Best Colleges in Pennsylvania (2023 Rankings)

Pennsylvania isn't just famous for giving us Hershey's chocolate, it also has an incredible reputation when it comes to education in the United States.

In this article, we're going to take you on a journey through the best colleges that Pennsylvania has to offer (in no particular order). 

As part of our methodology, we'll be delving into various aspects such as the size of these institutions, the range of academic programs they provide, and even the student-to-faculty ratios - all essential factors to consider when choosing the right college for you. 

Plus, we've got additional resources lined up for you, so you can dive even deeper into researching the colleges that pique your interest.

University of Pennsylvania

The University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) is one of the top colleges and was established back in 1740. It is part of the Ivy League, known for its impressive education. 

They've got about 26,500 students on multiple campuses and offer a variety of programs, from business and law to healthcare and engineering. 

And since this school is right in the heart of Philadelphia, you'll have tons of cultural and networking opportunities. What's cool is that UPenn is really into interdisciplinary studies, especially at the Wharton School of Business. 

They're also big on Greek life, with nearly 40 groups and tons of members.

If you're curious, their enrollment rate is around 9%, and they've got a great student-to-faculty ratio of 6:1, so you'll get that personalized attention. 

Carnegie Mellon University

Carnegie Mellon University is a fantastic private school right near downtown Pittsburgh. They're a cutting-edge research university and have this awesome connection to over 400 startups. 

They've got around 13,500 students, both in-state and from around the world. They also really shine in fields like computer science, AI, and software engineering - perfect if you're a STEM enthusiast. 

Classes are pretty cozy, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1 and usually 25-35 students per class, so you'll get more personalized attention and a chance to really dive into the material. 

University of Pittsburgh

Nestled right in Pittsburgh, the University of Pittsburgh is a hub of activity with over 22,000 students. 

They have a great mix of strengths, offering 100+ majors like health sciences, nursing, education, and business. Campus life is vibrant, with a buffet of 400+ student groups and leadership programs to explore.

Oh, and classes? They're not your typical snooze-fests. With a friendly 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio and just around 17 students in an average class, you're in for some quality learning time. 

Penn State University

Penn State University is a huge institution, spanning 24 campuses across Pennsylvania. Campuses include University Park in State College, and other campuses like those in Erie, York, and Dunmore, with the main campus in the center of the state. 

There's a flavor for everyone, with four-year degree programs and associate degrees. 

Their program offerings cover everything from finance and science to communications and digital journalism. 

Offering a staggering 275+ majors, Penn State's academic variety is truly impressive.

Lehigh University

Located in Bethlehem city, Lehigh University is a gem known for balancing a spacious campus with a close-knit student body of around 7,000 students. With a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio and small class sizes, personalized learning is their forte.

This place thrives on culture, hosting a medley of events, athletic opportunities, and a spectrum of leadership programs. 

From undergraduate to graduate studies, Lehigh offers many degree options. Plus, their interdisciplinary study options merge disciplines like engineering, arts and sciences, and even computer science and business, catering to your eclectic interests. Don't forget about their entrepreneurship mindset and opportunities - a definite standout.

And with consistently high 4-year graduation rates of 79%, Lehigh's commitment to academic success shines bright. 

Villanova University

Villanova University, situated just outside Philadelphia, boasts a sprawling 260-acre campus that accommodates around 10,000 students. 

They offer both bachelor's degrees and master's degrees, as well as doctoral and law programs, and even certificates and online options. They're well-known for their arts and sciences programs and have a killer School of Business too.

But it's not all about the books, they're big on giving back, so you'll find loads of service-based opportunities, from volunteering to community building and even some soul-nourishing retreats.

Just so you know, getting in isn't a breeze - they've got an admissions rate of around 31%, but this speaks volumes about their academic standards.

Swarthmore College

Tucked in the charming town of Swarthmore, this place is more than just a Pennsylvania college - it's a 425-acre campus complete with picturesque gardens and hosts a cozy community of over 1,400 students.

Swarthmore takes pride in its student-focused resources, abundant clubs, and leadership opportunities. 

And they're all about giving you options with over 40 programs of study - and get this: you can even design your own major! With a whopping 600+ courses to pick from and a specialized honors program, you won't run out of things to learn. 

Plus, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 8:1, you can bet that you'll be getting plenty of face-time with your profs. 

Haverford College

The campus at Haverford College is a cozy 200-acre haven right in the township of Haverford, just a few minutes from the buzz of Philadelphia. And guess what? They're all about creating a close-knit vibe - with just over 1,300 students.

Flexing its academic muscles, Haverford offers a diverse curriculum that lets you get your hands on tons of minors and concentrations - think languages, anthropology, you name it. Some of their popular majors are political science, economics, and psychology.

With a seriously low 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio, you can expect some real quality time with your professors. But, heads up - this place is serious about academics, with an acceptance rate of 18%.

Temple University

Situated in the bustling city of Philadelphia, Temple University has over 37,000 students.

Temple's not just about classes - they're all in on research development and innovation. They've also got a massive menu of over 160 undergraduate majors from architecture and education to engineering and media communication.

Temple University offers a rigorous education, so you can expect to be prepared for your next phase of life after graduation: your career. With a 75% 6-year graduation rate, this school is a great choice in Pennsylvania. 

Lafayette College

Lafayette College, nestled in the vibrant city of Easton, Pennsylvania, offers a unique academic experience to around 2,500 students. Its strengths lie in its captivating culture, set in a stunning location brimming with entertainment and artistic opportunities.

Lafayette's academic offerings are in four main divisions: humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering, encompassing over 50 areas of study. 

The campus buzzes with energy through Greek life and a wealth of clubs and organizations - a whopping 187 groups with 27% of students as active members.

With an acceptance rate of 36%, Lafayette opens its doors to diverse talents. The intimate learning environment boasts a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio, fostering close interactions.

Honorable mentions

• Duquesne University. Hosting over 8,000 students across 9 schools, they provide an impressive 255 undergraduate and graduate programs, including nursing, analytics, biochemistry, interactive design, religious studies, and more.
• Bryn Mawr College. A women's college with about 1,600 students, Bryn Mawr stands for empowerment. They offer a mix of programs in humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences, all geared toward nurturing women's leadership and success.
• Muhlenberg College. With around 2,000 students, Muhlenberg College is known for its rigorous curriculum spanning arts, humanities, natural sciences, social sciences, and professional areas like business and education. 
• Gettysburg College. Hovering around 2,500 students, Gettysburg College is a hub for liberal arts college education. Plus, they're big on study abroad adventures, cool seminars, and even let you dive into some real student research. 

Among other noteworthy mentions, the University of Scranton, Widener University, and Wilkes-Barre University offer intimate settings, accommodate 2,000 to 5,000 students, and provide great financial aid options. 

For a liberal arts focus, both Bucknell University and Dickinson College excel. Seeking prestige? Saint Joseph's University ranks among the North's top 10. 

Take off on your educational journey in Pennsylvania with College Rover

Whether you're drawn to vibrant city life or the charm of smaller towns, Pennsylvania offers diverse institutions to match your style. From Penn State's bustling campus to the intimate environments of Haverford and Lafayette, there's a school for you.

Fortunately, College Rover makes your next step easy. You can simply research schools, compare notable programs, learn about the student population, graduation rates, SAT and ACT scores, and more. 

College Rover helps you find colleges anywhere in Pennsylvania, from Allentown and Lancaster to Lewisburg and Carlisle.

Discover the richness of Pennsylvania's educational opportunities with confidence, knowing that College Rover is here to guide you every step of the way. 

College Rover gets the majority of its data directly from the U.S. Department of Education (DOE). The DOE publishing schedule "lags" the most current data which some colleges post on their official websites. This may cause there to be a difference in the data you see on College Rover and an individual college website. College Rover's website is updated as the DOE data becomes available and is configured for the College Rover website.