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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With a campus overlooking its eponymous river, Susquehanna University is a 4-year institution in central Pennsylvania featuring a liberal arts curriculum and pre-professional studies. Susquehanna is home to schools of Business and Arts & Sciences...
The faculty at SU is wonderful. Everyone wants you to succeed. If going to class and taking notes aren't enough, professors are more than willing to take time out of their schedules to sit down with you to discuss the material until you truly...
” – Megan from Wilkes-Barre, PA
Founded in 1851 by the Society of Jesus, Saint Joseph’s University is a Jesuit Catholic school in Philadelphia. SJU is home to colleges and schools of Arts & Sciences, Business, and Health Studies offering bachelor’s degrees with a core curriculum...
Ultimately the learning is all up to the individual so it depends on the students dedication that they have. The teachers are very intelligent and they are willing to help with any problem. There are many different options for the student if he or...
” – Tina from Scranton, PA
Founded by missionaries of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit, Duquesne University is a 4-year Catholic institution in Pittsburgh and the only Spiritan university in the country. Duquesne is home to nine schools of study emphasizing the liberal arts...
The teachers here so far are high-quality. They care about whether or not you learn what they are teaching you, and they are always willing to answer your questions and meet with you if you are having difficulties. Each has a different teaching style...
” – Kathryn from Bridgeport, WV
Temple University, founded in 1884, is a public, four-year high research university located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Home to more than 37,000 students, Temple offers more than 600 academic programs in 17 schools and colleges, on several...
Whether it is a boring topic or not the faculty at Temple University makes sure that you learn the information in a fun or interesting manner.
” – Brooke from Philadelphia, PA
Originally founded in 1888 as St. Thomas College, the University of Scranton is a Catholic and Jesuit school in eastern Pennsylvania. Scranton is home to colleges of Arts & Sciences, Management, and Professional Studies conferring undergraduate...
The classes can be challenging at times, but are very worth while and you will learn plenty. The science classes tend to be quite challenging but aren't too bad. The philosophy classes are quite interesting and make you think quite a lot about things...
” – Shrut from Dalton, PA
Washington & Jefferson College was founded as three log cabin schools in 1781. It is a private liberal arts college that provides a curriculum focused on preparing students to go on to professional and graduate schools. The school offers a large...
Without sounding too trite, I’m learning more and more everyday from being here at Washington and Jefferson. The professors are willing to stop and answer questions and are there to teach you, unlike other institutions. I wanted a college that would...
” – Abrianne from Harrisburg, PA
Formed by the merger of Thomas Jefferson and Philadelphia Universities, Jefferson University is a health science and education-centered institution dedicated to preparing students for 21st century professions. Jefferson is home to 13 colleges and...
Affiliated with the Church of the Brethren, Elizabethtown College is a private institution in south central Pennsylvania. Elizabethtown confers degrees in 56 academic fields of study and offers 100 minors and concentrations. With a focus on...
The campus is absolutely gorgeous. It's great spending time after a theatre class just laying out on the Dell sunbathing and catching up with friends. Everyone here is extremely friendly and helpful; you'll never feel alone.
” – BethMessiah College is a private liberal arts and sciences institution based in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. It was founded by the Brethren in Christ Church and has a “more selective” admissions process. Students are required to sign a Community Covenant...
Mostly my classes have been small enough to be able to get to know the teacher, yet large enough to have a discussion that has representatives from many different worldviews. Even the lecture classes have been small, especially considering what...
” – Messiah Student, Health and Exercise Science Major
Founded in 1812, Lycoming College is a private, liberal arts institution established in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. In order to graduate, each student is required to fulfill an Enhanced Academic Experience, which can consist of a cooperative program...
The faculty at Lycoming College really want you to learn and to succeed in class. They are all open to questions and are willing to do whatever it takes to help you.
” – Jonath from Mifflinburg, PA
Founded in 1742, Moravian University is the nation's sixth oldest college and offers students a private education they will not find anywhere else: personal attention and preparation for life with a record of success longer than our nation’s history...
This school absolutely pushes you to your limits and beyond, but not in an entirely over-stressed manner. Students here have teachers who are both mentors and friends. The professors here make sure that students learn all the material that is needed...
” – Student from Allentown, PA
Affiliated with the Presbyterian church, Westminster College is 4-year liberal arts college located in western Pennsylvania. Westminster is home to 41 bachelor’s degree-granting programs as well as 10 pre-professional fields of study. In addition to...
At Westminster College, there is a 12:1 student/faculty ratio. This provides students with the opportunity to have one on one time with the professors. The professors are always in their offices waiting to give academic advice, proofread a paper...
” – Rebecca from New Castle, PA
Named for a prominent 19th century philanthropist, Drexel University is a 4-year private research university in Philadelphia. Drexel offers bachelor’s degrees in over 80 academic majors with an emphasis on experiential learning. Additionally, the...
I have just finished my first year at Drexel and I already feel like I am learning a lot. The classes are challenging, but the professors are extremely helpful. For example, I took AP Calculus at my high school and did okay, but I didn't feel I was...
” – Megan from Lester, PA
Misericordia University is a liberal arts institution based in Dallas, Pennsylvania. Misericordia is affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church and has a “selective” admissions process. The school offers a Guaranteed Career Placement Program which...
The Student/Faculty ratio is very good, if you like to have smaller classes. The Professors are always willing to help you inside as well as outside the classrooms or labs.
” – Alexandra from Prospect, CT
Founded in 1856, Albright College is a 4-year liberal arts college in eastern Pennsylvania and the oldest institution of higher learning in its home county. Albright confers bachelor’s degrees in over 45 academic majors and also features an...
All of the professors are extremely helpful and they really want you to succeed which is great. Many of the tests have reviews beforehand that tell you exactly what is on each test and most of the time there are no tricks when the actual test comes...
” – Meghan from Bowmansville, PA
Founded in 1847, Saint Francis University is a Catholic liberal arts institution in western Pennsylvania and is the oldest Franciscan Catholic university in the United States. Saint Francis confers undergraduate degrees in 50+ academic fields of...
Saint Francis University has been great in transitioning me from living at home, to living away from family members. The environment is very welcoming and all of the faculty and staff are more than willing to help any student in need. Saint Francis...
” – Jordan from Pittsburgh, PAGeneva College is a Christ-centered institution founded on the traditions of the Reformed Christian faith with a “selective” admissions process. The liberal arts college is based in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, and operates a second campus in...
The professors are all so nice and caring. They are very easy to get to know personally, thanks to small class size.
” – Current StudentLebanon Valley College is a private school based in Annville, Pennsylvania, affiliated with the United Methodist Church. The school offers multiple accelerated undergrad/master’s programs that allow students to earn dual degrees in 4-6 years. LVS...
Lebanon Valley excels in all of its programs! As I am currently planning on majoring in Physical Therapy, I will continue onto the next phase of graduate study in only 3 years! This school cuts off one entire year of schooling, condenses it, but...
” – Jennifer from Taneytown, MD
Founded in 1853, Arcadia University is a 4-year private institution in the Philadelphia metro area. The Arcadia campus hosts six colleges and schools conferring undergraduate degrees, including the College of Global Studies which oversees study...
I have learned so much since being at Arcadia, not just facts I need to know for my major but I have been able to learn a lot about myself and other important things. My knowledge has expanded so much thanks to the help of my professors.
” – Theodora from Warren, NJ
Originally founded in 1821 as a Quaker boarding school, Widener University is a 4-year private institution in the Philadelphia metro area. Widener confers undergraduate degrees in over 60 academic majors and minors. In addition, many of Widener’s...
Widener University is a wonderful University Filled with wonderful and caring faculty. I am so excited to be apart of Widener's pride and I encourage anyone who is interested in enrolling to go ahead and take that extra step to apply. The programs...
” – Maya from Philadelphia, PA