Colleges & Universities in Pennsylvania

Keystone Excellence: Pennsylvania’s Colleges and Universities

Pennsylvania, the birthplace of American democracy, offers a rich tapestry of colleges and universities catering to many academic aspirations. The state’s higher education institutions offer exceptional programs across a range of disciplines. Learn more about what awaits you in the Keystone State.

A Diversity of Options

From the world-renowned research facilities of Penn State University and the University of Pennsylvania to the intimate learning environment of liberal arts colleges like Swarthmore or Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania offers a perfect-fit institution for every student. The state’s system of higher education provides a network of affordable public universities, ensuring everyone can access a high-quality education.

• Penn State University, a large public research university known for its strong engineering, business, and agricultural programs. It also has successful NCAA DIvision I sports programs.
• University of Pennsylvania, an Ivy League university known for its prestigious professional schools, including the Wharton School of Business, the Perelman School of Medicine, and the Law School. UPenn also offers highly-ranked programs in the humanities and social sciences.
• Carnegie Mellon University, a leader in artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and other cutting edge technology fields like computer science. It also offers engineering and business programs.
• Lehigh University, a private research university whose engineering, business, and science programs have a solid reputation. This “little ivy” school is known for its academic rigor and high-quality undergraduate education.
• University of Pittsburgh, a leading public research university known for its schools of medicine, public health, and nursing. Pitt also has strong programs in the sciences, arts and humanities, engineering, and social sciences.
• Villanova University, a private Catholic university best known for its highly ranked business school (Villanova School of Business) and successful NCAA Division I basketball program.
• Temple University, a large public research university with strong programs in architecture, business, communications, and engineering.
• Thomas Jefferson University, a specialized private university and leader in healthcare education and research. It’s well-respected for its schools of medicine, nursing, pharmacy, and health professions.
• Swarthmore College, a highly selective private liberal arts college with robust programs in the humanities, social, and natural sciences. It’s also the alma mater of 30 Rhodes Scholars, 201 Fulbright Fellows, five Nobel Prize winners, 27 Truman Scholars, and 49 members of the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine.

Urban Excitement and Rural Charm

Pennsylvania has something for everyone, whether you want to:

• Immerse yourself in the cultural scene, like Reading Terminal Market, Jim Thorpe, Longwood Gardens, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, or Heinz Hall.
• Visit world-class museums like the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Franklin Institute, Andy Warhol Museum, or Fallingwater.
• Explore the rolling countryside and nature, like Ringing Rocks Park, Ricketts Glen State Park, Ohiopyle State Park, Bushkill Falls, Kinzua Bridge State Park, or Cook Forest State Park.
• Learn about the state’s history in Gettysburg, Valley Forge, Fort Pitt, Washington Crossing, or Brandywine Battlefield.

A Launchpad for Career Success

Graduating with a B.A. or B.S. from a Pennsylvania college or university opens doors to careers in a competitive global job market. Whether you’re seeking a research program, a liberal arts degree, or a solid foundation to pursue graduate studies, there’s a college program right for you in the Keystone State.