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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #81 | Seton Hill UniversityPrivate | Greensburg, PA | $51,748 Median Earnings (10yr) | $14,651 | 75.8% | 71.0% |
| #82 | Point Park UniversityPrivate | Pittsburgh, PA | $45,856 Median Earnings (10yr) | $18,999 | 97.9% | 59.6% |
| #83 | Clarks Summit UniversityPrivate | Clarks Summit, PA | $38,818 Median Earnings (10yr) | $17,711 | 90.1% | 54.2% |
| #84 | Lancaster, PA | $33,301 Median Earnings (10yr) | $24,506 | 45.9% | 63.8% | |
| #85 | Messiah UniversityPrivate | Mechanicsburg, PA | $54,064 Median Earnings (10yr) | $23,234 | 78.5% | 78.5% |
| #86 | University Of Valley ForgePrivate | Phoenixville, PA | $39,016 Median Earnings (10yr) | $22,957 | 78.2% | 56.1% |
| #87 | La Roche UniversityPrivate | Pittsburgh, PA | $52,341 Median Earnings (10yr) | $15,477 | 77.6% | 57.7% |
| #88 | Cairn University-LanghornePrivate | Langhorne, PA | $44,172 Median Earnings (10yr) | $24,409 | 83.6% | 65.2% |
| #89 | Mount Aloysius CollegePrivate | Cresson, PA | $46,165 Median Earnings (10yr) | $17,100 | 90.4% | 55.6% |
| #90 | Wilson CollegePrivate | Chambersburg, PA | $43,326 Median Earnings (10yr) | $14,381 | 90.0% | 51.8% |
| #91 | Philadelphia, PA | $37,839 Median Earnings (10yr) | $39,174 | 60.5% | 63.4% | |
| #92 | Wynnewood, PA | $55,225 Median Earnings (10yr) | $32,698 | 100.0% | 44.4% | |
| #93 | University Of The ArtsPrivate | Philadelphia, PA | $38,252 Median Earnings (10yr) | $42,104 | 78.2% | 69.2% |
| #94 | Philadelphia, PA | $29,881 Median Earnings (10yr) | $45,633 | 87.5% | 67.6% |
