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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #61 | Carlow UniversityPrivate | Pittsburgh, PA | $67,381 Median Earnings (4yr) | $17,901 | 87.0% | 59.9% |
| #62 | University Of ScrantonPrivate | Scranton, PA | $79,409 Median Earnings (4yr) | $23,896 | 81.2% | 79.8% |
| #63 | Trinity Anglican SeminaryPrivate | Ambridge, PA | $56,899 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — |
| #64 | New Castle, PA | $71,301 Median Earnings (4yr) | $19,736 | 99.6% | — | |
| #65 | Williamsport, PA | $66,316 Median Earnings (4yr) | $20,065 | — | 53.5% | |
| #66 | Reynoldsville, PA | $46,177 Median Earnings (4yr) | $12,025 | 80.5% | — | |
| #67 | Erie, PA | $140,695 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #68 | Pittsburgh, PA | $54,344 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #69 | Youngwood, PA | $49,187 Median Earnings (4yr) | $2,972 | — | — | |
| #70 | Lancaster, PA | $84,010 Median Earnings (4yr) | $37,532 | 41.2% | 68.8% | |
| #71 | Philadelphia, PA | $33,267 Median Earnings (4yr) | $22,731 | — | — | |
| #72 | Kutztown, PA | $55,608 Median Earnings (4yr) | $15,957 | 90.8% | 53.8% | |
| #73 | Gettysburg CollegePrivate | Gettysburg, PA | $72,658 Median Earnings (4yr) | $13,625 | 38.9% | 82.5% |
| #74 | Reading, PA | $45,446 Median Earnings (4yr) | $7,968 | — | — | |
| #75 | Cheyney, PA | $49,989 Median Earnings (4yr) | $13,585 | — | 40.6% | |
| #76 | Uniontown, PA | $44,765 Median Earnings (4yr) | $23,986 | — | — | |
| #77 | Pittsburgh, PA | $80,024 Median Earnings (4yr) | $28,089 | 100.0% | — | |
| #78 | Millersville, PA | $57,515 Median Earnings (4yr) | $14,565 | 86.2% | 57.6% | |
| #79 | Bristol, PA | $52,637 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #80 | Perkasie, PA | $52,637 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — |
