Most Affordable Colleges in Pennsylvania (2026)
Updated
Most Affordable Colleges in Pennsylvania lists 88 four-year nonprofit institutions. Schools are ordered by their average net price for families earning under $30,000, lowest first, as set out on Azimuth's methodology page.
Across the 86 schools with a reported completion median, the average net price for families earning under $30,000 ranges from $7,531 to $40,755, with a median of $18,719. University of Pennsylvania ranks 1st on this list and reports median earnings of $124,586 for its graduates four years after completing.
Public institutions account for 14 of the 88 schools, or 16%, while 74 are private nonprofits. Holy Family University posts the lowest average net price on the page at $13,143.
University of Pennsylvania ranks 52nd on Azimuth's composite ranking among the 1,467 public and private nonprofit four-year institutions Azimuth ranks nationally.
The ranked list
| Rank | School | Median earnings, 4 years after completion | Average net price | Net price, families under $30K | Admission rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Pennsylvania · Philadelphia, PA | $124,586 | $28,699 | -$3,012* | 5.4% |
| University of Pennsylvania reports median earnings of $124,586 for its graduates four years after completing, alongside a 5% admission rate. | |||||
| 2 | Haverford College · Haverford, PA | $64,523 | $25,314 | $7,531 | 12.4% |
| Haverford College carries an average net price of $7,531 for families earning under $30,000 and ranks 2nd on this list. | |||||
| 3 | Swarthmore College · Swarthmore, PA | $65,618 | $23,149 | $7,690 | 7.5% |
| Graduates of Swarthmore College earn a median of $65,618 four years after completing, and the school admits 7% of applicants. | |||||
| 4 | Carnegie Mellon University · Pittsburgh, PA | $132,971 | $31,944 | $9,097 | 11.7% |
| Carnegie Mellon University posts a 94% six-year completion rate and an average net price of $9,097 for families earning under $30,000. | |||||
| 5 | Holy Family University · Philadelphia, PA | $82,892 | $13,143 | $9,721 | 71.0% |
| Holy Family University, a private nonprofit university in Philadelphia, reports median earnings of $82,892 for its graduates four years after completing. | |||||
| 6 | Rosemont College · Rosemont, PA | $59,674 | $20,150 | $10,124 | 76.3% |
| With an average net price of $10,124 for families earning under $30,000, Rosemont College ranks 6th on this page. | |||||
| 7 | Bryn Mawr College · Bryn Mawr, PA | $57,476 | $31,759 | $11,017 | 29.4% |
| Bryn Mawr College admits 29% of applicants and shows an 82% six-year completion rate. | |||||
| 8 | Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania · Bloomsburg, PA | $58,676 | $15,699 | $11,374 | 93.1% |
| Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania reports median earnings of $58,676 for its graduates four years after completing, and its average net price for families earning under $30,000 is $11,374. | |||||
| 9 | Lycoming College · Williamsport, PA | $57,353 | $19,140 | $12,151 | 74.1% |
| Lycoming College carries an average net price of $12,151 for families earning under $30,000 and a 74% admission rate. | |||||
| 10 | Muhlenberg College · Allentown, PA | $65,650 | $28,905 | $12,302 | 72.0% |
| Graduates of Muhlenberg College earn a median of $65,650 four years after completing, and the school ranks 10th on this list. | |||||
| 11 | Franklin and Marshall College · Lancaster, PA | $74,391 | $36,425 | $12,321 | 28.2% |
| Franklin and Marshall College posts an 84% six-year completion rate alongside an average net price of $12,321 for families earning under $30,000. | |||||
| 12 | Indiana University of Pennsylvania · Indiana, PA | $57,450 | $16,804 | $12,364 | 90.8% |
| Indiana University of Pennsylvania, a public institution in Indiana, reports median earnings of $57,450 for its graduates four years after completing. | |||||
| 13 | Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania · Slippery Rock, PA | $57,301 | $19,608 | $12,555 | 71.5% |
| Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania reports median earnings of $57,301 for its graduates four years after completing, alongside an average net price of $12,555 for families earning under $30,000. | |||||
| 14 | Harrisburg University of Science and Technology · Harrisburg, PA | $55,281 | $15,376 | $12,637 | 87.4% |
| Harrisburg University of Science and Technology admits 87% of applicants and posts a six-year completion rate of 34%. | |||||
| 15 | Lafayette College · Easton, PA | $91,758 | $34,433 | $12,716 | 31.5% |
| Lafayette College ranks 409th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions, and its graduates earn a median of $91,758 four years after completing. | |||||
| 16 | Waynesburg University · Waynesburg, PA | $59,019 | $18,235 | $12,916 | 89.8% |
| Waynesburg University carries an average net price of $12,916 for families earning under $30,000 and a six-year completion rate of 66%. | |||||
| 17 | York College of Pennsylvania · York, PA | $65,789 | $18,556 | $12,927 | 73.7% |
| York College of Pennsylvania reports median earnings of $65,789 for its graduates four years after completing, and its admission rate is 74%. | |||||
| 18 | Cheyney University of Pennsylvania · Cheyney, PA | $49,989 | $14,265 | $13,585 | Not reported |
| Cheyney University of Pennsylvania, a public university in Cheyney, shows an average net price of $13,585 for families earning under $30,000. | |||||
| 19 | Gettysburg College · Gettysburg, PA | $72,658 | $31,490 | $13,625 | 38.9% |
| Gettysburg College graduates a median of $72,658 four years after completing, and its six-year completion rate is 83%. | |||||
| 20 | Pennsylvania Western University · California, PA | $54,553 | $18,256 | $13,944 | 94.3% |
| Pennsylvania Western University admits 94% of applicants and reports an average net price of $13,944 for families earning under $30,000. | |||||
| 21 | Lincoln University · Lincoln University, PA | $50,871 | $14,977 | $14,011 | 65.7% |
| Lincoln University ranks 732nd on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions, with a six-year completion rate of 44%. | |||||
| 22 | Millersville University of Pennsylvania · Millersville, PA | $57,515 | $20,787 | $14,565 | 86.2% |
| Millersville University of Pennsylvania reports median earnings of $57,515 for its graduates four years after completing, alongside an average net price of $14,565 for families earning under $30,000. | |||||
| 23 | University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus · Pittsburgh, PA | $73,701 | $30,434 | $14,709 | 58.1% |
| University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus admits 58% of applicants and its graduates earn a median of $73,701 four years after completing. | |||||
| 24 | Wilson College · Chambersburg, PA | $54,180 | $21,741 | $14,808 | 92.1% |
| Wilson College carries an average net price of $14,808 for families earning under $30,000 and ranks 1433rd on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions. | |||||
| 25 | Seton Hill University · Greensburg, PA | $53,942 | $22,204 | $15,143 | 79.5% |
| Seton Hill University reports median earnings of $53,942 for its graduates four years after completing, alongside an average net price of $15,143 for families earning under $30,000. | |||||
| 26 | Westminster College · New Wilmington, PA | $54,065 | $19,859 | $15,226 | 92.6% |
| Westminster College admits 93% of applicants and posts a six-year completion rate of 65%. | |||||
| 27 | Washington & Jefferson College · Washington, PA | $66,045 | $25,002 | $15,265 | 80.6% |
| Washington & Jefferson College ranks 929th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions, with an average net price of $15,265 for families earning under $30,000. | |||||
| 28 | East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania · East Stroudsburg, PA | $56,971 | $18,134 | $15,365 | 92.1% |
| East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania, a public university in East Stroudsburg, shows median earnings of $56,971 for its graduates four years after completing. | |||||
| 29 | Kutztown University of Pennsylvania · Kutztown, PA | $55,608 | $21,331 | $15,957 | 90.8% |
| Kutztown University of Pennsylvania has a six-year completion rate of 54% and an average net price of $15,957 for families earning under $30,000. | |||||
| 30 | La Roche University · Pittsburgh, PA | $57,880 | $20,794 | $16,152 | 75.8% |
| La Roche University reports median earnings of $57,880 for its graduates four years after completing, and its admission rate stands at 76%. | |||||
| 31 | Albright College · Reading, PA | $57,502 | $20,024 | $16,345 | 76.3% |
| Albright College ranks 805th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions, with a six-year completion rate of 51%. | |||||
| 32 | La Salle University · Philadelphia, PA | $70,254 | $19,409 | $16,545 | 96.6% |
| La Salle University posts median earnings of $70,254 for its graduates four years after completing, alongside an average net price of $16,545 for families earning under $30,000. | |||||
| 33 | Lehigh University · Bethlehem, PA | $101,748 | $36,931 | $16,917 | 25.9% |
| Lehigh University admits 26% of applicants and reports median earnings of $101,748 for its graduates four years after completing. | |||||
| 34 | West Chester University of Pennsylvania · West Chester, PA | $64,804 | $23,331 | $17,018 | 78.4% |
| West Chester University of Pennsylvania has an average net price of $17,018 for families earning under $30,000 and a six-year completion rate of 71%. | |||||
| 35 | Thiel College · Greenville, PA | $51,262 | $22,347 | $17,247 | 71.6% |
| Thiel College, a private nonprofit university in Greenville, ranks 1365th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions. | |||||
| 36 | Saint Vincent College · Latrobe, PA | $56,796 | $23,510 | $17,249 | 61.7% |
| Saint Vincent College reports median earnings of $56,796 for its graduates four years after completing, with an average net price of $17,249 for families earning under $30,000. | |||||
| 37 | King's College · Wilkes-Barre, PA | $67,122 | $23,093 | $17,283 | 93.1% |
| King's College, a private nonprofit university in Wilkes-Barre, reports an average net price of $17,283 for families earning under $30,000 and ranks 37th on this list. | |||||
| 38 | Elizabethtown College · Elizabethtown, PA | $66,236 | $26,598 | $17,776 | 77.9% |
| Graduates of Elizabethtown College earn a median of $66,236 four years after completing, and the school admits 78% of applicants. | |||||
| 39 | Villanova University · Villanova, PA | $104,228 | $43,756 | $17,823 | 27.0% |
| Villanova University posts a six-year completion rate of 92% and an average net price of $17,823 for families earning under $30,000. | |||||
| 40 | Carlow University · Pittsburgh, PA | $67,381 | $20,786 | $17,901 | 87.0% |
| Carlow University ranks 648th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions, and its graduates earn a median of $67,381 four years after completing. | |||||
| 41 | Gannon University · Erie, PA | $65,497 | $22,553 | $18,489 | 74.2% |
| Gannon University has an average net price of $18,489 for families earning under $30,000 and a six-year completion rate of 66%. | |||||
| 42 | Allegheny College · Meadville, PA | $56,294 | $22,940 | $18,495 | 54.6% |
| Allegheny College admits 55% of applicants, and its graduates across all fields earn a median of $56,294 four years after completing. | |||||
| 43 | Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania · Shippensburg, PA | $59,882 | $23,726 | $18,709 | 86.5% |
| Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania reports an average net price of $18,709 for families earning under $30,000 and ranks 43rd on this list. | |||||
| 44 | Juniata College · Huntingdon, PA | $55,079 | $23,988 | $18,729 | 78.9% |
| Juniata College, a private nonprofit university in Huntingdon, posts a six-year completion rate of 74% and a median earnings figure of $55,079 for its graduates four years after completing. | |||||
| 45 | Marywood University · Scranton, PA | $60,125 | $23,388 | $18,941 | 60.6% |
| Marywood University admits 61% of applicants and has an average net price of $18,941 for families earning under $30,000. | |||||
| 46 | Messiah University · Mechanicsburg, PA | $58,620 | $26,502 | $19,393 | 79.0% |
| Messiah University ranks 1292nd on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions, and its graduates earn a median of $58,620 four years after completing. | |||||
| 47 | Robert Morris University · Moon Township, PA | $70,755 | $23,003 | $19,548 | 89.9% |
| Robert Morris University reports an average net price of $19,548 for families earning under $30,000 and a six-year completion rate of 66%. | |||||
| 48 | Susquehanna University · Selinsgrove, PA | $58,506 | $28,819 | $19,757 | 81.4% |
| Susquehanna University admits 81% of applicants, and its graduates across all fields earn a median of $58,506 four years after completing. | |||||
| 49 | Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus · University Park, PA | $76,659 | $32,875 | $19,845 | 60.6% |
| Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus reports median earnings of $76,659 for its graduates four years after completing, alongside an average net price of $19,845 for families earning under $30,000. | |||||
| 50 | Geneva College · Beaver Falls, PA | $53,795 | $25,890 | $20,283 | Not reported |
| Geneva College graduates 61% of its students within six years and posts an average net price of $20,283 for families earning under $30,000. | |||||
| 51 | Immaculata University · Immaculata, PA | $72,836 | $24,258 | $20,539 | 85.8% |
| Immaculata University admits 86% of applicants and its graduates earn a median of $72,836 four years after completing. | |||||
| 52 | Ursinus College · Collegeville, PA | $65,033 | $30,536 | $20,622 | 91.8% |
| Ursinus College ranks 1331st on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions, with a six-year completion rate of 73%. | |||||
| 53 | Lebanon Valley College · Annville, PA | $63,570 | $26,979 | $20,788 | 83.8% |
| Lebanon Valley College reports an average net price of $20,788 for families earning under $30,000 and a median of $63,570 in earnings for its graduates four years after completing. | |||||
| 54 | Bucknell University · Lewisburg, PA | $96,035 | $40,766 | $20,980 | 28.9% |
| Bucknell University admits 29% of applicants and its graduates earn a median of $96,035 four years after completing. | |||||
| 55 | Cedar Crest College · Allentown, PA | $67,546 | $18,659 | $21,044 | 84.1% |
| Cedar Crest College graduates 60% of its students within six years and posts an average net price of $21,044 for families earning under $30,000. | |||||
| 56 | Widener University · Chester, PA | $80,946 | $25,759 | $21,200 | 70.9% |
| Widener University ranks 537th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions, alongside median earnings of $80,946 for its graduates four years after completing. | |||||
| 57 | Mount Aloysius College · Cresson, PA | $62,211 | $22,344 | $21,530 | 82.1% |
| Mount Aloysius College admits 82% of applicants and reports an average net price of $21,530 for families earning under $30,000. | |||||
| 58 | Delaware Valley University · Doylestown, PA | $54,681 | $28,278 | $21,896 | 93.2% |
| Delaware Valley University reports median earnings of $54,681 for its graduates four years after completing and a six-year completion rate of 56%. | |||||
| 59 | Saint Francis University · Loretto, PA | $73,068 | $23,526 | $21,906 | 76.8% |
| Saint Francis University graduates 74% of its students within six years and posts an average net price of $21,906 for families earning under $30,000. | |||||
| 60 | Keystone College · La Plume, PA | $46,043 | $22,051 | $21,925 | 84.8% |
| Keystone College admits 85% of applicants and reports median earnings of $46,043 for its graduates four years after completing. | |||||
| 61 | Gwynedd Mercy University · Gwynedd Valley, PA | $89,170 | $27,483 | $21,995 | 89.6% |
| Gwynedd Mercy University reports median earnings of $89,170 for its graduates four years after completing, alongside an average net price of $21,995 for families earning under $30,000. | |||||
| 62 | Point Park University · Pittsburgh, PA | $53,024 | $25,942 | $22,436 | 96.9% |
| Point Park University admits 97% of applicants and posts a six-year completion rate of 59%. | |||||
| 63 | Thomas Jefferson University · Philadelphia, PA | $87,195 | $28,928 | $22,537 | 81.0% |
| Thomas Jefferson University ranks 181st on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions, and its graduates across all fields earn a median of $87,195 four years after completing. | |||||
| 64 | Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia · Philadelphia, PA | $84,010 | $29,689 | $22,570 | 88.8% |
| A private nonprofit university in Philadelphia, Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia shows an average net price of $22,570 for families earning under $30,000 and a six-year completion rate of 79%. | |||||
| 65 | Mercyhurst University · Erie, PA | $57,293 | $19,444 | $22,626 | 81.0% |
| Mercyhurst University ranks 65th on this list, with median earnings of $57,293 for its graduates four years after completing. | |||||
| 66 | Chatham University · Pittsburgh, PA | $65,078 | $29,954 | $22,675 | 62.0% |
| Chatham University reports an average net price of $22,675 for families earning under $30,000 and admits 62% of applicants. | |||||
| 67 | Temple University · Philadelphia, PA | $67,232 | $28,198 | $22,694 | 80.4% |
| Temple University posts a six-year completion rate of 75% and ranks 125th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions. | |||||
| 68 | Arcadia University · Glenside, PA | $60,044 | $29,466 | $23,127 | 80.2% |
| Graduates of Arcadia University earn a median of $60,044 four years after completing, and the school admits 80% of applicants. | |||||
| 69 | Alvernia University · Reading, PA | $67,275 | $28,138 | $23,436 | 58.1% |
| Alvernia University shows an average net price of $23,436 for families earning under $30,000, and its graduates across all fields earn a median of $67,275 four years after completing. | |||||
| 70 | University of Scranton · Scranton, PA | $79,409 | $32,568 | $23,896 | 81.2% |
| University of Scranton reports a six-year completion rate of 80% and an average net price of $23,896 for families earning under $30,000. | |||||
| 71 | DeSales University · Center Valley, PA | $74,078 | $31,643 | $24,007 | 77.1% |
| DeSales University admits 77% of applicants, and its graduates earn a median of $74,078 four years after completing. | |||||
| 72 | Cairn University-Langhorne · Langhorne, PA | $48,513 | $27,642 | $24,029 | 88.2% |
| Cairn University-Langhorne ranks 72nd on this list and posts a six-year completion rate of 60%. | |||||
| 73 | Neumann University · Aston, PA | $72,633 | $27,804 | $24,467 | 81.3% |
| Neumann University reports median earnings of $72,633 for its graduates four years after completing, alongside an average net price of $24,467 for families earning under $30,000. | |||||
| 74 | Lancaster Bible College · Lancaster, PA | $44,774 | $25,480 | $24,486 | 55.9% |
| Lancaster Bible College admits 56% of applicants and shows a six-year completion rate of 67%. | |||||
| 75 | Pennsylvania College of Art and Design · Lancaster, PA | $38,846 | $30,083 | $24,547 | 99.2% |
| Pennsylvania College of Art and Design has an admission rate of 99% and an average net price of $24,547 for families earning under $30,000. | |||||
| 76 | Moravian University · Bethlehem, PA | $67,097 | $30,670 | $24,609 | 54.2% |
| Moravian University ranks 981st on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions, and its graduates earn a median of $67,097 four years after completing. | |||||
| 77 | Wilkes University · Wilkes-Barre, PA | $69,197 | $27,743 | $25,062 | 90.6% |
| Wilkes University reports a six-year completion rate of 63% and median earnings of $69,197 for its graduates four years after completing. | |||||
| 78 | Eastern University · Saint Davids, PA | $54,681 | $26,662 | $26,557 | 90.8% |
| Eastern University has an average net price of $26,557 for families earning under $30,000 and an admission rate of 91%. | |||||
| 79 | Chestnut Hill College · Philadelphia, PA | $55,964 | $27,970 | $28,011 | 74.5% |
| Chestnut Hill College graduates earn a median of $55,964 four years after completing, and the school reports a six-year completion rate of 49%. | |||||
| 80 | Drexel University · Philadelphia, PA | $91,041 | $38,509 | $28,055 | 79.4% |
| Drexel University ranks 177th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions, with an average net price of $28,055 for families earning under $30,000. | |||||
| 81 | Duquesne University · Pittsburgh, PA | $74,665 | $37,730 | $29,986 | 83.6% |
| Duquesne University admits 84% of applicants and reports median earnings of $74,665 for its graduates four years after completing. | |||||
| 82 | University of Valley Forge · Phoenixville, PA | $45,455 | $32,265 | $30,614 | 61.2% |
| University of Valley Forge has a six-year completion rate of 49% and an average net price of $30,614 for families earning under $30,000. | |||||
| 83 | Moore College of Art and Design · Philadelphia, PA | $42,582 | $43,086 | $34,834 | 56.5% |
| Moore College of Art and Design reports median earnings of $42,582 for its graduates four years after completing, alongside an admission rate of 56%. | |||||
| 84 | Misericordia University · Dallas, PA | $69,973 | $37,485 | $36,759 | 70.9% |
| Misericordia University ranks 1163rd on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions, and its six-year completion rate is 72%. | |||||
| 85 | Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts · Philadelphia, PA | $31,901 | $42,454 | $39,928 | Not reported |
| Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts ranks 85th on this list and reports an average net price of $39,928 for families earning under $30,000. | |||||
| 86 | Dickinson College · Carlisle, PA | $67,139 | $37,607 | $40,755 | 42.1% |
| Dickinson College admits 42% of applicants and shows median earnings of $67,139 for its graduates four years after completing. | |||||
| 87 | Curtis Institute of Music · Philadelphia, PA | $20,026 | Not reported | Not reported | 4.6% |
| With a 96% six-year completion rate, Curtis Institute of Music ranks 1259th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions. | |||||
| 88 | Grove City College · Grove City, PA | $45,058 | Not reported | Not reported | 72.3% |
| Grove City College posts median earnings of $45,058 for its graduates four years after completing and an admission rate of 72%. | |||||
* Net price can be negative: when grants and scholarships exceed the listed cost of attendance, students can receive the difference as a refund for other expenses.
How this list is ordered
Schools are ordered by their average net price for families earning under $30,000, lowest first, as set out on Azimuth's methodology page. Median earnings cited for each institution reflect federally aided completers across all fields who were working and not enrolled four years after completing. The list does not adjust for who enrolls and is not a measure of teaching quality. The figures cited on this page cover the 86 schools with a reported completion median. University of Pennsylvania and Haverford College are separated by $10,543 for families earning under $30,000.