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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #121 | Orleans Technical CollegePrivate | Philadelphia, PA | $48,804 Median Earnings (4yr) | $17,941 | 79.5% | — |
| #122 | Moravian UniversityPrivate | Bethlehem, PA | $67,097 Median Earnings (4yr) | $24,609 | 54.2% | 71.7% |
| #123 | Harrisburg, PA | $55,281 Median Earnings (4yr) | $12,637 | 87.4% | 33.9% | |
| #124 | Harcum CollegePrivate | Bryn Mawr, PA | $47,904 Median Earnings (4yr) | $21,881 | — | — |
| #125 | Marywood UniversityPrivate | Scranton, PA | $60,125 Median Earnings (4yr) | $18,941 | 60.6% | 71.7% |
| #126 | Wilkes Barre, PA | $54,731 Median Earnings (4yr) | $21,147 | 79.3% | — | |
| #127 | Butler, PA | $45,728 Median Earnings (4yr) | $4,083 | — | — | |
| #128 | Gannon UniversityPrivate | Erie, PA | $65,497 Median Earnings (4yr) | $18,489 | 74.2% | 66.4% |
| #129 | Altoona, PA | $42,527 Median Earnings (4yr) | $9,019 | — | — | |
| #130 | Muhlenberg CollegePrivate | Allentown, PA | $65,650 Median Earnings (4yr) | $12,302 | 72.0% | 82.2% |
| #131 | Lebanon Valley CollegePrivate | Annville, PA | $63,570 Median Earnings (4yr) | $20,788 | 83.8% | 65.0% |
| #132 | Wayne, PA | $52,620 Median Earnings (4yr) | $6,398 | — | — | |
| #133 | Lycoming CollegePrivate | Williamsport, PA | $57,353 Median Earnings (4yr) | $12,151 | 74.1% | 59.6% |
| #134 | Chestnut Hill CollegePrivate | Philadelphia, PA | $55,964 Median Earnings (4yr) | $28,011 | 74.5% | 48.8% |
| #135 | York, PA | $48,902 Median Earnings (4yr) | $12,458 | — | — | |
| #136 | Somerset, PA | $46,805 Median Earnings (4yr) | $14,370 | — | — | |
| #137 | Mckees Rocks, PA | $72,712 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | 82.0% | — | |
| #138 | Misericordia UniversityPrivate | Dallas, PA | $69,973 Median Earnings (4yr) | $36,759 | 70.9% | 71.7% |
| #139 | Mercyhurst UniversityPrivate | Erie, PA | $57,293 Median Earnings (4yr) | $22,626 | 81.0% | 60.2% |
| #140 | Waynesburg UniversityPrivate | Waynesburg, PA | $59,019 Median Earnings (4yr) | $12,916 | 89.8% | 65.5% |
