20 Best Colleges In Pennsylvania: The Ultimate Guide To Top Universities

Introduction to Pennsylvania’s Higher Education Scene

Pennsylvania is renowned for its outstanding educational institutions, offering a diverse range of academic opportunities and a rich cultural experience. With a history spanning centuries, the state boasts some of the oldest and most prestigious colleges and universities in the United States. From Ivy League institutions to specialized schools, Pennsylvania’s higher education scene caters to a wide array of interests and aspirations. This guide will take you on a journey through the top 20 colleges in Pennsylvania, highlighting their unique features, academic strengths, and the vibrant communities they foster.

1. University of Pennsylvania

The University of Pennsylvania, commonly known as Penn, is a private Ivy League research university located in Philadelphia. Founded in 1740, it is one of the oldest institutions of higher learning in the United States and is renowned for its academic excellence and rich history. Penn offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across its 12 schools, including the prestigious Wharton School of Business and the Perelman School of Medicine.

Key Features:

• Penn is consistently ranked among the top universities in the world, known for its rigorous academic standards and innovative research.
• The campus, located in the heart of Philadelphia, provides a vibrant urban setting with easy access to cultural attractions and internship opportunities.
• Students benefit from a diverse and inclusive community, with a focus on collaborative learning and a strong sense of community engagement.

2. Carnegie Mellon University

Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) is a private research university located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1900, CMU has established itself as a leader in technology, business, and the arts. The university is known for its interdisciplinary approach to education and its commitment to innovation.

Key Features:

• CMU offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, particularly excelling in fields like computer science, robotics, and design.
• The university’s location in Pittsburgh provides students with access to a thriving tech and innovation hub, offering numerous internship and research opportunities.
• CMU fosters a collaborative and supportive environment, encouraging students to explore their passions and make a global impact.

3. Pennsylvania State University

Pennsylvania State University, commonly known as Penn State, is a public research university with its main campus in University Park, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1855, Penn State has grown to become one of the largest and most comprehensive universities in the United States. The university offers a vast array of academic programs and is known for its strong alumni network and dedication to public service.

Key Features:

• Penn State’s flagship campus in University Park boasts a vibrant and diverse student body, with a strong sense of community and school spirit.
• The university offers over 160 undergraduate majors and numerous graduate programs, providing students with a wide range of academic choices.
• Penn State’s extensive research opportunities and global outreach programs allow students to make a difference both locally and internationally.

4. Lehigh University

Lehigh University is a private research university located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1865, Lehigh has a rich history and is known for its strong engineering and business programs. The university’s beautiful campus, nestled in the Lehigh Valley, provides a unique and inspiring academic environment.

Key Features:

• Lehigh offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs, particularly excelling in fields like engineering, business, and the arts.
• The university’s close-knit community fosters a supportive and collaborative learning environment, with a focus on hands-on experiences and real-world applications.
• Lehigh’s location in the Lehigh Valley offers students access to a thriving business and technology hub, providing excellent internship and networking opportunities.

5. Swarthmore College

Swarthmore College is a private liberal arts college located in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1864, it is one of the oldest and most prestigious liberal arts institutions in the country. Swarthmore is known for its rigorous academic curriculum, close-knit community, and commitment to social justice.

Key Features:

• Swarthmore offers a broad range of undergraduate programs, emphasizing critical thinking, research, and interdisciplinary studies.
• The college’s small class sizes and personalized attention create an intimate and supportive learning environment.
• Swarthmore’s location near Philadelphia provides students with access to cultural events, internships, and research opportunities in a major city.

6. Bucknell University

Bucknell University is a private liberal arts university located in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1846, Bucknell has a rich history and is known for its strong academic programs and vibrant campus life. The university’s beautiful campus, situated along the Susquehanna River, offers a picturesque setting for learning and exploration.

Key Features:

• Bucknell offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, particularly excelling in fields like engineering, business, and the liberal arts.
• The university’s emphasis on experiential learning and undergraduate research provides students with hands-on experiences and valuable skills.
• Bucknell’s close-knit community fosters a sense of belonging and supports students’ personal and academic growth.

7. Bryn Mawr College

Bryn Mawr College is a private liberal arts college located in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1885, it is one of the Seven Sisters colleges and is known for its commitment to women’s education and academic excellence. Bryn Mawr offers a unique and empowering educational experience for its students.

Key Features:

• Bryn Mawr offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate programs, emphasizing critical thinking, leadership, and interdisciplinary studies.
• The college’s focus on women’s empowerment and social justice creates a supportive and inclusive environment for students.
• Bryn Mawr’s location near Philadelphia provides access to cultural events, internships, and research opportunities in a major metropolitan area.

8. Dickinson College

Dickinson College is a private liberal arts college located in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1773, it is one of the oldest colleges in the United States and has a rich history of academic excellence. Dickinson is known for its global perspective and commitment to sustainability.

Key Features:

• Dickinson offers a wide range of undergraduate programs, particularly excelling in fields like international studies, environmental science, and the liberal arts.
• The college’s emphasis on global education and experiential learning provides students with a well-rounded and internationally focused education.
• Dickinson’s beautiful campus, located in the heart of Carlisle, offers a safe and welcoming environment for students to thrive.

9. Lafayette College

Lafayette College is a private liberal arts college located in Easton, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1826, it is one of the oldest institutions of higher learning in the country and is known for its strong academic programs and vibrant campus culture. Lafayette offers a close-knit and supportive community for its students.

Key Features:

• Lafayette offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate programs, particularly excelling in fields like engineering, business, and the liberal arts.
• The college’s focus on experiential learning and undergraduate research provides students with valuable hands-on experiences and real-world skills.
• Lafayette’s location in Easton, along the Delaware River, offers a picturesque and historic setting for students to explore and learn.

10. Franklin & Marshall College

Franklin & Marshall College is a private liberal arts college located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1787, it is one of the oldest colleges in the United States and has a rich history of academic excellence. Franklin & Marshall is known for its innovative curriculum and strong alumni network.

Key Features:

• Franklin & Marshall offers a wide range of undergraduate programs, particularly excelling in fields like the sciences, humanities, and social sciences.
• The college’s emphasis on personalized education and undergraduate research provides students with a unique and tailored learning experience.
• Franklin & Marshall’s location in Lancaster, a vibrant and historic city, offers students access to cultural events, internships, and a strong sense of community.

11. Haverford College

Haverford College is a private liberal arts college located in Haverford, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1833, it is one of the oldest colleges in the country and is known for its strong academic programs and commitment to social responsibility. Haverford offers a unique and intellectually stimulating environment for its students.

Key Features:

• Haverford offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate programs, emphasizing critical thinking, leadership, and interdisciplinary studies.
• The college’s focus on community engagement and social justice creates a supportive and inclusive atmosphere for students to explore their passions.
• Haverford’s location near Philadelphia provides access to cultural events, internships, and research opportunities in a major metropolitan area.

12. Gettysburg College

Gettysburg College is a private liberal arts college located in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1832, it has a rich history and is known for its strong academic programs and beautiful campus. Gettysburg College offers a unique educational experience in a historic setting.

Key Features:

• Gettysburg College offers a wide range of undergraduate programs, particularly excelling in fields like the liberal arts, sciences, and business.
• The college’s location in Gettysburg, a historic town known for its role in the Civil War, provides a rich and immersive learning environment.
• Gettysburg College’s close-knit community fosters a sense of belonging and supports students’ academic and personal growth.

13. Villanova University

Villanova University is a private Catholic research university located in Villanova, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1842, it has a rich history and is known for its strong academic programs and vibrant campus life. Villanova offers a comprehensive and values-based education to its students.

Key Features:

• Villanova offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, particularly excelling in fields like business, engineering, and the liberal arts.
• The university’s location near Philadelphia provides students with access to cultural events, internships, and a diverse range of opportunities.
• Villanova’s strong sense of community and Catholic identity create a supportive and inclusive environment for students to thrive.

14. Duquesne University

Duquesne University is a private Catholic research university located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1878, it has a long history of academic excellence and is known for its strong business and health sciences programs. Duquesne offers a values-based education in a vibrant urban setting.

Key Features:

• Duquesne offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs, particularly excelling in fields like business, health sciences, and the liberal arts.
• The university’s location in Pittsburgh, a thriving city known for its innovation and industry, provides students with numerous internship and research opportunities.
• Duquesne’s strong commitment to social justice and community engagement creates a supportive and socially responsible environment for students.

15. Washington & Jefferson College

Washington & Jefferson College is a private liberal arts college located in Washington, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1781, it is one of the oldest colleges in the United States and has a rich history of academic excellence. Washington & Jefferson College offers a unique and personalized educational experience.

Key Features:

• Washington & Jefferson College offers a wide range of undergraduate programs, particularly excelling in fields like the liberal arts, sciences, and business.
• The college’s small class sizes and personalized attention create an intimate and supportive learning environment.
• Washington & Jefferson College’s location in Washington, a historic and charming town, offers a unique and enriching educational experience.

16. Temple University

Temple University is a public research university located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1884, it has grown to become one of the largest universities in the state and is known for its strong academic programs and diverse student body. Temple offers a vibrant and urban educational experience.

Key Features:

• Temple offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, particularly excelling in fields like business, health sciences, and the arts.
• The university’s location in Philadelphia, a major city with a rich cultural heritage, provides students with access to internships, research opportunities, and a diverse range of experiences.
• Temple’s commitment to accessibility and inclusion creates a welcoming and supportive environment for students from all backgrounds.

17. University of Pittsburgh

The University of Pittsburgh, commonly known as Pitt, is a public research university located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1787, it is one of the oldest universities in the United States and has a rich history of academic excellence. Pitt is known for its strong research reputation and diverse academic programs.

Key Features:

• Pitt offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs, particularly excelling in fields like business, health sciences, and the liberal arts.
• The university’s location in Pittsburgh, a thriving city known for its innovation and industry, provides students with numerous internship and research opportunities.
• Pitt’s strong alumni network and global reach offer students valuable connections and a wide range of career prospects.

18. University of Scranton

The University of Scranton is a private Catholic university located in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1888, it has a rich history and is known for its strong academic programs and values-based education. The University of Scranton offers a holistic and transformative educational experience.

Key Features:

• Scranton offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, particularly excelling in fields like business, health sciences, and the liberal arts.
• The university’s focus on Jesuit values and social justice creates a supportive and inclusive environment for students to explore their passions.
• Scranton’s location in Scranton, a historic and vibrant city, offers a unique and enriching educational experience.

19. Drexel University

Drexel University is a private research university located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1891, it has a strong focus on technology and innovation and is known for its cooperative education program. Drexel offers a unique and practical educational experience.

Key Features:

• Drexel offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, particularly excelling in fields like engineering, business, and the health sciences.
• The university’s cooperative education program provides students with valuable work experience and industry connections.
• Drexel’s location in Philadelphia, a major city with a rich cultural heritage, offers students access to internships, research opportunities, and a diverse range of experiences.

20. Saint Joseph’s University

Saint Joseph’s University is a private Catholic university located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1851, it has a rich history and is known for its strong academic programs and values-based education. Saint Joseph’s offers a supportive and faith-inspired educational experience.

Key Features:

• Saint Joseph’s offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs, particularly excelling in fields like business, health sciences, and the liberal arts.
• The university’s focus on Jesuit values and social responsibility creates a supportive and inclusive environment for students to thrive.
• Saint Joseph’s location in Philadelphia, a major city with a rich cultural heritage, provides students with access to internships, research opportunities, and a diverse range of experiences.

Conclusion

Pennsylvania’s higher education scene offers a diverse and captivating array of colleges and universities, each with its own unique character and academic strengths. From the prestigious Ivy League institutions to the intimate liberal arts colleges, students can find an educational environment that aligns with their interests and aspirations. With a rich history, innovative research, and a strong focus on community engagement, Pennsylvania’s top universities continue to shape the lives of students and contribute to the advancement of knowledge and society. Whether it’s the vibrant urban campuses or the picturesque rural settings, Pennsylvania’s colleges provide an exceptional educational experience that prepares students for success in their chosen fields and beyond.

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