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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #161 | Johnstown, PA | $37,995 Median Earnings (4yr) | $2,945 | — | — | |
| #162 | Grove City CollegePrivate | Grove City, PA | $45,058 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | 72.3% | 83.2% |
| #163 | Bryn Mawr CollegePrivate | Bryn Mawr, PA | $57,476 Median Earnings (4yr) | $11,017 | 29.4% | 81.8% |
| #164 | Thiel CollegePrivate | Greenville, PA | $51,262 Median Earnings (4yr) | $17,247 | 71.5% | 48.7% |
| #165 | Delaware Valley UniversityPrivate | Doylestown, PA | $54,681 Median Earnings (4yr) | $21,896 | 93.2% | 55.9% |
| #166 | Lancaster, PA | $38,846 Median Earnings (4yr) | $24,547 | 99.2% | 68.5% | |
| #167 | Keystone CollegePrivate | La Plume, PA | $46,043 Median Earnings (4yr) | $21,925 | 84.8% | 35.9% |
| #168 | Ambler, PA | $42,143 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | 100.0% | 41.7% | |
| #169 | La Roche UniversityPrivate | Pittsburgh, PA | $57,880 Median Earnings (4yr) | $16,152 | 75.8% | 57.2% |
| #170 | Cairn University-LanghornePrivate | Langhorne, PA | $48,513 Median Earnings (4yr) | $24,029 | 88.2% | 59.7% |
| #171 | Wilson CollegePrivate | Chambersburg, PA | $54,180 Median Earnings (4yr) | $14,808 | 92.1% | 48.1% |
| #172 | University Of Valley ForgePrivate | Phoenixville, PA | $45,455 Median Earnings (4yr) | $30,614 | 61.2% | 49.0% |
| #173 | Philadelphia, PA | $42,582 Median Earnings (4yr) | $34,834 | 56.5% | 57.1% | |
| #174 | Philadelphia, PA | $31,901 Median Earnings (4yr) | $39,928 | — | 57.6% |
