Pennsylvania is home to some of the best colleges in the United States, offering students a wide range of educational opportunities. With a mix of public and private institutions, students can choose from a variety of majors and programs to help them achieve their career goals. The state is also known for its vibrant culture, rich history, and beautiful landscapes, providing a unique and dynamic environment for learning.

University of Pennsylvania (UPenn)

UPenn is a private Ivy League research university located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It was founded in 1740 and is one of the oldest universities in the United States. UPenn is consistently ranked as one of the top universities in the world, and its undergraduate program is highly selective.

Annual Cost

The annual cost of attendance for UPenn is around $78,000, which includes tuition, room and board, and other fees. However, the university offers a generous financial aid program to help students cover the cost of attendance. In fact, over half of UPenn, students receive some form of financial aid, and the average financial aid package is around $50,000.

Enrollment

UPenn has an undergraduate enrollment of around 10,000 students and a graduate enrollment of around 13,000 students. The diverse student body includes students from all 50 states and over 100 countries. The university has a student-to-faculty ratio of 6:1, which allows for personalized attention and mentorship.

SAT Range

The middle 50% SAT range for admitted students at UPenn is 1460-1570. This means that 25% of admitted students scored below 1460, and 25% scored above 1570. The university also considers other factors in the admissions process, such as extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation.

Financial Aid

UPenn is committed to making its education affordable for all students, regardless of their financial background. The university offers need-based financial aid, awarded based on a student’s demonstrated financial need. The university also offers merit-based scholarships for students with outstanding academic achievement or talent.

Engineering

UPenn’s School of Engineering and Applied Science is one of the top engineering schools in the country. The school offers undergraduate and graduate programs in a variety of engineering disciplines, including Biomedical Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering. The school is known for its innovative research and its focus on entrepreneurship and innovation.

Healthcare

UPenn is home to one of the top medical schools in the country, the Perelman School of Medicine. The school offers a variety of programs, including MD, PhD, and Master’s programs. The university is also home to several other healthcare-related schools and programs, including the School of Dental Medicine, Nursing, and Social Policy and Practice.

Graduate Programs

UPenn offers a wide range of graduate programs, including Ph.D. programs, Master’s programs, and professional programs. The university is known for its strong research programs and its focus on interdisciplinary collaboration. UPenn’s top graduate programs include the Wharton School of Business, the Graduate School of Education, and the School of Arts and Sciences.

Carnegie Mellon University

Carnegie Mellon University is a private institution located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Despite not being located in Georgia, it is still a highly respected university that attracts students worldwide.

Annual Cost

The annual cost of attending Carnegie Mellon University is approximately $80,000, including tuition, room, and board. However, the university offers a variety of financial aid options to help students cover the cost of attendance.

Enrollment

Carnegie Mellon University has a total undergraduate enrollment of 7,365 students. The university has a diverse student body, with students from all 50 states and over 100 countries.

SAT Range

The SAT range for admitted students at Carnegie Mellon University is between 1460 and 1560. This is a highly competitive range, and students are encouraged to aim for scores at or above this range to increase their chances of being admitted.

Business

Carnegie Mellon University offers a variety of business programs, including undergraduate and graduate degrees in business administration, finance, and management. Students can also pursue specialized degrees in accounting, entrepreneurship, and marketing.

Engineering

Carnegie Mellon University is well-known for its engineering programs, including undergraduate and graduate degrees in civil, electrical, mechanical, and software engineering. The university also offers specialized programs in biomedical engineering, robotics, and materials science.

Professional

In addition to business and engineering programs, Carnegie Mellon University offers a variety of professional programs in fields such as architecture, art, drama, and music. Students can pursue undergraduate and graduate degrees in these areas, as well as specialized programs in areas such as game design, animation, and film production.

Online Programs

Carnegie Mellon University offers a variety of online programs, including graduate degrees in fields such as information technology, software engineering, and public policy. These programs are designed to be flexible and accessible, allowing students to complete coursework on their own schedule.

GMAT

For students interested in pursuing a graduate degree in business, Carnegie Mellon University requires the GMAT or GRE for admission. The university also offers test preparation resources to help students prepare for these exams.

Lehigh University

Lehigh University is a private research university located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Although located in Pennsylvania, Lehigh University is still relevant to this article as it is a popular choice among Georgia students.

Annual Cost

Lehigh University is an expensive institution, with an estimated full price of $74,100 for the 2022-2023 academic year. However, 52% of students at Lehigh University receive some form of financial aid, with the average price for low-income students being $15,560.

Enrollment

Lehigh University has a total undergraduate enrollment of 5,217 students, with a gender distribution of 53% male students and 47% female students. The university also has a graduate enrollment of 2,527 students.

SAT Range

Lehigh University is a highly selective institution with an acceptance rate of 25%. The middle 50% of SAT scores for admitted students is between 1420 and 1540.

Liberal Arts College

Lehigh University is not a liberal arts college but offers a strong liberal arts program within its College of Arts and Sciences. The college offers majors in various fields, including anthropology, economics, and psychology.

Financial Aid

As previously mentioned, over half of Lehigh University’s students receive some form of financial aid. The university offers a variety of financial aid options, including need-based aid, merit-based scholarships, and work-study programs.

Engineering

Lehigh University is well-known for its engineering programs, with its P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science consistently ranked among the top engineering programs in the country. The college offers programs in a variety of engineering fields, including bioengineering, chemical engineering, and mechanical engineering.

Graduate Programs

In addition to its undergraduate programs, Lehigh University also offers a variety of graduate programs. The university’s graduate programs are offered through four colleges: the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Business, the P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science, and the College of Education.

Villanova University

Villanova University is a private Catholic university located in Villanova, Pennsylvania. It is ranked #51 out of 443 National Universities in the 2022-2023 edition of Best Colleges by US News. It is also ranked #49 among the nation’s best colleges and universities by US News & World Report.

Annual Cost

The annual cost of attendance at Villanova University is $61,868, which includes tuition, fees, and room and board expenses. However, the university offers financial aid to eligible students to help cover the cost of attendance.

Enrollment

Villanova University has a total undergraduate enrollment of 7,139 students, with a gender distribution of 45% male and 55% female students. The university also has a graduate enrollment of 3,376 students.

SAT Range

The middle 50% of SAT scores for admitted students at Villanova University are between 1390-1510. This means that 25% of admitted students scored below a 1390, and 25% scored above a 1510.

Financial Aid

Villanova University offers financial aid to eligible students in the form of scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs. In the 2021-2022 academic year, 88% of undergraduate students received some form of financial aid.

Business

Villanova University’s School of Business is consistently ranked among the top business schools in the country. The school offers undergraduate and graduate programs in business, including a highly-ranked MBA program.

Graduate Programs

In addition to its business programs, Villanova University offers a variety of graduate programs in fields such as law, engineering, education, and nursing. The university’s graduate programs are highly ranked and well-regarded in their respective fields.

Overall, Villanova University is a highly respected institution with a strong academic reputation and a commitment to providing students with a well-rounded education.

University of Pittsburgh

The University of Pittsburgh is a research university located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It is a public institution that was founded in 1787. The university has a total undergraduate enrollment of 19,082, and its setting is urban.

Annual Cost

The annual cost of attendance for in-state students at the University of Pittsburgh is around $34,000, while out-of-state students can expect to pay around $51,000 per year. However, the university offers financial aid to eligible students to help offset the cost of attendance.

Enrollment

As of the 2022-2023 academic year, the University of Pittsburgh has a total undergraduate enrollment of 19,082. The university also has a graduate enrollment of 10,786, making it a large institution.

SAT Range

The SAT range for admitted students at the University of Pittsburgh is 1320-1490. This means students who score within this range have a good chance of being admitted to the university. However, it is important to note that the university considers many other factors in the admissions process, including GPA, extracurricular activities, and essays.

Healthcare

The University of Pittsburgh is known for its strong healthcare programs, particularly in the areas of medicine and nursing. The university has a highly-ranked medical school, and its nursing program is also well-regarded.

Research University

The University of Pittsburgh is a major research institution with a strong focus on interdisciplinary research. The university is home to many research centers and institutes, and its faculty members are involved in a wide range of research projects.

Graduate Programs

The University of Pittsburgh offers a wide range of graduate programs across many different fields. The university’s most popular graduate programs include business, education, engineering, law, and public health.

Overall, the University of Pittsburgh is a large, well-respected institution with a strong focus on research and healthcare. Its annual cost of attendance is relatively high, but the university offers financial aid to eligible students. The University of Pittsburgh is a popular choice for students seeking higher education with a competitive SAT range and a wide range of graduate programs.

The Pennsylvania State University

The Pennsylvania State University, commonly known as Penn State, is a public research university located in Pennsylvania with a satellite campus in Georgia. The university is known for its strong academic programs, including engineering, healthcare, and graduate programs.

Annual Cost

The annual cost of attending Penn State varies depending on the campus and program. In-state tuition and fees for the University Park campus, which is the main campus, is around $18,454 per year. Out-of-state students can expect to pay around $35,514 per year. These costs do not include room and board, which can add an additional $11,000 annually.

Enrollment

Penn State has a large student body, with over 97,000 students across all of its campuses. The University Park campus alone has over 46,000 students, making it one of the largest campuses in the country. The university also has a diverse student body, with students from all 50 states and over 130 countries.

SAT Range

The SAT range for Penn State varies depending on the campus and program. The middle 50% range for SAT scores for the University Park campus is between 1250-1430. However, some programs, such as engineering, may require higher SAT scores.

Financial Aid

Penn State offers a variety of financial aid options to help students pay for their education, including scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs. In addition, the university has a robust financial aid office that can help students navigate the financial aid process and find the best options for their needs.

Engineering

Penn State has a strong engineering program, with over 15 different engineering majors to choose from. The university is also home to some research centers and institutes focused on engineering, including the Materials Research Institute and the Institute for CyberScience.

Healthcare

Penn State has several healthcare-related programs, including nursing, medicine, and public health. The university also has a strong research focus in healthcare, with many research centers and institutes focused on cancer, aging, and health policy topics.

Graduate Programs

Penn State offers a wide range of graduate programs across its campuses, including over 160 master’s programs and over 100 doctoral programs. The university is also home to a number of research centers, and institutes focused on graduate-level research and scholarship.

Drexel University

Drexel University is a private research university located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 15,346, and the campus size is 96 acres. Drexel University is ranked #105 in National Universities by US News Best Colleges 2022-2023 edition.

Annual Cost

The annual tuition and fees for Drexel University are $58,965. However, the university offers financial aid to eligible students.

Enrollment

Drexel University has a total undergraduate enrollment of 15,346, with a gender distribution of 46% male students and 54% female students. The university has a diverse student population, with students from all 50 states and over 100 countries.

SAT Range

The average SAT score range for admitted students at Drexel University is 1260-1430. The university also considers other factors, such as extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation during the admission process.

Professional Programs

Drexel University offers various professional programs such as law, medicine, nursing, and business. The Kline School of Law at Drexel University offers a Juris Doctor (JD) program, a Master of Legal Studies (MLS) program, and a Master of Laws (LLM) program. The university’s College of Medicine offers a Doctor of Medicine (MD) program and various other graduate programs in health sciences.

Online Programs

Drexel University offers various online programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. The university’s online programs include business, education, engineering, and nursing degrees, among others.

Graduate Programs

Drexel University offers over 100 graduate programs in various fields, including engineering, science, humanities, and social sciences. The university’s graduate programs are highly ranked, allowing students to work with renowned faculty in their respective fields.

In conclusion, Drexel University is a highly-ranked private research university that offers various undergraduate, graduate, professional, and online programs. The university has a diverse student population and offers financial aid to eligible students.

Temple University

Temple University is a public research institution located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is ranked #121 out of 443 National Universities by US News Best Colleges. The university offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across 17 schools and colleges.

Annual Cost

The annual cost of Temple University is $21,095 for in-state students and $35,956 for out-of-state students. This includes tuition, fees, room, and board. Aid is available to eligible students through grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study programs.

Enrollment

Temple University has an enrollment of approximately 40,000 students, with over 29,000 undergraduates and 11,000 graduate and professional students. The student body is diverse, with students from all 50 states and over 100 countries.

SAT Range

The middle 50% range of SAT scores for admitted students at Temple University is 1180-1380. This includes both the math and reading/writing sections of the exam. However, the university considers a variety of factors in the admissions process, including GPA, extracurricular activities, and essays.

Financial Aid

Temple University offers a variety of financial aid options to eligible students, including need-based aid, merit-based scholarships, and work-study programs. The university also has a robust alumni network that supports and mentors current students.

Healthcare

Temple University’s healthcare system includes a hospital, medical school, and research center. The university also offers students various health and wellness services, including counseling, primary care, and health education programs.

Graduate Programs

Temple University has a wide range of graduate programs across its 17 schools and colleges, including business, law, education, engineering, and more programs. The university is also home to several research centers and institutes, providing opportunities for students to engage in cutting-edge research and scholarship.

Temple University is a respected institution with a diverse student body and a wide range of academic programs.

Thomas Jefferson University

Thomas Jefferson University is a private university located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is ranked #127 in National Universities by US News Best Colleges 2022-2023 edition. The university offers a wide range of medical, healthcare, and graduate studies programs.

Annual Cost

The annual tuition and fees for Thomas Jefferson University are $44,400. However, the university offers financial aid and scholarships to eligible students to help offset the cost.

Enrollment

Thomas Jefferson University has an undergraduate enrollment of 3,216 students. The university has a selective admission process, with an acceptance rate of 70%. The university also has a graduate enrollment of 4,123 students.

SAT Range

The SAT range for Thomas Jefferson University is 1170-1380. The university takes a holistic approach to admissions and considers many factors beyond test scores, such as extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation.

Overall, Thomas Jefferson University is a highly regarded institution that offers a range of programs in medicine, healthcare, and graduate studies. The university has a selective admissions process and a high annual cost but offers financial aid and scholarships to eligible students.

Duquesne University

Duquesne University is a private institution located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It is ranked #151 in National Universities by the US News Best Colleges for the 2022-2023 academic year. Duquesne University offers more than 80 undergraduate programs and over 90 graduate programs.

Annual Cost

The annual cost of attendance at Duquesne University for the 2022-2023 academic year is $45,376. This includes tuition, fees, room, and board. According to US News, Duquesne University is a “Best Value School” for 2023.

Enrollment

As of Fall 2021, Duquesne University had a total enrollment of 8,591 students. Of these, 5,637 were undergraduate students, and 2,954 were graduate students. The student-to-faculty ratio at Duquesne University is 14:1.

SAT Range

The middle 50% of SAT scores for admitted students at Duquesne University range from 1170-1350. The average SAT score is 1260. The ACT composite score range is 25-31, with an average score of 28.

Financial Aid

Duquesne University offers its students financial aid through scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs. In the 2020-2021 academic year, 97% of full-time undergraduate students received some form of financial aid.

Graduate Programs

Duquesne University offers a variety of graduate programs across several disciplines, including business, education, law, nursing, and pharmacy. The School of Pharmacy and Occupational Therapy program are both highly ranked by US News.

Campus Life

Duquesne University has a vibrant campus life, with over 200 student organizations and clubs. The university also has several athletic teams that compete in NCAA Division I. The campus is located in the heart of Pittsburgh, providing students with easy access to the city’s cultural and recreational offerings.

Notable Alumni

Duquesne University has produced many notable alumni, including former Pennsylvania Governor Tom Ridge, NFL player Dan Marino, and actress Judith Light.

 

Best Pennsylvania Colleges by Major