The state of Pennsylvania offers plenty of options for those looking to further their education with a degree from a college or university. With more than 100 universities and colleges, residents and out-of-state students alike have plenty of options for higher education in this state. The University of Pennsylvania is perhaps the state's most notable institution and is an Ivy League school and was famously founded by Benjamin Franklin. Students can also choose from University of Pennsylvania locations in both the Pittsburgh and Philadelphia regions.
The best colleges in Pennsylvania include major public research universities, private liberal arts colleges, Ivy League schools, and smaller specialty colleges. Each type of college or university offers something unique to prospective students, whether it's research opportunities, highly-respected professors, a wide range of degree options, or tailored degree plans. And, the options in this state aren't just limited to residents of PA. Many colleges in Pennsylvania maintain agreements with other schools in the state, allowing learners to access courses from multiple institutions.
There are other perks of attending college in this state as well. Graduates who find employment in Pennsylvania can expect, on average, to earn decent wages. While the salary you earn in this state will depend on your job, experience, and other factors, the average annual earnings in the state was about $53,950 as of May 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). In this state, lawyers made, on average, about $139,120 per year as of 2020. Elementary school teachers made, on average, about $65,820 per year, and registered nurses made about $74,170 per year on average.
If you want to attend college in this state, a good place to start is by looking at the best value colleges in PA. These schools will help you save money while you earn a valuable degree in a field that interests you.
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The Top 25 Best Value Colleges and Universities in Pennsylvania of 2021
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In-State Tuition Cost in Pennsylvania
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), students paid, on average, about $9,212 for tuition at public institutions and $30,723 for tuition costs at private schools in the U.S during the 2018-2019 school year.
On average, tuition costs in the state of Pennsylvania were a bit higher than the national average. That said, if you attend a public school like University of Pittsburgh, the tuition cost will be much lower than tuition at a private college or university. The average in-state tuition cost in Pennsylvania for the 2018-2019 school year was about $14,812. Private school tuition in this state cost students, on average, about $41,703 per year during the same time.
Out-of-State Tuition Cost in Pennsylvania
If you're a student from out of state who wants to attend a school in the state of Pennsylvania, you need to be prepared to pay more for tuition than students who are residents of the state.
Out-of-state tuition costs in Pennsylvania averaged about $28,527 for the 2018-2019 school year, which is nearly twice the cost of in-state tuition. Fortunately, students can help make up the difference by applying for scholarships and other financial aid options.
Average Cost of Room and Board in Pennsylvania
Another higher education cost to consider is room and board, which is separate from your tuition costs. Students can expect to pay nearly as much in room and board in Pennsylvania as they do for tuition at public schools in this state.
The average cost of room and board for students attending a four-year public school in Pennsylvania was about $11,475 during the 2018-2019 school year, according to NCES. Students who attended private schools paid about $13,545 on average during the same time frame. That's slightly higher than the national average cost for room and board, which was about $11,386 per year at public schools and $12,787 at private schools during the 2018-2019 school year.
You also have the option to live off-campus in many cases. This may help save money on housing costs, but it depends on a number of factors. In Pennsylvania, rent for off-campus housing costs will vary depending on the city you attend school in, the area you live in, and other factors. For example, off-campus housing costs when attending the University of Pennsylvania average about $14,000 per year. On the other hand, the average cost of living off-campus while attending Penn State is about $9,600, according to the college cost estimates offered by the school.
Scholarships for Students in Pennsylvania
Students attending colleges in Pennsylvania can qualify for various scholarships, including some reserved for state residents. Organizations award scholarships based on financial need and academic merit. Some scholarships support learners in a specific field or minority demographic. Learners enrolled in Pennsylvania programs can apply to the three scholarships below.
Clarkston Scholars Program
Who Can Apply: Clarkston Consulting awards this scholarship to a sophomore attending a four-year college or university in Pennsylvania. Applicants must be majoring in the life sciences. The scholarship winner also receives mentorship from Clarkston Consulting during the two-year scholarship period.Amount: $10,000
D. Colman Witte Scholarship
Who Can Apply: This scholarship supports high school and college students who are enrolled in or plan to enroll in an art, architecture, or interior design program. Candidates must attend a college or university in the Philadelphia area and need a minimum 2.75 GPA. Applicants submit a portfolio that includes 10 images.Amount: $500-$6,000 per year
Feinstein Fund for Philadelphia Scholars
Who Can Apply: High school seniors who live in Philadelphia and demonstrate financial need can apply. Applicants need a minimum 3.25 GPA and must submit high school transcripts, a college acceptance letter, and a financial aid award letter. Candidates must also provide a copy of their FAFSA report, a recommendation letter, and SAT or ACT scores.Amount: $10,000
