Best Private Colleges in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania, a keystone state in America’s history, boasts an array of top-tier private institutions contributing to its rich educational landscape. With a mix of Ivy League institutions, renowned research universities, and liberal arts colleges, Pennsylvania’s educational offerings are vast and varied. Let’s explore the best private colleges in this historic state.

University of Pennsylvania

A member of the prestigious Ivy League, Penn is located in Philadelphia.

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The University of Pennsylvania is known for its Wharton School of Business, top-ranked medical and law schools, and diverse liberal arts programs.

Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range

With an average tuition of about $57,000, Penn enrolls nearly 26,000 students. SAT scores typically range between 1460 and 1560.

Carnegie Mellon University

Located in Pittsburgh, CMU is a global research university known for its engineering, business, and arts programs.

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Carnegie Mellon stands out for its School of Computer Science, College of Engineering, and Tepper School of Business.

Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range

The annual tuition is roughly $57,500. CMU has an enrollment of about 14,500 students, with an SAT score range of 1460-1570.

Swarthmore College

A member of the Tri-College Consortium, Swarthmore is situated in the Philadelphia suburb of Swarthmore.

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Swarthmore is renowned for its rigorous liberal arts programs, emphasizing social justice and community engagement.

Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range

The yearly fees are approximately $54,000. It enrolls around 1,500 students with an SAT range of 1380-1550.

Haverford College

Another member of the Tri-College Consortium, Haverford, boasts a picturesque campus near Philadelphia.

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Haverford College is celebrated for its humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences programs.

Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range

The annual cost is about $56,000. The college enrolls nearly 1,300 students, with an SAT range of 1370-1530.

Lehigh University

Lehigh is a research university in Bethlehem known for its engineering programs.

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Besides engineering, Lehigh is recognized for its business, arts, and sciences programs.

Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range

Tuition fees stand at roughly $53,000 per year. The university has around 7,000 students, with an SAT score range of 1290-1480.

Villanova University

This Catholic university in Villanova is renowned for its community spirit and academic rigor.

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Villanova is noted for its College of Nursing, School of Business, and programs in liberal arts.

Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range

Annual tuition is around $55,000. It enrolls approximately 11,000 students with an SAT range of 1300-1480.

Lafayette College

Lafayette is located in Easton and offers a blend of liberal arts and engineering curricula.

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Lafayette College stands out for its programs in liberal arts, sciences, and engineering.

Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range

The yearly fees are about $54,000. The college has a student body of around 2,500, with an SAT score range of 1300-1480.

Bucknell University

Nestled in Lewisburg, Bucknell offers a diverse range of academic programs.

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Bucknell is recognized for its College of Engineering, Management, and liberal arts programs.

Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range

The annual tuition is about $58,000. The university enrolls nearly 3,700 students, with an SAT range of 1280-1470.

Bryn Mawr College

A women’s liberal arts college in Bryn Mawr, it’s part of the Tri-College Consortium.

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Bryn Mawr is known for its humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences programs.

Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range

The annual tuition stands at $53,000. The college has an enrollment of about 1,700 students, with an SAT score range of 1330-1510.

Gettysburg College

Situated in the historic town of Gettysburg, the college offers a comprehensive liberal arts education.

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Gettysburg College is recognized for its history, sciences, and arts programs.

Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range

Yearly tuition is around $56,000. The college enrolls approximately 2,500 students with an SAT range of 1230-1410.

Best Private Colleges in Three Other States

Best Private Colleges in New York

From the renowned Columbia University to the liberal arts-driven Vassar College, New York’s private institutions are diverse and prestigious.

Best Private Colleges in Ohio

Ohio boasts institutions like Case Western Reserve University and Kenyon College, which offer top-tier education.

Best Private Colleges in West Virginia

The state offers notable institutions like Wheeling University, which provides a rich academic experience.

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In summary, Pennsylvania’s private colleges offer diverse academic programs, research opportunities, and enriching campus experiences. Pennsylvania’s institutions cater to every academic palate, whether you’re inclined toward the humanities, sciences, engineering, or arts.