Students at Penn State Hazleton can take part...

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In three sentences? Hmmm...This campus has many opportunities. It has a small class size to teacher ratio. The parties are fun. In all, PSU Hazy is a great place.

” – psuhazy
Grove City College

Founded in 1876, Grove City College is an evangelical Christian liberal arts college in western Pennsylvania. Grove City grants bachelor’s degrees in over 50 academic majors and all courses feature a focus on Christian faith. As a Christian college...

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I believe listing 5 stars on this is an understatement. I did not think it was even possible for me to learn the amount of material we have covered just in my first semester! The professors are all extremely helpful and the class sizes allow for a...

” – Jonathan from East Islip, NY
Millersville University of Pennsylvania

Millersville University of Pennsylvania is a 4-year public school in southeastern Pennsylvania and a part of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. Millersville encompasses colleges of Arts & Humanities, Business, Science, and Education...

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Millersville Universities professor provide you with an the tools you need to succeed. The professors strive to build a relationship with you so that they get to learn the type of student that you are. Also because the classroom settings are small...

” – Aida from Philadelphia, PA