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 | United Lutheran SeminaryPrivate | Gettysburg, PA | $80,405 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — |
| #22 | Bradford, PA | $73,701 Median Earnings (4yr) | $9,138 | 88.5% | 47.6% | |
| #23 | Pittsburgh, PA | $54,519 Median Earnings (4yr) | $12,524 | — | — | |
| #24 | Media, PA | $50,857 Median Earnings (4yr) | $18,159 | — | 21.1% | |
| #25 | Willow Street, PA | $56,037 Median Earnings (4yr) | $17,185 | — | — | |
| #26 | Philadelphia, PA | $77,686 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #27 | Downingtown, PA | $69,470 Median Earnings (4yr) | $13,992 | 58.3% | — | |
| #28 | Harrisburg, PA | $54,031 Median Earnings (4yr) | $11,685 | — | — | |
| #29 | West Mifflin, PA | $80,825 Median Earnings (4yr) | $28,445 | — | — | |
| #30 | Canonsburg, PA | $54,106 Median Earnings (4yr) | $2,520 | — | — | |
| #31 | Pittsburgh, PA | $73,701 Median Earnings (4yr) | $14,709 | 58.1% | 85.5% | |
| #32 | Swarthmore CollegePrivate | Swarthmore, PA | $65,618 Median Earnings (4yr) | $7,690 | 7.5% | 92.3% |
| #33 | Gwynedd Mercy UniversityPrivate | Gwynedd Valley, PA | $89,170 Median Earnings (4yr) | $21,995 | 89.6% | 56.9% |
| #34 | Bethlehem, PA | $81,740 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #35 | Widener UniversityPrivate | Chester, PA | $80,946 Median Earnings (4yr) | $21,200 | 70.9% | 68.3% |
| #36 | East Stroudsburg, PA | $56,971 Median Earnings (4yr) | $15,365 | 92.0% | 43.1% | |
| #37 | Blue Bell, PA | $53,324 Median Earnings (4yr) | $7,881 | — | — | |
| #38 | Lancaster, PA | $74,391 Median Earnings (4yr) | $12,321 | 28.2% | 83.8% | |
| #39 | Erie, PA | $71,301 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #40 | Titusville, PA | $73,701 Median Earnings (4yr) | -$819 | 34.8% | — |
