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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #41 | Pleasant Gap, PA | $47,037 Median Earnings (4yr) | $8,203 | 96.2% | — | |
| #42 | Titusville, PA | $73,701 Median Earnings (4yr) | -$819 | 34.8% | — | |
| #43 | Pottsville, PA | $84,416 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #44 | Ford City, PA | $56,476 Median Earnings (4yr) | $19,846 | — | — | |
| #45 | Neumann UniversityPrivate | Aston, PA | $72,633 Median Earnings (4yr) | $24,467 | 81.3% | 53.7% |
| #46 | Indiana, PA | $57,450 Median Earnings (4yr) | $12,364 | 90.8% | 55.5% | |
| #47 | Citizens School Of NursingPrivate | Tarentum, PA | $70,711 Median Earnings (4yr) | $26,654 | 83.3% | — |
| #48 | Johnstown, PA | $73,701 Median Earnings (4yr) | $10,106 | 94.8% | 55.8% | |
| #49 | Nanticoke, PA | $49,521 Median Earnings (4yr) | $7,711 | — | — | |
| #50 | La Salle UniversityPrivate | Philadelphia, PA | $70,254 Median Earnings (4yr) | $16,545 | 96.6% | 57.1% |
| #51 | Newtown, PA | $52,637 Median Earnings (4yr) | $3,725 | — | — | |
| #52 | Schnecksville, PA | $50,125 Median Earnings (4yr) | $7,219 | — | — | |
| #53 | Slippery Rock, PA | $57,301 Median Earnings (4yr) | $12,555 | 71.5% | 65.6% | |
| #54 | Lancaster, PA | $57,788 Median Earnings (4yr) | $10,981 | 71.2% | — | |
| #55 | Milton, PA | $52,840 Median Earnings (4yr) | $13,092 | 66.7% | — | |
| #56 | Upmc Mercy School Of NursingPrivate | Pittsburgh, PA | $80,990 Median Earnings (4yr) | $32,063 | 87.9% | — |
| #57 | California, PA | $54,553 Median Earnings (4yr) | $13,944 | 94.3% | 51.9% | |
| #58 | Haverford CollegePrivate | Haverford, PA | $64,523 Median Earnings (4yr) | $7,531 | 12.4% | 89.6% |
| #59 | Philadelphia, PA | $84,010 Median Earnings (4yr) | $22,570 | 88.8% | 78.8% | |
| #60 | Pittsburgh, PA | $79,778 Median Earnings (4yr) | $22,860 | 78.0% | — |
