Whether you are living within the United States or you are an international student, our Best Colleges in Pennsylvania U.S. will be your best guide in selecting the best school.
Pennsylvania is a state with a rich historical and cultural legacy, known as both the Keystone State for its pivotal role in the founding of the United States and the Quaker State for its association with William Penn and the Quaker faith.
Alongside its compelling history, Pennsylvania boasts a wealth of top-tier colleges and universities, ranging from major research universities to intimate liberal arts colleges.
Many of these academic institutions were founded by Quakers, and still, prioritize community service and camaraderie in addition to their rigorous academic programs.
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10 Best Colleges in Pennsylvania U.S
The selection process was based on multiple criteria that determine the quality of education offered by these institutions. These factors include the following:
- school outcomes
- return on investment
- retention rate
- selectivity
- student-faculty ratio
- endowment per student
- median earnings, and
- cost of attendance.
See below for the list of the 10 best Colleges in Pennsylvania U.S
1. University of Pennsylvania (UPenn)
Being a member of the Ivy League, the University of Pennsylvania holds a prominent place among the top universities in the United States.
The Wharton School of Business, a well-known department at Penn, has produced some of the most successful alumni, including Warren Buffett and Elon Musk.
Though recognized for its excellent academic programs, Penn is also acknowledged as ‘the social ivy’ for its lively student culture.
Located in the urban landscape of Philadelphia, the university offers a diverse range of attractions such as restaurants, museums, art galleries, parks, and nightlife venues.
While some perceive Penn as a safe option within the Ivy League, others value it for its distinct campus culture, which emphasizes a healthy balance of academic and social pursuits.
Read Also: 10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in the U.S
2. Swarthmore College
Swarthmore College is a private liberal arts institution that was originally founded by the Quakers but became independent over 100 years ago.
The college is known for its intellectually curious and socially conscious student body.
Due to its small size, Swarthmore fosters a close-knit community. At Swarthmore, students have the opportunity to create their own majors and course schedules.
But then, Swarthmore is part of the Tri-College and Quaker Consortium, which allows students to take courses at Haverford College, Bryn Mawr College, and the University of Pennsylvania.
3. Haverford College
Haverford is a small liberal arts college that shares resources with Bryn Mawr through the Tri-College and Quaker Consortium.
The student-faculty ratio at Haverford is 9:1, and 60% of faculty members live on campus.
The college is renowned for its Honor Code and for its commitment to fulfilling 100% of the financial need demonstrated by accepted students.
4. Carnegie Mellon University
Carnegie Mellon University is a top-notch institution renowned for its excellence in both technical and creative fields, including engineering, computer science, drama, and architecture.
Its diverse student population is composed of individuals from various backgrounds and cultures, united by their passion and drive.
Graduates of CMU are highly sought after by employers in a variety of industries due to the school’s reputation for academic rigor and achievement. Overall, CMU provides students with a well-rounded education and valuable opportunities for success in their chosen careers.
5. Lehigh University
Lehigh is a highly-regarded private research university that boasts impressive academic programs in science, engineering, and business.
Despite its smaller size compared to other research universities, Lehigh offers its students the same resources and opportunities that larger institutions do, allowing them to explore a diverse range of interests.
The university comprises five schools – the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Business, the P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science, the College of Education, and the College of Health – ensuring that every student can find their niche at Lehigh.
Read Also: 10 Best Cheapest University in UK to Study Abroad
6. Lafayette College
Lafayette College is a highly-regarded private liberal arts institution that distinguishes itself with strong programs in science and engineering.
The college’s location provides convenient access to major urban areas like New York City and Philadelphia, but its opportunities extend far beyond its physical setting.
Students at Lafayette benefit from a robust alumni network and can take advantage of plentiful research and job opportunities.
The school has a strong track record of success, including high acceptance rates to medical schools and impressive freshman retention rates that demonstrate student satisfaction.
7. Bryn Mawr College
Bryn Mawr College is the last of the three institutions in the Tri-College and Quaker Consortium, and is known for its rigorous academic curriculum and small, tight-knit community.
Despite being situated in a small college town, the college is just a short 20-minute drive from Philadelphia, giving students easy access to the city’s bustling scene.
Female students at Bryn Mawr often describe the college as a large sorority, and even participate in a bonding tradition called “Hell Week.”
8. Franklin & Marshall College (F&M)
Franklin & Marshall College is a prestigious liberal arts institution that prioritizes research and unique student programming.
It is highly selective, attracting some of the brightest minds in the country. At F&M, self-reliance is valued, with nearly two-thirds of students completing independent studies or designing their own academic modules before graduating.
Residential life at F&M is organized into five “houses” reminiscent of those in the Harry Potter series, where students share residence halls, dining facilities, and programming.
The college also boasts an art museum and a Writers House, which serves as a literary performance space.
Read Also: Top Best Colleges in Canada For International Students
9. Bucknell University
Bucknell University is a liberal arts college located in central Pennsylvania that is renowned for its beautiful campus and innovative academic programs.
Bucknell comprises three schools: the College of Arts and Sciences, the Freeman College of Management, and the College of Engineering, all of which offer exceptional technical programs as well as humanities courses.
The university has a remarkable student-to-faculty ratio of 9:1 and an average class size of 20 students, ensuring that students receive personalized attention and mentorship from faculty.
One unique feature of Bucknell is the option for students to reside in themed residential colleges based on their first-semester classes, promoting camaraderie and intellectual growth.
Greek life is a prominent aspect of campus culture, with 41% of students participating in the Greek system.
10. Villanova University
Villanova is a Catholic research university that places great importance on community service and academic excellence.
The university comprises six colleges and offers a range of majors, with 48 academic programs available to students.
Students at Villanova are heavily involved in community service initiatives, including volunteering for events such as the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, weekly service outings with the Campus Ministry, and service trips during academic breaks.
Upon joining Villanova, students often feel embraced by the university’s supportive and caring community.
That has been the 10 Best Colleges in Pennsylvania U.S. Check our website for more information on Colleges.
