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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Perched atop a hillside, Penn State York is a commonwealth campus of Penn State University located in southern Pennsylvania. Penn State York offers 11 bachelor’s degrees and five associate degree programs available entirely on campus as well as the...

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Best priced penn state branch there is! :)

” – Taylor from Dallastown, PA
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Penn State Wilkes-Barre is a commonwealth campus of the Pennsylvania State University system in northeast Pennsylvania. Penn State Wilkes-Barre offers 10 bachelor’s and four associate degree-granting academic programs. Additionally, students have the...

East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania

Founded as a normal school in 1893, East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania is a 4-year public school in the Poconos region of eastern Pennsylvania. ESU is home to colleges of Arts & Sciences, Education, Business, and Health Sciences granting...

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I see it through my french and the french cinema class I took. Everytime I watch a movie I notice things I never would have noticed before this class. And I can't wait for my Spring Semester classes.

” – Nathaly from East Stroudsburg, PA
Pennsylvania State University-Abington

Pennsylvania State University in Abington is a public institution, and one of 24 PSU campuses throughout the state. PSU offers over 200 majors, 19 of which can be completed on the Abington campus, and also allows students to create their own major...

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I have just started and have already learned so much, that my horizons have completely changed. The teachers are so good, and so involved with their subjects and students, that they have started a fire in me which has caused me to re-think my goals...

” – Stacey from Philadelphia, PA
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Penn State Fayette in Eberly is a commonwealth campus of Penn State University in southwest Pennsylvania. As the only college or university in Fayette County, Penn State Fayette offers 10 bachelor’s degree and six associate degree programs as well as...

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I am learning a lot here at Penn state Fayette-the Eberly campus. I love the teachers. the environment of the school is wonderful. It may be a small school but you understand the lesson that is being taught very clear and easy. I love it!

” – Andrea from Monessen, PA
La Roche University

Founded by the Sisters of Divine Providence, La Roche University is a 4-year Catholic institution in Pittsburgh. LaRoche offers bachelor’s degrees in over 50 academic majors grounded in the Catholic Intellectual Tradition. As a Catholic university...

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La Roche College is a small, yet bustling school. Professors and students throughout the school are friendly, always smiling, and eager to help in anyway they can. I transferred here but have never felt more at home!

” – Sarah from Brackenridge, PA
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Gwynedd Mercy University is a private, Catholic institution with campuses in Lower Gwynedd Township, Philadelphia, and Bensalem, Pennsylvania. The university offers an E-STEM program that provides STEM students with a learning community, networking...

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I am learning a lot pertaining my major. The teachers are well educated and know what they are talking about. Some are easier than other, but I believe that all depends on the content that is being taught and that the students are trying to learn.

” – Current Student
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The University of Valley Forge is a private institution affiliated with the Assemblies of God with a goal to “prepare individuals for a life of leadership in the church and in the world.” UVF encourages student-led ministries as well as mission trips...

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The staff here is set to help you succeed! It is all about if you are willing to ask, and put the time forward!

” – Cameron from Woodbridge, VA
Carlow University

Carlow University is a private Catholic university that was founded by the Sisters of Mercy. The 13-acre Pittsburgh campus features a center for science and technology, a theater, a center for leadership and management, a church and a convent that is...

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I began as a freshman in August, (30 years old, single parent, starting my first real college journey) and I have been unbelievably happy/impressed with Carlow, as a whole. It's big enough to have exceptional, experienced faculty, but small enough...

” – Stephanie from Sarver, PA
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As a branch facility of Pennsylvania State University, Penn State Greater Allegheny is a public, 4-year institution located in McKeesport. The college offers 12 associate and bachelor-level fields of study, many minor and credit certificate options...

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Penn State is a great school. You can learn a lot if you like small classes and close relationships with teachers. Penn State Greater Allegheny can make your educational goals completer if your willing to put in the work.

” – Marcus from Pittsburgh, PA
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Penn State Brandywine is a campus in the Pennsylvania State University system located just outside of Philadelphia. Brandywine offers bachelor’s degrees in 12 fields of study as well as the opportunity to begin studying over 160 majors that can be...

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Both the professors and the students really get intimate with the whole learning process.

” – Lakyra from Philadelphia, PA
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Penn State Shenango is a commonwealth campus of Penn State University in western Pennsylvania and the system’s only campus in an urban setting. The Shenango location offers six bachelor’s degree programs as well as the opportunity to begin classes in...

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Penn State Scranton is a commonwealth campus of the Pennsylvania State University system in northeast Pennsylvania. The Scranton campus offers 13 bachelor’s degree and four associate degree programs as well as the opportunity to begin classes in over...

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Worthington is a calm and scenic campus with small class sizes and helpful teachers. On campus dining is limited, but the free food at the numerous school and club hosted events helps make up for it. This is a practical choice for anyone committed to...

” – Sophomore
Wilson College
Chambersburg, PA
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Wilson College is a private liberal arts school affiliated with the Presbyterian Church. It is located in rural Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, and home to a community-supported organic farm. Noted programs at the school include equestrian studies...

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Wilson College is a small school so everybody knows everybody, and you will see a familiar face everywhere you go. We form friendships right away and there is a lot of community involvement. Our professors are willing to help any way they can when a...

” – Student Class of 2013
Thiel College

Founded in 1866, Thiel College is a rural liberal arts college in northwest Pennsylvania affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Thiel confers undergraduate degrees in over 60 academic majors and minors. For students who wish to...

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I have learned so much being at Thiel College. I've learned that being far from home isn't so bad; making good friends helps a lot; studying hard pays off; as well the first year is always rough!

” – Bonita from Pittsburgh, PA
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Penn State DuBois is a commonwealth campus of Penn State University in central Pennsylvania. The DuBois campus features six bachelor’s and eight associate degree programs as well as the opportunity to begin coursework for over 160 other Penn State...

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The professors here are phenomenal! They know how to teach you in a manner that YOU understand. They offer one-on-one help to improve your learning experience.

” – Stephanie from Brockway, PA
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Rosemont College is a 4-year Catholic liberal arts college just outside of Philadelphia. In addition to its regular undergraduate studies plan, Rosemont offers 3-year bachelors, 5-year masters, and 7-year BA/MD programs for students looking to...

Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania

Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania is a 4-year institution and a member of Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education. Ship offers more than 100 undergraduate programs in their three colleges and they’re the only state university in the...

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In the beginning, they schedule your classes for you your first semester. The classes I got scheduled I really wasnt interested in and didnt think I would enjoy but I changed my outlook because I learned that a professor can make it or break it for...

” – Rachel from Johnstown, PA
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Clarks Summit University is a private, Christ-centered institution established in South Abington Township, Pennsylvania. All full-time undergraduate students are required to attend chapel in a punctual manner. CSU’s campus features a number of scenic...

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BBC is a great school for academic, social, and biblical learning. The classes are all challenging, but are definitely worth all of the time and energy invested into them. Professors are all passionate about their subject matter and learning is...

” – Hannah from Clarks Summit, PA
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The University of Pittsburgh-Titusville is a 2-year regional campus of the University of Pittsburgh in northwest Pennsylvania. Pitt-Titusville confers associate degrees in 14 academic fields of study. Additionally, Pitt-Titusville provides the...

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The class sizes are small and manageable for teachers. The teachers know all their students by name and are there to help them on individual basis if needed. There are many opportunities for students to get help from the counseling center, tutors...

” – Rebecca from Beaver, PA