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 | Waynesburg, PA | $50,920 Median Earnings (4yr) | $14,909 | 100.0% | — | |
| #82 | Dickinson CollegePrivate | Carlisle, PA | $67,139 Median Earnings (4yr) | $40,755 | 42.1% | 79.8% |
| #83 | Monaca, PA | $56,347 Median Earnings (4yr) | $4,392 | — | — | |
| #84 | Scranton, PA | $56,911 Median Earnings (4yr) | $20,921 | 100.0% | — | |
| #85 | Cedar Crest CollegePrivate | Allentown, PA | $67,546 Median Earnings (4yr) | $21,044 | 84.1% | 60.4% |
| #86 | Alvernia UniversityPrivate | Reading, PA | $67,275 Median Earnings (4yr) | $23,436 | 58.1% | 55.5% |
| #87 | Lincoln UniversityPublic | Lincoln University, PA | $50,871 Median Earnings (4yr) | $14,011 | 65.7% | 43.5% |
| #88 | Pittsburgh, PA | $73,061 Median Earnings (4yr) | $21,898 | 80.8% | — | |
| #89 | Lancaster, PA | $54,031 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #90 | Lebanon, PA | $54,031 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #91 | York, PA | $54,031 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #92 | Gettysburg, PA | $54,031 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #93 | Shippensburg, PA | $59,882 Median Earnings (4yr) | $18,709 | 86.5% | 55.7% | |
| #94 | Tannersville, PA | $49,408 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #95 | Albright CollegePrivate | Reading, PA | $57,502 Median Earnings (4yr) | $16,345 | 76.3% | 50.7% |
| #96 | Frackville, PA | $53,477 Median Earnings (4yr) | $6,607 | — | — | |
| #97 | Indiana, PA | $40,623 Median Earnings (4yr) | $18,321 | — | — | |
| #98 | Rosedale Technical CollegePrivate | Pittsburgh, PA | $55,157 Median Earnings (4yr) | $16,171 | 75.0% | — |
| #99 | York College Of PennsylvaniaPrivate | York, PA | $65,789 Median Earnings (4yr) | $12,927 | 73.7% | 64.1% |
| #100 | Saint Francis UniversityPrivate | Loretto, PA | $73,068 Median Earnings (4yr) | $21,906 | 76.8% | 74.4% |
