Pennsylvania is home to some of the best colleges in the United States. With so many options, it can be overwhelming to decide which college is the best fit for you. We’ve put together a comprehensive guide to the best colleges in Pennsylvania. We have based our schools on factors like academic rigor, campus culture, and student satisfaction.
In this article, we’ll provide an overview of the top colleges in Pennsylvania and highlight what makes each institution unique. We’ll also cover key considerations to keep in mind when selecting a college, including location, academic offerings, and extracurricular activities. Whether you’re a high school student planning for college, a transfer student looking for a change, or an adult learner pursuing a degree, this guide will help you make an informed decision about which Pennsylvania college is right for you.
So let’s dive in and explore the best colleges in Pennsylvania!
University of Pennsylvania
The University of Pennsylvania, or Penn as it is commonly known, is one of the top Ivy League universities. Established in 1740, Penn has a rich history of academic excellence and innovation. The university is located in Philadelphia and boasts a sprawling campus that spans over 279 acres. It is no doubt that the University of Pennsylvania is the best college in Pennsylvania.
Penn’s undergraduate program is one of the most selective in the country, with an acceptance rate of around 6%. The university offers over 90 majors across four undergraduate schools. The School of Arts and Sciences, the School of Engineering and Applied Science, the Wharton School, and the School of Nursing. Each school has its unique curriculum and requirements, providing students with a wide range of academic options.
The School of Arts and Sciences is the largest undergraduate school at Penn. The School of Arts and Sciences offers a broad range of liberal arts and sciences courses. Students can choose from over 50 majors in fields like psychology, economics, biology, and history. The school also offers a number of interdisciplinary majors, such as cognitive science, environmental studies, and urban studies. The curriculum is designed to encourage students to explore a variety of disciplines before declaring a major. Students are also required to complete a number of general education courses. These areas include writing, quantitative reasoning, and foreign language.
If you’re thinking of transferring to UPenn, check out Penns transfer acceptance rate.
Swarthmore College
Swarthmore College, located in the suburbs of Philadelphia. It is consistently ranked as a top 5 liberal arts college in the country. With a small student body of just over 1,600 undergraduate students, Swarthmore offers an intimate, close-knit community. This community fosters intellectual curiosity and engagement. The college is known for its rigorous academic program, which emphasizes critical thinking, analysis, and interdisciplinary learning. Swarthmore College is ranked number 2 as being the best college in Pennsylvania.
Outside of the classroom, Swarthmore offers a wide range of extracurricular activities and organizations for students to get involved in. The college has a strong tradition of social activism. Students are encouraged to get involved in community service and advocacy work. There are also over 100 student-run clubs and organizations on campus. These range from a capella groups to political clubs to sports teams.
As a whole, Swarthmore College’s undergraduate program is designed to challenge and inspire students. They want students to think deeply, engage critically with complex issues, and make meaningful contributions to their communities. Swarthmore offers a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary education, close relationships with faculty, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion. It is an excellent choice for students seeking a rigorous and intellectually stimulating undergraduate education.
If you’re thinking of transferring to Swarthmore, be sure to check out our post on Swarthmore’s transfer acceptance rate.
Carnegie Mellon
At the undergraduate level, CMU offers over 80 majors across seven schools and colleges. The schools include the College of Engineering, the College of Fine Arts, the Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences, the Mellon College of Science, and the Tepper School of Business. Students at CMU have the flexibility to explore diverse fields of study and pursue their passions.
A key aspect of a CMU education is the university’s emphasis on interdisciplinary learning. Many programs at CMU span multiple schools and colleges. These schools encourage students to collaborate across academic boundaries and gain a more comprehensive understanding of complex issues. The university’s Integrative Design, Arts, and Technology (IDeATe) program is a prime example. It enables students to blend their major with coursework in fields such as game design, animation, and robotics, resulting in a distinctive and interdisciplinary learning experience.
At the same time, CMU places a strong emphasis on academic rigor and intellectual inquiry. The university’s faculty members are world-renowned scholars and researchers committed to pushing their respective fields’ boundaries. This intellectual rigor is reflected in the university’s curriculum, which emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation.
CMU provides a wealth of resources and support services to support students in their academic and professional pursuits. These include academic advising, tutoring and study groups, career counseling and job placement assistance, and a comprehensive network of alumni and industry partners. For these reasons above, Carnegie Mellon is ranked as one of the best schools in Pennsylvania.
Haverford College
Haverford’s undergraduate program is centered on a core curriculum that requires all students to take courses in the natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, and writing. This interdisciplinary approach encourages students to think broadly and to make connections across different fields of study.
An infamous aspect of Haverford’s curriculum (and something we love) is its Honor Code. The Honor Code dates back to 1896 and is still upheld by students today. The Honor Code is a student-led system of academic and social responsibility that values honesty, trust, and respect. Under the Honor Code, students are trusted to take their exams without proctors, write their papers without plagiarism, and be accountable for their actions inside and outside the classroom.
The faculty at Haverford are highly accomplished scholars who are dedicated to teaching and mentoring undergraduates. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 8:1, students have ample opportunities to work closely with professors on research projects, independent studies, and senior theses. In fact, over 50% of Haverford students complete a senior thesis, which is a major research project that allows them to delve deeply into a topic of their choosing.
Beyond the classroom, Haverford has a vibrant student life that is grounded in its Quaker heritage. The college has a strong commitment to social justice and community service. Students are encouraged to get involved in a wide range of extracurricular activities, including athletics, student government, performing arts, and service organizations.
Penn State
Penn State’s undergraduate program is one of the most popular in the country, with over 40,000 students enrolled across 20 campuses. The university offers more than 160 undergraduate degree programs in fields such as business, engineering, education, and the liberal arts.
The most sought-after program at Penn State is the Smeal College of Business. The Smeal College offers undergraduate degrees in a variety of business disciplines, including accounting, finance, marketing, and supply chain management. Students in the Smeal College have access to a wide range of resources, including career counseling, internships, and study abroad programs.
Another standout program at Penn State is the College of Engineering. The college offers undergraduate degrees in disciplines such as aerospace, civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering. The college is known for its cutting-edge research and state-of-the-art facilities. These include the Learning Factory, which provides students with hands-on experience in design, manufacturing, and entrepreneurship.
Lehigh University
Lehigh offers over 100 majors and minors at the undergraduate level, giving students the flexibility to customize their academic experience to their interests and career goals. In addition to traditional majors like English, Biology, and History, Lehigh also offers unique interdisciplinary programs like Integrated Business and Engineering (IBE), a joint program between the College of Business and the Rossin College of Engineering that prepares students for leadership roles in technology-driven industries.
Lehigh also offers a range of study abroad opportunities, allowing students to gain international experience and broaden their perspective. Lehigh has partnerships with over 120 universities worldwide and offers programs in locations like London, Madrid, and Hong Kong.
For students interested in undergraduate research, Lehigh offers a range of opportunities to work with faculty members on research projects. The university is home to several research centers and institutes, including the Center for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, the Institute for Cyber Physical Infrastructure and Energy, and the Institute for Data, Intelligent Systems, and Computation.
Villanova
Villanova University is a private Catholic institution located in Villanova, Pennsylvania. It was founded in 1842 and has a rich history of academic excellence and community engagement.
The undergraduate program at Villanova is divided into six schools. The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the Villanova School of Business, the College of Engineering, the M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, the Villanova University School of Law, and the Villanova School of Education. Each school offers a range of majors and minors, providing students with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed.
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is the largest school at Villanova, and it offers a wide range of majors across the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Students in this school are encouraged to pursue interdisciplinary studies and to engage in research and creative projects.
The Villanova School of Business is also highly regarded and has been consistently ranked among the top undergraduate business programs in the country. The school offers a range of majors, including accounting, finance, management, and marketing, and its curriculum emphasizes the development of leadership skills, ethical decision-making, and a global perspective.
The College of Engineering is known for its innovative and interdisciplinary approach to engineering education. Students in this school have the opportunity to work on cutting-edge research projects and to collaborate with faculty members who are leaders in their fields. The school offers majors in areas such as chemical, civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering, as well as computer science.
The M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing is one of the top nursing schools in the country and is recognized for its commitment to preparing nurses who are leaders in their field. The college offers a range of undergraduate programs, including a traditional four-year program, an accelerated second-degree program, and a RN-to-BSN program for registered nurses seeking to advance their education.
The Villanova University School of Law is a highly selective program that offers a comprehensive legal education designed to prepare students for success in the legal profession. The school emphasizes experiential learning and offers a range of opportunities for students to engage in clinical work, internships, and externships.
Finally, the Villanova School of Education is dedicated to preparing educators who are committed to social justice and equity in education. The school offers a range of undergraduate programs, including a Bachelor of Arts in Education and Human Services and a Bachelor of Science in Human Services and Rehabilitation Sciences.
Best College in Pennsylvania for Business: Wharton
The Wharton School is arguably the best college in Pennsylvania for business. It’s undergraduate degrees in fields like finance, accounting, and marketing. The curriculum is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in business principles and practices, as well as hands-on experience through internships and research opportunities. Wharton students can also pursue dual degrees in areas like computer science or international studies.
Best College for Nursing in Pennsylvania: UPenn
Upenn is the best college for nursing in Pennsylvania. The University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing offers undergraduate degrees in nursing, as well as a number of other health-related majors like health and societies and biological basis of behavior. The curriculum is designed to provide students with both theoretical knowledge and practical experience through clinical rotations and research opportunities.
Best Liberal Arts College in Pennsylvania: Swarthmore
Swarthmore’s academic program is designed to challenge students to think deeply and critically about complex issues. The college’s small class sizes and low student-to-faculty ratio (8:1) mean that students have ample opportunities to discuss and debate with their professors and peers. In addition, the college’s Honors Program allows students to pursue advanced research projects under the guidance of a faculty mentor, culminating in a thesis or creative project in their senior year. It is no doubt that Swarthmore is the best liberal arts college in Pennsylvania.
Best College for Engineering in Pennsylvania: UPenn
The School of Engineering and Applied Science offers undergraduate degrees in fields like computer science, mechanical engineering, and bioengineering. The curriculum is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in math and science, as well as practical experience through laboratory courses and research opportunities. Students in the School of Engineering and Applied Science are encouraged to pursue interdisciplinary study, and many students take courses in both engineering and the liberal arts.
