10 Best Colleges in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is rich in culture and history and is popularly called the Keystone State. In the past, the state played an essential role in the foundation of the United States. It is also widely referred to by others as the Quaker State because Pennsylvania had a close association with the Quaker faith and William Penn.

Besides Pennsylvania’s rich culture and history, it is the hometown of hundreds of colleges and four-year degree-offering universities in the United States. The many colleges include large research colleges, small Liberal Arts Colleges, and medium-sized universities.

The Quaker brothers established many existing colleges with a strong emphasis on community comradeship and services. Pennsylvania is also prominent for its high-quality academic programs.

Below, we will discuss the top best colleges in Pennsylvania.

Top Ten Colleges in Pennsylvania
Conclusion
References
Recommendation

Top Ten Colleges in Pennsylvania

University of Pennsylvania (UPenn)
Carnegie Mellon University
Lehigh University
Villanova University
University of Pittsburgh—Pittsburgh Campus
Pennsylvania State University—University Park
Drexel University
Temple University
Duquesne University
Thomas Jefferson University

#1. University of Pennsylvania (UPenn)

Location: Philadelphia, PA
School Type: Private. Coed
Year the University was founded: 1740
University Setting: City
Religious Affiliation: None
Acceptance Rate: 9%
Undergraduate enrollment: 9,872 (fall 2020)
Tuition fee: $61,710
Middle 50% SAT: 1460-1570
Middle 50% ACT: 33-35
Phone: (215) 898-5000
Website: University of Pennsylvania

In 1740, the private university of Pennsylvania was founded by Benjamin Franklin with a campus size of 299 acres. The college runs on a semester-based calendar. More than 25 NCAA among the Division 1 sports actively participate in the Ivy League.

Their basketball and lacrosse teams are proficient. The college provides accommodation for students in over 10 college apartments. However, many students prefer to live off-campus.

The college has about 25% of its students actively engaged in Greek life, comprising about fifty sororities and fraternities.

The University of Pennsylvania is number 8 on the 2024 edition of Best Colleges in National Universities. Among the prominent alumni of this college are former President Donald Trump and the famous musician John Legend.

#2. Carnegie Mellon University

Location: Pittsburgh
School Type: Private. Coed
Year the University was founded: 1900
University Setting: City
Religious Affiliation: None
Acceptance Rate: 17%
Undergraduate enrollment: 7,073 (fall 2020)
Tuition fee: $58,924
Middle 50% SAT: 1460-1570
Middle 50% ACT: 33-35
Phone: (412) 268-2000
Website: Carnegie Mellon University

Carnegie Mellon ranks number 25 on the 2024 copy of Best Colleges in National Universities. The University was founded in 1900 by Andrew Carnegie, a philanthropist and an industrialist.

Besides the academic excellence of Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh offers a fine range of entertainment and dining opportunities and great opportunities for sports lovers in hockey, football, and baseball. At Carnegie, only freshmen are required to reside on campus. Nonetheless, some students decide to remain on campus throughout their college stay.

The university is prominent for its programs in the area of science and technology. The university has seven schools and colleges, including the Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Science and the College of Fine Arts.

Carnegie undergraduates have the opportunity to take part in research and can even get support in their field of study in the form of summer fellowships and grants.

Among its prominent personalities are Randy Pausch, former professor of the university and the author of the best-seller The Last Lecture.

#3. Lehigh University

Location: Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
School Type: Private. Coed
Year the University was founded: 1865
University Setting: Urban
Religious Affiliation: None
Acceptance Rate: 50%
Undergraduate enrollment: 5,203 (fall 2020)
Tuition fee: $57,470
Middle 50% SAT: 1260-1433
Middle 50% ACT: 29-33
Phone: (610) 758-3000
Website: Lehigh University

Lehigh is a private university. The size of the campus is 2,355 acres with an urban setting. The university operates using a semester-based academic calendar system.

According to the 2024 edition of Best, Colleges in National Universities, Lehigh ranks number 49. Lehigh University’s vibrant sports team is part of the NCAA I.

One-third of Lehigh university students are in fraternities and sororities. As a freshman at the university, you will live on campus.

The Greek housing and other campus halls are available for sophomores. The college’s main campus is located on a wooded slope, half in open space.

There are several undergraduate and graduate majors available at Lehigh. Its most prominent graduate programs are the P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science and the College of Education.

Some of the prominent alumni of Lehigh University include Jesse W. Reno, the man who invented the escalator, and Howard McClintic and Charles Marshall, famous for the George Washington Bridge, the Golden Gate Bridge, the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York, and the Panama Canal.

#4. Villanova University

Location: Villanova
School Type: Private, Coed
Year the University was founded: 1842
University Setting: Residential
Religious Affiliation: Christian (Roman Catholic)
Acceptance Rate: 31% and 25.2% (early acceptance rate)
Undergraduate enrollment: 7,037 (fall 2020)
Tuition fee: $59,900
Middle 50% SAT: 1320-1460
Middle 50% ACT: 30-33
Phone: (610) 519-4500
Website: Villanova University

Villanova University began operation in 1842 and has a campus size of 260 acres. The University operates according to a semester-based educational calendar. In the 2024 edition of Best Colleges in National University, Villanova sits at the 49th position.

The University was named after Thomas of Villanova, a Spanish Augustinian priest. Villanova has six colleges that are situated outside Philadelphia.

Four out of the six colleges are utilized by undergraduate and graduate students.

Villanova graduate school includes the Charles Widger School of Law and the School of Business.

There are over 280 student-run organizations in Villanova, like the Blue Key Society, which takes freshmen on tour around the university and takes charge of prospective student days.

In sports, Villanova is also very notable for hosting the largest Special Olympics in the world, run by students. The university is also an NCAA Division I Big East Conference member.

The students are also responsible for providing a quarter-million hours of service to the local community annually.

There are also sororities and fraternities available on campus. Freshmen are guaranteed housing on campus for their first three years.

Villanova University Wildcats is also reputable for its success in the male basketball program.

#5. University of Pittsburgh—Pittsburgh Campus

Location: Oakland neighborhood, Pittsburgh
School Type: Public
Year the University was founded: 1787
University Setting: Metropolitan
Religious Affiliation: No
Acceptance Rate: 64%
Undergraduate enrollment: 19,197 (fall 2020)
Tuition fee: $34,124 (out-of-state), $19,092 (in-state)
Middle 50% SAT: 1243-1420
Middle 50% ACT: 28-32
Phone: (412) 624-4141
Website: University of Pittsburgh

University of Pittsburgh—Pittsburgh Campus is a public institution.

With a campus size of 145 acres and a metropolitan setting, the university has all the qualities to be on this list of the top ten best colleges in Pennsylvania.

According to Best Colleges in National Universities (2024 edition), the university ranks number 59.

There are dozens of exclusive cultural centers like the Phipp Conservatory and Botanical Gardens and Andy Warhol Museum available in the Oakland neighborhood where the university is located.

It also has powerhouse professional sports teams like the Penguins and Steelers.

As a student at the University of Pittsburgh, you gain free admission to select locations and museums during your school years.

Fun activities in Pittsburgh include fishing, kayaking sailing, thanks to the abundance of water around the university. Students of Pittsburgh also enjoy free bus rides into the city, and buses are available every ten to fifteen minutes to pick up students.

Close to forty sororities and fraternities are available on campus and in a large Greek community.

Arts and Science major students can enjoy the practical experience through internships, teaching, and research with the assistance of the University’s Undergraduate Research Office, Creative Activity, and Scholarship.

Among the college’s notable alumni are Andrew Mellon—Former U.S. Secretary of Treasury, Dan Marino, Mike Ditka, and the first African-American four-star general in the United States Army—Roscoe Robinson.

#6. Pennsylvania State University—University Park

Location: University Park
School Type: Public
Year the University was founded: 1855
University Setting: Metropolitan
Religious Affiliation: No
Acceptance Rate: 54%, 67.9% (Early acceptance rate)
Undergraduate enrollment: 39,809 (fall 2020)
Tuition fee: $36,476.
Middle 50% SAT: 1150-1340
Middle 50% ACT: 25-30
Phone: (814) 865-4700
Website: Pennsylvania State University—University park

In 1855, Pennsylvania State University—University Park was founded as a public institution. The university has a size of 7,958 acres and features a metropolitan style of housing.

The university is always buzzing with activities. The University is also referred to as Happy Valley and it is home to over a thousand clubs and groups.

It provides students with numerous opportunities to become active in campus life.

According to the 2024 edition of Best Colleges in National University, Penn ranks number 63.

Besides the nightlife and fun, the school is prominent in sports and part of the division one Big Ten Conference. The school mascot is known as Nittany Lion, while the football team plays in one of the biggest arenas in North America—Beaver Stadium.

Pennsylvania State University has a very effective Greek system with over 70 fraternities and sororities. More than 16,000 Penn Students are part of the biggest student-run philanthropy organization known as THRON.

Also,

The society is involved in raising funds for pediatric cancer research and awareness. The students of Pennsylvania University also engage in a 46-hours dance marathon.

Penn University provides accommodation for freshmen through the university housing system.

As part of the university awareness program, the university undergraduates take part in the daily production of the Collegian newspaper. Pennsylvania Students receive a daily copy of the Center Daily Times, USA Today, and the New York Times.

Due to the proximity of mountains around the school, students enjoy hiking, snowboarding, and skiing.

Among the alumni of Pennsylvania State University are notable personalities like Valerie Plame Wilson (Author and former CIA agent) and John Cappelletti (Former NFL player and Heisman Trophy winner).

#7. Drexel University

Location: Philadelphia
School Type: Private, Coed
Year the University was founded: 1891
University Setting: Metropolitan
Religious Affiliation: No
Acceptance Rate: 77%
Undergraduate enrollment: 14,552 (fall 2020)
Tuition fee: $57,136.
Middle 50% SAT: 1180-1380
Middle 50% ACT: 25-31
Phone: (215) 895-2000
Website: Drexel University

With a size of 96 acres, Drexel is quite small compared to other universities on this list of best colleges in Pennsylvania. However, regarding quality of education and student life, Drexel University, founded in 1891, is up to standard with the big names in its class.

The 2024 edition of Best Colleges in National University ranks Drexel University number 103.

The university combines in-class experience with extensive on-the-job training to prepare its students for the job market after graduation.

Through the coed program, Drexel University sends out its students to work with over 1,600 employers across the globe for 6 months of working experience.

Most of the Coeds also offer paid opportunities, and on average, Drexel students take home over $16,000.

Generally, students that wish to graduate within four years will most likely skip the coed program. However, those participating in up to three Coed programs generally graduate in 5 years.

In addition,

There are several activities to keep students busy during their free time on campus. They can be part of one of the student clubs and organizations available on campus (The School boasts over 300).

There are also more than 30 sororities and fraternities available on campus.

In sports, Drexel is part of the NCAA I Colonial Athletic Association.

The Drexel programs in the United States have high credibility include Colleges of Engineering, Law, and Medical Schools.

Some notable personalities that passed through the university include Michael Anderson (former professional basketballer) and Earle I. Mack (Former ambassador to Finland).

#8. Temple University

Location: Philadelphia
School Type: Public
Year the University was founded: 1884
University Setting: Metropolitan
Religious Affiliation: No
Acceptance Rate: 71% and 85.7% (Early Acceptance Rate)
Undergraduate enrollment: 27,306 (fall 2020)
Tuition fee: $20,291 (in-state) and $34,801 (out-of-state)
Middle 50% SAT: 1090-1280
Middle 50% ACT: 23-30
Phone: (215) 204-7000
Website: Temple University

There is no doubt that Philadelphia, PA is home to most of the colleges found in Pennsylvania, and Temple University is one of them. In 1884, Temple University, a privately owned university, came into existence to tackle the growing need for academic institutions. The university features a metropolitan setting.

While the university may not be as large as the ones above, it still occupies 406 acres. Temple runs using a semester-based calendar, and freshmen don’t need to live on campus.

Temple students can request suitable rooms using the school’s online portal. Potential rooms are made available on the university’s portal, and you can also use the matching program to select suitable roommates.

According to the ranking by the 2024 edition of Best College in National Universities, Temple University is number 103.

The school has a live sports body and is part of the NCAA I American Athletic Conference. They are also home to pro athletic teams like the Flyers, the Phillies, and the Eagles.

The school is booming with over 300 student organizations and runs numerous research programs.

Richard J. Fox School of Business and management and the prestigious James E. Beasley School of law are both located at Temple University, among others.

Some notable figures graduating from Temple University include Bill Cosby and Jeff Kravitz (celebrity photographer).

#9. Duquesne University

Location: Philadelphia
School Type: Private, Coed
Year the University was founded: 1878
University Setting: Metropolitan
Religious Affiliation: Christian (Roman Catholic)
Acceptance Rate: 77%
Undergraduate enrollment: 5,383 (fall 2020)
Tuition fee: $43,526
Middle 50% SAT: 1120-1270
Middle 50% ACT: 23-28
Phone: (412) 396-6000
Website: Duquesne University

The metropolitan-style private university—Duquesne University, was founded in 1878 and is affiliated with the Catholic Church. The university is only 49 acres in size and relies on a semester-based academic calendar system to operate.

According to the 2024 edition of the Best Colleges in National Universities, Duquesne ranks 148.

In sports, the university is part of the NCAA Division I. The University also offers some student services, including placement services, non-remedial tutoring, daycare service, health insurance, and services.

The good thing is that despite its affiliation with the Catholic Church, the university permits drinking alcohol for students of legal age. Forty percent of the students have cars on campus.

#10. Thomas Jefferson University

Location: Philadelphia
School Type: Private, Coed
Year the University was founded: 1824
University Setting: Metropolitan
Religious Affiliation: No
Acceptance Rate: 70%
Undergraduate enrollment: 3,783 (fall 2020)
Tuition fee: $41,715
Middle 50% SAT: 1090-1270
Middle 50% ACT: 20-27
Phone: (215) 955-6000
Website: Thomas Jefferson University

Thomas Jefferson University blends the busy city life with the serenity of college life. Measuring 104 acres in size, the university has a beautiful landscape lined with trees, providing a serenity that takes your mind off the busy city life.

According to the 2024 edition of Best, Colleges in National Universities, Thomas Jefferson ranks number 148.

Students can easily access world-class restaurants, entertainment centers, and museums from the university.

Recently, the university merged with Philadelphia University, which means a better curriculum and standard of education for the university. In sports, the university is part of the NCAA II.

Conclusion

With various options available, selecting the best college can be difficult for those hoping to take their academic experience to Pennsylvania. Nevertheless, this list of the top ten colleges in Pennsylvania helps to cut down the list of universities for you.

It is essential to note that while all the universities have different acceptance rates, they are very selective. Therefore, you can use online Admission calculators to determine your acceptance chances.

10 Best Colleges in Pennsylvania

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