2023 Best Value Schools in Pennsylvania
Highlighting Quality Schools With More Affordable Prices
It's not easy to decide which program to enroll in when you have so many options available. You're no longer limited to schools in your local area, either, since online programs are becoming more prevalent. Or you may find the programs at a trade school or bootcamp to be a better alternative for you.
Along with in-depth profiles of schools and the programs they offer, Course Advisor has created the Best Value Schools in Pennsylvania to help you in your search for the best school for you. Our analysis looked at 106 schools in Pennsylvania to see which programs offered the best value experiences for students with the aim of identifying those quality schools that are more affordable than some of their counterparts.
Our ranking of value is based on the quality of a program as defined in our per sticker price dollar. Specifically, our score for quality is discounted by the published tuition and fees charged by the given college. This gives the cost per unit of quality for each college. The more quality your dollar buys, the better the value.
In our regional and nationwide rankings, out-of-state tution and fees are used in our calculations. For statewide rankings, we use average in-state tuition and fees.
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Top Value Schools in Pennsylvania
Learn more about these excellent schools below:
Our 2023 rankings named La Salle University the best value school in Pennsylvania for students working on their degree. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out degrees to 1,510 students in 2020-2021.
Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at La Salle are $33,150 per year. On average, students take out $24,877 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $410, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, La Salle graduates make an average of $49,822 annually.
You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Cabrini University. It ranked #2 on our 2023 Best Value Schools in Pennsylvania list. Cabrini University is located in Radnor, Pennsylvania and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 467 degrees to qualified students.
The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Cabrini University are $33,845 a year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $25,356 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 $348.After graduating from Cabrini University, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $38,679 during the early years of their career.
You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around you if you attend Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology. The school came in at #3 on this year’s Best Value Schools in Pennsylvania list. Located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, the small public school awarded 452 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.
Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology undergraduate students pay an average of $8,450 in tuition and fees each year. On average, students take out $10,367 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $40,004 during the early year of their career.
The excellent programs at Harrisburg Area Community College helped the school earn the #4 place on this year’s ranking of the best value schools in Pennsylvania. This fairly large public school is located in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and it awarded 2,164 degrees in 2020-2021.
The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at HACC are $9,818 a year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $22,075 in student loans. During the early years of their career, HACC graduates make an average of $35,757 annually.
You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Bucks County Community College. It ranked #5 on our 2023 Best Value Schools in Pennsylvania list. Bucks County Community College is located in Newtown, Pennsylvania and has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 1,022 degrees to qualified students.
Bucks County Community College undergraduate students pay an average of $13,298 in tuition and fees each year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $15,272 in student loans. During the early years of their career, Bucks County Community College graduates make an average of $33,594 annually.
West Chester University of Pennsylvania came in at #6 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Schools in Pennsylvania ranking. West Chester University of Pennsylvania is a fairly large public school located in West Chester, Pennsylvania that handed out 4,936 degrees in 2020-2021.
Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at WCUPA are $22,247 per year. After graduating from WCUPA, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $43,790 during the early years of their career.
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania landed the #7 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value programs. SRU is a public institution located in Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 2,287 degrees in 2020-2021.
The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at SRU are $14,615 a year. On average, students take out $25,146 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $275. During the early years of their career, SRU graduates make an average of $38,997 annually.
Lehigh Carbon Community College landed the #8 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value programs. LCCC is a public institution located in Schnecksville, Pennsylvania. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 948 degrees in 2020-2021.
LCCC undergraduate students pay an average of $12,060 in tuition and fees each year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $16,079 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from LCCC, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $33,859 during the early years of their career.
Montgomery County Community College ranked #9 on this year’s Best Value Schools in Pennsylvania list. Located in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania, the medium-sized public school handed out 1,462 degrees in 2020-2021.
Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Montco are $14,970 per year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $16,889 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, Montco graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $37,557 during the early year of their career.
Community College of Allegheny County did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best value places for students. It came in at #10 on the list. CCAC is a public institution located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 2,687 degrees in 2020-2021.
CCAC undergraduate students pay an average of $11,863 in tuition and fees each year. On average, students take out $18,837 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, CCAC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $35,077 during the early year of their career.
Kutztown University of Pennsylvania landed the #11 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value programs. Kutztown University is located in Kutztown, Pennsylvania and has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 1,894 degrees to qualified students.
Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Kutztown University are $15,170 per year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $26,882 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 $259 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Kutztown University graduates make an average of $35,223 annually.
Lock Haven University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best value places for students. It came in at #12 on the list. Lock Haven University is a small public school located in Lock Haven, Pennsylvania that handed out 731 degrees in 2020-2021.
The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at LHU are $20,702 a year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $29,214 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 $229 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, LHU graduates make an average of $39,679 annually.
Millersville University of Pennsylvania ranked #13 on this year’s Best Value Schools in Pennsylvania list. Located in Millersville, Pennsylvania, the medium-sized public school handed out 1,672 degrees in 2020-2021.
The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Millersville are $22,226 a year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $26,212 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $304, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Millersville graduates make an average of $41,464 annually.
Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best value places for students. It came in at #14 on the list. Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 2,149 students in 2020-2021.
The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Bloomsburg are $22,806 a year. On average, students take out $26,788 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $263. During the early years of their career, Bloomsburg graduates make an average of $41,760 annually.
Delaware County Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best value places for students. It came in at #15 on the list. Delaware County Community College is a public institution located in Media, Pennsylvania. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 1,599 degrees in 2020-2021.
Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Delaware County Community College are $13,740 per year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $18,773 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, Delaware County Community College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $34,347 during the early year of their career.
Community College of Philadelphia landed the #16 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value programs. Community College of Philadelphia is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 1,845 degrees to qualified students.
Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Community College of Philadelphia are $12,744 per year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $18,561 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, Community College of Philadelphia graduates make an average of $34,346 annually.
Laurel Business Institute came in at #17 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Schools in Pennsylvania ranking. LBI is located in Uniontown, Pennsylvania and has a very small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 176 degrees to qualified students.
The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at LBI are $10,970 a year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $13,121 in student loans.After graduating from LBI, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $31,892 during the early years of their career.
Clarion University of Pennsylvania did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best value places for students. It came in at #18 on the list. Clarion University is a small public school situated in Clarion, Pennsylvania. It awarded 1,464 degrees in 2020-2021.
The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Clarion University are $16,052 a year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $26,318 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 $296 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Clarion University graduates make an average of $41,574 annually.
Mansfield University of Pennsylvania came in at #18 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Schools in Pennsylvania ranking. This small public school is located in Mansfield, Pennsylvania, and it awarded 357 degrees in 2020-2021.
Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Mansfield University are $13,248 per year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $29,811 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, Mansfield University graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $34,647 during the early year of their career.
Edinboro University of Pennsylvania did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best value places for students. It came in at #20 on the list. Located in Edinboro, Pennsylvania, the small public school handed out 1,236 degrees in 2020-2021.
Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Edinboro are $15,062 per year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $26,793 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $222, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Edinboro, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $37,438 during the early years of their career.
Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania came in at #21 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Schools in Pennsylvania ranking. Ship is located in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania and has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 1,274 degrees to qualified students.
Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Ship are $14,122 per year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $24,777 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 $318 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Ship graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $39,634 during the early year of their career.
California University of Pennsylvania landed the #22 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value programs. Located in California, Pennsylvania, the medium-sized public school handed out 2,378 degrees in 2020-2021.
The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Cal U are $15,726 a year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $30,277 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 $162 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Cal U, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $40,624 during the early years of their career.
East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania landed the #23 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value programs. East Stroudsburg University is a public institution located in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 1,426 degrees in 2020-2021.
Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at East Stroudsburg University are $19,797 per year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $25,544 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 $254 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, East Stroudsburg University graduates make an average of $37,023 annually.
Read full report on East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania
University of Pittsburgh - Johnstown came in at #24 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Schools in Pennsylvania ranking. Located in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, the small public school handed out 522 degrees in 2020-2021.
Pitt Johnstown undergraduate students pay an average of $25,992 in tuition and fees each year. On average, students take out $25,064 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $415 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Pitt Johnstown graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $43,342 during the early year of their career.
Luzerne County Community College landed the #25 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value programs. Luzerne County Community College is located in Nanticoke, Pennsylvania and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 624 degrees to qualified students.
The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Luzerne County Community College are $14,370 a year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $14,559 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from Luzerne County Community College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $32,396 during the early years of their career.
Best Value Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region
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Notes and References
Footnotes
*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.
References
- 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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