Pennsylvania is home to some of the finest academic institutions in the United States, offering a diverse range of programs and a rich cultural experience. In this blog, we will help you explore the top 10 universities in Pennsylvania with detailed information including acceptance rate, graduation rate, U.S.News rankings and tuition fees and so on. Find your dream university and pave the way for your future!
Top Universities in Pennsylvania: Things You Need to Know about Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania, located in the northeastern United States, is a state rich in history and culture. Known as the Keystone State, it was the site of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the drafting of the Constitution in Philadelphia.
The state features diverse geography, from the Appalachian Mountains to rolling hills and vibrant cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. It has 120 state parks and 18 national parks. Students in Pennsylvania can enjoy the bustling, lively atmosphere of major American cities while also taking affordable weekend trips to some of the state’s tranquil and peaceful areas. Outdoor enthusiasts can go mountain biking, hiking, and camping. With four distinct seasons, winter offers opportunities for ice skating and skiing.Its culinary scene is famous for dishes like Philadelphia cheesesteaks, soft pretzels, and Pennsylvania Dutch specialties.
The state is also home to prestigious academic institutions, including the University of Pennsylvania and Carnegie Mellon University and so on. This blog listed top 10 universities in Pennsylvania with detailed information, hopefully can help you find your dream university!
1. University of Pennsylvania
Acceptance Rate：7%
SAT Range: 1500-1570
ACT Range: 34-35
High School GPA: 3.9
Application Deadline: Jan.5
4-Year Graduation Rate: 88%
In the U.S. News rankings, the University of Pennsylvania is ranked among the Top 6 Best National Universities, the Top 13 Best Value Schools, and the 1st Business School in the United States. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 9,760, and the tuition and fees are $66,104.
The University of Pennsylvania’s long history dates back to 1740.As one of the nation’s oldest institutions, it holds a prestigious position as a distinguished member of the Ivy League. As an Ivy League member, students gain access to a vast and influential alum network, renowned partnerships, and numerous collaborative opportunities. Many faculty members at the University of Pennsylvania have received prestigious awards and honors, including the Nobel Prize, Pulitzer Prize, MacArthur Genius Grant, and the National Medal of Science.
Campus life at the University of Pennsylvania is incredibly vibrant, with over 450 student organizations. Students can join clubs related to their interests in arts, culture, sports, academics, and social causes.
2. Carnegie Mellon University
Acceptance Rate：11%
SAT Range: 1490-1570
ACT Range: 34-35
High School GPA: 3.9
Application Deadline: Jan.1
4-Year Graduation Rate: 76%
In the U.S. News rankings, the Carnegie Mellon University is ranked among the Top 24 Best National Universities, the Top 24 Best Value Schools, and the Top 7 Business School in the United States. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 7,509. The tuition and fees are $63,829.
Carnegie Mellon University is a private institution that was founded in 1900. It mainly leads in eight specific fields: artificial intelligence, computer engineering, cyber security, management information systems, mobile/web applications, programming languages, software engineering, and quantitative analysis.
Students in STEM(S:Science; T:Technology; E:Engineering; M:Mathematics) programs in CMU face intense competition in academics, extracurricular activities, and research papers, second only to institutions like Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Stanford, MIT, Columbia, and UPenn.
3. Lehigh University
Acceptance Rate：37%
SAT Range: 1340-1490
ACT Range: 30-33
High School GPA: N/A
Application Deadline: Jan.15
4-Year Graduation Rate: 83%
In the U.S. News rankings, the Lehigh University is ranked among the Top 47 Best National Universities, the Top 22 Best Value Schools. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 5,624. The tuition and fees are $62,180.
Lehigh University was founded by industrialist Asa Packer in 1865 and is located in Bethlehem, in the Lehigh Valley region of eastern Pennsylvania. It mainly comprises five colleges: the College of Engineering and Applied Science, the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Business, the College of Education, and the College of Health.The business and engineering programs are especially excellent. Moreover, the university provides over 200 various clubs and organizations for students to participate in.
4. University of Pittsburgh
Acceptance Rate：49%
SAT Range: 1280-1470
ACT Range: 29-33
High School GPA: 3.9
Application Deadline: July 30
4-Year Graduation Rate: 69%
In the U.S. News rankings, the University of Pittsburgh is ranked among the Top 67 Best National Universities, the Top 32 Best Value Schools. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 19,928. The tuition and fees are $21,524.
The University of Pittsburgh, established in 1787, is a prestigious and historic public university, ranked among the world’s top institutions. It is one of the ten oldest universities in the United States. Conveniently located, it is situated directly across the street from Carnegie Mellon University. The university offers over 100 majors, spanning disciplines such as medicine, business, law, and engineering. The Medical School is highly renowned, ranking among the top in the nation and the world. The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) includes 22 hospitals and is one of the most successful regional hospitals in the United States, particularly noted for its excellence in neurosurgery, organ transplantation, and gene therapy.
5. Villanova University
Acceptance Rate：23%
SAT Range: 1380-1500
ACT Range: 32-34
High School GPA: 3.9
Application Deadline: Jan.15
4-Year Graduation Rate: 88%
In the U.S. News rankings, the Villanova University is ranked among the Top 67 Best National Universities, the Top 91 Best Value Schools. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 6,989. The tuition and fees are $64,906.
The Villanova University is a private institution that was founded in 1842. It is the oldest and largest Catholic university in Pennsylvania. The main faculties include Engineering, Arts and Sciences, Business, Nursing, and Law, with the Business School being the most outstanding, sending a large number of elite talents to Wall Street every year. Even in the context of the economic crisis, it also guarantees a very high employment rate.
6. The Pennsylvania State University-University Park
Acceptance Rate：55%
SAT Range: 1210-1390
ACT Range: 26-31
High School GPA: 3.7
Application Deadline: Rolling
4-Year Graduation Rate: 69%
In the U.S. News rankings, the Parker University is ranked among the Top 60 Best National Universities, the Top 28 Top Public Schools, and Top 193 Best Value Schools. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 41,745. The tuition and fees are $19,835.
The Pennsylvania State University-University Park is a public institution that was founded in 1855. Its popular majors include Engineering, Computer Science, Business, Communication, Social Sciences and so on.
7. Temple University
Acceptance Rate：80%
SAT Range: 1120-1370
ACT Range: 24-31
High School GPA: 3.4
Application Deadline: Feb.1
4-Year Graduation Rate: 62%
In the U.S. News rankings, the Temple University is ranked among the Top 89 Best National Universities, the Top 45 Top Public Schools, and Top 70 Best Value Schools. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 24,106. The tuition and fees are $21,095.
Temple University is best known for its Beasley School of Law, which is ranked 54th overall among 196 schools, and is in the top 20 in two key areas: Health Law (15th) and International Law (16th). The School of Public Health has risen to 29th place in the national rankings for graduate schools and programs. The School of Education and Human Development is ranked 48th out of 453 schools in the national rankings of the best graduate schools.
8. Drexel University
Acceptance Rate：80%
SAT Range: 1230-1430
ACT Range: 27-32
High School GPA: 3.8
Application Deadline: Jan.15
4-Year Graduation Rate: N/A
In the U.S. News rankings, the Drexel University is ranked among the Top 98 Best National Universities, and Top 95 Best Value Schools. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 12,482. The tuition and fees are $60,663.
Drexel University is a private institution that was founded in 1891.It offers over 80 majors, with its most renowned fields being in STEM, particularly Engineering and Computer Science. Drexel’s engineering program is ranked 82nd nationally, while its computer science program is ranked 74th. Known for its cutting-edge technology, Drexel was also one of the first universities to offer online courses.
Additionally, Drexel is famous for its cooperative education program. Nearly every undergraduate student in various majors participates in co-op programs, gaining valuable professional experience.
9. Thomas Jefferson University
Acceptance Rate：87%
SAT Range: 1120-1130
ACT Range: 26-31
High School GPA: 3.7
Application Deadline: July 31
4-Year Graduation Rate: 54%
In the U.S. News rankings, the Thomas Jefferson University is ranked among the Top 142 Best National Universities, and Top 40 Best Value Schools. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 3,771. The tuition and fees are $45,733.
Thomas Jefferson University is a private institution that was founded in 1824. Its popular majors include Nursing, Health Services, Architectural Technology and so on. The school is renowned for its medical school, which boasts an internationally recognized top-tier academic medical center.
10. Duequesne University
Acceptance Rate：87%
SAT Range: 1160-1330
ACT Range: 25-31
High School GPA: 3.9
Application Deadline: Aug.15
4-Year Graduation Rate: 68%
In the U.S. News rankings, the Duequesne University is ranked among the Top 191 Best National Universities, and Top 56 Best Value Schools. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 5,095. The tuition and fees are $47,146.
Duquesne University is a private institution that was founded in 1878. It is just steps away from downtown Pittsburgh, offering students a wealth of cultural, entertainment, and work/internship opportunities. The university comprises 10 schools, offering over 85 undergraduate majors and 110 graduate and certificate programs. Its most renowned programs include Pharmacy, Nursing, Business, and Education.
The above information and data are referenced from the U.S. News official website.
FAQ
Is Pennsylvania a good state to go to college?
Yes, Pennsylvania is a great state to go to college. It offers prestigious universities like the University of Pennsylvania and Carnegie Mellon, vibrant student life in cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, and numerous outdoor activities. The state also provides ample career opportunities and a relatively affordable cost of living, making it an excellent choice for students.
What Ivy League school is in Pennsylvania?
The Ivy League school in Pennsylvania is the University of Pennsylvania, commonly known as Penn. Located in Philadelphia, Penn is renowned for its rigorous academic programs, prestigious business school (Wharton), and significant contributions to research and innovation. It is one of the oldest universities in the United States and a highly respected member of the Ivy League.
What major is the University of Pennsylvania known for?
The University of Pennsylvania is renowned for its business program, particularly the Wharton School, which is one of the top business schools globally. It also excels in law, medicine, and engineering.
