Home to 94 ranked institutions, Pennsylvania offers a diverse higher education landscape ranging from research powerhouses like Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus to specialized regional colleges. Graduates earn a median of $60,916 ten years after enrollment, with public universities comprising 18% of the state's offerings while private colleges dominate the educational ecosystem.
Graduates from Pennsylvania institutions earn between $29,881 and $114,862 ten years after enrollment—$5,099 higher than the national average. Carnegie Mellon University produces the highest-earning graduates at $114,862, while University of Pennsylvania follows closely at $111,371, demonstrating how program selection and institutional reputation directly impact career outcomes across the state's acceptance rate spectrum.
While Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus dominates the rankings with its 1.3 Azimuth Score, students looking for more accessible admissions should consider this same institution's strategic positioning. With an 80% acceptance rate, it offers exceptional value for students prioritizing strong outcomes without the selectivity barriers typical of top-tier institutions, making quality education accessible to a broader range of in-state tuition beneficiaries.
Compare net price, debt, and earnings scenarios
| Rank | School | Location | Earnings | Net Price | Acceptance Rate | Grad Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #21 | Slippery Rock, PA | $53,032 Median Earnings (10yr) | $12,762 | 74.6% | 65.9% | |
| #22 | Dickinson CollegePrivate | Carlisle, PA | $70,204 Median Earnings (10yr) | $17,167 | 43.1% | 83.4% |
| #23 | California, PA | $47,295 Median Earnings (10yr) | $14,651 | 93.7% | 51.0% | |
| #24 | Greensburg, PA | $66,125 Median Earnings (10yr) | $8,336 | 97.9% | 39.6% | |
| #25 | Albright CollegePrivate | Reading, PA | $58,700 Median Earnings (10yr) | $16,982 | 86.2% | 42.1% |
| #26 | Harrisburg, PA | $52,374 Median Earnings (10yr) | $10,291 | 81.8% | 43.4% | |
| #27 | Indiana, PA | $51,019 Median Earnings (10yr) | $12,696 | 91.2% | 52.4% | |
| #28 | Saint Joseph's UniversityPrivate | Philadelphia, PA | $86,881 Median Earnings (10yr) | $30,742 | 86.4% | 79.8% |
| #29 | Millersville, PA | $55,246 Median Earnings (10yr) | $13,632 | 89.4% | 54.4% | |
| #30 | Kutztown, PA | $53,775 Median Earnings (10yr) | $15,925 | 94.8% | 54.1% | |
| #31 | Shippensburg, PA | $56,351 Median Earnings (10yr) | $18,253 | 85.5% | 51.6% | |
| #32 | Johnstown, PA | $66,125 Median Earnings (10yr) | $10,031 | 95.9% | 53.4% | |
| #33 | Washington, PA | $67,918 Median Earnings (10yr) | $21,102 | 81.5% | 71.4% | |
| #34 | University Of ScrantonPrivate | Scranton, PA | $74,652 Median Earnings (10yr) | $17,968 | 84.4% | 80.8% |
| #35 | Muhlenberg CollegePrivate | Allentown, PA | $69,107 Median Earnings (10yr) | $13,742 | 64.0% | 80.3% |
| #36 | Immaculata UniversityPrivate | Immaculata, PA | $75,701 Median Earnings (10yr) | $21,180 | 78.5% | 64.5% |
| #37 | Alvernia UniversityPrivate | Reading, PA | $55,055 Median Earnings (10yr) | $27,979 | 62.3% | 58.5% |
| #38 | Widener UniversityPrivate | Chester, PA | $70,920 Median Earnings (10yr) | $25,328 | 84.0% | 63.5% |
| #39 | Lycoming CollegePrivate | Williamsport, PA | $56,210 Median Earnings (10yr) | $10,756 | 67.9% | 59.6% |
| #40 | Robert Morris UniversityPrivate | Moon Township, PA | $62,105 Median Earnings (10yr) | $22,158 | 90.6% | 65.5% |
