Your Choice of School Matters
Our analysis looked at 76 schools in Pennsylvania to determine which ones have the best bachelor's degree programs. Our ranking methodology focuses on different objective factors to make this determination of the best schools. In the next few paragraphs, we'll talk a little about what we use in our analysis and why.
Early-Career Earnings
Average early-career salary of those graduating with a bachelor's degree is one indicator we use in our analysis to find the schools that offer the highest-quality education. This is because one of the main reasons people pursue a degree is to enable themselves to find better-paying positions.
Average Student Debt
In addition to average starting salaries, we also consider the average amount of student loans that students take on while pursuing their bachelor's degree.
The average debt load at a particular school may not be bad, but it's an important thing to consider in conjunction with post-graduation earnings.
Other Ranking Factors in Our Methodology
In addition to average post-graduation earnings and average student debt loads, we also look at a host of other factors to determining our Best Bachelor's Degree Schools ranking.
Several other factors - such as how much the school spends on educational resources, the demand of the school, the availability of online learning options, and the student body caliber - go into our rankings.
We go into more detail on these factors on our best schools ranking methodology page.
Check Out These Other Rankings
If you'd rather work on your bachelor's degree in a specific area of the country, you might be interested in our
rankings by place. Also, check out our other
college rankings to help you with your college decision.
Top Bachelor's Degree Schools in Pennsylvania
Learn more about these excellent schools below:
3,554
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$77,019
Average Early-Career Earnings
$43,918
Average Student Debt
University of Pennsylvania tops this year’s ranking as the best school for bachelor’s degrees in Pennsylvania for overall quality. This large private not-for-profit school is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and it awarded 3,554 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
Upon graduation, bachelor’s degree recipients go on to jobs making an average salary of $77,019 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $43,918 in student loans.
Learn More About University of Pennsylvania
1,971
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$85,305
Average Early-Career Earnings
$59,961
Average Student Debt
Out of the 76 bachelor’s degree schools in Pennsylvania that were part of this year’s ranking, Carnegie Mellon University landed the #2 spot on the list. Carnegie Mellon is located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and has a fairly large student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 1,971 bachelor’s degrees to qualified graduate students.
The average salary of a graduate with a bachelor’s degree from Carnegie Mellon is $85,305 during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $59,961.
Full Carnegie Mellon University Report
2,165
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$64,223
Average Early-Career Earnings
$51,113
Average Student Debt
Out of the 76 bachelor’s degree schools in Pennsylvania that were part of this year’s ranking, Villanova University landed the #3 spot on the list. Villanova is a fairly large private not-for-profit school situated in Villanova, Pennsylvania. It awarded 2,165 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
Upon graduation, bachelor’s degree recipients go on to jobs making an average salary of $64,223 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $51,113 after getting their degree.
Full Villanova University Report
1,426
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$69,036
Average Early-Career Earnings
$53,632
Average Student Debt
Out of the 76 bachelor’s degree schools in Pennsylvania that were part of this year’s ranking, Lehigh University landed the #4 spot on the list. This medium-sized private not-for-profit school is located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and it awarded 1,426 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
The average salary of a graduate with a bachelor’s degree from Lehigh is $69,036 during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $53,632.
Full Lehigh University Report
5,471
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$45,960
Average Early-Career Earnings
$44,162
Average Student Debt
You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh Campus. It ranked #5 on our 2025 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Pennsylvania list. University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh Campus is a large public school located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania that handed out 5,471 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
The average salary of a graduate with a bachelor’s degree from Pitt is $45,960 during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $44,162.
Full University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh Campus Report
1,113
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$51,808
Average Early-Career Earnings
$44,076
Average Student Debt
Thomas Jefferson University did quite well in the 2025 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Pennsylvania ranking, coming in at #6. Thomas Jefferson University is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and has a medium-sized student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 1,113 bachelor’s degrees to qualified graduate students.
Upon graduation, bachelor’s degree recipients go on to jobs making an average salary of $51,808 during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $44,076.
Learn More About Thomas Jefferson University
567
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$66,971
Average Early-Career Earnings
With a ranking of #7, Swarthmore College did quite well on the 2025 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Pennsylvania list. Swarthmore is located in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 567 bachelor’s degrees to qualified graduate students.
The average salary of a graduate with a bachelor’s degree from Swarthmore is $66,971 during the early years of their career.
Read full report on Swarthmore College
3,797
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$57,805
Average Early-Career Earnings
$56,359
Average Student Debt
Drexel University came in at #8 in this year’s edition of the Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Pennsylvania ranking. Drexel is a private not-for-profit institution located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The school has a large population, and it awarded 3,797 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
During the early years of their career, bachelor’s degree graduates from Drexel make an average of $57,805 a year. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $56,359 in student loans.
Learn More About Drexel University
1,616
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$50,729
Average Early-Career Earnings
$69,183
Average Student Debt
Saint Joseph’s University ranked #9 on this year’s Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Pennsylvania list. Saint Joseph’s University is a medium-sized private not-for-profit school located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania that handed out 1,616 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
Graduates with a bachelor’s degree from St. Joe’s make an average of $50,729 per year during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $69,183 in student loans.
Read full report on Saint Joseph’s University
5,943
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$44,362
Average Early-Career Earnings
$39,559
Average Student Debt
With a ranking of #10, Temple University did quite well on the 2025 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Pennsylvania list. Temple University is a large public school located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania that handed out 5,943 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
During the early years of their career, bachelor’s degree graduates from Temple make an average of $44,362 a year. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $39,559 after getting their degree.
Read full report on Temple University
1,086
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$64,331
Average Early-Career Earnings
$69,467
Average Student Debt
Bucknell University did quite well in the 2025 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Pennsylvania ranking, coming in at #11. Located in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, the small private not-for-profit school handed out 1,086 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
Upon graduation, bachelor’s degree recipients go on to jobs making an average salary of $64,331 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $69,467 in student loans.
Learn More About Bucknell University
1,554
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$44,954
Average Early-Career Earnings
$57,132
Average Student Debt
With a ranking of #12, Duquesne University did quite well on the 2025 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Pennsylvania list. This medium-sized private not-for-profit school is located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and it awarded 1,554 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
During the early years of their career, bachelor’s degree graduates from Duquesne make an average of $44,954 a year. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $57,132 after getting their degree.
Read full report on Duquesne University
851
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$59,513
Average Early-Career Earnings
Lafayette College did quite well in the 2025 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Pennsylvania ranking, coming in at #13. Lafayette is a private not-for-profit institution located in Easton, Pennsylvania. The school has a small population, and it awarded 851 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
Those who receive a bachelor’s degree from Lafayette go into careers with an average salary of $59,513 during the early years of their career.
Read full report on Lafayette College
482
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$59,921
Average Early-Career Earnings
$26,000
Average Student Debt
Gwynedd Mercy University did quite well in the 2025 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Pennsylvania ranking, coming in at #14. Located in Gwynedd Valley, Pennsylvania, the small private not-for-profit school awarded 482 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2021-2022.
Those who receive a bachelor’s degree from Gwynedd - Mercy go into careers with an average salary of $59,921 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $26,000 in student loans.
Full Gwynedd Mercy University Report
906
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$42,730
Average Early-Career Earnings
$58,061
Average Student Debt
University of Scranton came in at #15 in this year’s edition of the Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Pennsylvania ranking. Scranton, Pennsylvania is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out bachelor’s degrees to 906 students in 2021-2022.
Those who receive a bachelor’s degree from University of Scranton go into careers with an average salary of $42,730 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $58,061 after getting their degree.
Read full report on University of Scranton
764
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$43,376
Average Early-Career Earnings
$52,080
Average Student Debt
Gettysburg College came in at #16 in this year’s edition of the Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Pennsylvania ranking. Gettysburg is a private not-for-profit institution located in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. The school has a small population, and it awarded 764 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
Those who receive a bachelor’s degree from Gettysburg go into careers with an average salary of $43,376 during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $52,080.
Read full report on Gettysburg College
626
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$35,641
Average Early-Career Earnings
$54,151
Average Student Debt
Muhlenberg College ranked #17 on this year’s Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Pennsylvania list. Muhlenberg is located in Allentown, Pennsylvania and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 626 bachelor’s degrees to qualified graduate students.
Those who receive a bachelor’s degree from Muhlenberg go into careers with an average salary of $35,641 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $54,151 after getting their degree.
Learn More About Muhlenberg College
646
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$43,020
Average Early-Career Earnings
Franklin and Marshall College did quite well in the 2025 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Pennsylvania ranking, coming in at #18. Franklin and Marshall is located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 646 bachelor’s degrees to qualified graduate students.
Those who receive a bachelor’s degree from Franklin and Marshall go into careers with an average salary of $43,020 during the early years of their career.
Learn More About Franklin and Marshall College
521
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$45,158
Average Early-Career Earnings
$24,474
Average Student Debt
Holy Family University came in at #19 in this year’s edition of the Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Pennsylvania ranking. Holy Family is a small private not-for-profit school situated in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It awarded 521 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
During the early years of their career, bachelor’s degree graduates from Holy Family make an average of $45,158 a year. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $24,474 after getting their degree.
Learn More About Holy Family University
665
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$54,049
Average Early-Career Earnings
$54,532
Average Student Debt
Widener University landed the #20 spot on the 2025 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Pennsylvania ranking. Chester, Pennsylvania is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out bachelor’s degrees to 665 students in 2021-2022.
The average salary of a graduate with a bachelor’s degree from Widener is $54,049 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $54,532 after getting their degree.
Full Widener University Report
640
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$39,937
Average Early-Career Earnings
$60,000
Average Student Debt
Dickinson College landed the #21 spot on the 2025 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Pennsylvania ranking. Dickinson is a private not-for-profit institution located in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. The school has a small population, and it awarded 640 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
The average salary of a graduate with a bachelor’s degree from Dickinson is $39,937 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $60,000 in student loans.
Learn More About Dickinson College
332
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$36,483
Average Early-Career Earnings
Lancaster Bible College ranked #22 on this year’s Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Pennsylvania list. Lancaster, Pennsylvania is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out bachelor’s degrees to 332 students in 2021-2022.
Upon graduation, bachelor’s degree recipients go on to jobs making an average salary of $36,483 during the early years of their career.
Learn More About Lancaster Bible College
969
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$46,448
Average Early-Career Earnings
$41,313
Average Student Debt
La Salle University did quite well in the 2025 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Pennsylvania ranking, coming in at #23. La Salle is a small private not-for-profit school situated in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It awarded 969 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
During the early years of their career, bachelor’s degree graduates from La Salle make an average of $46,448 a year. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $41,313.
Learn More About La Salle University
1,384
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$34,821
Average Early-Career Earnings
$23,414
Average Student Debt
With a ranking of #24, Kutztown University of Pennsylvania did quite well on the 2025 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Pennsylvania list. Kutztown University is a public institution located in Kutztown, Pennsylvania. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 1,384 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
The average salary of a graduate with a bachelor’s degree from Kutztown University is $34,821 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $23,414 in student loans.
Read full report on Kutztown University of Pennsylvania
527
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$42,034
Average Early-Career Earnings
$51,624
Average Student Debt
With a ranking of #25, Moravian College did quite well on the 2025 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Pennsylvania list. Moravian is a private not-for-profit institution located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. The school has a small population, and it awarded 527 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
Those who receive a bachelor’s degree from Moravian go into careers with an average salary of $42,034 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $51,624 in student loans.
Learn More About Moravian College
