2023 Most Popular Schools in Pennsylvania
A student has lots of options to pick from when considering higher education opportunities. 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 Most Popular Schools in Pennsylvania to help you in your search for the best school for you. This report analyzed 298 schools in Pennsylvania to see which ones were the most popular programs for students. To create this ranking we looked at how many students graduated from each school on the list.
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Most Popular Schools in Pennsylvania
Learn more about these popular schools below:
Our 2023 rankings named Temple University the most popular school in Pennsylvania for students working on their degree. Temple is a public institution located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The school has a large population, and it awarded 10,225 degrees in 2020-2021.
On average, students take out $26,029 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $368 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Temple, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $47,012 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 56% were women.
You’ll be in good company if you attend University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh Campus. The school came in at #2 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in Pennsylvania list. Pitt is a large public school situated in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It awarded 9,832 degrees in 2020-2021.
By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $23,994 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $447, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Pitt, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $49,696 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 57% were women.
You’ll be in good company if you attend University of Pennsylvania. The school came in at #3 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in Pennsylvania list. This large private not-for-profit school is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and it awarded 9,822 degrees in 2020-2021.
By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $17,262 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $547. Once they receive their degree, UPenn graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $81,207 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 55% were women.
You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Drexel University. It ranked #4 on our 2023 Most Popular Schools in Pennsylvania list. Drexel University is a large private not-for-profit school located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania that handed out 6,793 degrees in 2020-2021.
By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $27,800 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $737, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Drexel, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $60,176 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 58% were women.
Out of the 298 schools in Pennsylvania that were part of this year’s ranking, Carnegie Mellon University landed the # 5 spot on the list. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out degrees to 5,381 students in 2020-2021.
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. Of those students who received their degree, 43% were women.
West Chester University of Pennsylvania came in at #6 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Schools in Pennsylvania ranking. WCUPA is a public institution located in West Chester, Pennsylvania. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 4,936 degrees in 2020-2021.
Once they receive their degree, WCUPA graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $43,790 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 64% were women.
Villanova University landed the #7 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. Located in Villanova, Pennsylvania, the fairly large private not-for-profit school awarded 4,100 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.
On average, students take out $26,526 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $594 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Villanova graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $62,813 during the early year of their career. Around 54% of those degree recipients were women.
American College of Financial Services ranked #8 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in Pennsylvania list. This medium-sized private not-for-profit school is located in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, and it awarded 3,450 degrees in 2020-2021.
Of those students who received their degree, 28% were women.
Thomas Jefferson University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #9 on the list. Thomas Jefferson University is a private not-for-profit institution located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 2,771 degrees in 2020-2021.
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.After graduating from Thomas Jefferson University, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $59,708 during the early years of their career. Around 74% of those degree recipients were women.
With a ranking of #10, Duquesne University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out degrees to 2,751 students in 2020-2021.
On average, students take out $24,974 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $654.After graduating from Duquesne, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $48,645 during the early years of their career. Around 67% of those degree recipients were women.
Indiana University of Pennsylvania - Main Campus did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #11 on the list. IUP is located in Indiana, Pennsylvania and has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 2,714 degrees to qualified students.
On average, students take out $26,868 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $286, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, IUP graduates make an average of $40,743 annually. Around 61% of those degree recipients were women.
Read full report on Indiana University of Pennsylvania - Main Campus
Community College of Allegheny County came in at #12 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Schools in Pennsylvania ranking. Located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the fairly large public school awarded 2,687 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.
On average, students take out $18,837 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, CCAC graduates make an average of $35,077 annually. Around 53% of those degree recipients were women.
Saint Joseph’s University came in at #13 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Schools in Pennsylvania ranking. St. Joe’s is a private not-for-profit institution located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 2,392 degrees in 2020-2021.
Degree recipients from St. Joe’s accumulate an average of $25,654 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 $685.After graduating from St. Joe’s, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $54,956 during the early years of their career. Around 59% of those degree recipients were women.
California University of Pennsylvania landed the #14 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. This medium-sized public school is located in California, Pennsylvania, and it awarded 2,378 degrees in 2020-2021.
By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $30,277 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $162, assuming you 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. Of those students who received their degree, 63% were women.
With a ranking of #15, Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. Located in Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania, the medium-sized public school handed out 2,287 degrees in 2020-2021.
By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $25,146 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $275, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from SRU, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $38,997 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 63% were women.
Read full report on Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
Harrisburg Area Community College came in at #16 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Schools in Pennsylvania ranking. Harrisburg Area Community College is a fairly large public school located in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania that handed out 2,164 degrees in 2020-2021.
On average, students take out $22,075 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, HACC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $35,757 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 63% were women.
With a ranking of #17, Lehigh University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. Lehigh is a private not-for-profit institution located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 2,158 degrees in 2020-2021.
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. Of those students who received their degree, 50% were women.
Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania landed the #18 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. Located in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, the medium-sized public school handed out 2,149 degrees in 2020-2021.
By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $26,788 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $263.After graduating from Bloomsburg, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $41,760 during the early years of their career. Around 60% of those degree recipients were women.
Kutztown University of Pennsylvania ranked #19 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in Pennsylvania list. Kutztown University of Pennsylvania is a medium-sized public school located in Kutztown, Pennsylvania that handed out 1,894 degrees in 2020-2021.
On average, students take out $26,882 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $259, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Kutztown University, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $35,223 during the early years of their career. Around 60% of those degree recipients were women.
Community College of Philadelphia came in at #20 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Schools in Pennsylvania ranking. Community College of Philadelphia is a fairly large public school located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania that handed out 1,845 degrees in 2020-2021.
On average, students take out $18,561 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, Community College of Philadelphia graduates make an average of $34,346 annually. Around 65% of those degree recipients were women.
Widener University landed the #21 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. Widener is a private not-for-profit institution located in Chester, Pennsylvania. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 1,731 degrees in 2020-2021.
On average, students take out $27,009 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $614 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Widener, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $55,273 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 68% were women.
Millersville University of Pennsylvania ranked #22 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in Pennsylvania list. Millersville University of Pennsylvania is a medium-sized public school located in Millersville, Pennsylvania that handed out 1,672 degrees in 2020-2021.
On average, students take out $26,212 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $304. During the early years of their career, Millersville graduates make an average of $41,464 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 65% were women.
With a ranking of #23, Delaware County Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. Located in Media, Pennsylvania, the medium-sized public school awarded 1,599 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.
By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $18,773 in student loans. During the early years of their career, Delaware County Community College graduates make an average of $34,347 annually. Around 60% of those degree recipients were women.
La Salle University came in at #24 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Schools in Pennsylvania ranking. La Salle is a small private not-for-profit school situated in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It awarded 1,510 degrees in 2020-2021.
Degree recipients from La Salle accumulate an average of $24,877 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 $410.After graduating from La Salle, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $49,822 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 65% were women.
University of Scranton ranked #25 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in Pennsylvania list. University of Scranton is a small private not-for-profit school situated in Scranton, Pennsylvania. It awarded 1,496 degrees in 2020-2021.
Degree recipients from University of Scranton accumulate an average of $24,211 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $590, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, University of Scranton graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $48,740 during the early year of their career. Around 61% of those degree recipients were women.
Rest of the Top 15% Most Popular Schools in Pennsylvania
Not only did these schools make the top 45 list, but they also landed in the top 15% of this year’s ranking:
Most Popular Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region
View Most Popular Schools Nationwide >
Honorable Mentions
These schools also performed well in our most popular schools ranking:
| Rank | School | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 46 | Mercyhurst University | Erie, PA |
| 47 | Eastern University | Saint Davids, PA |
| 48 | Chatham University | Pittsburgh, PA |
| 49 | Gwynedd Mercy University | Gwynedd Valley, PA |
| 50 | Marywood University | Scranton, PA |
| 51 | Lock Haven University | Lock Haven, PA |
| 52 | Lafayette College | Easton, PA |
| 53 | Gettysburg College | Gettysburg, PA |
| 54 | Moravian College | Bethlehem, PA |
| 55 | Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine | Erie, PA |
| 56 | Misericordia University | Dallas, PA |
| 57 | Franklin and Marshall College | Lancaster, PA |
| 58 | Alvernia University | Reading, PA |
| 59 | Saint Francis University | Loretto, PA |
| 60 | Westmoreland County Community College | Youngwood, PA |
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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