This guide ranks 9 colleges in Pennsylvania by graduate salary outcomes, acceptance rate, and net cost of attendance — using public US Department of Education College Scorecard and IPEDS data.

What is the hardest college to get into in Pennsylvania?

University of Pennsylvania has the lowest acceptance rate among Pennsylvania colleges on this list at 5.9%. Reach for it only if your GPA, test scores, and extracurriculars are well above the school's median.

Which Pennsylvania college has the highest graduate salary?

Carnegie Mellon University graduates earn the highest median 10-year salary among Pennsylvania colleges on this list, at $114,862. Major choice impacts earnings far more than school choice — pick based on intended career, not just school median.

Should I stay in Pennsylvania for college?

In-state public colleges in Pennsylvania typically charge significantly less tuition than out-of-state students pay, so staying in-state can cut costs dramatically. Private colleges in Pennsylvania charge the same regardless of state residency. Compare net cost (not sticker) for your family income to decide.

Data source: IPEDS, College Scorecard.

Top Colleges in Pennsylvania

FAQs about colleges in Pennsylvania

Plug your stats in. We'll tell you where you stand.