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Best Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region

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2023 Best Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region

320 Schools Ranked
$44,984 Average Earnings
$21,980 Avg Student Debt

With all the programs available today, it can be tough to choose which one is the best for you. As online education oppotunities continue to grow, you're not restricted to just schools in your local area anymore. Even some of the 'big name' schools are offering online courses. On top of that, there are a considerable number of trade schools and bootcamp that offer fast-track entry to many fields.

The Best Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region ranking is one of many tools that Course Advisor has developed to help you make your educational decision. Our analysis looked at 320 schools in the Middle Atlantic Region to see which programs offered the best educational experiences for students.

View our full ranking methodology.

Top Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region of the U.S.

Learn more about these excellent schools below:

#1

Princeton University

Princeton, New Jersey
$58,198 Average Earnings

Our analysis found Princeton University to be the best school for students in the Middle Atlantic Region .

Once they receive their degree, Princeton graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $58,198 during the early year of their career.

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#2

Bucknell University

Lewisburg, Pennsylvania
$56,780 Average Earnings
$20,110 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #2 on this year’s list means Bucknell University is a great place for students.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $20,110 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $741, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Bucknell, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $56,780 during the early years of their career.

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#3

Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
$77,372 Average Earnings

Out of the 320 schools in the Middle Atlantic Region that were part of this year’s ranking, Carnegie Mellon University landed the # 3 spot on the list.

After graduating from Carnegie Mellon, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $77,372 during the early years of their career.

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#4

Cornell University

Ithaca, New York
$65,907 Average Earnings
$14,061 Avg Student Debt

Out of the 320 schools in the Middle Atlantic Region that were part of this year’s ranking, Cornell University landed the # 4 spot on the list.

On average, students take out $14,061 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $570, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Cornell, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $65,907 during the early years of their career.

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#5

Colgate University

Hamilton, New York
$48,442 Average Earnings
$14,450 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #5 on this year’s list means Colgate University is a great place for students.

On average, students take out $14,450 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from Colgate, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $48,442 during the early years of their career.

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#6

University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
$81,207 Average Earnings
$17,262 Avg Student Debt

University of Pennsylvania did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for students. It came in at #6 on the list.

Degree recipients from UPenn accumulate an average of $17,262 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $547, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, UPenn graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $81,207 during the early year of their career.

Full University of Pennsylvania Report

#7

Lafayette College

Easton, Pennsylvania
$53,246 Average Earnings

Lafayette College came in at #7 in this year’s edition of the Best Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region ranking.

For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $616. During the early years of their career, Lafayette graduates make an average of $53,246 annually.

Full Lafayette College Report

$62,754 Average Earnings

Teachers College at Columbia University landed the #8 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best programs.

Once they receive their degree, Teachers College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $62,754 during the early year of their career.

Full Teachers College at Columbia University Report

#9

Georgetown University

Washington, District of Columbia
$69,885 Average Earnings
$16,335 Avg Student Debt

Georgetown University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for students. It came in at #9 on the list.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $16,335 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $769, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Georgetown graduates make an average of $69,885 annually.

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#10

Lehigh University

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
$66,716 Average Earnings

Lehigh University came in at #10 in this year’s edition of the Best Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region ranking.

If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $621, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Lehigh, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $66,716 during the early years of their career.

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#11

Excelsior College

Albany, New York
$58,705 Average Earnings
$20,421 Avg Student Debt

Excelsior College came in at #11 in this year’s edition of the Best Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region ranking.

On average, students take out $20,421 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from Excelsior College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $58,705 during the early years of their career.

Full Excelsior College Report

#12

Barnard College

New York, New York
$42,928 Average Earnings
$15,812 Avg Student Debt

Barnard College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for students. It came in at #12 on the list.

On average, students take out $15,812 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, Barnard graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $42,928 during the early year of their career.

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#13

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, Maryland
$68,344 Average Earnings
$18,755 Avg Student Debt

Johns Hopkins University came in at #13 in this year’s edition of the Best Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region ranking.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $18,755 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $599 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Johns Hopkins graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $68,344 during the early year of their career.

Full Johns Hopkins University Report

#14

Hamilton College

Clinton, New York
$43,033 Average Earnings
$16,531 Avg Student Debt

Hamilton College ranked #14 on this year’s Best Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region list.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $16,531 in student loans.After graduating from Hamilton, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $43,033 during the early years of their career.

Full Hamilton College Report

#15

Villanova University

Villanova, Pennsylvania
$62,813 Average Earnings
$26,526 Avg Student Debt

Villanova University landed the #15 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best programs.

On average, students take out $26,526 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $594.After graduating from Villanova, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $62,813 during the early years of their career.

Read full report on Villanova University

#16

Gettysburg College

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
$35,869 Average Earnings

Gettysburg College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for students. It came in at #16 on the list.

Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $565 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Gettysburg graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $35,869 during the early year of their career.

Full Gettysburg College Report

#17

The College of New Jersey

Ewing, New Jersey
$48,225 Average Earnings
$22,132 Avg Student Debt

The College of New Jersey did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for students. It came in at #17 on the list.

Degree recipients from TCNJ accumulate an average of $22,132 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $327 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, TCNJ graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $48,225 during the early year of their career.

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#18

The Graduate Center, CUNY

New York, New York
$61,344 Average Earnings
$20,379 Avg Student Debt

The Graduate Center, CUNY came in at #18 in this year’s edition of the Best Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region ranking.

Degree recipients from The Graduate Center accumulate an average of $20,379 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, The Graduate Center graduates make an average of $61,344 annually.

Full The Graduate Center, CUNY Report

#19

Thomas Edison State University

Trenton, New Jersey
$58,555 Average Earnings
$18,852 Avg Student Debt

Thomas Edison State University ranked #19 on this year’s Best Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region list.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $18,852 in student loans. During the early years of their career, TESU graduates make an average of $58,555 annually.

Read full report on Thomas Edison State University

#20

Lebanon Valley College

Annville, Pennsylvania
$43,651 Average Earnings
$24,080 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #20, Lebanon Valley College did quite well on this year’s best schools for students working.

On average, students take out $24,080 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $330 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from LVC, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $43,651 during the early years of their career.

Read full report on Lebanon Valley College

#21

Vassar College

Poughkeepsie, New York
$34,638 Average Earnings
$15,241 Avg Student Debt

Vassar College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for students. It came in at #21 on the list.

Degree recipients from Vassar accumulate an average of $15,241 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $438, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Vassar, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $34,638 during the early years of their career.

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#22

University of Maryland - College Park

College Park, Maryland
$52,217 Average Earnings
$20,252 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #22, University of Maryland - College Park did quite well on this year’s best schools for students working.

Degree recipients from UMCP accumulate an average of $20,252 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $391 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from UMCP, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $52,217 during the early years of their career.

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#23

Elizabethtown College

Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania
$47,198 Average Earnings
$28,645 Avg Student Debt

Elizabethtown College came in at #23 in this year’s edition of the Best Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region ranking.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $28,645 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $593 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Etown graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $47,198 during the early year of their career.

Read full report on Elizabethtown College

$70,610 Average Earnings
$23,258 Avg Student Debt

Columbia University in the City of New York came in at #24 in this year’s edition of the Best Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region ranking.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $23,258 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $567. Once they receive their degree, Columbia graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $70,610 during the early year of their career.

Read full report on Columbia University in the City of New York

#25

Thomas Jefferson University

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
$59,708 Average Earnings
$31,910 Avg Student Debt

Thomas Jefferson University came in at #25 in this year’s edition of the Best Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region ranking.

Degree recipients from Thomas Jefferson University accumulate an average of $31,910 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $535. Once they receive their degree, Thomas Jefferson University graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $59,708 during the early year of their career.

Full Thomas Jefferson University Report

Rest of the Top 15% Best Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region of the U.S.

Not only did these schools make the top 49 list, but they also landed in the top 15% of this year’s ranking:

#26

Franklin and Marshall College

Lancaster, Pennsylvania
#27

Dickinson College

Carlisle, Pennsylvania
#30

Union College New York

Schenectady, New York
#31

Saint Joseph's University

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
#32

New York University

New York, New York
#33

George Washington University

Washington, District of Columbia
#34

Washington & Jefferson College

Washington, Pennsylvania
#35

Lycoming College

Williamsport, Pennsylvania
#36

Loyola University Maryland

Baltimore, Maryland
#37

Stevens Institute of Technology

Hoboken, New Jersey
#38

University of Delaware

Newark, Delaware
#40

Wagner College

Staten Island, New York
#41

University of Scranton

Scranton, Pennsylvania
#42

Rutgers University - Newark

Newark, New Jersey
#43

Saint Vincent College

Latrobe, Pennsylvania
#45

University of Rochester

Rochester, New York
#46

Anne Arundel Community College

Arnold, Maryland
#47

Ursinus College

Collegeville, Pennsylvania
#48

McDaniel College

Westminster, Maryland
#49

Ithaca College

Ithaca, New York

View Best Schools Nationwide >

Honorable Mentions

These schools also performed well in our best schools ranking:

Rank School Location
50 Syracuse University Syracuse, NY
51 New Jersey Institute of Technology Newark, NJ
52 St Mary’s College of Maryland St. Mary’s City, MD
53 Rider University Lawrenceville, NJ
54 Muhlenberg College Allentown, PA
55 American University Washington, DC
56 University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh Campus Pittsburgh, PA
57 Towson University Towson, MD
58 Clarkson University Potsdam, NY
59 Juniata College Huntingdon, PA
60 The College of Saint Rose Albany, NY
61 Ramapo College of New Jersey Mahwah, NJ
62 Rutgers University - New Brunswick New Brunswick, NJ
63 Salisbury University Salisbury, MD
64 West Chester University of Pennsylvania West Chester, PA
65 King’s College Wilkes-Barre, PA

Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • Read more about our ranking methodology.
  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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