2026 Best Value Science & Tech Schools in Pennsylvania
Looking for the best-value Science & Tech degree programs in Pennsylvania? This list ranks 315 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To arm you with the information you need, Course Advisor reviewed 106 schools to compile this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Science & Tech Degree Schools in Pennsylvania
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
La Salle University tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Science & Tech degree schools in Pennsylvania. Based in Philadelphia, PA, La Salle University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $37,800. La Salle University Science & Tech students take on a median of $25,462 in debt. Median earnings reach $67,416 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,462 median debt. About 97% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full La Salle University report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Cabrini College earned it the #2 place in Pennsylvania. Located in Radnor, PA, Cabrini College is a private not-for-profit institution. Graduates carry a median of $26,889 in student loans. Cabrini College alumni report median earnings of $59,038 a decade after entry. Set against $26,889 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Cabrini College report
Out of the 106 schools in Pennsylvania in this year's value ranking, Thaddeus Stevens College Of Technology landed the #3 spot. Based in Lancaster, PA, Thaddeus Stevens College Of Technology is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,050. The median Science & Tech program debt is $9,915. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,681 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 71%. Read more about Thaddeus Stevens College Of Technology
Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg came in at #4 on this year's best-value Science & Tech ranking in Pennsylvania. Located in Harrisburg, PA, Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,975, while out-of-state students pay about $12,472. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $20,867. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,007. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg
A rank of #5 makes Bucks County Community College one of the best values in Pennsylvania. This public school is set in Newtown, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,646, while out-of-state students pay about $13,926. The median Science & Tech program debt is $13,068. Bucks County Community College alumni report median earnings of $47,324 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Bucks County Community College report
West Chester University Of Pennsylvania offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Based in West Chester, PA, West Chester University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,775, compared with $22,599 for out-of-state students. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,258 ten years after entry. West Chester University Of Pennsylvania has an acceptance rate of 78%. Read the full report on West Chester University Of Pennsylvania
Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania landed the #7 spot for value in Pennsylvania this year. Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania is a public school based in Slippery Rock, PA. Students from in state pay about $10,568 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $14,676. Graduates carry a median of $26,330 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,032. Set against $26,330 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania profile
Lehigh Carbon Community College ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. This public school is set in Schnecksville, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,280, with out-of-state students paying around $13,270. The median Science & Tech program debt is $14,450. Lehigh Carbon Community College alumni report median earnings of $42,436 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,450 median debt. Read the full report on Lehigh Carbon Community College
Montgomery County Community College ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Based in Blue Bell, PA, Montgomery County Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,690, while out-of-state students pay about $17,250. Students borrow a median of $15,219 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Median earnings reach $46,108 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $15,219 median debt. See the full Montgomery County Community College profile
Community College Of Allegheny County offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Set in Pittsburgh, PA, Community College Of Allegheny County is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,956, while out-of-state students pay about $12,583. The median Science & Tech program debt is $15,263. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,449 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Community College Of Allegheny County profile
Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania landed the #11 spot for value in Pennsylvania this year. Set in Kutztown, PA, Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,206, compared with $16,330 for out-of-state students. The median Science & Tech program debt is $26,867. Median earnings reach $53,775 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,867 median debt. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania
Millersville University Of Pennsylvania ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Millersville University Of Pennsylvania is a public school based in Millersville, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,128, compared with $22,952 for out-of-state students. The median Science & Tech program debt is $26,486. Median earnings reach $55,246 ten years out. Set against $26,486 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Millersville University Of Pennsylvania admits about 86% of applicants. Get the full Millersville University Of Pennsylvania report
Delaware County Community College came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Set in Media, PA, Delaware County Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,930, compared with $15,540 for out-of-state students. The median Science & Tech program debt is $14,866. Median earnings reach $45,391 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Delaware County Community College profile
Community College Of Philadelphia landed the #16 spot for value in Pennsylvania this year. Based in Philadelphia, PA, Community College Of Philadelphia is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,632 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $12,744. Graduates carry a median of $16,059 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,852. That is a strong return on a $16,059 median debt. Read more about Community College Of Philadelphia
Laurel Business Institute offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Laurel Business Institute is a private for-profit school based in Uniontown, PA. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,713. Laurel Business Institute Science & Tech students take on a median of $13,918 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $30,819. That is a strong return on a $13,918 median debt. Laurel Business Institute admits about 77% of applicants. See the full Laurel Business Institute profile
Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Based in Shippensburg, PA, Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,570, with out-of-state students paying around $15,824. Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania Science & Tech students take on a median of $26,307 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,351. Set against $26,307 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%. See the full Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania profile
East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Based in East Stroudsburg, PA, East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,236, compared with $19,202 for out-of-state students. The median Science & Tech program debt is $26,527. East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania alumni report median earnings of $56,148 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,527 median debt. East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania admits about 92% of applicants. More on East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania
University Of Pittsburgh Johnstown placed #24 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Pennsylvania. Based in Johnstown, PA, University Of Pittsburgh Johnstown is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,906, with out-of-state students paying around $26,780. Students borrow a median of $25,993 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Median earnings reach $66,125 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,993 median debt. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Pittsburgh Johnstown report
Luzerne County Community College came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. Set in Nanticoke, PA, Luzerne County Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,600 in tuition and fees, compared with $16,260 for out-of-state students. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $14,614. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,437 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Luzerne County Community College
University Of Pittsburgh Greensburg ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. University Of Pittsburgh Greensburg is a public school based in Greensburg, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,710, while out-of-state students pay about $26,584. The median Science & Tech program debt is $26,030. Graduates go on to earn a median of $66,125 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,030 median debt. University Of Pittsburgh Greensburg has an acceptance rate of 95%. Read the full report on University Of Pittsburgh Greensburg
Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus placed #27 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Pennsylvania. Based in Indiana, PA, Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,380 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $16,297. Students borrow a median of $26,513 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $51,019 a decade after entry. Set against $26,513 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 91%. Read the full report on Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus
Northampton County Area Community College landed the #28 spot for value in Pennsylvania this year. Based in Bethlehem, PA, Northampton County Area Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,550, while out-of-state students pay about $15,270. Students borrow a median of $18,900 to complete their Science & Tech program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,566. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Northampton County Area Community College report
Pennsylvania Highlands Community College came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Set in Johnstown, PA, Pennsylvania Highlands Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,110 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $13,350. Graduates carry a median of $11,732 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,752. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Pennsylvania Highlands Community College
University Of Scranton ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Scranton, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $53,777. The median Science & Tech program debt is $26,500. University Of Scranton alumni report median earnings of $74,652 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Scranton
University Of Pittsburgh Bradford offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. This public school is set in Bradford, PA. In-state tuition and fees average $14,770, with out-of-state students paying around $26,644. Students borrow a median of $26,019 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $66,125. That is a strong return on a $26,019 median debt. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Pittsburgh Bradford report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Science & Tech Degree Schools in Pennsylvania
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Reading Area Community College ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Reading Area Community College is a public school based in Reading, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,480, with out-of-state students paying around $12,510. Graduates carry a median of $13,979 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,082. Set against $13,979 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Reading Area Community College profile
Marywood University ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Located in Scranton, PA, Marywood University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $41,420. Students borrow a median of $27,744 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,817 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Marywood University has an acceptance rate of 61%. Read more about Marywood University
Temple University came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Set in Philadelphia, PA, Temple University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $23,005, with out-of-state students paying around $38,805. Graduates carry a median of $26,259 in student loans. Temple University alumni report median earnings of $63,727 a decade after entry. Set against $26,259 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. More on Temple University
Strayer University Pennsylvania placed #34 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Pennsylvania. This private for-profit school is set in Trevose, PA. In-state tuition and fees average $13,920. Strayer University Pennsylvania Science & Tech students take on a median of $47,631 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,092. Set against $47,631 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Strayer University Pennsylvania
Holy Family University landed the #36 spot for value in Pennsylvania this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Philadelphia, PA. Students from in state pay about $35,330 in tuition and fees. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $26,562. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,235. That is a strong return on a $26,562 median debt. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. See the full Holy Family University profile
York College Pennsylvania came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Located in York, PA, York College Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $25,588. The median Science & Tech program debt is $26,537. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,012 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,537 median debt. The acceptance rate is 74%. Read more about York College Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania College Of Technology offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Based in Williamsport, PA, Pennsylvania College Of Technology is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $17,940, with out-of-state students paying around $25,680. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $24,371. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,567. Set against $24,371 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Pennsylvania College Of Technology
Community College Of Beaver County landed the #39 spot for value in Pennsylvania this year. Set in Monaca, PA, Community College Of Beaver County is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,500, compared with $20,700 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $16,802 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,090. That is a strong return on a $16,802 median debt. More on Community College Of Beaver County
Lincoln University Of Pennsylvania came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Lincoln University, PA. Students from in state pay about $12,512 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $19,384. Lincoln University Of Pennsylvania Science & Tech students take on a median of $30,959 in debt. Lincoln University Of Pennsylvania alumni report median earnings of $43,167 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 66% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Lincoln University Of Pennsylvania report
University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Set in Pittsburgh, PA, University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $21,926, while out-of-state students pay about $41,430. The median Science & Tech program debt is $24,958. Median earnings reach $66,125 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,958 median debt. University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus has an acceptance rate of 58%. Read more about University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus
Peirce College offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Based in Philadelphia, PA, Peirce College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,060. Students borrow a median of $44,247 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,660. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Peirce College
Central Pennsylvania College came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Located in Summerdale, PA, Central Pennsylvania College is a private for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $19,854. Students borrow a median of $40,957 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,370. Set against $40,957 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 18%. Get the full Central Pennsylvania College report
Chatham University came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Based in Pittsburgh, PA, Chatham University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $45,001. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $24,261. Median earnings reach $52,410 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,261 median debt. Chatham University admits about 62% of applicants. More on Chatham University
Pittsburgh Technical Institute offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Set in Oakdale, PA, Pittsburgh Technical Institute is a private not-for-profit institution. The median Science & Tech program debt is $19,310. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,770 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Pittsburgh Technical Institute
Immaculata University ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Immaculata, PA. In-state tuition and fees run about $28,980. The median Science & Tech program debt is $27,738. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,701. Set against $27,738 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%. Get the full Immaculata University report
Cedar Crest College came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. Located in Allentown, PA, Cedar Crest College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $46,314. The median Science & Tech program debt is $30,759. Cedar Crest College alumni report median earnings of $59,460 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 84% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Cedar Crest College report
Thomas Jefferson University placed #49 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Pennsylvania. This private not-for-profit school is set in Philadelphia, PA. Students from in state pay about $47,355 in tuition and fees. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $32,256. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $77,449. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted. More on Thomas Jefferson University
Saint Josephs University offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. Set in Philadelphia, PA, Saint Josephs University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $53,260. Saint Josephs University Science & Tech students take on a median of $26,426 in debt. Median earnings reach $86,881 ten years out. Set against $26,426 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Saint Josephs University
Villanova University placed #51 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Pennsylvania. Based in Villanova, PA, Villanova University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,776. The median Science & Tech program debt is $26,184. Graduates go on to earn a median of $100,423 ten years after entry. Set against $26,184 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 27% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Villanova University profile
Messiah College offered strong value this year, earning the #52 position. Based in Mechanicsburg, PA, Messiah College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $42,240. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $26,195. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,064 ten years after entry. Set against $26,195 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 79% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Messiah College
Saint Vincent College came in at #52 in this year's value ranking. Saint Vincent College is a private not-for-profit school based in Latrobe, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $42,396. The median Science & Tech program debt is $26,986. Saint Vincent College alumni report median earnings of $59,982 a decade after entry. Set against $26,986 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Saint Vincent College admits about 62% of applicants. Read the full report on Saint Vincent College
Waynesburg University came in at #54 in this year's value ranking. Based in Waynesburg, PA, Waynesburg University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $30,480. Waynesburg University Science & Tech students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,537. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Waynesburg University has an acceptance rate of 90%. Read more about Waynesburg University
Gwynedd Mercy College came in at #54 in this year's value ranking. Set in Gwynedd Valley, PA, Gwynedd Mercy College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $40,838. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $29,764. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $67,145. Set against $29,764 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Gwynedd Mercy College
Rosemont College ranked #56 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Rosemont, PA. In-state tuition and fees run about $23,854. The median Science & Tech program debt is $29,211. Median earnings reach $48,555 ten years out. Set against $29,211 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Rosemont College admits about 76% of applicants. Get the full Rosemont College report
South Hills School Of Business And Technology ranked #56 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Located in State College, PA, South Hills School Of Business And Technology is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $19,905. Students borrow a median of $18,459 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Median earnings reach $35,539 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $18,459 median debt. About 97% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full South Hills School Of Business And Technology report
More Science & Tech Value Rankings
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Best Colleges For Money · Scope: State · 106 schools evaluated. *Averages shown above reflect the top 315 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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